|
Best of the Great Canadian Rockies and British Columbia |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Day 1: Indianapolis / Calgary, AB Depart home city and arrive in Calgary, the Heart of the New West, nestled in the foothills of Canada’s Rocky Mountains. The rest of day is at leisure to enjoy this western city legendary for its heritage and hospitality. This evening meet your guide and fellow passengers at a get acquainted dinner. International Hotel and Suites, Calgary (D) Day 2: Calgary / Banff, AB This morning discover Calgary on a city tour including Downtown, Chinatown, Au Claire Market and the Kensington District. Take a short elevator ride to the top of the Calgary Tower and see an unsurpassed view of the Rocky Mountains to the west. Be sure to walk “out into space” by venturing onto the new glass floor and look directly below at the heart of the city. Leave the flat of the prairies behind and travel a short distance west to the spectacular Canadian Rockies. Upon arrival explore Banff on a sightseeing tour with stops at Cascade Gardens, one of Canada’s finest historic landscapes and beautiful Bow Falls located near the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, a symbol of Rocky Mountain magnificence for more than a century. Great viewpoints exist along footpaths on both side of the river. Ptarmigan Inn, Banff Day 3: Lake Louise / Johnston Canyon / Takakkaw Falls / Yoho National Park / Emerald Lake This morning travel the famous Bow Valley Parkway. Stop at Johnston Canyon for an easy walk through a deep rugged canyon littered with waterfalls. Then pass where the forest parts to reveal outstanding views of the fortress-like Castle Mountain. A short drive to Lake Louise known as the Diamond in the Wilderness and one of the most photographed places in the world. See the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise surrounded by glistening glaciers and overlooking the crystal clear lake. Visit the nearby Morraine Lake, a crystal clear blue-green lake in a valley hemmed in by ten lofty mountain peaks. Cross the Continental Divide where the waters of the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific Ocean divide and into Yoho National Park with some of the most sublime scenery in North America. Visit Takakkaw Falls, higher than Niagara Falls and Emerald Lake, filled with glacial run-off water that makes it glisten with the blue-green hue of an emerald. Day 4: Icefields Parkway - Jasper Today, with cameras ready, drive one of the world’s most spectacular mountain highways through the Icefields Parkway. See unsurpassed mountain scenery paralleling the Great Divide with opportunities to see elk, moose, goats, sheep and possibly a bear. Stop at the summit of Bow Pass to see the beautiful soft baby blue waters of Peyto Lake and the rugged beauty of the Mistaya River Valley. Not to be missed is the experience of a lifetime - a ride on the Ice Explorer at the Columbia Icefield for a close up look at Athabasca glacier. Continue north and visit the powerful and breathtaking Athabasca Falls before arriving in the quaint mountain town of Jasper. This evening enjoy an optional float trip down the Athabasca River. Lobstick Lodge, Jasper (L) Day 5: Jasper Start this day of Rocky Mountain adventure with a gentle ride up Whistler Mountain into Jasper National Parks alpine tundra on the Jasper Tram and enjoy breakfast at the top. A full day of sightseeing follows including a gentle walk down Maligne Canyon to see how the water has carved spectacular crevices out of the mountain. A short drive and you arrive at Maligne Lake, the largest natural lake in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Lobstick Lodge, Jasper (B) Day 6: Jasper / Sun Peaks, BC Say goodbye to Jasper this morning and traveling west pass Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. Follow the Thompson River south towards Sun Peaks Resort, a cozy European-style village complete with bell tower. The narrow streets are great for strolling and are lined with restaurants and shops exuding warmth and hospitality. Nancy Greene Cahilty Lodge, Sun Peaks Day 7: Sun Peaks / Whistler, BC via Old Duffy Lake Road Continue west and traveling Old Duffy Lake Road, cross the vast ranchlands of the Cariboo Plateau and the desert like conditions of the Fraser Canyon, offering breathtaking and varied scenery. Arrive in the mountain resort of Whistler, home to jagged peaks, glistening lakes, lush coastal forests and a charming village. Delta Whistler Village Suites, Whistler Day 8: Whistler / Victoria, BC This morning browse through the boutique shops and saunter through the “pedestrian only” village of Whistler before traveling south to Vancouver on the Sea to Sky Highway. The highway follows the valley of the Cheakamus, which plunges over a considerable escarpment at Brandywine Falls. Arrive in North Vancouver and board the BC Ferry to Vancouver Island. Royal Scot Suite Hotel, Victoria (B) Day 9: Victoria Today spectacular gardens and unique Victorian era architecture await in Victoria, capital city of the Province of British Columbia. Enjoy a city tour of this elegant old world city and visit the beautiful Butchart Gardens to stroll through the famous gardens and elaborate fountains. There will be time to walk along the harbour, visit the parliament buildings or shop at nearby British stores. Take an optional whale watching tour to see orcas, gray, humpback and other whales as well as hundreds of Stellar and California Sea Lions. Royal Scot Suite Hotel, Victoria. Day 10: Victoria / Vancouver, BC Say “cheerio” to Victoria and travel by ferry back to Vancouver, often called the most captivating City in Canada. Delight in a city tour that includes Stanley Park, Chinatown, English Bay as well as some prestigious residential areas of Vancouver. Stop for lunch and leisure time in Gastown before crossing the Lions Gate Bridge to North Vancouver. Visit Capilano Suspension Bridge and breathe in the cedar-scented rainforest air as you make your way across Vancouver's famous landmark. This evening join fellow passengers for a farewell dinner. Rosedale on Robson, Vancouver (L, D) Day 11: Vancouver, BC Depart your hotel and transfer to the Vancouver International Airport for your return flight home. (B) Commercial Air: Book Now to ensure your place on this trip because this trip operates on commercial air. Space is limited and may not be available less than 90 days before departure. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Cancellation policy: if
insurance is not purchased, cancellation charges are: 91
days and earlier:
full refund; 90-65 days before departure: $750; 64 and
less days prior to departure: no refund. . |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
10 nights
