12 day escorted tour
tThis tour from Calgary to Vancouver includes visits to Banff, Jasper, Whistler and Victoria. Travel by coach throughout or upgrade to include a luxury 2 day journey onboard the spectacular Rocky Mountaineer train for part of the journey. Extend your tour with an optional Alaska cruise with Holland America.
Visit: Calgary | Banff | Athabasca Glacier | Jasper | Blue River | Vancouver | Whistler | Victoria
Discover the natural beauty of the Canadian Rockies and British Columbia; from the country’s first National Park and the delightful town of Banff, to the spectacular scenery of the Icefields Parkway, glistening Lake Louise and the sparkling Athabasca Glacier. Visit the mountain resorts of Jasper and Whistler; explore the cosmopolitan city of Vancouver and the ever so British Victoria. You can take the whole journey on a comfortable coach or choose to upgrade to a journey onboard the Rocky Mountaineer between Jasper and Vancouver
Tour Highlights
Delightful Banff in Canada’s first National Park
Ride on the Athabasca Glacier
Icefields Parkway, one of Canada’s top scenic drives
Explore the Jasper wilderness at night with a guide
2 night stays in Banff, Jasper, Vancouver & Victoria
Option to upgrade to the spectacular 2 day Rocky Mountaineer train journey
Extend your holiday with an optional Holland America Alaska Cruise
Day 1: Arrive Calgary
On arrival at Calgary Airport you will be transferred from the airport to your hotel on arrival. After settling in, meet your fellow travellers and Tour Director at a Welcome Reception this evening. Hotel: Marriott Downtown.
Day 2: Calgary - Banff
After breakfast this morning, depart Calgary for Banff, traversing some of the spectacular scenery of the Banff National Park along the way. Upon arrival in the picturesque mountain township of Banff this afternoon, check in to your lodge, conveniently located within walking distance of the lively downtown area. (B, D)
Day 3: Banff Sightseeing
Following breakfast, enjoy the day at leisure to explore Banff at your own pace. You may like to use this time to explore the town independently or simply relax in the comfort of your lodge. Alternatively, set off on one of our optional experiences that are available today. Perhaps enjoy a Banff Experience Tour, which includes a visit to Johnston Canyon. Alternatively, take to the skies to gain incredible views of Banff National Park on an enchanting heli-flightseeing trip. (B)
Day 4: Banff - Lake Lousie
After a leisurely morning in Banff, travel through the lush forest of Banff National Park to Moraine Lake, located in the Valley of the Ten Peaks. After pausing to admire the beauty of this stunning glacially-fed lake (weather permitting), continue on your way to world-famous waters of Lake Louise, renowned as the jewel of the Rockies. Hotel: Tonquin Inn(B, HD)
Day 5: Jasper at Leisure
Relax during breakfast this morning before travelling along the spectacular Icefields Parkway – a scenic route that winds through the Canadian Rockies past the ancient glaciers, vast icefields, broad sweeping valleys and pristine lakes that straddle the Continental Divide. This drive is a truly breathtaking experience. En route, visit picturesque Lake Louise, then stop at the giant Columbia Icefield. Here, you’ll board a custom designed Ice Explorer vehicle and journey right onto the surface of Athabasca Glacier. Afterwards, continue on to the fairytale village of Jasper, located within magnificent Jasper National Park. Hotel: Mountain Park Lodges (B)
Day 6: Jasper - Blue River
Today, travel out of Jasper National Park. Enjoy a visit to the gorgeous Maligne Canyon and walk along its deep rocky caverns. Later, journey towards the town of Blue River, where pristine lakes, rivers, waterfalls and wilderness abound. Like a Local – glide through glacially-fed, jade-coloured waters on an exciting River Safari through Grizzly Bear Valley. Watch for grizzly and black bears that are frequently sighted here and witness active native wildlife on the riverbank. Alternatively, embark on a thrilling jeep adventure (see page 65). Special Stay – an overnight escape at Mike Wiegele Heli Village offers adventure and serenity in a picturesque setting. After settling in, enjoy a relaxed dining experience by the waterfront. This provides the perfect opportunity to share travel stories with new-found friends and meet the friendly locals. Hotel: Mike Wiegele Heli Village (B, D)
Rocky Mountaineer Option: Upgrade your journey on days 6 & 7 with a memorable rail journey from Jasper to Vancouver aboard the world-famous Rocky Mountaineer‘s Journey Through the Clouds service.
Day 7: Blue River – Vancouver
Glide through glacially-fed, jade-coloured waters on a river safari through Grizzly Bear Valley. Watch for grizzly and black bears that are frequently sighted here. From tranquil Blue River, travel to the cosmopolitan city of Vancouver and enjoy the evening at leisure. Hotel for 2 nights: Marriott Pinnacle Downtown Hotel (B)
Day 8: Vancouver at Leisure
Enjoy today at leisure to relax or explore the city at your own pace. You may like to take the opportunity to embark on an optional tour to Vancouver’s famed Granville Island Public Market. Here, you’ll sample fresh locally-grown produce and wander amid the vibrant stalls that showcase a range of home-made craft and art. Alternatively, you may prefer to simply relax and make use of the facilities at your hotel or further explore the city. (B)
Day 9: Vancouver – Whistler
This morning you’ll set off on a guided orientation tour of Vancouver’s attractions including the Waterfront, Gastown, Granville Island and Stanley Park. Then head out of the city along the Sea to Sky Highway, arriving in the alpine resort village of Whistler in the afternoon. After settling into your hotel – a modern alpine retreat situated on the edge of Whistler Village – the evening is then yours to enjoy at leisure. This provides the perfect opportunity to sample a local restaurant and take in the resort’s evening ambiance. Or, you may prefer to relax and take advantage of your hotel’s wonderful amenities. Hotel: Aava Whistler (B)
Day 10: Whistler – Victoria
Stop at Shannon Falls and travel along the Sea to Sky Highway to Horseshoe Bay. From here, board a ferry across the Georgia Strait and arrive on Vancouver Island. Then, travel by coach to the city of Victoria. Alternatively, you may like to take a scenic floatplane flight across the Georgia Strait to Victoria. On arrival, set off on a sightseeing tour of this charming city before checking in to your hotel. The evening is then yours to enjoy at leisure. Perhaps continue to explore as you wish or enjoy time to unwind at your hotel. Hotel for 2 nights: The Parkside Hotel & Spa (B)
Day 11: Victoria
Enjoy time at leisure after breakfast this morning. This provides the opportunity to explore the lovely city of Victoria at your own pace. Perhaps visit some of the city’s sights, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, or simply take time out to make use of the facilities at your hotel. Alternatively, you may like to embark on one of our optional experiences that are available today. Perhaps set off on an exciting whale watching excursion or ride in a horse-drawn carriage. Later, delight in the opportunity to explore The Butchart Gardens – one of the world’s premier floral show gardens established by the Butchart family in 1904. Here, you will have ample time to stroll through the wonderful estate and view the truly enchanting gardens. This evening, as the land portion of your journey draws to an end, enjoy a Farewell Dinner in the former Butchart family residence with your fellow travellers and Tour Director. (B, HD)
Day 12: Victoria – Vancouver departure or optional Alaska cruise
Say farewell to Victoria and return to Vancouver. Guests on the coach tour only transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK. (B)
Guests taking the optional Cruise Extension transfer to the cruise terminal to board your ship and settle in for your magical Inside Passage cruise. Accommodation is in an Inside cabin, upgrades are available, please ask for details and prices. Cruise Ship: Holland America Line’s ms Volendam for 7 nights. (BD)
Days 13 – 18: Holland America Alaska Cruise onboard the ms Volendam
Spend a week cruising Alaska's Inside Passage on a Holland America cruise. Ports of call include Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan. Also included is a visit to spectacular Tracy Arm and Glacier Bay. (B, L, D daily)
Day 19: Vancouver departure
On arrival in Vancouver disembark your ship and transfer to the airport for your return flight. (B)
Breakfast - B, Lunch - L, Dinner - D, Farewell Dinner - D
This tour is operated by Travelmarvel
ROCKY MOUNTAINEER OPTION
Enjoy superb views of the passing landscapes from your comfortable reclining seat in the RedLeaf carriage, as well as delicious meals served at your seat and excellent service.
Day 5 Rocky Mountaineer - Jasper to Kamloops
Board the Rocky Mountaineer and pass Mt Robson and Pyramid Falls. Arrive in Kamloops late this afternoon. Overnight in Kamloops, hotel assigned by Rocky Mountaineer.
Meals included: breakfast & lunch.
Day 6 Rocky Mountaineer - Kamloops to Vancouver
Re-join the Rocky Mountaineer and continue towards the Pacific Ocean. Pass Hell's Gate, and Fraser Canyon en route to the vibrant city of Vancouver. Arrive into Vancouver at approximately 5.30pm & re-join your tour group at your hotel. Overnight at the Marriott Pinnacle Downtown Hotel. Meals included: breakfast & lunch.
Rocky Mountaineer Supplements
Redleaf:
May Departures: £525 (Twin) / £525 (Single) plus £30 per person fuel surcharge on 2014 departures only
June - September Departures: £595 (Twin) / £595 (Single) plus £30 per person fuel surcharge on 2014 departures only
Silverleaf:
May Departures: £850 (Twin) / £850 (Single) plus £30 per person fuel surcharge on 2014 departures only
June - September Departures: £920 (Twin) / £920 (Single) plus £30 per person fuel surcharge on 2014 departures only
Goldleaf:
May Departures: £1110 (Twin) / £1110 (Single) plus £30 per person fuel surcharge on 2014 departures only
June - September Departures: £1180 (Twin) / £1180 (Single) plus £30 per person fuel surcharge on 2014 departures only
Supplements are per person in addition to the tour prices shown in the Price tab.
Please note: If you chose to add the Rocky Mountaineer Option to your itineary the following deposits are payable at time of booking: RedLeaf £150; SilverLeaf £200; GoldLeaf £250. This is in addition to our standard deposit and is non-refundable . Cancellations within 45 days of departure will be charged 100% of the Rocky Mountaineer cost, please call for more details. This is in addition to our standard cancellation charges.
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