When to go
June – September
Price
From £4,499 pp (excluding flights)
Flight time
9hrs 16mins
Introduction
Marvel at the incredible Canadian Wildlife with a 15-day long trip to this majestic region. These include untouched forests and rugged mountain peaks, deep valleys, and a wide variety of wildlife such as deer, coyotes, black bears, and moose. Along the way, you will take 2 boat trips, which will give you a chance to admire the aquatic wildlife and panoramic views of the Canadian rockies from afar.
Good For
At a Glance
Duration
15 days & 14 nights
Guide price
Group: £4,499pp (excluding flights)
Cities/Destinations (in order)
Calgary | Banff | Icefields Parkway | Jasper National Park | Mt Robson | Wells Gray Provincial Park | Tweedsmuir Provincial Park | Nimpo Lake | Tweedsmuir Provincial Park | Bella Coola | Vancouver Island | Ucluelet | Cathedral Grove | Tofino | Victoria | Vancouver
Tour Type
Experienced local tour manager and guided sightseeing
Tour Theme
Group Tour
Activity Level
Moderate
Age Range
16+
Star Rating of Tour
Superior
Accommodation
Ramada Downtown Calgary | Carltons Banff | Pocahontas Cabins | Best Western Williams Lake | Chilcotin’s Waterfront Resort & Motel | Bella Coola Mountain Lodge | Kwa’lilas Hotel | Meares Vistas Inn | Quality Inn Downtown
Board Basis
Varied - please see the sample itinerary for details
Min|Max Group Size
Average 12 people with a maximum of 18
Start/Finish
Calgary – Vancouver
Extensions
Highlights
Marvel at the Incredible Mountains and Wildlife
The Canadian Rockies is home to a wide range of mountains and wildlife. The two most notable mountains are the Tunnel Mountain near the town of Banff, and the Deltaform Mountain, which is the highest of the Valley of the Ten Peaks.
Travel Through the Inside Passage by Ferry
On this 10-hour ferry ride through the Inside Passage, you will travel past frozen fjords and forest-covered hillsides, while admiring the aquatic wildlife such as grey whales, humpback whales, and orcas.
Go Bear Spotting in Tofino
With help from an expert tour guide, and from the safety and security of a boat, you will go bear spotting in Tofino. The natural habitat of Tofino provides plenty of food and other resources for bears to survive in such as fish, berries, and crabs. Being able to witness these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat is a marvelous experience.
Relax in the Miette Hot Springs
The Miette Hot Springs is the perfect place to relax, unwind, and enjoy a refreshing hot bath to the backdrop of the lush, gorgeous forest landscape. The water temperature is perfectly fine-tuned between 37- and 40-degree Fahrenheit, providing a comfortable and refreshing bathing experience.
Recommended Hotels
Ramada Downtown Calgary | Carltons Banff | Pocahontas Cabins | Best Western Williams Lake | Chilcotin’s Waterfront Resort & Motel | Bella Coola Mountain Lodge | Kwa’lilas Hotel | Meares Vistas Inn | Quality Inn Downtown
Sample Itinerary
Canadian Wildlife & Vancouver Island
The Canadian Rockies is home to magnificent wildlife. From black bears to moose to elk, the region brings you close to nature, away from the hustle and bustle of urban living, knee-deep in the beauty of Mother Nature. Your sample itinerary across the Canadian Rockies, and the surrounding areas, will take you to historical landmarks, breathtaking wildlife habitats, and friendly and welcoming local communities.
Day 1: Calgary
Arrive at Calgary and spend the day exploring this historically famous, Wild West inspired city. Stay overnight at the Ramada Downtown Calgary or similar.
(N)
Day 2: Banff National Park
Featuring incredible mountains, lush forests, and pristine lakes, Banff National Park is the first park ever established in Canada and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Aside from being able to explore the city by foot, there are also optional activities to help you fill the time.
Check out the local souvenir shops, the tumbling Bow Falls, and the Tunnel Mountain. And you can also go on an optional gondola/tramway trip.
Stay for 2 nights at the Charltons Banff or similar.
(N)
Day 3: Banff National Park | Lake Louise
Explore more of the magnificent mountains, forests, and lakes that surround Banff National Park. Then head to Moraine Lake and go for a walk on one of the many trails at Lake Louis. Both of these lakes are nearby, and they are famous for their distinct glacier-blue color tone.
(B)
Day 4: Icefields Parkway | Jasper National Park
Go for an eventful drive on the Icefields Parkway, which is considered to be one of the most beautiful drives in the world. The road links Lake Louise with Jasper, Alberta, and stretches for about 232km in length. You’ll soar along the Continental Divide, driving past sweeping valleys, icefields, and mountain peaks. Then stop at the Bow Summit and Bow Lake, along with other must-see sights like the Crowfoot Glacier and Peyto Lake.
Stay for 2 nights at the Pocahontas Cabins or similar.
(B)
Day 5: Jasper National Park
Enjoy the peace and quiet of Jasper National Park and spend the day exploring this beautiful place. Take a SkyTram and walk the summit. Go on one of the many hiking trails that are available to you. And marvel at the incredible views of the Angel Glacier. Also included is a visit to the Miette Hot Springs, which is the perfect chance to soothe your tired muscles.
(N)
Day 6: Mount Robson | Williams Lake
In the early morning, head to Williams Lake and Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. There are optional hiking trails at Kinney Lake, and you will enjoy lunch at blue river.
Stay overnight at the Best Western Williams Lake or similar.
(N)
Day 7: Tweedsmuir Provincial Park | Anahim Lake
Drive through the Canadian wilderness to reach Tweedsmuir Provincial Park. The park has various landscapes to explore, which includes lush valleys, rugged mountains, and ocean fjords.
For the next 2 nights, you will stay near Nimpo Lake, which is a popular destination for fly fishing. Spend 2 nights at Chilcotin’s Waterfront Resort & Motel or similar.
(D)
Day 8: Tweedsmuir Provincial Park
Enjoy a full day of free leisure exploring Tweesdmuir Provincial Park. There are many hiking trails available near Mt. Kappan, Anahim Lake, and the Rando Burnt Ridge. You can also stay at the resort and enjoy the local amenities.
(B, L, D)
Day 9: Tweedsmuir Provincial Park | Bella Coola
Spend the day exploring the off-beaten paths of Tweedsmur Provincial Park, traveling on a hiking trail with the potential to see black bears, elk, deer, and moose in the general vicinity. You will also be amazed by the colors of the mountain and the calm, down-to-earth wilderness feel of the area.
In the afternoon, drive to Bella Coola. Stay for 2 nights at the Bella Coola Mountain Lodge or similar.
(B, L)
Day 10: Bella Coola
Located at the point where the Bella Coola River meets the Pacific Ocean, here you can explore the snow-capped peaks and – if you are lucky – marvel at some of the largest grizzly bear in the world.
Between August to the end of September, the grizzly descend from the mountains to catch salmon in the rivers, so these 2 months are the perfect time of year to visit. There are also plenty of engaging hiking trails to explore as well.
(N)
Day 11: Vancouver Island | Inside Passage
Take a ferry to Vancouver Island and, along the way, marvel at the spectacular scenery, including the forest-covered hillsides and frozen fjords. The ferry trip will take around 10 hours to complete, and you may even see bald eagles and bears on the way.
In the Inside Passage, discover one of the world’s richest marine environments. Here you may see orcas, grey whales, and even humpback whales.
Stay overnight at the North Shore Inn or similar.
(N)
Day 12: Cathedral Grove | Tofino
Make your way from the north side of Vancouver to the west coast of Tofino. On the way, stop by the Cathedral Grove and explore one or more of the optional hiking trails.
Spend 2 nights at the Meares Vista Inn or similar.
(N)
Day 13: Tofino
Enjoy a morning boat excursion to observe black bears from afar. Depending on the time of year, you may see the bears near the river in search of crabs and salmon. And your experienced onsite tour guide will share insightful and interesting details about the black bear’s lifestyle and habitat.
Spend the rest of the day enjoying free leisure.
(D)
Day 14: Victoria
Make your way to Victoria, the main city in Vancouver Island. Combining a beautiful mix of Chinese and First Nations architecture, along with magnificent mammals in their natural environment, Victoria is the perfect place to unwind after your 15-day long trip to the Canadian Rockies. Enjoy free time in the afternoon.
Stay overnight at the Victoria Strathcona or similar.
(N)
Day 15: Vancouver
In the morning, take a ferry across the Salish Sea and reach the city of Vancouver. Go on a scenic drive through Stanley Park, and stop by Prospect Point en route, a popular local destination that has been around for over 100 years, providing incredible views and historical landmarks. Spend the last day of your trip exploring the city. The journey officially ends in Vancouver at around 17:00 hrs at your hotel.
(B)
