Panoramic Canadian Rockies - 12 Days

Welcome to outdoorsy, nature-loving Vancouver! Also known as one of the world’s most culturally rich cities, Vancouver is the kind of place where you can ski in the morning, swim in the ocean by early afternoon and indulge in the city’s diverse culinary scene in the evening. After settling in to your hotel, you’ll meet your Travel Director this afternoon.

This morning’s sightseeing tour of lovely Vancouver will visit the city's oldest neighbourhood, Gastown, which was designated a National Historic Site in 2009. You'll also admire the famous collection of totem poles at Stanley Park, before jumping on the ferry bound for Vancouver Island and driving into the capital of British Columbia, Victoria. After docking at Swartz Bay and making the short drive into the city, you’ll no doubt be struck by the distinctly English influence of Victoria. An orientation tour of the city will take you along the waterfront district and into the bustling downtown area, passing the Parliament Buildings, Government Street and through Beacon Hill Park so you can really get your bearings. This evening is yours to explore or dine out with new-found friends.

Spend the morning amid the blossoms of world famous Butchart Gardens. This expansive estate is over a century old and offers sunken, rose, Japanese, Italian and Mediterranean gardens. Stroll through and find plenty of photo opportunities amidst moments of beauty. The rest of the day is yours to explore Victoria as you like. Learn about the surrounding waters on a whale watching cruise and keep a lookout for orcas, bald eagles, porpoises and seals.

Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).    

Afternoon - Victoria Whale Watching Excursion - $171 pp

Set sail on a breath-taking three-hour whale-watching cruise off the coast of Victoria, a haven for marine wildlife. Prime viewing seasons are spring and summer when the waters are bustling with Bigg’s killer whales, humpback whales, South Resident orcas, Minke, and grey whales. But the spectacle lasts all year with the chance to spot bald eagles, porpoises, and seals frolicking in the waters.

First up on today’s agenda is Chemainus, a seaside community and former industrial town that is best known for its series of giant outdoor murals depicting local history. Hopping on board a ferry across the Georgia Strait and arriving into Horseshoe Bay, you’ll then travel along the iconic Sea-to-Sky Highway, one of the world’s most scenic drives. We challenge you not to keep your eyes to the horizon as you pass cascading waterfalls, jagged mountain peaks and the dreamy ocean vistas of Howe Sound, before stopping off at Shannon Falls Provincial Park, which boasts the third highest waterfall in all of British Columbia. Still in awe of the scenery offered by today’s drive, you’ll finish today in the alpine village of Whistler, which sits nestled in the shadows of the Blackcomb Mountains.

Enjoy your day in Whistler as you explore this stunning adventure playground. Go hiking or biking on one of the many trails or the labyrinth of lanes that make up Whistler Village. Or make the day your own with action-packed Choice Experiences, each one more exhilarating than the next! You could go bear viewing with a local wildlife photographer, white-water rafting, zip lining at 100 km per hour amidst the stunning mountain wilderness, and many more options. When we said exhilarating, we weren't joking!

Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).    

Morning - Bear Viewing Safari in Whistler Olympic Park - $240 pp

Enjoy a journey to Whistler Olympic Park and spend 2.5 hours with black bears in their natural habitat. The park offers a unique opportunity to observe these majestic creatures from the safety of your vehicle, against the backdrop of stunning back-country landscapes. Next, drive to the summit of the iconic Olympic Ski Jumps and step into the gatehouse for a gold-medal-worthy view that spans panoramic mountains and valleys. Don't forget your camera, as the tour includes stops at breath-taking sights like the Alexander waterfalls.

Morning   - Wedge Rafting - The Green River - $188 pp

Embark on an exhilarating white-water rafting adventure on Green River, just north of Whistler Village. This journey is tailor-made for both beginners and families looking for a thrilling yet scenic experience. With Class 2 and 3 rapids ready to test your mettle, you'll navigate through bouncy waters, ensuring a lively ride that will demand teamwork and paddle power. The stunning backdrop adds to the experience, making it not just an adventure, but a moment of connection with nature and each other.

Morning   - Superfly Ziplines - $199 pp

Ready to take to the sky? Experience the ultimate thrill of flying with side-by-side ziplines in the heart of stunning mountain wilderness. With cutting-edge braking systems, architecture inspired by the West Coast's natural beauty, and a serene network of paths and platforms, you'll plunge peacefully into the tranquillity of the forest. Don’t miss out on two of Canada's breath-taking ziplines reaching speeds up to 100 km/h.

Fuel for another big day with a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® iconic breakfast at Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre where you’ll get to know more about First Nations culture through food and music, treated to authentic tastes including blueberry and cheese and onion bannock (a kind of quick skillet bread) and a performance by cultural ambassadors dressed in traditional regalia singing, dancing, and sharing stories from Squamish and Lil’wat Nations. You will then leave Whistler behind as you venture along scenic Duffey Lake Road, spotting the freshwater fjord of Seton Lake, and the ominous sounding Mt. Rohr along the way. Following the once treacherous Cariboo Wagon Trail, which formed part of the Gold Rush Route, your final port of call for today is Sun Peaks.

Fall in love with the gorgeous prairie provinces of Canada as you drive through the white fenced ranch lands that surround the Yellowhead Highway. Keeping an eye on the snow-capped peaks of the Columbia Mountains in the distance, catch a first glimpse of Mount Robson, the most prominent mountain in the North American Rockies and the highest point in the Canadian range. Continue to unpretentious, heart-warming Jasper, which sits in the heart of Jasper National Park, another UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Stepping outside and smelling the fresh mountain air, let the prospect of a day exploration bring a smile to your face. Your activity options are abundant in the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies. Perhaps choose to explore the beautiful Maligne Lake. A boat cruise (seasonal) around the largest glacially fed lake in the Canadian Rockies is right for you. Next up in Jasper, foodies will want to join a Local Expert on a Jasper Food Tour downtown or take a guided E-bike tour. If you’re looking to get active, choose to experience the majestic scenery of Jasper National Park on foot during a guided nature hike or take to the water on a Jasper Raft Tour.

Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).    

Morning - Maligne Lake Cruise - $101 pp

Dive into the blue! Maligne Lake isn't just any lake—it's the king of glacier-fed lakes in the Canadian Rockies, all wrapped up in a mountain hug. Hop on a cruise to Spirit Island, a spot so picture-perfect, it's practically famous. This isn't just a boat ride; it's your ticket to explore the stories, secrets, and rock-solid facts of this magical place.

Afternoon - Ultimate Jasper Guided Hike - $77 pp

Jasper National Park is your ultimate outdoor escape, offering everything from snow-topped mountains to lush alpine meadows. Embark on a guided nature hike through diverse terrains—hills, forests, meadows, and beyond, all while a Local Guide fills you in on the local flora and fauna. Each season brings a new palette, from vibrant wildflowers to the fiery hues of Larch and Aspen trees. No matter when you visit, it's a hike through nature's masterpiece.

Afternoon - Jasper Food Tour - $135 pp

Hey food fanatics, you're in for a treat with the Jasper Downtown Foodie Tour. Led by a local, this guided walk will feel like you're hopping from one food-loving friend's place to another. You'll stop at four spots to nibble on specially chosen dishes, each with a refreshing drink. As you wander, soak up stories about Jasper's past and get the lowdown on this mountain town. And the menu? That's a delicious mystery – part of the fun! Note: In line with Alberta's alcohol laws, you must be 18 or older to participate. 

Afternoon - Jasper Float Trip - $97 pp

Get ready for a float trip on the Athabasca River. This isn't just any rafting trip; it's your backstage pass to spot wildlife wonders like elk, deer, moose, and bears. With a National Park Local Guide steering you down old fur trader routes, you'll learn all about Jasper's wild tales and landscapes. Don't worry about the paddling; your Local Guide's got that covered, easing you through gentle rapids and serene stretches. So, kick back, keep your eyes peeled for critters, and let the river's flow do the talking. This is your adventure, Canadian Heritage style.

Afternoon - Jasper E-Bike Tour - $199 pp

Ride through regenerating forest, and past white-sand beaches and glacial lakes—all with a Local Guide. Learn how wildfire shapes the landscape, get the lowdown on local ecology, and watch for wildlife like elk, bears and bighorn sheep. No emissions, no effort, all adventure! 

Cue the ‘wow’ – today’s ride down the Icefields Parkway serves up big Canadian energy. First up, the 10,000-year-old Athabasca Glacier, explored in style aboard the Ice Explorer—one seriously cool all-terrain ride. Then it’s glass-floor thrills on the Columbia Icefield Skywalk, suspended high above the Sunwapta Valley. After lunch, say hello to Banff National Park as the journey continues south into the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Snap the ultimate shot at dreamy Lake Louise, then wind down with free time in Banff Village. Nature walks, souvenir hunts or a cheeky maple latte? You choose. The Rockies don’t disappoint. 

Today’s all about freedom. Chill out in Banff or dial up the adventure with a line-up of epic Choice Experiences. Start early with a Moraine Lake sunrise – a Local Guide leads you to the best glacier-framed views as the first light hits the turquoise water. Feel like going deeper? Join the Mahikan Medicine Walk, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience where a Local Guide shares traditional medicines and survival techniques passed down through Indigenous ancestors. In the afternoon, opt for a thrilling helicopter tour – either soaring over Mt. Assiniboine or the striking Three Sisters. Or, choose a ride up the Banff Gondola to Sulphur Mountain, topped off with dinner and incredible summit views. Your day, your way. 

Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).    

Morning - Mt. Assiniboine Helicopter Tour - $452 pp

Buckle up for a blockbuster helicopter ride to Mount Assiniboine, the Canadian Rockies' own "Matterhorn." Ready your camera for non-stop, jaw-dropping shots of this iconic peak soaring 11,870 feet along the Great Divide. Just when you think it can't get any better, the stunning views of Gloria and Assiniboine Glaciers will prove you wrong. This 35-minute flight is a whirlwind of epic scenery. Keep your eyes peeled and cameras ready!

Morning  - Three Sisters Peaks Tour (25 min) - $336 pp

Brace yourself for a thrilling adventure you won't forget. Seize the chance to zoom past the iconic Three Sisters Peaks, getting an up-close view before darting into the Spray Valley. Here, marvel at the wild hues of the Spray Lakes. Your journey circles back along the Goat Range, then traces the crystal-clear Bow River all the way to Canmore.

Morning  - Lake Moraine Sunrise - $278 pp

Witnessing a Moraine Lake sunrise is simply unmatched. Join a small group for access to this wonder, guided by a Local Guide to prime viewing spots. Watch the sun light up the glaciers and the breath-taking turquoise waters. Warm up with a hot chocolate, coffee, or tea as you set up for a spectacular sunrise photo op. Wander Moraine Lake's paths in peaceful solitude before others arrive. After soaking up the morning beauty, you'll venture through backroads to Lake Louise, eyes peeled for bears, moose, and elk.

Morning  - Lake Moraine Sunrise with Breakfast - $299 pp

Be the first at Moraine Lake for a crowd-free sunrise. Snap the views, sip a hot drink, and enjoy a warm breakfast. With a Local Guide and early access, you’ll hit top photo spots, then head to Lake Louise via backroads—keep your eyes peeled for elk, moose or even bears.

Morning  - Mahikan Medicine Walk in the Boreal Forest - $101 pp

Dive into the heart of nature with the Mahikan Trails Guided Medicine Walk, where plant medicine is unveiled through an Indigenous perspective. Begin with a sacred tobacco ceremony to honor the ancestors and seek their blessing to explore the "standing people" (plants). Your Local Guide will unravel the land's secrets, revealing the traditional medicines of the Boreal Forest and the survival techniques of Indigenous ancestors over thousands of years. By joining, you're not just gaining knowledge and supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 10: Reducing Inequalities and Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Evening - Banff Gondola and unique dining experience - $159 pp

Craving a view from the top? Jet off to Sulphur Mountain's summit to catch epic 360-degree scenes of six mountain ranges. Kickstart your journey with a quick eight-minute gondola ride, cosy in a modern, fully enclosed cabin for four. You'll hover over forests to a rocky peak, landing in a scene that'll steal your breath away. Then, settle in for a tasty dinner at a mountain-top restaurant, dished up with a generous helping of jaw-dropping views.

It will be another incredible drive today as you climb higher and higher to cross the Continental Divide at Kicking Horse Pass, stopping at the Spiral Tunnels on the way to marvel at one of the steepest railroad stretches in the world. You’ll then travel through not one, not two, but three beautiful national parks, slowly descending from the mountains as the landscape changes from snowcapped peaks to sprawling wineries and fruit orchards, indicating that you’ve arrived in Canada’s ‘fruit basket’, the Okanagan Valley. Surrounded by so many grapes the temptation for a tasting will be hard to resist, so you’ll stop off at Larch Hills Winery for a tour and tasting before heading on to Vernon.

On your final drive of the trip you'll pass through the Cascade Mountains, named for the staggering number of waterfalls tumbling off the peaks, before venturing into the Fraser River Valley and finally coming to a stop back in Vancouver, the place where it all began. This afternoon, you'll be dropped off at the airport. Please be aware when booking flights.