Rockies and Rainforests

Day 1: Calgary - Banff (115 km)

This morning begin your Rockies adventure. Take the short (2-hour) drive from Calgary to Banff and enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure.

Day 2: Banff

Enjoy a full day to explore Banff and the surrounding area. In town you’ll find lots of excitement including shopping, cafés, nightlife and museums. If time permits, check out the Cave and Basin National Historic Site, Banff Gondola (included) where you will see a panoramic view of the Bow Valley, and then take a dip in the hot mineral pools at the Upper Hot Springs (also included).

Day 3: Banff - Jasper (289 km)

On the Icefields Parkway to Jasper, view a never-ending procession of mammoth mountains, jagged peaks, over 100 glaciers and pristine emerald coloured lakes. Along the way see such sights as the Sarbach Glacier, Peyto Lake, Bow Lake, with the Bow Glacier providing the backdrop and Crowfoot Glacier before your arrival at the Columbia Icefield for an Ice Explorer ride out onto the glacier (included). Leaving the Athabasca Glacier, your camera should be ready to capture the majesty of the Athabasca Falls prior to your arrival into Jasper.

Day 4: Jasper

Explore this charming mountain village - close to many terrific scenic highlights. Why not take a tram ride up Whistlers Mountain, or visit Maligne Lake, one of the most photographed lakes in the world.

Day 5: Jasper - Well Gray Provincial Park (318 km)

Set out for Wells Gray Provincial Park along the scenic Yellowhead Highway and take in the breathtaking vistas of the steep-walled gorges and crashing falls of the North Thompson River. Perhaps take a drive to Grouse Creek and enjoy a short hike to the beautiful Moul Falls, and even walk behind the water as it falls overs the rocks.

Day 6: Wells Gray Provincial Park - Whistler (421 km)

Begin the day travelling via 100 Mile House to the Gold Rush Town of Cache Creek, where you stop to visit the historic Hat Creek Ranch (included), which takes you back to the days of the Gold Rush. Continue the journey south to Lillooet, known as the land of the Gold Rush Trail and ‘Mile Zero’ of the Old Caribou Wagon Road during the Gold Rush Years. Now the area is home to the largest Canadian producers of the medicinal plant, Ginseng. Departing Lillooet travel the Duffey Lake Road to Whistler. On the upper elevations of the Duffey Lake Road enjoy breathtaking views of Joffre Glacier and snow-capped Mount Currie that rises to a height of 2,596 meters.

Day 7: Whistler

This charming alpine resort is nestled between world-renowned Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. Enjoy an extensive range of summer activities: from golf on one of the 4 championship designer golf courses, water activities on any of the 5 lakes or numerous rivers, to mountain top dining or just relax and enjoy some of the many fine cafés and restaurants. Experience the beauty of Whistler Blackcomb’s alpine environment via the Peak Adventure on Whistler Mountain. Take the Peak 2 Peak Gondola to Whistler Mountain’s sub-alpine and then rise to over 7,000 ft via Whistler’s premier open chairlift. At the top of the Peak Chair, you’ll be treated to unbelievable views of glaciers, extinct volcanoes, snow-capped peaks and more.

Day 8: Whistler - Parksville (108 km ex ferry)

Depart Whistler at your own leisure along the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway to Horseshoe Bay. Highlights along the way include the cascading Shannon Falls and the Stawamus Chief Rock where climbers from all over the globe migrate to climb the granite cliffs. At Horseshoe Bay, sail for 1 hr 45 min on BC Ferries to Vancouver Island.

Day 9: Parksville - Pacific Rim National Park (221 km)

Depart Parksville for Tofino on the rugged West Coast. En route, picture stops should be made at Cathedral Grove to enjoy the splendour of 800 year old Douglas Fir and Cedar trees as well as the Mars Water-Bombers at Sproat Lake: the world’s two largest water-bombers used for the sole purpose of putting out forest fires. After the Mars Water-Bombers, drive through the majestic Sutton Pass and the Sawtooth Range of the Cascade Mountains to arrive in Tofino or Ucluelet around mid-afternoon.

Day 10: Pacific Rim National Park

You may wish to walk along the famed Long Beach, with its miles of pristine sandy beach and pounding surf, or explore the rainforests on a selection of well groomed trails. Mid-afternoon enjoy a 3-hour whale watch cruise through the Clayoquot Sound, revealing sensational scenery and wildlife such as grey whales, sea lions, porpoises and orcas. The area is also known for its variety of birds, including tufted puffins and resident bald eagles.

Day 11: Pacific Rim National Park - Victoria (313 km)

Travel back to the East Coast of Vancouver Island and head south to Victoria. Enroute stops should be made at the artist community of Chemainus, where you can admire the giant murals which adorn the exterior walls throughout the town and Duncan the “City of Totems”. If time permits visit the Quw’utsun’ Heritage Village which provides you with an insight into the lives of the northwest coast people (seasonal hours - admission not included).

Day 12: Victoria

Today is free to explore Victoria, with its turn-of-the-century architecture and British traditions such as high tea and shops full of woolens and china. Allow some time to explore Butchart Gardens with it’s 50 acre display of magnificent colour.

Day 13: Victoria - Vancouver (69 km ex ferry)

Leaving Victoria drive north to Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal for a 90 minute ferry ride to Tsawwassen. Enjoy the scenery of the Gulf Islands as you cross the Strait of Georgia. From Tsawwassen continue on to downtown Vancouver.

Day 14: Vancouver

Today experience Grouse Mountain Skyride and Capilano Suspension Bridge at your own leisure. Be sure to see such sights as Chinatown, Historical Gastown, the markets of Granville Island, and the famous shopping district of Robson Street.

Day 15: Vancouver

The day is yours to discover the coastal city of Vancouver. Canada’s third-largest metropolitan centre, Vancouver is a busy port city with a multi-cultural ambience. The spectacular setting invites you outdoors; explore the restaurants, shopping, galleries and museums, nightlife, entertainment and more.

Day 16: depart Vancouver

Return your rental car at Vancouver airport and proceed with your onward travel.