Best of the Rockies & West Coast with VIA

Itinerary :

Day 1: Calgary – Banff (Arrival): Arrive in YYC, Calgary’s International Airport this afternoon. Collect your bags and proceed to the shuttle desk at the airport for your pre-booked transfer by coach to the mountain resort of Banff, AB. With Mt. Rundle and Mt. Cascade, part of the Rocky Mountains, dominating its skyline, the resort town of Banff is by far the largest town in the Rockies. Banff features chateau style hotels, plenty of shops and dining options and a range of sightseeing and soft adventure options. The ride to Banff will take approximately two hours. On arrival in Banff, check into your hotel. Rest of the day free to explore Banff Avenue with its many shops and restaurants on your own. Overnight in Banff.
Day 2: Banff: In the morning dive into the heart of the Canadian Rockies, discovering Banff’s history, geology, and wildlife. Your journey includes must-see landmarks like Banff Springs Hotel and Hoodoos Viewpoint. Enjoy flexibility and personalization with hot chocolate, maple cookies, and a breathtaking Gondola ride to Sulphur Mountain’s summit, offering a 360-degree panorama of the Bow Valley. Overnight in Banff.
Day 3: Banff: In the morning, traverse the Rockies, uncovering stories of the Canadian railroad and experiencing the sheer majesty of Takakkaw Falls. Upon arrival explore the Yoho National Park, a treasure trove of natural wonders, beckons you with its trails and breathtaking landscapes. Indulge in personalized stops at Moraine Lake, the Valley of Ten Peaks, and more. Pause for lunch (not included) at the historic Emerald Lake Lodge, surrounded by a glacial cirque’s jewel-toned waters. Overnight in Banff.
Day 4: Banff – Jasper: In the morning check-out of your hotel and head to Jasper. Unlock the wonders of the Icefields Parkway on this exclusive 8 ½ hour tour. Traverse 143 miles from Lake Louise to Jasper, capturing the essence of the Canadian Rockies and immerse yourself in the tales of glaciers and their impact on our landscape. Experience the extraordinary on the Athabasca Glacier with a unique ride on the Ice Explorers. Engage with nature on the Columbia Icefield Skywalk. Your day, curated for authentic experiences, includes visits to Lake Louise, Bow Lake, Columbia Icefield, Athabasca Falls, and a delightful buffet lunch. Overnight in Jasper.
Day 5: Jasper: Today indulge in Jasper’s serene charm, a haven for Free Independent Travelers. Canada’s largest Rocky Mountain Park, Jasper National Park, invites exploration across its vast 11,228 square kilometers. Uncover the treasures hidden within, from the historic townsite to the mesmerizing Maligne Canyon. Embark on a captivating Maligne Lake Cruise to Spirit Island, surrounded by awe-inspiring mountains. After your tour return back to your hotel. Overnight in Jasper.
Day 6: Jasper – Vancouver (onboard VIA Rail Train): in the morning transverse from your Jasper abode to the vibrant VIA Rail Station. Board VIA Rail Train, embarking on an 800-kilometer expedition through nature’s wonders from an awe-inspiring mountain passes to meandering rivers, all beneath the gaze of Canada’s highest peak, Mount Robson. Overnight stay onboard in VIA Rail.
Day 7: Vancouver-Whistler: Unveil the beauty of Vancouver with an arrival at Pacific Central Station. Collect your belongings and proceed to the Whistler coach boarding point. Brace yourself for a 2-hour odyssey along the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway to Whistler. Upon on arrival check-in to your hotel at 4 PM. Rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight in Whistler.
Day 8: Whistler: Today day is at leisure. With stunning mountain backdrops, Whistler is the fun and adventure capital on Canada’s west coast and as popular during the summer months as it is during the winter. Hiking, biking, rafting and adrenaline-fuelled activities can be found in abundance, and a friendly welcome from the locals is assured. The hub of Whistler is a compact, chalet-style pedestrian village at the base of Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. Check with us on the list of many optional activities and soft adventures offer in Whistler. Overnight in Whistler.
Day 9: Whistler – Vancouver: This morning, check out of your hotel and travel in the luxury of a tour coach to Vancouver. There are several departures available starting at 9:00 AM and the last coach departs at 7:00 PM. The ride to Vancouver takes approximately 2 hours. On arrival, transfer on your own from the Vancouver Bus Depot (in downtown Vancouver) to your hotel in downtown Vancouver. Rest of the day free. Overnight in Vancouver.
Day 10: Vancouver (City tour including admissions to Capilano Bridge): Discover the heart of Vancouver in an immersive journey that seamlessly weaves through its dynamic past and present. Marvel at downtown’s landmarks, from the iconic Canada Place to the stirring Olympic Cauldron. Wind through architectural wonders in the Arts and Financial Districts, soaking in the buzz of Robson Street’s fashion enclave. Step into the urban rainforest oasis of Stanley Park, where First Nations Totem Poles whisper tales of heritage. Venture across the Lions Gate Bridge to the North Shore, unveiling the enchanting Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. Experience the thrill of walking amidst towering cedars on the Cliffwalk and crossing the iconic suspension bridge, unlocking unique adventures at every step. Overnight stay in Vancouver.
Day 11: Vancouver: Today day is free for leisure. Vancouver is the most cosmopolitan city on Canada’s west coast. Nestled between the Pacific coast and the Coastal Mountain Range, Vancouver is perhaps the most beautiful city in Canada. This city offers both, the amenities of a world class city including world class dining, a variety of cuisines from round the world, a range of tours and soft adventure activity options. Overnight stay in Vancouver.
Day 12: Vancouver – Victoria: Journey to Victoria, the vibrant capital of British Columbia, as morning unfolds. Traverse the Straits of Georgia in a scenic 90-minute ferry crossing from Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay on Vancouver Island. Delight your senses in the meticulously manicured beauty of Butchart Gardens, spanning 55 acres. Post-garden serenity, dive into the historic allure of downtown Victoria and the majestic Inner Harbour. Overnight stay in Victoria.
Day 13: Victoria: Today explore Victoria on your own. Victoria, leafy, flower-filled, and very much colonial is known for her museums, English charm, seafront parks, and ocean adventures. From ziplining through treetops to crescent moon kayaking, diving, seaplane tours, golfing, hiking, or cycling, a delight of tours and activities await you today. Overnight stay in Victoria.
Day 14: Victoria (Departure): In the morning check-out of your hotel and depart for Vancouver International Airport. Today’s journey will include a transfer by coach and ferry and the trip to Vancouver will take around 4 hours including 90 minutes of ferry crossing. Your tour ends on arrival at YVR International Airport.