Heart of the Canadian Rockies

Tour Itinerary

• Day 1 • Calgary

  Welcome to Calgary! Your Tour Director is on hand from 3-6:00 p.m. to answer any questions.

• Day 2 • Calgary-Banff National Park

  The discovery of oil converted this ranching town into a sophisticated city. It is also home to the world-famous Calgary Stampede. See many of the city’s attractions, including Fort Calgary, Stampede Park, the Saddledome, and Canada Olympic Park. Motor west through the foothills and into Banff National Park, gateway to the majestic Canadian Rockies. An orientation tour highlights Banff’s unspoiled beauty.

• Day 3 • Banff National Park

  Banff is one of Canada’s favorite year-round resorts, with summer activities such as hiking, biking, and fishing. With a free day, your Tour Director will have many suggestions, including a sky-high adventure with an unforgettable optional helicopter ride over the incredible Canadian Rockies. Or if you prefer keeping your feet on the ground, join the Panoramas & Peaks* optional excursion to see breathtaking Moraine Lake in the famed Valley of the Ten Peaks.

• Day 4 • Banff National Park-Lake Louise-Columbia Icefield-Jasper National Park

  Enjoy a day of scenic grandeur. First stop is Lake Louise, whose turquoise waters create a natural mirror that reflects the surrounding mountains. Up next, a stop at the Columbia Icefield to experience the Ice Explorer, an all-terrain vehicle that travels on ice measuring 750 feet thick! Then, drive north into Jasper National Park, where precipitous gorges, snowcapped summits, and lakes of exquisite blues and greens come into view as your journey scales three mountain passes. Later, consider an optional float trip down the Athabasca River. Enjoy an orientation tour of the town of Jasper upon arrival.

• Day 5 • Jasper National Park

  Today, experience the magic of nature on an optional excursion to Maligne Lake and Spirit Island* where you’ll embark on a narrated cruise to learn about the area’s history, geology, flora, and fauna amid stunning scenery. The balance of the day is free to enjoy everything Jasper has to offer—from guided hikes and quaint shops to meandering wildlife.

• Day 6 • Jasper National Park-Mount Robson-Kamloops

  Depart Jasper and follow the Fraser River to the base of Mount Robson, which at 12,972-feet is the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. The Yellowhead Highway continues south along the mighty Thompson River, with spectacular views of the Monashee Mountains. Overnight in Kamloops.

• Day 7 • Kamloops-Ferry Crossing-Victoria

  As you travel through British Columbia’s Cascade Mountains and the fertile Fraser Valley to the majestic Pacific coastline, the vegetation changes from desert landscape to lush alpine forest. Board your ferry for the scenic crossing to Vancouver Island. Prior to arriving in Victoria, visit world-famous Butchart Gardens and view 55 acres of beautiful floral displays. Continue downtown and see the Inner Harbour, Bastion Square, and Thunderbird Park. This evening, consider a relaxing stroll along the lively Waterfront Promenade.

• Day 8 • Victoria

  Today is free to explore on your own. Your Tour Director will have ideas for enjoying this most British of Canadian cities. Perhaps enjoy High Tea at the Empress Hotel or choose an adventure at sea with an optional Wildlife and Whale-Watching Expedition, looking for whales, porpoises, seals, and eagles.

• Day 9 • Victoria-Ferry Crossing-Vancouver

  Today is free to explore on your own. Your Tour Director will have ideas for enjoying this most British of Canadian cities. Perhaps enjoy High Tea at the Empress Hotel or choose an adventure at sea with an optional Wildlife and Whale-Watching Expedition, looking for whales, porpoises, seals, and eagles.

• Day 10 • Vancouver

  Your vacation ends this morning. You may choose to extend your vacation with extra nights and explore Vancouver further.