Your itinerary
map
1. London to Calgary
Your door-to-door pick-up driver will take you to London
Heathrow for your non-stop Air Canada flight to Calgary. Transfer
to the 3 Diamond Banff Aspen Lodge. This hotel does not have air
conditioning or a bar, but has a lovely breakfast restaurant and is
situated close to other restaurants and shops
2. Banff
A full day in Banff to explore under your own steam or just
relax.
3. Banff
Explore the mountains, falls and canyons of Banff National Park
on a full-day optional tour. The trip also includes visits to
Moraine Lake and Yoho National Park to see the Emerald Lake and the
Spiral Tunnels. Alternatively, spend the day at leisure.
4. Banff to Jasper
Follow an incredible route across a dramatic, awe-inspiring
landscape from Banff to Jasper on today's coach journey. Stop at
Columbia Icefield for an optional Ice Explorer ride, and Lake
Louise with its stunning glacial backdrop. Reaching Jasper National
Park, which encompasses 4000 acres of forest, rivers, lakes and
falls, you can relax for the first of two nights at the 3 Diamond
Jasper Inn. This hotel is not air-conditioned.
5. Jasper
Spend the morning either at leisure or afloat on the optional
Athabasca River raft-ride. Take in the sights of Maligne Canyon,
Medicine Lake and the awe-inspiring clear blue waters of Maligne
Lake on your afternoon tour of Jasper's environs. You could also
enjoy an optional cruise to Spirit Island, in the centre of Maligne
Lake.
6. Jasper to Kelowna
Witnessing dramatic changes in scenery, your route south to the
Rockies winds through Yellowhead Pass to the foot of the highest
peak. You'll also travel forward in time, crossing the Continental
Divide and gaining an hour as you head into Alberta. Arrive in
Kelowna and relax in the 3 Diamond Coast Capri Hotel.
7. Kelowna
Visit a local winery to learn the wine-making process and sample
the results on today's optional half-day tour (book locally),
before heading to Father Pandosy's Mission: the site of the first
white settlement in the area and the place where the first apple
tree in the valley was planted. Alternatively, your day is at
leisure.
8. Kelowna to Vancouver
Enjoy a scenic coach drive from Kelowna through the mountains
onto Vancouver and the 4 Diamond Coast Plaza Hotel and Suites.
9. Vancouver
Today's tour starts with a visit to the Stanley Park peninsula,
continuing on to the totem poles of the Northwest Coast Indians,
the Lions Gate Bridge, English Bay and Chinatown before concluding
in Gastown. Your afternoon and evening are at leisure.
10. Vancouver or North Shore
Take the optional afternoon trip to the North Shore (£50 -
pre-bookable with your holiday), traversing the summit of Grouse
Mountain with its panoramic city views, following nature trails and
crossing the Capilano Suspension Bridge. Alternatively, spend the
day exploring Vancouver.
11. Vancouver to Victoria
A full day's scenic journey by ferry via the North Shore,
Horseshoe Bay, the logging port of Nanaimo, and a visit to Butchart
Gardens, which is full of exotic blooms whatever the time of year.
After arriving in Victoria for a short orientation tour, retire to
the 4A Coast Harbourside Hotel and Marina, close to the city's main
sights, your home for two nights.
12. Victoria
A rare opportunity to whale-watch on an optional three-hour
cruise. Minke, humpback and orca whales, along with seals, sea
lions, porpoises and sea otters, are often spotted close to the
boat (£55 - book with your holiday). Otherwise, spend the day
at leisure in Victoria
13. Vancouver and flight home
Ferry to Vancouver and on to the airport for your overnight Air
Canada flight to London Heathrow..
14. London
Your door-to-door driver will take you home.
Travel notes While this is a
thorough introduction to Western Canada, it's also a favourite with
regulars who come back time after time to marvel at the beauty of
its wilderness. Few tours offer so many chances to encounter
wildlife, as we often spot whales, seals, sea lions, porpoises, sea
otters and bears. Be as adventurous as you wish and do something
different - try an Ice Explorer ride on the Athabasca Glacier. The
distance covered on this tour means the odd long day, but we
include plenty of stops so you can stretch your legs and have a
leisurely lunch along the way.
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