Your itinerary
1. London, Calgary and Banff
After your door-to-door journey with our pick-up service, fly
direct from London Heathrow to Calgary with Air Canada. Head
straight to Banff and the 3 diamond Banff Aspen Lodge, which
welcomes you for three nights. The lodge doesn't have
air-conditioning or a bar but has a lovely breakfast restaurant and
is close to other restaurants and shops. The rest of the day is
free for you to settle in and relax.
2. Banff
Explore Banff National Park on one or both of today's optional
trips. You could ride a cable car to the summit of Sulphur Mountain
for a 360-degree panoramic view of the Rockies, visit the hot
springs and take in the sights of Surprise Corner and Tunnel
Mountain Drive, overlooking the Bow Valley; or enjoy the scenery
from a different perspective on an optional helicopter ride.
Alternatively, spend the day exploring Banff at your own pace.
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3. Banff
See more of the area's dramatic scenery on an optional tour.
Your route includes plenty of memorable views: Johnstone Canyon,
Moraine Lake, the Valley of the Ten Peaks, Lake Louise, Emerald
Lake in Yoho National Park, and the Spiral Tunnels of Kicking Horse
Pass. Otherwise, the day is free for you to spend as you choose.
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4. Banff to Jasper
Follow an incredible route on today's coach journey from Banff
to Jasper, skirting the Bow Valley on your way to the stunning
glacial setting of Lake Louise. After a brief stop at the lake,
head to the awe-inspiring Columbia Icefield for an optional Ice
Explorer ride on the Athabasca Glacier. Reaching Jasper this
evening, the 4 diamond Chateau Jasper becomes your home for two
nights. B
5. Jasper
On today's optional trip to Jasper National Park, cruise on the
stunning waters of Maligne Lake and stop off at the world-famous
Spirit Island for outstanding views of the surrounding scenery
before exploring Maligne Canyon, Pyramid Lake and Patricia Lake, or
take a floating raft trip along the Athabasca River. If you'd
rather spend the day your own way, you're free to enjoy Jasper
under your own steam.
6. Jasper to Prince George
After a morning at leisure in Jasper, board VIA Rail's Skeena
train for your daylight journey across the Yellowhead Mountain Pass
and the Interior Plateau to the biggest city in the north of
British Columbia. Prince George, a small rural city, offers an
alternative view of Canada: check in at the Coast Inn of the North
(3 diamond) for one night.
7. Prince George to Prince Rupert
Continuing across the Interior Plateau by rail, follow the
Skeena River through Skeena Canyon and the Coast Mountains to the
port of Prince Rupert, the most northern point of British Columbia.
Spend the night at the 4 diamond Crest Hotel, which offers stunning
views of the harbour.
8. Inside Passage from Prince Rupert to Port
Hardy
Take a cruise along part of the Inside Passage, a narrow stretch
of sea protected by numerous small islands. As well as incredible
fjord and seascape scenery, you could see wildlife such as whales
and dolphins, or grizzly bears eating salmon, along the coastline.
Reaching Port Hardy on the northern point of Vancouver Island by
late evening, make yourself comfortable at the 3 diamond
Quarterdeck Inn and Marina Resort or similar for the night.
9. Port Hardy to Campbell River
Join the optional wildlife- and whale-watching trip in Telegraph
Cove this morning, or explore the small, rustic community of Port
Hardy at your leisure. Later, journey to Campbell River for one
night at the Coast Discovery Hotel and Marina (3 diamond).
10. Campbell River to Victoria
Stopping at the beautiful Butchart Gardens - world-renowned for
its year-round blooms - on the way, follow a breathtaking scenic
route to Victoria. After a short orientation tour of the city,
settle in at the 4 diamond Coast Harbourside Hotel and Marina for
your two-night stay.
11. Victoria
Discover Victoria today on an optional seaplane excursion which
offers spectacular views of downtown Victoria, the Strait of Juan
de Fuca, the Olympic Mountains, the harbour and the rugged
coastline. Alternatively, join the three-hour whale-watching cruise
to observe minke, humpback and orca whales, along with seals, sea
lions, porpoises and sea otters. Otherwise, your day is at leisure
to explore the city as you please.
12. Victoria to Vancouver
Head to Swartz Bay and cross to the mainland with BC Ferries.
Journey by coach to vibrant Vancouver for three nights at the
conveniently placed Coast Plaza Hotel and Suites (4 diamond) - a
fittingly impressive end to your scenic tour
13. Vancouver
Covering many of the highlights, this morning's city tour
includes visits to Stanley Park, the Lions Gate Bridge, False
Creek, Chinatown and Gastown before leaving you the afternoon free
to explore the city at your own pace. This evening, enjoy an
optional sunset dinner cruise on English Bay.
14. Vancouver
Make the most of your free day with an afternoon's optional tour
of the North Shore. The trip offers a cable-car Skyride to the
summit of Grouse Mountain for panoramic views of the cityscape and
a visit to Capilano Park. Brave the park's world-renowned
suspension bridge hung 69 metres above the rapids of Capilano
river.
15. Vancouver and flight home
Spend your morning at leisure, perhaps doing some last-minute
shopping on Robson Street, before heading to Vancouver airport for
your non-stop overnight flight to London Heathrow with Air
Canada.
16. London
Your door-to-door driver will meet you at London Heathrow and
chauffeur you back home.
Travel
notes You'll see untouched wilderness and hidden valleys
from the Skeena train as well as the beauty of coastal British
Columbia on a stunning ferry ride. Early starts are necessary on a
couple of days, but the effort is worth it to fit in all that we've
planned. The little towns of Prince Rupert and Port Hardy are
barely touched by tourism and their rustic nature is part of their
charm.
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