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Experience the natural beauty of Western Canada and get out and about with some exhilarating adventurous activities. In addition to relaxing sightseeing journeys, you’ll enjoy guided hiking in Jasper, rafting on the Bow River, canoeing on Lake Louise, and more!
Arrive in Vancouver and spend time exploring this scenic city on your own. Overnight in Vancouver.
Today, select your choice of one of two outdoor activity options:
Enjoy a five-hour guided cycling tour of Vancouver’s highlights, and experience the best of Vancouver food, history, ecology and culture whilst being active. The 23km ride takes in the seawall and rainforest of Stanley Park, English Bay, Granville Island (including the Aquabus ferry), False Creek, Chinatown, Gastown, and Coal Harbour. Includes helmet and bicycle rental. Please note: guests will need to make their own way to/from 648 Hornby St. for the tour.
OR
Experience the Howe Sound coast line from a 30 ft. rigid hull inflatable boat on a “Sea Safari”. With the refreshing sea mist in their faces, guests will take in the towering cliffs of Anvil Island, the seals at play at Pam Rocks, the caves of Bowen Island, and many more picturesque sights only seen from the water. Spend an unforgettable 2 hours cruising along the water’s surface, surrounded by BC’s unique Coastal Mountains, taking pictures with seals bathing in the sun, or cruising through the waves on our natural roller coaster. Includes hotel pick-up/drop-off transportation.
Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to explore Vancouver. Overnight in Vancouver.
Travel onboard the Rocky Mountaineer from the coastal city of Vancouver to Kamloops, in the heart of British Columbia’s interior. On today’s journey you will see dramatic changes in scenery, from the lush green fields of the Fraser Valley through forests and winding river canyons surrounded by the peaks of the Coast and Cascade Mountains, to the desert-like environment of the BC Interior. Highlights include the rushing waters of Hell’s Gate in the Fraser Canyon and the steep slopes and rock sheds along the Thompson River. Your day concludes as the Rocky Mountaineer travels along the shores of Kamloops Lake into Kamloops. Overnight in Kamloops.
Your journey continues north and east to the mighty Canadian Rockies and the province of Alberta. Once again you will be surrounded by dramatic scenery as you follow the banks of the North Thompson River through the Monashee and Cariboo Mountains, climbing ever nearer to the high peaks of the Continental Divide. Today’s highlights include Mount Robson- the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies at 3,954 metres (12,972 feet) - Pyramid Falls, and the climb over the Yellowhead Pass into Jasper National Park. Your rail journey ends this evening on arrival to the resort town of Jasper. Overnight in Jasper.
Jasper National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the Canadian Rockies’ largest national park. This morning you will enjoy a scenic half-day tour of some of the park’s natural attractions and rugged peaks, and perhaps catch a glimpse of the wildlife that calls this region home.
In the afternoon, experience the majestic scenery on foot. A 3-hour guided nature walk will feature a spectacular array of rolling hills, jagged peaks, forests, meadows, marshes, streams and stunning glacial lakes. Your licensed interpreter will lead this leisurely walk as you explore the abundant flora and fauna along these routes that often offer incredible opportunities to spot wildlife. Marvel at snow-capped peaks during the month of June. In mid-summer the forest and alpine meadows are ablaze in glorious wildflower shades of red, blue, yellow and white. By late August and through September, the mountain landscapes glow with the red, orange, and gold of larch and aspen trees. Transportation to and from the trailhead is included.
The remainder of the day is free for you to explore more of Jasper independently. Overnight in Jasper.
Travel to Lake Louise via one of the most scenic highways in the world, the Icefields Parkway. A stop will be made at Athabasca Falls before arriving at the Columbia Icefield. Here you will ride on an Ice Explorer to the middle of the Athabasca Glacier and your driver will teach you more about its geological features. Time will be available for lunch (not included). Afterwards, a brief stop will be made at Bow Lake before arriving in Lake Louise. Overnight in Lake Louise.
Canoes are a historic way to experience Lake Louise as they have been on the water for over a century. Paddle on the sparkling emerald water from the comfort of an authentic 26’ cedar strip group canoe. As you journey across the lake, your guide will share local stories about the wildlife, the indigenous people and the early explorers.
Enjoy the remainder of your day at your leisure in Lake Louise. Popular activities include hiking in the mountains or simply relaxing and taking in the magnificent views. Overnight in Lake Louise.
This morning you are free to explore beautiful Lake Louise on your own. After lunch, a half-day tour takes you into Yoho National Park to view some of its natural wonders. Among the attractions are the Spiral Tunnels, Emerald Lake and a natural rock bridge that spans the Kicking Horse River. At the end of the tour you will be transferred to Banff. Overnight in Banff.
Early this afternoon, make your way to the launch point at the base of Bow Falls (less than 2.5km from downtown Banff, near the Fairmont Banff Springs Golf Course). You will travel approximately 7 km down the Bow River, taking in extraordinary views of Buffalo, Rundle, Cascade and Tunnel Mountains. Float past the Hoodoos and your interpretive guide will land the rafts near the towering north face of Mount Rundle. This gentle raft float is the perfect way to intimately encounter the natural mountain beauty, and try and spot some wildlife. A shuttle bus will return you to your starting point on a scenic 10-minute mountain meadow drive.
Both the morning and the rest of the afternoon are free for you to explore more of Banff independently. Soak in the mineral pools at Upper Hot Springs, enjoy a nature walk on nearby mountain trails, visit historic museums, or play a round of golf at The Fairmont Banff Springs. Overnight in Banff.
Today you will enjoy a full-day tour concluding in Calgary. Begin the morning with a sightseeing tour of Banff. Among the points of interest are Bow Falls, Lake Minnewanka, Surprise Corner and the Hoodoos. Banff Gondola included. Continue to Kananaskis for the highlight of today’s adventure: a 12-minute Panoramic Helicopter Tour over the remarkable landscape of the Rockies. Overnight in Calgary.
Your vacation ends upon checkout from your Calgary hotel.
