ITINERARY
DAY 1 — Arrive in Vancouver, British Columbia
Welcome to Vancouver, your gateway to the Canadian Rockies! At 6 pm, meet your travelling companions for a welcome drink. Your Tour Director will prepare you for your upcoming adventure.
DAY 2 - Vancouver - Victoria
This morning, tour Vancouver, including the waterfront, Chinatown, and Stanley Park with its old-growth evergreen forests and totem poles. Catch the BC FERRY over to Vancouver Island and Victoria. Visit world-famous BUTCHART GARDENS, followed by a special dinner in the former historic greenhouse overlooking the gardens. See major attractions on your city orientation tour, including the Fairmont Empress Hotel, Bastion Square, and Thunderbird Park. (B,D)
DAY 3 - Victoria
This day is free to explore on your own; your Tour Director suggests an optional wildlife and whale-watching trip. For shoppers, Government Street's elegant shops and Market Square's collection of specialty stores are good places to start. History buffs should be sure to visit the Royal British Columbia Museum. (B)
DAY 4 - Victoria - Whistler
Today, board a BC FERRY and cross the Strait of Georgia through the spectacular Gulf Islands, an archipelago known for its Mediterranean-type climate. Stop at SHANNON FALLS, where a boardwalk leads to a viewing platform near the base of the roaring falls. On to the alpine resort of Whistler, nestled at the base of breathtaking Blackcomb Mountain. There's time today to explore many of the 2010 Winter Olympics' sites. (B)
DAY 5 - Whistler
This morning, enjoy a visit and private breakfast at the SQUAMISH LIL'WAT CULTURAL centre, dedicated to the history and culture of the First Nations people. The rest of the day is free to explore all that Whistler has to offer. You might enjoy a trip on Whistler's Peak2Peak Gondola, connecting Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. Enjoy spectacular scenery and incredible photo opportunities as you travel via the longest unsupported gondola span in the world. Other options include a walk in the tree tops, a sightseeing excursion by air, shopping in the village, or just relaxing at your resort. (B)
DAY 6 - Whistler - Sun Peaks
This morning, journey north through the heart of the magnificent Cariboo region. Spectacular scenery abounds as you pass by rolling hills, deeply incised rivers, and sparkling lakes. Afternoon arrival in Sun Peaks with the balance of the day at leisure. You may take advantage of an optional canoe trip on Lake McGillivray, where, surrounded by beautiful scenery, you learn about Canada's fur trade. (B) NOTE: Operation of the canoe trip is subject to favourable weather conditions.
DAY 7 - Sun Peaks - Jasper
Continue north, following Yellowhead Highway and hugging the mighty North Thompson River, into the province of Alberta. See the base of 3955 metre (12,972-foot) Mount Robson (the highest point in the Canadian Rockies) before entering JASPER NATIONAL PARK. Marvel at the precipitous gorges, snow-capped summits, and lakes of exquisite blues and greens in this wild mountain wilderness. Before arriving at your hotel, perhaps take an optional float trip down the historic Athabasca River, where your experienced guide will navigate as you absorb the splendour of Jasper National Park. (B,D)
DAY 8 - Jasper: Excursion to Maligne Lake
Enjoy a sightseeing tour to see Jasper's unspoiled beauty. Afterward, travel to glacial Maligne Lake for a narrated CRUISE to Spirit Island. On the return journey, stop to view Maligne Canyon. Balance of the day is at leisure to explore Jasper on your own. (B)
DAY 9 - Jasper - Columbia Icefield - Lake Louise - Banff
This morning, travel through Jasper National Park on Icefields Parkway to the 229 metre (750-foot) thick Columbia Icefield for a thrilling ICE EXPLORER RIDE. Climb Sunwapta Pass to savour stunning vistas of alpine meadows, waterfalls, and massive glaciers, then scale Bow Pass with splendid views. Next, stop at Lake Louise, whose green-blue waters form a perfect mirror reflection of Mount Victoria. Continue into BANFF NATIONAL PARK. (B)
DAY 10 - Banff
Breakfast this morning is served on top of Sulphur Mountain. Take a scenic ride on the BANFF GONDOLA to the top of the mountain and then enjoy spectacular views of the valley below as you savour a flavourful meal. Additional sightseeing in Banff includes a visit to Bow Falls. The balance of the day is at leisure. Consider an optional flightseeing trip for a bird's-eye view of the Rockies. This evening, join your Tour Director for a farewell dinner. (B,D)
DAY 11 -Banff - Calgary
Depart Banff for Calgary International Airport. Airport transfers are provided. Please schedule flights after 2pm. (B)