Spectacular Rockies & Vancouver

Your exciting holiday begins with a flight to Calgary. When we arrive, we’ll drive to our hotel, where you’ll have time to relax after the journey and explore Calgary at leisure. We recommend you head up to the observation deck of the Calgary Tower, more than 150 metres above the city. On a bright day, you’ll enjoy incredible views as far as the Rocky Mountains, what a fantastic way to start your trip!
Later, we’ll get together for a welcome drink at the hotel.

This morning we will make our way to the town of Banff. On the way, we’ll pass through the spectacular scenery of the Rocky Mountains and tour Banff National Park, where staggering views appear at every turn. Snow-capped mountains, crystal-clear lakes, sparkling streams and swathes of forest are just some of the attractions in this stunning destination. The wildlife is equally as impressive too, so look out for black and grizzly bears, wolves, elk and deer on land, then keep your eyes peeled for eagles, hawks and ospreys in the sky.
When we arrive in Banff, you’ll have some free time to explore and have lunch if you wish. There's plenty to see and do here, you could perhaps take a scenic walk along the town’s trails or browse the shops for souvenirs. If you prefer organised sightseeing, we offer an optional ride by cable car to the top of Sulphur Mountain.

Our first stop today is at Johnston Canyon, where we’ll take a short walk to see the waterfalls. Then, it’s on to the breathtaking Lake Louise, a glacial, jade-green lake set high in the mountains. Surrounded by dramatic, soaring peaks, it is described as one of Canada's most beautiful locations, so be sure to have your camera ready. We’ll have plenty of time here and there are easy walking trails to explore if you want to appreciate the beauty of the lake from a different viewpoint. On the way back to the hotel, we’ll visit the awe-inspiring Moraine Lake and admire its stunning, turquoise-coloured water. Then, if you wish, you can end your time in Banff with one more unforgettable adventure. Why not take an optional helicopter flight over the Rockies for even more spectacular views!

At times, the Banff - Jasper Highway climbs to more than 2,000 metres above sea level, and the mountain ranges flanking it soar to more than 3,00 metres. Today, we're going to travel along this iconic route, known as the Icefields Parkway, pausing along the way to take in the views.
Before we arrive in Jasper, we're going to stop at the Great Columbia Icefield. Covering 89 square miles and with ice as deep as 365 metres, you’ll have free time to admire this breathtaking sight at leisure. If you’re up for an adventure, an optional Ice Explorer ride to the Athabasca Glacier is highly recommended. Travelling in a purpose-built, all-terrain vehicle, you’ll learn about the history of this ever-changing wonder and have an opportunity to walk on the 10,000-year-old sheet of ice.

A former railroad town, Jasper is now known for its breathtakingly beautiful national park. You're going to discover its incredible highlights today, including Maligne Lake, renowned for its spectacular azure waters and Maligne Canyon with its spectacular waterfalls and scenic bridges. Back in the town of Jasper we'll enjoy a lunch of distinctly Canadian produced before an afternoon at leisure – maybe by browsing the shops or sipping a locally brewed beer. Alternatively choose to join us on an optional excursions to take in the amazing scenery on an exhilarating Athabasca River rafting experience.

Our journey to Kamloops in British Columbia takes us over Yellow Head Pass, past Mount Robson – the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies – and along the Trans-Canada Highway. The scenery may be spectacular but the highlight of your day is sure to be our stop at Blue River for an exciting Rockies river safari. This once-in-a-lifetime cruise will take you through Grizzly Bear Valley on the lookout for an array of wildlife including moose, eagles, ospreys and, of course, grizzly bears.
Our overnight hotel in Kamloops has a convenient, downtown location, ideal if you want to head out for dinner this evening.

The ferry terminal is where we're heading this morning on a journey which takes us once again through the rugged scenery of the Rocky Mountains. Our ferry will take us to Vancouver Island and then we'll travel by road to Victoria, the provincial capital of British Columbia. This fabulous city is often said to resemble an old English town, with its narrow streets and grand buildings. We’ll get our bearings and see its highlights on a sightseeing tour when we arrive.

You can soak up Victoria's old-world charm at your own pace today as you explore at leisure. Maybe you’ll head to the renowned Royal BC Museum or visit one of the city’s craft breweries for a tasting. If you’re a wildlife enthusiast, you won’t want to miss today’s optional whale-watching excursion. The waters around Vancouver Island offer the ideal opportunity to get closer to the delights of the natural world and there's a chance you'll see orca, or killer whales, in their natural environment.

Your morning tour takes you to the famous Butchart Gardens, considered to be one of the most spectacular floral show gardens in the world. Established on the site of a former limestone quarry, the displays include an impressive collection of roses, and plants from as far afield as Japan and the Mediterranean.
Later, we return to the mainland by ferry and travel by road to Vancouver. This city boasts an idyllic setting, where the ocean meets the mountains, and you'll see its highlights this afternoon. Your sightseeing tour will take you to the city's historic core, known as 'Gastown', and then on to bustling Chinatown and Stanley Park with its famous totem poles.
Our centrally located hotel is just steps away from some fabulous restaurants, so why not head out and see what’s on offer for dinner. Your Holiday Director will be happy to point you in the right direction if you would like a recommendation.

It’s the last full day of your holiday and you’re free to do as you please in Vancouver. You could explore what culinary treats are on offer at Granville Island’s Public Market, check out a museum or head to one of the large shopping malls for some retail therapy.
Alternatively, if you'd like to join an optional excursion, come with us to Vancouver's North Shore. Here you'll see the spectacular Capilano Suspension Bridge and take a cable-car ride up Grouse Mountain. On a sunny day the views of the city, the snow-capped mountains of Washington State and Vancouver Island are simply breathtaking.

Enjoy a little more free time in Vancouver before we drive you to the airport for your flight home.

After an overnight flight, you'll arrive back in the UK today.