10 Days • 9 Nights
Canada Family Adventure: Rockies & Vancouver
Tour Includes
About the Trip
Trip Highlights
- Capilano's treetop suspension bridges
- Cycling Vancouver's Stanley Park
- Gondola rides to alpine summits
- Canoeing turquoise Lake Louise
- Riding an Ice Explorer onto a glacier
- Bears, elk and bighorn sheep in the wild
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 10-day journey.
The family is met at the airport and transferred to your downtown hotel. Settle in and enjoy a welcome dinner, with the parks and mountains ahead.
A fun day exploring Vancouver, cycling or walking Stanley Park and crossing the thrilling Capilano suspension bridge and treetop walkways high in the forest.
A free day for Granville Island's market, the Science World, the aquarium, or Grouse Mountain, however the family likes.
You fly or drive into the Rockies to Banff (a short flight to Calgary then a scenic drive). Settle in beneath the peaks and enjoy the hot springs and wildlife spotting.
A day exploring Banff, riding the Sulphur Mountain gondola for panoramic views, cruising Lake Minnewanka and walking to waterfalls, watching for elk in town.
A day amid the Bow Valley, exploring Johnston Canyon's waterfalls and the Hoodoos, with time for the kids to enjoy Banff's treats and shops.
You travel to iconic Lake Louise, canoeing its turquoise water as a family and visiting majestic Moraine Lake beneath the Valley of the Ten Peaks.
You drive the spectacular Icefields Parkway to the Columbia Icefield, where the whole family rides a giant Ice Explorer onto the Athabasca Glacier, before reaching Jasper.
A day in wild Jasper, cruising Maligne Lake to Spirit Island and searching for moose, elk and bears on a wildlife drive, a thrilling finale for young explorers.
After breakfast the family transfers for the onward flight home, full of mountain adventures.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- 9 nights accommodation
- Daily breakfast, a welcome dinner and an Icefields Parkway lunch
- Airport transfers
- Touring, sightseeing and activities as per itinerary with expert guides
- Ground transport, rail or car hire as specified
- National park and attraction entry fees as per itinerary
- a self-drive vehicle, Capilano suspension bridge, gondola rides, a lake canoe and a Columbia Icefield glacier experience
Exclusions
- International airfare
- Visa or tourist card fees where applicable
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Fuel and parking for self-drive
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional excursions and experiences
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa & eTA: Visa-exempt travellers arriving by air (including UK, EU, Australian and many others) need an approved Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) before flying; other nationalities need a visitor visa. A passport valid for the duration of your stay is required, and we advise you based on your nationality
- Currency & cards: The currency is the Canadian Dollar and cards are accepted almost everywhere; carry a little cash for tips and small vendors. Sales taxes are usually added at the register rather than shown on the shelf
- Tipping: Tipping is customary in Canada; budget around 15 to 20 percent in restaurants, and tips for guides, drivers and hotel staff, which are not included unless stated
- Vast distances: Canada is enormous, so itineraries combine domestic flights, scenic rail and self-drive; if driving, Canadians drive on the right, and roads are excellent though mountain passes can see snow outside summer
- Best time to visit: Summer (June to September) is ideal for the Rockies, the coasts and the cities, autumn brings spectacular colour to the east, and winter offers skiing, festivals and the Northern Lights in the north
- Weather & layers: Weather varies hugely by region and season, from warm summers to very cold winters; bring layers, and for the Rockies and the north, warm and waterproof clothing even in summer evenings
- Wildlife: Canada is superb for wildlife, from bears, elk and moose in the Rockies to whales on the coasts; keep a safe distance, never feed animals, and follow your guide's advice, especially in bear country
- Health & power: No vaccinations are required, but comprehensive travel insurance is recommended as healthcare is costly for visitors. Power is 120V with type A and B plugs, so bring an adapter if needed
Frequently Asked Questions
What ages does this suit?
It works beautifully for families with children of around five and up who enjoy the outdoors. The gondolas, canoeing, glacier ride and wildlife spotting delight all ages, and we tailor the walking and pace to your children.
Is it self-drive?
Yes — it is designed as an easy self-drive with a comfortable vehicle and family-friendly lodges arranged for you, the ideal way to explore at your own pace. We can also provide a private driver-guide if you prefer not to drive.
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included on most nights, along with any meals named in the itinerary such as a welcome dinner or a rail-journey lunch. Canada's dining, from Pacific seafood to Quebecois cuisine, is a highlight, so most lunches and dinners are left free with our recommendations.
How do we cover Canada's vast distances?
We combine the best options for your route, domestic flights for long hops, iconic scenic rail such as the Rocky Mountaineer, and self-drive or private coach for touring. Everything is arranged and built into your itinerary.
Do I need an eTA or visa for Canada?
Visa-exempt travellers arriving by air need an approved eTA before flying; other nationalities need a visitor visa. We confirm exactly what you need for your nationality when you book.
When is the best time to visit Canada?
Summer (June to September) is best for the Rockies, coasts and cities; autumn dazzles in the east with colour; and winter brings skiing, festivals and the Northern Lights. We advise on timing for your chosen route.
Will we see wildlife?
Very likely — Canada is one of the world's great wildlife destinations, with bears, elk, moose and bighorn sheep in the Rockies and whales on the coasts. Our guides know where to look, though sightings can never be guaranteed.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. We can adjust the cities, parks and regions, mix rail, flights and self-drive, add the Northern Lights or the Maritimes, and tailor hotels to your interests and budget.
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