12 Days • 11 Nights
Western Canada: Vancouver, Victoria & the Rockies
Tour Includes
About the Trip
Trip Highlights
- Cosmopolitan Vancouver and Stanley Park
- Victoria's gardens and colonial charm
- Whale watching for orcas and humpbacks
- The Okanagan wine country and lakes
- Banff, Lake Louise and the Icefields Parkway
- Wild Jasper and Rocky Mountain wildlife
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 12-day journey.
Met at the airport and transferred to your downtown hotel. Explore the seawall and Gastown, and enjoy a welcome dinner of Pacific seafood.
A guided tour of Vancouver, Stanley Park, Granville Island and Capilano's suspension bridge, one of the world's most liveable cities.
A scenic ferry across the Salish Sea brings you to Victoria on Vancouver Island. Explore the harbour, the Empress Hotel and the colourful streets of this genteel colonial capital.
A morning at the world-famous Butchart Gardens, and an afternoon whale-watching voyage in search of orcas, humpbacks and marine wildlife in the strait.
You return to the mainland and travel inland to the sun-drenched Okanagan Valley, Canada's premier wine region, set among lakes and orchards. Settle into Kelowna with a lakeside evening.
A day touring the Okanagan's vineyards and cellar doors, tasting award-winning wines among the lakes and hills, with time to relax by the water.
A scenic drive through the mountains brings you into the Rockies and the charming town of Banff. Settle in beneath the peaks with an evening in the hot springs.
A day exploring Banff, the Sulphur Mountain gondola, Lake Minnewanka and the Bow Valley, watching for elk and wildlife.
You travel to iconic Lake Louise, canoeing its turquoise water and visiting majestic Moraine Lake and the Valley of the Ten Peaks.
You drive the legendary Icefields Parkway past glaciers and waterfalls to the Columbia Icefield, riding onto the Athabasca Glacier, before reaching Jasper.
A day in wild Jasper, cruising Maligne Lake to Spirit Island and watching for moose, elk and bears, with a farewell dinner.
After breakfast you transfer for your onward flight, having journeyed from the Pacific to the peaks.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- 11 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 or private touring, ferries, a whale-watching cruise, Butchart Gardens, a lake cruise and a 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
When can we see whales near Victoria?
Whale watching runs roughly from spring to autumn (April to October), with orcas, humpbacks and other marine life commonly seen in summer. We time the voyage for the best chance, though as with all wildlife, sightings can never be guaranteed.
Is this self-drive or guided?
It is designed as a self-drive with ferries and lodges arranged for you, the ideal way to enjoy the coast, wine country and Rockies at your own pace. We can also provide a private driver-guide throughout if you prefer.
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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