Grand Canadian Rockies

Welcome to Canada! Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, perhaps explore the happening neighbourhood of Yaletown, or head to Granville Island to visit the colourful market full of fresh produce and handicrafts. Vancouver’s coastal setting is beautiful, bordered by an ocean harbour to the north and a river to the south. The majestic Coastal Mountains, often snow-capped, provide the eastern horizon, making it a picturesque place to spend a few days before the tour begins.

On your way out of Vancouver today, check out Stanley Park’s carved totem poles, representing the historical crests of First Nations families and their clans. Then, head to Whistler along the Sea to Sky Highway, following Howe Sound with beautiful views of the Coastal Mountains. When you arrive in Whistler Village, your leader will take you on an orientation walk through the bustling hub of shops and award-winning restaurants. Then, enjoy some free time to browse stores and galleries, or maybe take a scenic gondola ride to drink in the panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and glaciers. If you’d like some light activity, there are easy walking and biking trails that start right from the village. Later, you may like to join in on the Whistler nightlife by sampling one of the town’s lively bars.

This morning, you’ll set out on an Indigenous-led walk along Lost Lake Trail, set on the ancestral lands of the Skwxwu7mesh (Squamish) and Lilwat Nations. Guided by a Cultural Land Ambassador, you’ll learn about Indigenous relationships with the land, including how plants and trees have been used for food, medicine and technology, and the interconnection of land and water through the salmon life cycle. End with Indigenous tea and reflect on the stories you shared. Then, the afternoon is yours to explore Whistler. You could ride the PEAK 2 PEAK gondola to see the unparalleled views of towering volcanic peaks and surrounding forest on one of the world’s longest and highest lifts. Once at the top, check out the nearby scenic walking trails, mountaintop restaurants and indoor interpretive displays. Or you could hire a bike and ride along the Valley Trail, pick up some new outdoor gear in the village or grab a beer and soak up the fresh alpine air.

Say goodbye to Whistler and drive through the mountains to Sun Peaks. The Sun Peaks township is set on one of many peaks along the mountain range, and the views from the top are incredible. When you arrive, choose between seeing those views for yourself on a hike along the Sunburst Loop, or taking a shorter walk along the Shuswap Medicine Trail and learning about local flora, fauna and traditional First Nations medicines. This evening, rejoin your group for dinner together.

This morning head to Jasper National Park, one of the most photographed places in Canada. Jasper is the largest of Canada’s Rocky Mountain parks, famous for wildlife such as elk, moose, deer, coyotes, grizzly bears and mountain lions, as well as smaller mammals and birds – listen for the distinctive whistle of a marmot! Along the way you’ll stop in at Mt Robson Provincial Park, stretching your legs on a short walk through the picturesque wildflower meadows. Once you arrive in Jasper, you’ll have options to explore the village of Jasper and its surrounds.

This morning, join your group on a visit to Maligne Lake for some hiking. You’ll have the afternoon to explore on your own. Perhaps book yourself a cruise on the lake’s shimmering blue waters past the much-photographed Spirit Island. If the lake cruise isn’t your thing, you might like to spend your time seeing the area while hiking either the Mary Schaeffer or the Moose Lake trails. There’s also the option to hike or bike around Beauvert Lake. A ride on the Jasper SkyTram is highly recommended if you didn’t do it yesterday!

Buckle up for Banff. Today is a long day, with many scenic stops and visits along the way. In the morning, travel towards Banff, stopping off at the Columbia Icefields Centre and Sunwapta Falls. You’ll have the chance to join an optional glacier hike with a professional guide. Then, head into Banff National Park in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Banff is considered the oldest national park in Canada, showcasing the Rockies’ valleys and mountain chains, which began forming up to 75 million years ago.

Today, you’ll visit Lake Louise. You can get your bearings on optional walks along the easy Waterfront Trail or take the steeper trail to the Fairview Lookout for some incredible views. After, you might like to check out the interior of the luxury mountain resort, Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. This afternoon, pop on your swimsuit and soak in the hot mineral waters of the Banff Upper Hot Springs. If there is extra time today, you may like to take part in one of the many adventure activities available within the park. With its coniferous forests, alpine meadows, icefields and glaciers, the park is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. There are opportunities for canoeing, mountain biking, hiking or riding the gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain.

Before leaving Banff this morning, visit Lake Minnewanka and Two Jack Lake for a walk with your leader. It’s a beautiful farewell to Banff, with great views of Mt Rundle towering overhead and reflecting on the lake and, hopefully, some elk and big horn sheep milling about. Then, head to Canmore, where you’ll have free time to enjoy this mountain town and grab lunch before moving on across the Rockies to Calgary, home to the famous Calgary Stampede. Calgary has a budding dining and nightlife scene, so maybe head for dinner at one of the city’s great restaurants this evening.

There are no activities planned for today, and you can depart the accommodation at any time. Please be sure to comply with any hotel checkout times.