Western Journey

Arrive at Calgary’s International Airport and transfer independently to your downtown hotel. After an individual check-in, the remainder of the day is free to explore the streets of this dynamic city, famous for its annual Stampede. The tour director will contact you in the late afternoon. Overnight in Calgary.

Accommodation at the Sandman Calgary City Centre Downtown or similar

This morning, we set out to meet fellow travelers at breakfast before we tour the sights of Calgary. We admire such modern and historic landmarks as the Calgary Tower, Fort Calgary, and the skyscrapers of the commercial district. Leaving Calgary behind, we set our sights on the Rocky Mountains, which can already be seen, far off in the distance. Experience the majesty of the mountains as we first travel through the foothills and then enter Banff National Park. We tour the region around Banff amidst snow-capped peaks, sparkling glaciers, and emerald-green lakes and see the landmark Banff Springs Hotel, Bow Falls, and Tunnel Mountain. Overnight in Canmore. Meals: B

Accommodation at the Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre or Quality Resort Canmore or similar

The entire day is at leisure to tour the Banff area and browse through the many boutiques and specialty shops along Banff Avenue. An optional full-day tour is offered to the Columbia Icefield. The tour starts with a visit to the turquoise waters and spectacular glacier of Lake Louise, the jewel of the Rockies. From the unsurpassed beauty of Lake Louise, we enter rugged wilderness as we travel up the world-famous Icefields Parkway. At the spectacular Columbia Icefield, we board an Ice Explorer that will take us onto the surface of the ancient Athabasca Glacier. We return late in the afternoon. Overnight in Canmore. Meals: B

Accommodation at the Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre or Quality Resort Canmore or similar

Our drive today is on the famed Trans-Canada Highway, following a route charted by the railroad engineers and fur traders of the mid-1800s. We continue our tour of the Canadian parks system as we cross the jagged Kicking Horse Pass into British Columbia’s Yoho National Park. From the highway, we are treated to a dazzling display of vast icefields, deep canyons, dense forests, and glacier-fed streams. One awe-inspiring landscape follows another en route to Glacier National Park. We continue through the Monashee and Selkirk mountain ranges to the rugged interior town of Kamloops. Overnight in Kamloops. Meals: B

Accommodation at the Ramada Kamloops or similar

We can expect a day of dramatic scenery changes when we drive through the ranch lands and head for the coastal mountains. An optional Floatplane Sightseeing Tour over Garibaldi Park gives you an inspiring view of a natural preserve of volcanic peaks, alpine lakes, and meadows. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Whistler. Meals: B

Accommodation at the Whistler Village Inn & Suites or Pinnacle Hotel or The Listel Hotel Whistler or similar

We drive south along the spectacular Sea-to-Sky Highway through a dramatic landscape of jagged fjords and glaciated mountain peaks. We leave the countryside behind and explore the metropolis of Vancouver on a sightseeing tour. Highlights include Stanley Park, Prospect Point, English Bay, historic Gastown, bustling Chinatown, and much more. The afternoon is free to discover more of this coastal gem. Overnight in Vancouver. Meals: B

Accommodation at the Sandman Hotel Vancouver City Centre or Sandman Suites on Davie or similar

The Pacific Ocean and the Coast Mountains form the backdrop to your day at leisure in Vancouver. You might want to do some shopping down on Robson Street, relax in Vancouver’s playground, Stanley Park, or stroll through the markets of Granville Island. If you prefer to explore the outdoors, take a gondola ride to the summit of Grouse Mountain.

You can also go on an optional full-day tour to Victoria, the charming provincial capital that is proud of its maritime heritage. See the beautiful 19th-century landmarks and enjoy their lively atmosphere. Before taking the ferry back to Vancouver, you will visit Butchart Gardens, one of the world’s great floral displays set in a reclaimed stone quarry. Overnight in Vancouver. Meals: B

Accommodation at the Sandman Hotel Vancouver City Centre or Sandman Suites on Davie or similar

The time has come for some last-minute shopping and to say farewell to Canada. Individual transfer to Vancouver International Airport in time to check in for your return flight. Meals: B