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Welcome to one of the most beautiful and picturesque cities in the world, Vancouver. This cosmopolitan and diverse metropolis is a real contrast to the rest of British Columbia, but always proves to be a highlight. A highlight for many people is Stanley Park, a 400-hectare green wonderland where you can see authentic totem poles erected in the 1920s or sit in one of the cafes and enjoy a spot of people watching. A welcome meeting will be held at 18:00 hrs in the hotel lobby, where you'll meet your tour guide and fellow travellers.Accommodation: Sandman City Center Hotel (or similar)
As you board the ferry to Vancouver Island and take in the amazing views across the Salish Sea, your Canadian adventure is under way! You'll arrive in Victoria, Vancouver Island's main city and the capital of British Columbia. It's a remarkable mix of English Edwardian, First Nations and Chinese architecture, and was home to the first Chinatown in Canada. Victoria is well-known for being the ultimate place to spot Orcas, so we have included a zodiac tour to search for these magnificent mammals in their natural environment. In the late afternoon we'll also enjoy a brief tour of the city's highlights with free time for you to explore afterwards.Accommodation: Quality Inn Downtown (or similar)
Beaches, trails, and rainforest await in the Pacific Rim - enjoy the scenery and breathe in that fresh island air! We follow one of the most picturesque and rugged coastal routes in British Columbia and keep an eye out for wildlife whilst enjoying the bracing sea breeze. The afternoon is free to enjoy as you wish with kayaking, hiking or the option to join a whale watching boat trip. Our overnight location will be Ucluelet (pronounced 'Yew-Kloo-Let') which is our base for the next two nights. Optional activities:Zodiac whale watching adventure CAD $130 per half daySea Kayaking CAD $130 per half dayAccommodation: Meares Vista Inn (or similar)
The west coast of Vancouver Island is well-known for its whale and bear sightings. This morning we undertake a boat trip for a unique chance to observe Black bears searching for crabs and clams on the rocky beaches near Tofino. Experienced on-board guides know the area in depth, and we may even be lucky enough to spot whales on this tour. The afternoon is free to enjoy another optional activity - try a zodiac whale watching boat trip, sea kayaking, or discover the many hiking trails in this area (see previous day for guideline prices)Accommodation: Meares Vista Inn (or similar)
Leaving the west coast of Vancouver Island, we drive north through some incredibly scenic areas. We'll make a stop at Cathedral Grove, where there are many trails which meander through the Douglas Fir, Western Hemlock, Grand Fir and Western Red Cedar trees. Our destination today is Port Hardy, Vancouver Island's most northerly town. Port Hardy was named after Vice-Admiral Sir Thomas Masterman Hardy, former captain of HMS Victory, and is the gateway to the amazing stretch of water known as the Inside Passage.Accommodation: Kwa'lilas Hotel (or similar)
An absolute delight for wildlife lovers, the Inside Passage offers one of the most amazing ferry journeys in the whole of North America, with everything from frozen fjords to forest-covered hillsides flanking your route. The journey involves taking a 10-hour direct ferry and the scenery is simply spectacular: towering, forest-clad peaks surround the deep fjords and those with a keen eye can often spot Bald eagles and bears. The Inside Passage also supports one of the world's richest marine environments and it may be possible to see Grey whales, Orcas, Pacific White Sided and occasionally Humpback whales. The remoteness of the Inside Passage is its most stunning feature; this area is largely inaccessible by road and the tiny communities that spread along it rely on boats for transportation. Accommodation: Bella Coola Mountain Lodge (or similar)
Bella Coola is located at the point where the Bella Coola River joins with the saltwater of the Pacific Ocean. Here, amongst the lush valley bottoms and snow-capped peaks, some of the largest Grizzly bear in the world reside and this little community is gaining a reputation as one of the best places to spot them in British Columbia. The best time of year to view Grizzly bear is from the middle of August to the end of September as this is when they descend from the mountains to catch salmon in the rivers and eat berries. In season, it's possible to join an optional excursion in search of Grizzly bear. Outside of bear season there's a selection of excellent hikes on offer and plenty of optional activities, such as fishing and wildlife viewing.Optional activities:• Grizzly bear watching (mid Aug - end of Sept) CAD$195• Wildlife Rafting tour CAD$100Accommodation: Bella Coola Mountain Lodge (or similar)
Tweedsmuir Provincial Park is completely off the radar for most tour groups, despite being named as British Columbia's most beautiful park. It was named after the 15th Governor General of Canada, Baron Tweedsmuir, who travelled extensively throughout the area by float plane and horseback. The park has varied landscapes on offer, and you can expect to come face to face with rugged mountains, deep lush valleys and spectacular ocean fjords. A healthy population of Grizzly and Black bear exists throughout the park, as well as elk, deer, moose, and coyote; it is possible to see any of these whilst visiting Tweedsmuir. Wildlife aside, the colours of the mountains combined with the flora and the wilderness feel will ensure that Tweedsmuir is a park that you'll remember. Our overnight location for the next two nights is on picturesque Nimpo Lake, a popular lake for fly fishing that supports an eclectic mix of wildlife. This area has very basic facilities but is extremely beautiful and off the tourist trail.Please note: due to the remote nature of this property, some cabins will be more basic than others, often with shared bathroom facilities with a capacity of two to four people maximum. Due to the nature of this accommodation with several of the rooms offering multi-share only, single supplements do not cover these two nights of the tour and you may need to share a room. Accommodation: Chilcotin's Waterfront Resort & Motel (or similar) - multi share
We have a full day free to explore Tweedsmuir Provincial Park today. There are different hikes that can be done in the area, at Mt. Kappan, near Anahim Lake or at Rando Burnt Ridge, or you can simply enjoy the resort at Nimpo Lake.Accommodation: Chilcotin's Waterfront Resort & Motel (or similar) - multi share
Our travels continue to Clearwater, the gateway to Wells Gray Provincial Park where we can discover the parks forest trails and bewitching waterfalls.Accommodation: Helmcken Falls Lodge (or similar)
As the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, Mount Robson is a stunning sight. Pause to take in over 3,000m (10,000 ft.) of snow-capped loveliness. We have the option to hike at Kinney Lake, located in the Mount Robson Provincial Park. A visit to Miette Hot Springs is included, to relax your muscles at the end of the day. Our overnight location will be around forty minutes out of town, in Jasper National Park.Accommodation: Pocahontas Cabins (or similar)
Jasper is much quieter and less developed than Banff, which means it is much easier to escape the crowds and spend the day getting to know the national park and its surroundings. There are several options for today. We recommend taking the SkyTram and walking to the summit, which provides fantastic views over the Canadian Rockies. Alternatively, there are various hikes at Mount Edith Cavell including a short hike in the alpine meadows with chances to see caribou, and from where you'll enjoy spectacular views of Angel Glacier, a beautiful hanging glacier in the shape of angel wings.Optional activities:SkyTram cable car CA$50Float trip on the Athabasca River CA$70Accommodation: Pocahontas Cabins (or similar)
Brace yourself, as this morning we travel on one of the most famous and beautiful drives in the world, the Icefields Parkway. This spectacular road traverses the Rockies, running parallel to the Continental Divide. Mountain passes, glaciers and high peaks are some of the many scenic highlights and there are opportunities to see elk, caribou, bears, Bighorn sheep, and goats, which often graze on the vegetation found at the roadside. We stop at all the 'must see' sights, including Bow Summit and Bow Lake, Peyto Lake and Crowfoot Glacier. There is the option to enjoy a guided glacier walk along the way.Optional activities:Guided glacier walk CA$100 (CA$60 for under 17s)Accommodation: Charltons Banff (or similar)
Banff National Park is one of the highlights of any visit to Western Canada, with its magnificent mountains, lakes, and forests. Banff was Canada's first national park and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Banff town can easily be explored on foot and with plenty of optional activities there's more than enough to fill your time. Check out the iconic Banff Springs Hotel where tourism in the Canadian Rockies first began, visit some of the many souvenir shops in town or take a short trail to the tumbling Bow Falls. You could also walk along Tunnel Mountain trail for a view of Banff and the Bow Valley. Take the gondola up to Sulphur Mountain for rewarding panoramic views of the Rockies, or simply relax in the heated, natural pools of the Banff Hot Springs. Optional activities:Aerial gondola/tramway CAD$49-64Hot Springs CA$9Accommodation: Charltons Banff (or similar)
Today will be the end of your tour of the Canadian Rockies as you head to the city of Calgary, a cosmopolitan Alberta city with skyscrapers and a booming oil business industry. Calgary has historically been famous for its Wild West roots but in recent years it has become a dynamic and vibrant city. It’s oozing with the Western culture that earned it the nickname ‘Cowtown’, evident in the Calgary Stampede. If you'd like to extend your stay to take in the sights of Calgary after the tour ends, please make your accommodation reservation at the time of booking. For everyone else, it's time to say goodbye but rest assured you'll be leaving with plenty of wilderness memories, wildlife photographs and maybe even a few sticky maple syrup sweets for your journey home. This tour ends at our gateway hotel in Calgary at approximately 17:00 hrs. We can book your post-tour accommodation if required. If you are planning to fly tonight, please do not book a flight that departs before 21:00 hrs.
Travel by minibus, ferry, and zodiacSome long drivesGroup normally 6 to 13,
plus leader. Min age 16yrsStay in a mix of hotels, lodges, and cabinsThis
tour operates from Vancouver to Calgary
6 breakfasts, 2 picnic lunches and 3 dinners are included.For those meals not
included, you will usually eat out in local restaurants.To help you budget
for your meals on average hotel breakfasts cost from CAD$6-$12, lunches from
CAD$8-$15 and dinners from CAD$13-$30; this does not include alcoholic
beverages. Wine costs approximately CAD$5 per glass and beer CAD$4 per
bottle. Please also be aware that a tip of approximately 15%-20% is added to
group meals in Canadian restaurants. Applicable taxes will also be added to
all listed menu prices.Your tour guide may offer your group the option to
operate a ‘lunch only’ food kitty; this has proven to be a popular
alternative to three daily restaurant meals. Tour guides will explain this
option while on your tour, and the whole group will have to agree for this
system to run. Please make sure we are aware of any special meal
requirements before travelling. We will do all we can to accommodate for
various dietary requirements but in certain parts of Canada certain food
types can be limited.
Travel by minibus, ferry, and zodiacSome long drivesGroup normally 6 to 13,
plus leader. Min age 16yrsStay in a mix of hotels, lodges, and cabinsThis
tour operates from Vancouver to Calgary
This tour has been graded 2: Leisurely/ModerateAlthough each tour follows an
itinerary, there is a certain amount of flexibility and from time to time
your tour leader may suggest changes. This may be due to road conditions,
weather or a visit to a special attraction or event that happens to be in
progress. Flexibility is key and often a side diversion will be a highlight
of the tour. Hikes and optional activities cannot be guaranteed and may vary
depending on ability, group interest, local weather conditions and time of
year.Tour guides will organise the available optional activities and you can
pay locally in cash for these. You’ll find the main optional activities
listed above under each itinerary day description, along with guideline
prices. Please note that it may not be possible to do all optional activities
listed on each tour.
Hotels, lodges and cabins5 hotel nights, 5 lodge nights and 4 cabin nights.Accommodation will be in
clean, comfortable hotels or lodges with en-suite bathroom facilities, chosen
for their friendly atmosphere and proximity to the highlights of the
region. We also use cabins on this tour which are more simple but due to the
remote locations these are the best options available. At our accommodation
in Tweedsmuir, some cabins will be more basic than others, often with shared
bathroom facilities with a capacity of two to four people maximum. Due to
the nature of this accommodation with several of the rooms offering
multi-share only, single supplements do not cover these two nights of the
tour and you may need to share a room.
Your tour leader will take care of all the planning and organisation
throughout your tour, they will drive the van taking you from A to B and make
sure everything runs smoothly. Your tour leader is there to make sure you get
the most out of your tour; organising activities, providing information, and
answering any questions you may have as well as sorting out any queries or
problems. If you have any particular interests, or things you would like to
do on your tour, then please let your tour leader know at the beginning of
the tour and they will do their best to help you.Please note that Canadian
law regulates the total number of hours your tour guide is available to work.
Our trips are designed to make the most of your time in Canada, but please
understand that there will be certain times each day that your guide will
need to be off duty from work. Due to these restrictions, particularly after
the longer driving days, your guide may not be able to join you for some of
the daily activities or may need to tend to other work duties.
6 breakfasts, 2 picnic lunches and 3 dinners are included.For those meals not
included, you will usually eat out in local restaurants.To help you budget
for your meals on average hotel breakfasts cost from CAD$6-$12, lunches from
CAD$8-$15 and dinners from CAD$13-$30; this does not include alcoholic
beverages. Wine costs approximately CAD$5 per glass and beer CAD$4 per
bottle. Please also be aware that a tip of approximately 15%-20% is added to
group meals in Canadian restaurants. Applicable taxes will also be added to
all listed menu prices.Your tour guide may offer your group the option to
operate a ‘lunch only’ food kitty; this has proven to be a popular
alternative to three daily restaurant meals. Tour guides will explain this
option while on your tour, and the whole group will have to agree for this
system to run. Please make sure we are aware of any special meal
requirements before travelling. We will do all we can to accommodate for
various dietary requirements but in certain parts of Canada certain food
types can be limited.
You’ll travel in a private 15-Seater Ford vehicle which is driven by your
tour guide. All luggage, equipment and other necessities are stored in a
specially designed trailer or storage area to maximise space and comfort in
the vehicle. The size of our vehicles allows us to reach more remote
destinations not accessible to larger vehicles. All our vehicles are equipped
with CD stereo systems (often iPod compatible) and air conditioning.
You will need to make your own way to the joining hotel for your tour. You
are free to arrive at any time on day one of your tour but please ensure you
leave plenty of time to reach your joining hotel and attend your welcome
meeting. Details on the time and specific location of your meeting will be
available early on the arrival day. During this evening meeting you will meet
your tour guide and fellow travellers and also spend a few minutes filling
out necessary paperwork, so please bring your insurance documents, passport
and tour documentation to the meeting.ARRIVAL COMPLICATIONSSometimes the
unexpected can happen; your plane may be delayed, or you may even miss it! If
you have missed your tour departure, first check with the hotel to see if
your tour guide has left you a message. If not, call the relevant emergency
number and speak to our staff who will be happy to help you catch up with the
group. Please note that you are responsible for any extra travelling expenses
incurred due to you missing your tour’s departure, so please be on
time.FINISHING POINTCALGARY - Ramada Downtown Calgary708 8 Ave SW, Calgary,
AB T2P 1H2Your tour will end upon arrival at the above hotel, which will be
around 17:00 hrs on the final day. Some tour activities scheduled for the
last day may preclude an earlier arrival at the end point hotel, so you
should not book a flight that leaves prior to 21:00 hrs. You will be
responsible for any transportation costs if you have to arrive for an earlier
flight and you must make us aware of this well in advance of your tour
departing. If you require accommodation for the last night, it is essential
that you book this before your tour departs.
Temperatures in the coastal region around Vancouver average 22ºC in summer
but can reach as high as 30ºC in the low-lying interior. June and September
are usually a bit cooler, and the coast can get rain at any time of year. The
mountains have typically unpredictable weather; sun, cloud, rain and even
snow can all be experienced in a day!
It is advised that you take a practical selection of clothes for both warm
and cool climates to suit the season. Please see the temperature guide
showing the highs and lows that can be expected in key locations that your
tour visits. However please remember that this is just a guide, and you may
encounter a wide variety of temperatures en route due to altitude and
unforeseen weather conditions - so it’s best to be prepared!•
Sunglasses• Sunhat• Sunscreen• Waterproof poncho or waterproofs
(including trousers)• Warm sweater• Shorts• Swim wear• Camera, lens,
SD memory cards, spare batteries• Small daypack for walks• Universal sink
plug• Insect repellent (50% deet)• Sandals or flip-flops• Camera /
binoculars• Small flashlight / torch• Travel power adaptor (optional)•
Toiletries / personal medicine• Water bottle• A small sewing kit with
safety pins• Personal music player / books etc. for the drivesPlease note
airlines have various rules on what can be carried in your luggage - if in
doubt check with your airline before travelling.FOOTWEARWe recommend walking
shoes/boots, as comfortable shoes with good ankle support will make all
walking more enjoyable. If you do not own a pair, then sports trainers will
suffice although this is very much a personal choice. We recommend at least
two pairs of thick walking socks.CLOTHES WASHINGYou will have the opportunity
to wash your clothes whilst you are on tour, and this can often be done at
the hotel or in town. Ask your tour guide for local information.BATTERY
CHARGINGMany of our travellers bring mobile phones, music devices and cameras
that require frequent battery charging during a tour. For hotel tours you
have an electrical outlet (just remember your international adaptor!) and we
recommend that you bring a car charger. Every vehicle has two outlets for
your use, but please bear in mind that thirteen people travelling with
multiple devices can mean very little charge time per person per day, so it
may be useful to bring along extra batteries just in case!LUGGAGE
ALLOWANCEOne suitcase, soft holdall or rucksack (23kg maximum) per person. A
small daypack and camera can also be carried in the van. Before you travel,
please check the baggage allowance with the airline you’re flying with as
this may be less than 23kg.We are unable to offer luggage storage facilities
however, some of our pre and post tour hotels will provide this service
although there may be a charge. Please contact the hotels directly for
further information.
Your spending money needs to cover meals not included in the tour, drinks,
and personal expenses such as laundry, souvenirs, and snacks along the way.
We recommend you take at least CAD$50 dollars per person per day, but it’s
better to bring more than you need rather than run short on tour. You will
also need to budget for any optional activities you wish to do.
Although it may not be customary in your country, it is normal and expected
in Canada to tip local guides, waiters, bar staff, taxi drivers and anyone
who provides a service for you. Service workers are paid a low wage and
depend on tips for their livelihood. It can be embarrassing if you’re
confronted by a local who is expecting a tip and you are not aware of how
much to offer. For this reason, we have listed guideline prices below.A
15-17% tip is standard in restaurants, and you should also expect to tip $1
per drink in bars, $1-2 per bag for porters as will 10% for taxi drivers.
It’s also typical to tip around 10% for local guides who provide optional
activities.Your tour guide will work long and hard for you during your tour
and we recommend a discretionary tip of CAD$5-10 per passenger per day if
your guide’s performance meets or exceeds your expectations.
FlightsAll mealsTravel insuranceSingle accommodationAirport transfersVisas
and vaccinationsOptional activities
Ved skriftlig aksept av vårt tilbud bekrefter du/dere at våre betingelser er både lest og forstått og at evt kansellerings gebyrer kan tilkomme ved en evt. avbestilling av reisen.