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Welcome to 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. Introduce yourself to the city by wandering around ahead of your welcome meeting at 18:00 hrs in the hotel lobby, where you’ll meet you tour leader and fellow travelling companions.Accommodation: Ramada Downtown Calgary (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)
It's time to see more of the magnificent mountains, lakes, and forests that Banff is so famous for! Drive to Moraine Lake located in the Valley of the Ten Peaks, the highest of which is Deltaform Mountain (3,424m). Next take a walk on one of the many trails at nearby Lake Louise; a favourite with many visitors is the hike up to the Plain of Six Glaciers, offering incredible views of the valley. Both these lakes are famous for their striking blue glacial colour, caused by rock flour carried into the lakes by meltwater from the surrounding glaciers. This is picture-perfect scenery at its very best!Accommodation: Charltons Banff (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. Our overnight location will be around forty minutes out of town.Optional activities:Guided glacier walk CA$100 (CA$60 for under 17s)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. A visit to Miette Hot Springs is included, to relax your muscles after a day of exploring and hiking.Optional activities:SkyTram cable car CA$50Float trip on the Athabasca River CA$70Accommodation: Pocahontas Cabins (or similar)
We have an early start today for our journey to Williams Lake. 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. We’ll enjoy lunch at Blue River before continuing to Williams Lake where we’ll spend the night.Accommodation: Best Western Williams Lake (or similar)
We drive through the Canadian wilderness towards Tweedsmuir Provincial Park, an area that's off the beaten path. Tweedsmuir Provincial Park 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.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
Tweedsmuir Provincial Park is completely off the radar for most tour groups, despite being named as British Columbia's most beautiful park. Spend time in the southern area of the park and enjoy a hiking trail through an area of thick forest. 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. After some time spent hiking, you'll drive over 'the Hill' with superb views all the way to Bella Coola.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)
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. We spend tonight in Vancouver Island's most northerly town, Port Hardy.Accommodation: Kwa'lilas Hotel (or similar)
We drive from the northern side of Vancouver Island to the area of Tofino on the west coast, 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. Enjoy the scenery and breathe in that fresh island air! Our overnight location will be Ucluelet which is our base for the next two nights.Accommodation: 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 as you wish with kayaking, hiking or the option to join a whale watching boat trip.Optional activities:Zodiac Whale watching adventure CAD $130 per half daySea Kayaking CAD $130 per half dayAccommodation: Meares Vista Inn (or similar)
We travel to 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)
In the morning we board a ferry across the Salish Sea, admiring the small islands and breath-taking panorama of the city of Vancouver as it comes into view. This cosmopolitan and diverse metropolis is a real contrast to the rest of British Columbia, but always proves to be a highlight. Enjoy a scenic drive through Stanley Park, a 400-hectare green wonderland with authentic totem poles erected in the 1920s; and stop by Prospect Point, a scenic lookout where you can gaze out at spectacular views of Lions Gate Bridge, North Vancouver and West Vancouver.This holiday ends at our gateway hotel in Vancouver 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 Calgary to Vancouver
6 breakfasts, 2 picnic lunches and 3 dinners are included.For all other meals
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. Vegetarians and vegans can be well catered for on this holiday - please
do inform us before departure of any special dietary requests so that our
local team can be well prepared. We will do all we can to accommodate for
various other 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 Calgary to Vancouver
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 all other meals
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. Vegetarians and vegans can be well catered for on this holiday - please
do inform us before departure of any special dietary requests so that our
local team can be well prepared. We will do all we can to accommodate for
various other dietary requirements but in certain parts of Canada certain
food types can be limited.
You will travel in a private 15-Seater Ford vehicle which is driven by the
Tour Leader. 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 the vehicles allows us to reach more remote
destinations not accessible to large vehicles. All the 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 on 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 POINTVANCOUVER - Sandman Signature Vancouver Airport10251 St
Edwards Dr, Richmond, BC V6X 2M9Your 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. 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• Binoculars• Small daypack for walks• Insect repellent (50%
deet)• Sandals or flip-flops• Camera / binoculars• Small flashlight /
torch• Toiletries / personal medicine• Water bottle• A small sewing kit
with safety pins• Personal music player / books etc. for the
drivesFOOTWEARWe 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.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$50 dollars per person per day, but it’s
better to bring more than you need rather than run short. You will also need
to budget for any optional activities you wish to do.You should bring most of
your funds in CAD$ but can withdraw money at cash machines along our route.
If relying on cash machines, please advise your bank of your travel plans
prior to departure to help reduce the chance of your card being blocked.
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$5-7 per passenger per day if your
guide’s performance meets or exceeds your expectations.
FlightsAll mealsTravel insuranceSingle accommodation (available on
request)Airport 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.