Day 1 Vancouver to Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge | FloatplaneEnjoy scenic views of the Strait of Georgia and Vancouver Island on the 45-minute floatplane ride from YVR South River Terminal. Deplane and climb into a horse-drawn wagon for a ride along the estuary to the Outpost. Upon arrival, enjoy champagne and hors d’oeuvres awaiting at the Cookhouse. After a brief orientation, you’ll be given a private tour of the resort and escorted to your guest tent. Enjoy time to unpack, relax, go for a stroll, meet with our activities coordinators or take in a pre-dinner spa treatment if time allows. (Dinner included today)
Day 2 – 3 Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge | Included ActivitiesFrom your base on Vancouver Island’s magnificently rugged west coast, you’ll explore pristine wilderness like pioneers (but elegant ones). Travel miles of First Nations paths on foot or on horseback, follow waterways deep into the old-growth forests in canoes or kayaks, or discover abundant wildlife, including bears and whales, on guided zodiac tours. Other options include fresh water and ocean fishing. At night, luxuriate in the wood-fueled outdoor cedar hot tub and sauna. Accommodations are at the Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge in an Ensuite Family Tent. (Breakfast, lunch & dinner included)
Day 4 Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge to Vancouver | FloatplaneBefore getting ready to depart, join one last morning meditation or yoga class or a trail run along the Bedwell River. After breakfast is served, you will have one last activity. One last lunch will be served at the lodge before guests’ luggage is picked up and guests are transferred to the floatplane dock for the flight back to Vancouver. (Breakfast & lunch included today)
Day 5 Vancouver | Day at LeisureToday is free to experience Vancouver's vibrant blend of stunning natural beauty and urban flair. Explore Stanley Park's expansive trails, enjoy breathtaking views from the Capilano Suspension Bridge, and dine in diverse Gastown. Visit the bustling Granville Island market, appreciate First Nations art at the Museum of Anthropology, and soak in panoramic city and ocean vistas from Grouse Mountain. Vancouver: a captivating mix of culture and adventure.
Day 6 Vancouver to Kamloops | Rocky Mountaineer Goldleaf ServiceAll aboard Rocky Mountaineer for the scenic rail journey to Kamloops in the interior of British Columbia. Pass through the rich fields of the Fraser River Valley and the towering peaks of the Coastal Mountains before entering the Fraser Canyon. Follow the Thompson River through spectacular landscapes to historic Kamloops. (Breakfast & lunch is included today)
Day 7 Kamloops to Jasper | Rocky Mountaineer Goldleaf ServiceBack onboard the Rocky Mountaineer follow the Thompson River through rolling plateaus to the snowy peaks of the Monashee Mountains. View Pyramid Falls and the expansive glaciers of the Albreda Icefields. Pass by Mount Robson, at 3954 metres (12,972 feet), which is the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. Arrive in Jasper late afternoon. (Breakfast & lunch is included today)
Day 8 Jasper | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 5 Excursions Today you can personalize your day by choosing one of these excursionsOption 1. Morning Maligne Valley with Medicine Lake TourExperience the most incredible sights in Jasper National Park’s Maligne Valley during this guided excursion to the region’s most scenic lakes & majestic canyons, enjoy a gentle guided walk along the shores of this pristine lake.Option 2. Evening Discover Jasper & its WildlifeAdmire diverse animal life in the Canadian wilderness on this evening wildlife tour. Delve into Jasper National Park with your guide. Travel through the mighty Athabasca Valley and marvel at the park’s beautiful landscapes by twilight.Option 3. Gentle Raft Float on the Athabasca RiverExperience Jasper National Park's natural beauty with a small group float trip on the Athabasca River. Cover several miles on Class II rapids, offering mild excitement with a few splashes. Enjoy your guide's engaging storytelling about local history and wildlife throughout this gentle adventure.Option 4. Maligne Canyon Hiking TourEmbark on a stunning hike in Jasper National Park, exploring the deepest accessible canyon in the Canadian Rockies. Learn about the Maligne Valley, Karst topography, and the mysterious disappearing Medicine Lake. Enjoy breathtaking views of rushing rapids and waterfalls along the canyon's five bridges. An added bonus is the shuttle service back to the top, saving you from a steep uphill hike.Option 5. Upgrade Option: Maligne Valley Sightseeing + Boat CruiseThis Jasper tour starts with a brief town overview before crossing the Athabasca River to Maligne Lake. Discover the majestic Maligne Canyon's waterfalls and the enigmatic "disappearing" Medicine Lake. The highlight is a trip to stunning Maligne Lake, including an interpretative boat cruise to Spirit Island. Experience firsthand the beauty that captured adventurer Mary Schaeffer's heart a century ago, and has since become world-renowned.
Day 9 Jasper to Lake Louise | Sightseeing with picnic lunch Your sightseeing tour today will encompass the ultimate glacier exploration as you travel along the spectacular Icefields Parkway. From walking on ancient ice with the Ice Explorer ride (included), to standing on a glass platform almost one thousand feet in the air at the Glacier Skywalk (included), today’s experiences will leave you with a special appreciation for this treasured region of the Rockies. (Picnic lunch included today)
Day 10 Lake Louise to Banff | Coach This morning is at leisure to explore Lake Louise before a mid-day transfer to Banff via the scenic Bow Valley highway, arriving mid-afternoon.
Day 11 Banff | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 5 Excursions Today you can personalize your day by choosing one of these excursions.Option 1. Discover Banff & Its Wildlife Tour + Banff GondolaDiscover Banff's natural wonders on this half-day, small-group tour. Marvel at sights like Bow Falls, Hoodoos rock formation, and Lake Minnewanka. Conclude your exploration with a relaxing gondola ride to Sulphur Mountain's peak, maximizing your views of Banff National Park effortlessly. Enjoy the enchanting beauty of these landmarks with minimum exertion. Option 2. Banff National Park Explorer Moraine Lake & Lake Louise | Small Group Tour with Picnic LunchJoin this small group tour for a curated experience of Banff National Park's highlights, with the added chance to spot wildlife through expert local guidance. Enjoy unhindered access to Moraine Lake & Lake Louise, spending over 11/2 hours at each, discovering hidden gems and serene trails. The final phase of the tour is tailor-made in Banff by your guide, considering recent wildlife sightings and your interests, ensuring the day concludes on a high note.Option 3. Rockies Hidden Gems Yoho & Kootenay National Parks | Small Group Tour with Picnic LunchAvoid the crowds with this full-day adventure in the Kootenay and Yoho National Parks, featuring picturesque waterfalls and Canadian Rockies views. Start with a relaxing stroll in Kootenay National Park's Marble Canyon, marveling at turquoise glacial waters and striking canyon walls. Enjoy Emerald Lake's neon blue waters, where optional canoe rentals, hiking trails, and lakeside picnics are available. The day concludes with a visit to Canada's 2nd tallest waterfall, Takakkaw Falls, accessible through backroads offering mountain vistas and wildlife sightings.Option 4. Cowboy Horseback Cookout BBQ Lunch or DinnerSaddle up for a ride along the Bow River in Banff and a Western style cookout. Choose from riding on horseback or in a covered wagon through the beautiful Rocky Mountain terrain.Option 5. Signature Guided Hike | Small Group Hike with Picnic LunchExperience the best of Rocky Mountain National Parks' backcountry with our curated hiking tours. Revel in spring's wildflowers, summer's clear glacier views, and the golden hues of fall's larch trees. Our passionate local guides will lead you on classic hikes in the Banff and Lake Louise area, including Stanley Glacier, Larch Valley, Kootenay National Park Trails, and Plain of 6 Glaciers. Immerse yourself in nature's beauty across seasons in the Rockies.
Day 12 Banff to Calgary | CoachToday you will leave behind the fresh mountain air and colourful sights of the Rockies. We will schedule a transfer to bring you to downtown Calgary, or to the Calgary Airport to connect with your flight home.