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11-Nights Discover the Canadian Rockies - Westbound - National Geographic Journeys from $5,499
G Adventures
OFFER ID 1532837
Journeys: Discover the Canadian Rockies - Westbound
Discover the awe-inspiring scenery and legendary wildlife of western Canada on a voyage across the craggy Rocky Mountains. Explore historic Banff and Whistler, marvel at the astonishing natural beauty of Lake Louise and the Victoria Glacier, take the ferry to Vancouver Island, and breathe in fresh mountain air while soaking in hot mineral springs and hiking in Jasper National Park. Along the way, gain fascinating insights from knowledgeable local experts and First Nations people.
Highlights
Explore Banff during a walk with an expert from the Whyte Museum, embark on a glacier walk with an expert guide, soak and unwind in natural hot springs, explore the popular resort town of Whistler, search for wildlife on an Athabasca river float trip
Accommodation
Hotels/lodges (11 nts).
Group Leader
CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.
Group Size Notes
Max 12, Avg 10.
Meals Included
11 breakfasts, 1 dinner
What's Included
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Banff Historical Walking Tour, Banff
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Indigenous Cultural Experience, Whistler
Your G for Good Moment: Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre Visit, Whistler
Your Wellness Moment: Miette Hot Springs Visit, Jasper National Park. All park fees in Jasper and Banff National Parks. Scenic ferry to Vancouver Island. Vancouver, Calgary, Victoria, Whistler, and Banff orientation walks. River float tour. Stops at Kamloops Lake and Seton Lake. Mount Robson Visitor Centre stop. Excursion to the Columbia Icefields and ice walk on the Athabasca Glacier. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
11 nights from $5,499 per person
G Adventures: Journeys: Discover the Canadian Rockies - Westbound
Day 1: Calgary
Arrive at any time.
Famed for its entrepreneurial spirit and youthful population, Calgary prides itself on being the heart of the new west while honouring its cowboy heritage.
Day 2: Calgary/Banff
Drive west towards the jagged peaks of the Rocky Mountains. Upon arrival in Banff, go on a walk back in time through this historic resort town alongside an expert from the Whyte Museum, dedicated to the history and culture of the Canadian Rockies. As you explore local landmarks on foot, discover how the construction of the Canadian Pacific railroad served as a stepping stone towards opening up western Canada.
Day 3: Banff/Lake Louise
Continue to magnificent Lake Louise, with its legendary emerald-blue waters. Take time to soak up the world-famous beauty of this alpine lake and the scenery of the Victoria Glacier. Opt to join a hike to the historic Lake Agnes Tea House, following a forested trail past Mirror Lake and cascading waterfalls to the shores of Lake Agnes, where a remote tea house built in 1901 serves loose-leaf teas and other refreshments.
Day 4: Lake Louise/Jasper National Park
Pass lush coniferous forests, soaring mountains, turquoise lakes, and epic glaciers as we travel the winding Icefields Parkway—considered one of the world’s most scenic drives—to Bow Lake, stopping along the way to enjoy photo opportunities and wildlife encounters. At the Columbia Icefield, step foot on the lower Athabasca Glacier with an expert guide for a firsthand experience of this active glacial landscape. Continue on to Jasper National Park.
Along the 300km (186.4 mi) ride, a spectacle unfolds before our eyes: lush coniferous forests, immense mountains, turquoise lakes, high-falling cascades, and humbling glaciers. Numerous stops will be planned along the way for photos, observation, and wildlife encounters.
Day 5: Jasper National Park
Spend the day at leisure enjoying Jasper’s friendly mountain hospitality. Choose your own adventure among an array of optional activities: Hike to Maligne Canyon, cruise glacially fed Maligne Lake, or rent a bike or canoe to explore on your own. This evening, rejoin your fellow travelers for an unforgettable soak in Miette Hot Springs, where spacious pools of hot mineral springs offer panoramic views of the spectacular Fiddle River Valley.
Jasper's friendly mountain hospitality, peaceful atmosphere, and the promise of real adventure make any visit unforgettable.
Day 6: Jasper National Park/Blue River
Follow in the historic path of fur traders on a scenic float trip down the tranquil Athabasca River, encountering a few gentle rapids along the way. Look out for wildlife, which can include bears, moose, eagles, ospreys, and mountain sheep. Later, gaze up at the highest peak in the Rocky Mountains, Mount Robson, during a stop at the visitor centre. Then cross the Rockies and arrive in the small community of Blue River.
Day 7: Blue River/Whistler
Pass through the Caribou Mountains on a route once marked by gold prospectors. Sit back and enjoy dramatic changes in your surroundings, from sweeping grasslands to the Coast Mountains. Enjoy stops at Kamloops Lake, an oasis amid an arid landscape, and the turquoise Seton Lake, a freshwater fjord ringed by towering peaks. Arrive in the mountain resort of Whistler, co-host to the 2010 Winter Olympics.
Following this extraordinary route, once marked by the gold prospectors, we leave the arid and dry land of the Thompson Okanagan region into the Coastal Mountain Range. We drive through the region where aboriginal peoples led a semi-nomadic life moving between hunting and fishing grounds in the summer and settling into pit houses for the winter. Europeans came at first for fur trading and later on to establish cattle ranches, farms, and mining operations. The scenery changes dramatically and could even make you feel as if you were in a western movie.
Day 8: Whistler
Spend today exploring Whistler and the surrounding parks on your own. Stroll through the village, and opt to ride the gondola up the mountain for 360-degree views, choose to hike one of the many beautiful trails in the area, or set out on an exhilarating whitewater rafting trip.
Whistler and its surrounding provincial parks are places you must discover. It is also a great place to try one of the many optional mountain activities.
Day 9: Whistler/Victoria
Enjoy a G for Good experience at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, a showcase for First Nations customs, art, and music. Join an indigenous guide on an interpretive walk through the forest, hear how First Nations people lived off this land, and learn about local flora used for food and medicine. Then take part in a traditional tea ceremony to sample teas and bannock while listening to ancestral stories and legends. Later, drive the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway and catch the ferry to Vancouver Island. Get off the boat in Nanaimo and drive to Victoria, then set out on an orientation walk.
Day 10: Victoria
Today is free to explore the charming city of Victoria. Wander along the waterfront and choose among an array of optional activities. Discover the stunning floral displays at the famous Butchart Gardens, peruse the Royal British Columbia Museum, or enjoy high tea at a historic hotel. Or opt to cruise the sea in a Zodiac boat in search of gray whales, sea lions, seals, orcas, and other marine creatures.
Day 11: Victoria/Vancouver
Board the scenic ferry to Vancouver. Head downtown to explore the lush gardens, beaches, woodlands, and miles of trails around Stanley Park, considered one of the world’s greatest city parks. Then venture to historic Gastown, and stroll cobblestone streets past Victorian buildings that now house lively restaurants, galleries, and boutiques.
Day 12: Vancouver
Depart at any time.
If you are interested in exploring the city and its nearby attractions, it is recommended you book additional pre-trip accommodation nights.
Vacation Details
* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.
Moderate facilities have modest enhancements to amenities and décor. These hotels or resorts are dependable, comfortable and some may offer standard features, such as select business services, Continental breakfast or coffee service and may have a swimming pool or small fitness center on-site. Guestrooms are comfortable, moderately spacious, in-room telephones, televisions and limited amenities. Moderate establishments provide suitable accommodations and service for budget-minded travelers.
Dossier Disclaimer
The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary. VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
Itinerary Disclaimer
While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission. Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.
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North Bay Travel Group
(707) 484-3836