Tour Code: 822-1101

7-Day Vancouver, Canadian Rockies, Victoria, Whistler Tour from Vancouver

Today, you’ll arrive at the Vancouver airport. Once you’ve collected your luggage, an escort will greet you at baggage claim belt #3 (for domestic arrivals) or the visitor counter (for international flights). A complimentary half-day city tour of Chinatown, downtown Vancouver, and Stanley Park will be arranged for guests that arrive in Vancouver before noon (12:00pm), with a bonus mini ferry ride on the beautiful False Creek (False Creek Ferries availability depends on the weather; closed on December 25, 26).

Today we will depart for Vancouver Island by ferry, enjoying the beautiful view of Vancouver and the island from the water as we travel to British Columbia’s capital city, Victoria. After passing through Victoria's historic Chinatown, we will wander among the wooded and seaside trails and landscaped gardens of Beacon Hill Park and visit its petting zoo. From here we will travel to see the stately British Columbia Legislative Buildings, explore other historical buildings in the Inner Harbour, and make a stop at the famous “mile zero” monument at the end of the 4,990 mile Trans-Canada Highway. To top off the day, we will travel outside the city to wind our way through the Butchart Gardens**, the world-famous group of floral display gardens, with their elaborate fountains, sculpted bushes, and lush flower beds, before returning to Vancouver.

We will begin the day traveling along the Trans-Canada Highway toward the lakeside city of Kelowna in the heart of British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley, with its countless fruit orchards, vineyards, and lakeshore communities. After our arrival around 1:00pm, we will stop at Kelowna’s renowned Summerhill Pyramid Winery**, where we will have the opportunity to learn about the basics of winemaking as well as taste some of their delicious red and white wines. And make sure to try some of their famous sweet ice wine before we leave! Next we will move on to Lake Okanagan to hear the legendary story of the Ogopogo, the famous lake monster that has caught the imagination of Okanagan Valley residents since the 19th Century. From there we will travel to either the city of Salmon Arm or Vernon to spend the night.

This morning we will continue on our way through Eagle Pass in the Monashee Mountains to visit Craigellachie, where the last spike was driven into the transcontinental railway, completing the conditions for British Columbia’s entry into the Canadian Confederation in 1885. From this historic place we will travel on through Rogers Pass in the Selkirk Mountains on our way to Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park**, the largest of the park’s 61 lakes and ponds, known for its remarkable blue-green hue. After admiring its tranquil surface, we will travel on into the province of Alberta, where we will visit the mountains, glaciers, ice fields, and forests of Banff National Park**, the oldest national park in the country. Here in the northernmost portion of the Rocky Mountains, we will experience a thrilling gondola ride to the summit of Sulphur Mountain, where you will be captivated by its majestic alpine heights. Next we will visit the nearby town of Banff and the breathtaking Bow Falls before ending the day at the nearby city of Canmore in Bow Valley, the home of the 1988 Winter Olympic Games.

We begin the day by visiting Lake Louise in Banff National Park, the “Jewel of the Rockies,” a glacial lake whose emerald color and stunning view of the surrounding snow-capped mountains attracts millions of visitors every year. After enjoying an atmospheric lunch at Chateau Lake Louise (included in the meal plan, see below), we will take one last stroll along the lakeshore before heading north to Jasper National Park** to see the soaring glaciers and towering heights of the Columbia Icefield, which feeds eight major glaciers and is surrounded by some of the highest mountains in the Canadian Rockies. We will even have the opportunity to ride a “snowcoach"** on the surface of the Athabasca Glacier. Then we will pass through Banff National Park on our way back to British Columbia, stopping briefly at Peyto Lake, Bow Lake, and Crowfoot Glacier before leaving Alberta and arriving in the city of Golden, where we will spend the night.

This morning we will head west toward the sun-filled city of Kamloops to join a tour of the Sunmore Ginseng Factory, learn about the root’s healing power, and see how the factory grows and develops their ginseng products. From here we will continue our road trip to back to Vancouver, arriving in the late afternoon.

On the final day of our tour, we will travel to the mountain resort of Whistler. Driving along the Sea-to-Sky Highway, we will pass by Horseshoe Bay, Shannon Falls, and the Squamish River on our way to North America's number one mountain resort, the host of 2010 Olympic Winter Games. After arriving, we will take a breathtaking ride on the Peak 2 Peak Gondola,* which will carry us between the peaks of Whistler Mountain and Blackcomb Mountain, with a stunning view of the mountains and the valley below. After the gondola ride, you will have time to relax and shop at the mountain or in the town of Whistler or even go snowshoeing in the area for free! Afterwards we will return to Vancouver, arriving at 7:00pm.Please arrange your return flight leave Vancouver Airport after 9:30pm.

Hotels are subject to change. Other hotels may be available at an additional cost.

*Optional activity, fee not included in tour price. See “Exclusions” for cost details.
**Extra fees apply. Please see “Exclusions” below for details.