| Day 1 |
Calgary to Banff
(115 km/72 mi) |
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This morning begin your Rockies adventure. Take the short (2-hour) drive from Calgary to Banff on either the Trans-Canada Highway or the more scenic 1A Highway. Once in Banff proceed to your selected hotel to check in and the remainder of the day is yours to explore at your own leisure. |
| Day 2 |
Banff Exploring (Banff Gondola) |
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A full day to explore Banff and area. In town you’ll find lots of excitement - shopping, cafés, nightlife, museums. Check out the Cave and Basin National Historic Site, Banff Gondola (included) where you will see a panoramic view of the Bow Valley, and then take a dip in the hot mineral pools at the Upper Hot Springs. |
| Day 3 |
Banff to Jasper
(289 km/180 mi) |
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Take the short drive from Banff to Lake Louise. Choose the Bow Valley Parkway, beside the Bow River with an option for you to take a stop at Johnston Canyon and walk along the paved footway to either the lower or upper waterfalls before continuing to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. From Lake Louise your scenic drive takes you through the spine of the Canadian Rockies. View a never-ending procession of mammoth mountains, jagged peaks, over 100 glaciers and pristine emerald colour lakes. Along the way see such sights as the Sarbach Glacier, Peyto Lake, Bow Lake, with the Bow Glacier providing the backdrop, and Crowfoot Glacier before your arrival at the Columbia Icefield for an Ice Explorer ride out onto the glacier (included). Leaving the Athabasca Glacier, your camera should be ready to capture the majesty of the Athabasca Falls prior to your arrival into Jasper. |
| Day 4 |
Jasper Exploring |
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Explore this charming mountain village close to many terrific scenic highlights. Take a tram ride up Whistlers mountain, or visit Maligne Lake, one of the most photographed lakes in the world, and enjoy a 90 minute cruise heading toward the south end of this postcard setting (Maligne Lake cruise NOT included). You will marvel at the magnificent shoreline with dense forest and glacial peaks rising abruptly from the water’s edge. Stopping at Spirit Island, you will have the opportunity to take your own version of the world famous photograph of the lake. |
| Day 5 |
Jasper to Well Gray Park
(318 km/198 mi) |
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Set out for Wells Gray Provincial Park along the scenic Yellowhead Highway and take in the breathtaking vistas of the steep-walled gorges and crashing falls of the North Thompson River. |
| Day 6 |
Wells Gray Park to Whistler
(421 km/262 mi) |
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Begin the day traveling via 100 mile house to the gold rush town of Cache Creek, where you stop to visit the historic Hat Creek Ranch (included), which literally takes you back to the days of the gold rush. Continue the journey south to Lillooet, known as the land of the Gold Rush Trail and was ‘Mile Zero’ of the Old Caribou Wagon Road during the Gold Rush Years. Now the area is home to the largest Canadian producers of the medicinal plant, Ginseng. Departing Lillooet travel the Duffey Lake Road to Whistler. On the upper elevations of the Duffey Lake Road enjoy breathtaking views of Joffee Glacier and snow capped Mount Currie that rises to a height of 2,596 meters (8,518 feet). Continue on through the mountain village of Whistler for your 2 night stay. |
| Day 7 |
Whistler Exploring |
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This charming alpine resort is nestled between world-renowned Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. Enjoy an extensive range of summer activities from golf on one of the 4 championship designer golf courses, water activities on any of the 5 lakes or numerous rivers, to mountain top dining or just relax and enjoy some of the many fine café’s and restaurants if this European inspired alpine village. A gondola ride is included to the top of Whistler or Blackcomb Mountain. |
| Day 8 |
Whistler to Parksville
(108 km/68 mi + Ferry) |
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Depart Whistler at your own leisure along the scenic Sea to Sky Highway to Horseshoe Bay. Highlights along the way include the cascading Shannon Falls and the Stawamus Chief Rock where climbers from all over the globe migrate to climb the granite cliffs. At Horsehoe Bay, sail for 1 hr 45 min on BC Ferries (Ferry Toll Included) to Vancouver Island. This scenic cruise takes you through fjord like waters with mountains blanketed with virgin forests and glaciated peaks. |
| Day 9 |
Parksville to Tofino
(221 km/138 mi) |
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Depart Parksville for Tofino on the rugged West Coast. En-route, picture stops should be made at Cathedral Grove to enjoy the splendour of 800 year old Douglas Fir and Cedar. Plus, the Mars Water-Bombers at Sproat Lake, the world’s two largest water-bombers used for the sole purpose of putting out forest fires. After the Mars Water-Bombers drive through the majestic Sutton Pass and the Sawtooth Range of the Cascade Mountains to arrive in Tofino around mid afternoon. |
| Day 10 |
Tofino (Pacific Rim National Park) |
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You may wish to walk along the famed Long Beach, with its miles of pristine sandy beach and pounding surf, or explore the rain forests on a selection of well groomed trails. Mid afternoon enjoy a 3 hour whale watch cruise (included) through the Clayoquot Sound, revealing sensational scenery and wildlife such as Gray Whales, Sea Lions, Porpoises and Killer Whales. The area is also known for its variety of birds, including tufted puffins and resident bald eagles. |
| Day 11 |
Tofino to Victoria
(313 km/195 mi) |
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Travel back to the East Coast of Vancouver Island and head south to Victoria. En-route stops should be made at the artist community of Chemainus, where you can admire the giant murals which adorn the exterior walls throughout the town and Duncan the “City of Totems”. Here visit the Cowichan Native Village which provides you with an insight into the lives of the northwest coast people (admission included). |
| Day 12 |
Victoria Exploring |
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Today is free to explore Victoria, with its turn of the century architecture, British traditions such as high tea and shops full of woolens and china. Admission is included to the Butchart Gardens with it’s 50 acre display of magnificent colour. |
| Day 13 |
Victoria to Vancouver
(69 km/43 mi + Ferry) |
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Leaving Victoria drive north to Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal for a 90 min Ferry ride (Ferry Toll Included) to Tsawwassen. On board BC ferries enjoy the scenery of the Gulf Islands as you cross the Strait of Georgia. From Tsawwassen continue on to downtown Vancouver. |
| Day 14 |
Vancouver Sightseeing |
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Today, experience Grouse Mountain Skyride (included) and Capilano Canyon and Suspension Bridge (included) at your own leisure. Be sure to see such sights as, Chinatown, Historical Gastown, the markets of Granville Island, and the famous shopping district of Robson Street. |
| Day 15 |
Vancouver |
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The day is yours to discover the coastal city of Vancouver. Canada’s third largest metropolitan centre, Vancouver is a busy port with a multi-cultural ambiance. The spectacular setting invites you outdoors; explore the restaurants, shopping, galleries and museums, nightlife, entertainment and more. |
| Day 16 |
Depart Vancouver |
Land Tour list
Part of SempleTravel 139-141 Kirkintilloch Road Bishopbriggs Glasgow G64 2LS Tel. 0141 762 5569