Departing Vancouver
Day 1 Vancouver to Gold Bridge (233 km/145 mi)
This morning depart Vancouver along the scenic Sea to Sky Highway to
Whistler. 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. Continue on to Whistler where a stop is
a must for a short stroll through this charming alpine resort before con-
tinuing on the Duffey Lake Road where you will see breathtaking views of
Joffee Glacier. Continue on through Lillooet for 2 hours along a well maintained gravel road to Tyax Mountain Lake Resort nestled on the shores on Tyaughton Lake.
Day 2 Tyax Mountain Lake Resort
Tyax offers a wide array of optional activities for all ages including western
horseback riding, guided fly fishing tours, fly casting and gold panning lessons,
mountain biking on gentle rolling or challenging single track, floatplane
adventures over the Chilcotin Wilderness and drop off’s at remote
alpine lakes; as well as ATV safaris along old mining trails leading to the
wildflower carpeted alpine meadows.
Day 3 Gold Bridge to Lac le Jeune (327 km/203 mi)
Return through 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.
Departing Lillooet, turn east along Highway 99 toward Cache Creek, from
here travel a short distance to your overnight accommodation at Lac le
Jeune Resort. Located in a stunning wilderness setting where fish jump
from the glassy surface of the lake and ospreys soar overhead. Please
note this rustic lodge offer peace and relaxation without having phones
or a television in the room.
** Optional Add-On **
Sundance Guest ranch (3 Day / 2 Night)
Located in British Columbia’s high country, with magnificent scenery and
clear fresh air - a genuine bit of the old West. A vast choice of horses
are available from chestnuts, sorrels, bays, pintos and appaloosas - everything
from gentle trail horses to lively, frisky mounts, all with good
Western gear.
• Sundance Guest Ranch Inclusions
- All meals from dinner on day of arrival to breakfast on morning of
departure
- Horseback Riding
- Use of Ranch Facilities
Day 4 Lac le Jeune to Jasper (478 km/297 mi)
Today, 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, which is the highest
peak in the Canadian Rockies at 3954 metres (12,972 feet); then on to
the resort town of Jasper, for a 2 night stay at Jasper Park Lodge. Set deep
in the Canadian Rockies, Jasper Park Lodge embodies the peace, tranquillity
and natural beauty that make these parks so famous. Whether you
are looking for a relaxing day by the pool or a beautiful horse back ride
into the mountains, this deluxe lodge is the place to stay.
Day 5 Jasper Exploring
Today, explore this charming mountain village close to many terrific scenic
highlights. Take a tram ride up Whistlers Mountain or a boat cruise on
Maligne Lake, in the evening soak in the pools at Miette Hot Springs, and
watch the sunset over Pyramid and Patricia Lakes (included).
** Optional Add-On **
Jasper rafting (Duration 2 ½ hrs)
Enjoy a gentle rafting tour on the Athabasca River for a unique perspective
of Jasper National Park. The 16 kilometre, 2½ hour round trip
passes through many small sets of rapids and calm stretches, which
allows your National Park Licensed guide to point out the natural and
human history of Jasper. Specially designed rafts offer a safe, comfortable
ride that any first time rafter will enjoy. This trip is for everyone
from toddlers to seniors.
Day 6 Jasper to Moraine Lake (237 km/148 mi)
This morning depart on the scenic drive that takes you through the spine
of the Canadian Rockies. You 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 Columbia Icefield and
take an Ice Explorer ride out onto the glacier (included). Also watch for
the Sarbach Glacier, Peyto Lake, Bow Lake, with the Bow Glacier providing
the backdrop, and Crowfoot Glacier before your arrival at Moraine
Lake Lodge. Moraine Lake Lodge is situated on the shore of Moraine
Lake, known for its iridescent turquoise colour, Moraine Lake has become
known as The Jewel of the Rockies. (Please note: Mountain lakes in this
region will be frozen through to mid June).
Day 7 Moraine Lake to Emerald Lake (36 km/23 mi)
A short drive today through majestic mountain passes into Yoho National
Park. The word Yoho is the Cree word expressing awe. This 1313 sq. km
(507 sq. miles) national park is filled with gem coloured glacial lakes and
waterfalls, snow-covered peaks and dense forests of western red cedar
and western hemlock. Historic railroads, spiral tunnels within mountain
sides and steep rock faces where mountain goats roam are just some of
the sights to be seen. Other Yoho marvels include a natural rock bridge
over the Kicking Horse River, Hoodoos, some of Canada’s highest waterfalls
and the Burgess Shale fossil find where over 120 marine animal species
dating back as far as 530 million years were discovered.
(Dinner Included)
Day 8 Emerald Lake Lodge
Built of hand-hewn timber and featuring massive stone fireplaces, the
Lodge includes a formal dining room, quiet reading and sitting rooms.
From the upper or lower large verandahs, enjoy the serene views of this
wilderness landscape.
(Breakfast & Dinner Included)
Day 9 Emerald Lake to Banff (93 km/60 mi)
Enjoy the leisurely drive to Banff. 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 Banff. This afternoon, explore Banff and area. In
town you’ll find lots of excitement - shopping, cafés, nightlife, museums.
(Breakfast Included)
Day 10 Banff Exploring (Banff Gondola)
A full day to explore Banff and area. 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 11 Banff to Calgary (115 km/72 mi)
Drive to Calgary today, along the 1A Highway. En route, you may wish to
stop at the historic Cochrane Ranch (not included) before dropping off
your rental car at the Calgary International Airport or downtown location.
Departing Calgary
Day 1 Calgary to Banff (115 km/72 mi)
Upon arrival into Calgary, pick up your rental car and 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)
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 Emerald Lake (93 km/60 mi)
Enjoy the leisurely drive from Banff. 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 into Yoho National Park and Emerald Lake Lodge for
a 2 night stay. The word Yoho is the Cree word expressing awe. This 1313
sq. km (507 sq. miles) national park is filled with gem coloured glacial
lakes and waterfalls, snow-covered peaks and dense forests of western
red cedar and western hemlock. Historic railroads, spiral tunnels within
mountain sides and steep rock faces where mountain goats roam are just
some of the sights to be seen. Other Yoho marvels include a natural rock
bridge over the Kicking Horse River, Hoodoos, some of Canada’s highest
waterfalls and the Burgess Shale fossil find where over 120 marine animal
species dating back as far as 530 million years were discovered.
(Dinner Included)
Day 4 Emerald Lake Lodge
Built of hand-hewn timber and featuring massive stone fireplaces, the
Lodge includes a formal dining room, quiet reading and sitting rooms.
From the upper or lower large verandahs, enjoy the serene views of this
wilderness landscape
(Breakfast & Dinner Included)
Day 5 Emerald Lake to Moraine Lake (36 km/23 mi)
Return back through scenic mountain passes to Moraine Lake Lodge located
on the shore of Moraine Lake and known for its iridescent turquoise
colour, Moraine Lake has become known as The Jewel of the Rockies.
(Please note: Mountain lakes in this region will be frozen through to mid
June.) (Breakfast Included.)
Day 6 Moraine Lake to Jasper (237 km/148 mi)
Today, travel through the spine of the Canadian Rockies along the amazing
Icefield Parkway. You’re sure to be enthralled by the scenery, wildlife,
incredible blue lakes and sparkling waterfalls en route (Please note:
Mountain lakes in this region will be frozen through to mid June). A stop
at Peyto Lake along the way is a must. Don’t miss the Columbia Icefield
for a ride onto the Athabasca Glacier on board an Ice Explorer (included)
before continuing your journey to Jasper.
Day 7 Jasper Exploring
Today, explore this charming mountain village close to many terrific scenic
highlights. Take a tram ride up Whistlers Mountain or a boat cruise on
Maligne Lake, in the evening soak in the pools at Miette Hot Springs, and
watch the sunset over Pyramid and Patricia Lakes (not included).
** Optional Add-On **
Jasper rafting (Duration 2 ½ hrs)
Enjoy a gentle rafting tour on the Athabasca River for a unique perspective
of Jasper National Park. The 16 kilometre, 2½ hour round trip
passes through many small sets of rapids and calm stretches, which
allows your National Park Licensed guide to point out the natural and
human history of Jasper. Specially designed rafts offer a safe, comfortable
ride that any first time rafter will enjoy. This trip is for everyone
from toddlers to seniors.
Day 8 Jasper to Lac le Jeune (478 km/297 mi)
Leaving Jasper National Park, travel the ‘Yellowhead’ route past the
sprawling grandeur of Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian
Rockies. Beyond Mount Robson Provincial Park, the highway follows the
Thompson River through the snowy peaks of the Monashee and Caribou
Mountains to Lac Le Jeune Resort Located in a stunning wilderness set-
ting where fish jump from the glassy surface of the lake and Ospreys soar
overhead. Please note this rustic lodge offer peace and relaxation with
out having phones or a television in the room.
Day 9 Lac le Jeune to Gold Bridge (327 km/203 mi)
Begin the day travelling along Logan Lake route to the gold rush town of
Cache Creek. 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 for 2
hours along a well maintained gravel road to Tyax Mountain Lake Resort
nestled on the shores on Tyaughton Lake.
** Optional Add-On **
Sundance Guest ranch (3 Day / 2 Night)
Located in British Columbia’s high country, with magnificent scenery and
clear fresh air - a genuine bit of the old West. A vast choice of horses
are available from chestnuts, sorrels, bays, pintos and appaloosas - everything
from gentle trail horses to lively, frisky mounts, all with good
Western gear.
• Sundance Guest Ranch Inclusions
- All meals from dinner on day of arrival to breakfast on morning of
departure
- Horseback Riding
- Use of Ranch Facilities
Day 10 Tyax Mountain Lake Resort
Tyax offers a wide array of optional activities for all ages including western
horseback riding, guided fly fishing tours, fly casting and gold panning lessons,
mountain biking on gentle rolling or challenging single track, floatplane
adventures over the Chilcotin Wilderness and drop off’s at remote
alpine lakes; as well as ATV safaris along old mining trails leading to the
wildflower carpeted alpine meadows.
Day 11 Gold Bridge to Vancouver (233 km/145 mi)
Departing Gold Bridge travel back to Lillooet and onto the Duffey Lake
Road to Whistler. On the upper elevations of the Duffey Lake Road enjoy
breath-taking 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 and along the scenic Sea to Sky Highway to
Vancouver. 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.
Features:
• Accommodation including provincial taxes for 10 nights
• Admission to either Banff Upper Hot Springs or Miette Hot Springs
Jasper
• Ice Explorer ride onto the Athabasca Glacier
• Sulphur Mountain Gondola
• 2 Breakfasts, 2 Dinners
• Exclusive travel documentation package including personalized maps,
itinerary and driving directions
Lodge Information
* Gold Bridge - Tyax Mountain Lake Resort (Standard Room)
* Lac Le Jeune - Lac Le Jeune Resort (Cabin)
* Jasper - Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge (Fairmont Room)
* Moraine Lake - Moraine Lake Lodge (Lodge Double Room)
* Emerald Lake - Emerald Lake Lodge (Lake Room)
* Banff - Buffalo Mountain Lodge (Lodge Double Room)
Not included:
• Rental Car
• Road Tolls
• National Park Entrance Fees