Northern BC & Rockies Explorer

Day 1 - Fly from UK to Vancouver

Fly from UK to Vancouver. Coach transfer from Vancouver Airport to Whistler. (included)

Day 2 - Whistler

Spend today at your leisure. Take advantage of your Peak2Peak Gondola ride ticket for some awe-inspiring views.

Day 3 - Explore Whistler

Today is yours to spend at leisure exploring Whistler. Take advantage of the walks/hikes and lakes in Whistler.

Day 4 - Whistler to Vancouver - Jasper

This morning depart on the coach from Whistler to Vancouver Downtown where you will then transfer to the nearby rail station for your trip on VIA Rail's 'Canadian' for the famous train journey to the majestic Canadian Rockies. Travel back in time to the days of classic rail travel. The original stainless steel 'streamliner' railcars (made famous by the 'Canadian' in the 1950) are totally refurbished with air conditioning, a cafe bar, lounge car, and access to the dome car. Exclusive to Sleeper Touring Class : In the evening attendants transform your quarters into cozy bunks or a bedroom. Visit the Dome Car where you will experience the true essence of travelling by train as a panoramic scene sweeps by. In Sleeper Touring Class some of the amenities include thick towels, plump pillows, cozy down duvets and a shower kit.

Day 5 - Canadian Rockies; arrive Jasper late afternoon

By the time you awake this morning the train will have just departed Kamloops to begin a day of travelling towards the Canadian Rockies and Jasper. Enjoy breakfast (included) while surrounded by dramatic scenery as you follow the banks of the Northern Thompson River through the Monashee and Cariboo Mountains. Around lunchtime the 'Canadian' begins its passage into the Canadian Rockies with views of snow capped peaks, Pyramid Falls and the expansive glaciers of the Albreda Icefields. Pass by Mount Robson, which at 3954 metres is the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. Arrive in Jasper at 4pm and transfer to your hotel. The balance of the afternoon is yours to explore this unique mountain community. (breakfast and lunch is included today onboard VIA Rail)

Day 6 - Jasper to Banff

Travel by coach today via one of the most scenic highways in North America - the Icefields Parkway. Visit the Columbia Icefield that covers an area of nearly 325sq km and reaches a depth of 1050ft (320m). Time allows for an Ice Explorer ride (included) on the Athabasca Glacier, then stop at the award winning Glacier Skywalk (included) to experience a glass floored observation platform 918ft over spectacular glacier-formed valleys and rushing waterfalls. After, continue along the Icefield Parkway where stops will be made at Lake Louise, Bow & Peyto Lakes, the Crowfoot Glacier and the Athabasca Falls. This highway is renowned for sightseeing of bears, elk, moose & mountain sheep, so keep your camera handy. Please note : Mountain Lakes in this region will be frozen through to mid-June (picnic lunch included today)

Day 7 - Banff Sightseeing

This morning, tour the town of Banff and its environs. Among the highlights are visits to the the Hoodoos (shaped by centuries of wind) & Bow Valley Viewpoint, Surprise Corner, Bow Falls, Lake Minnewanka and Bankhead : an abandoned mining town and the relic of Banff's industrial past. At the end of the tour you will be taken to the Banff Gondola for a breathtaking ascent to the pinnacle of Sulphur Mountain for an awe inspiring 360-degree panorama of sheer mountain majesty. Return to downtown Banff at your leisure (transfer not included)

Day 8 - Explore Banff

Spend today at your leisure to explore Banff

Day 9 - Banff to Jasper

This morning is a leisure to explore Banff, early afternoon depart Banff on the express coach to Jasper arriving early evening

Day 10 - Jasper

Spend today at your leisure in Jasper.

Day 11 - Jasper to Prince George

Today (approx Midday) embark on a memorable rail journey with VIA Rail 'Skeena' across British Columbia's Cariboo Region to the waters of the Pacific Ocean. Pass the cloud-veiled peals of Mount Robson and watch the horizons widen as the train descends from the Rockies onto the rugged interior plateau. The northern arm of the Fraser River leads to Prince George. Arrive approx 7.10pm

Day 12 - Prince George to Prince Rupert

Continuing west, enjoy the rugged beauty and pioneering character of a landscape once solely travelled by First Nation people and fur traders. The train follows the turbulent currents of the Skeena River and meanders through spectacular canyons and open valleys in the presence of ever present mountain ridges.

Day 13 - Prince Rupert to Port Hardy

Welcome to the glorious Inside Passage, a paradise for photographers and wildlife enthusiasts. Sail to Vancouver Island through a maze of enchanting islands, relishing the ever-changing vistas of deep fjords, densely forested shorelines, massive ice-flows and jagged inlets. Watch bald eagles soaring overhead, sea lions slumbering on the rocks and whales traversing the offshore waters.

Day 14 - Port Hardy to Vancouver

This morning depart on a scheduled flight to Vancouver. Make your own way to downtown Vancouver (taxi not included) for your 3 night stay.

Day 15 - Vancouver

Spend today at your leisure taking in the best of Vancouver. Perhaps even pre-book an excursion, ask one of our Canada Experts for some recommendations.

Day 16 - Vancouver

Spend today at your leisure taking in more of Vancouver's attractions. We highly recommend the full day trip to Victoria, ask one of our Canada Experts for more details.

Day 17 - Fly Vancouver to UK