Rockies & Sunshine Coast Spectacular

Day 1 - Fly UK to Calgary - transfer to Banff

Your journey begins with your flight from the UK to Calgary. On arrival in Calgary, after passing through Customs, transfer by coach from the airport to The Rimrock Hotel, Banff for a 3-night stay.

Day 2 - Explore Banff

Today we have included the Explore Banff with Gondola and Cruise to help you take in the best of this stunning National Park.

Learn about culture, geology and wildlife while exploring the spectacular sights of the renowned mountain town of Banff. This sightseeing tour will take you to some of the most incredible sights and sounds that western Canada has to offer. Head up the Banff Gondola to the peak of Sulphur Mountain for a 360 degree panorama of the Bow Valley. Complete the day with a historical tour of Lake Minnewanka on the Lake Minnewanka Cruise.

You will visit points such as: - Bow Falls - Sulphur Mountain - Tunnel Mountain Drive - Surprise Corner - Hoodoos - Two Jack Viewpoint - Lake Minnewanka Cruise (admission included) - Banff Gondola (admission included) - Dedicated on-board host - Light snacks & refreshments included - Light lunch included in tour

Day 3 - Explore Banff

Why not visit the Baff Hot Springs for some relaxation, or take the Gondola to the top of the mountain and enjoy a lunch there before returning to Banff

Day 4 - Icefields Parkway Discovery tour to Jasper

Enjoy the wildlife, pristine lakes, and breathtaking mountain peaks along the world famous Icefields Parkway. Visit the natural wonder of the Columbia Icefield - one of the largest expanses of ice and snow south of the Arctic Circle. Step onboard an Ice Explorer for an interpretive adventure onto the Athabasca Glacier. At the Glacier Skywalk, enjoy the unobstructed view on a glass-floored observation platform extending 30 metres out over the Sunwapta Valley.

Highlights: Lake Louise, Icefields Parkway, Crowfoot Glacier, Bow Lake, Peyto Lake, Columbia Icefield, Athabasca Falls, Glacier Adventure and Skywalk admission, lunch.

Glacier Skywalk admission weather dependent.

On arrival in Jasper you will be dropped off at your hotel - The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge for a 2 night stay.

Day 5 - Explore Jasper

This morning we have included the popular Maligne Lake & Guided Walk tour. This amazing tour is a guided interpretive drive up the Maligne Valley. Our exploration will include a stop at Maligne Canyon for a gentle guided walk to the first two bridges above the gorge, a short stop at the "disappearing" Medicine Lake, and finally Maligne Lake. At this picturesque gem of the Canadian Rockies enjoy a guided walk along the Mary Schaffer Loop (3.2km return).

Day 6 - Jasper

Free day in Jasper, why not make use of some of the activites and facilities on offer at the Lodge - Kayaks on Lac Beauvert are highly recommended. Alternatively speak to one of our Canada Experts for recommendations of tours in the area.

Day 7 - Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf Service from Jasper to Vancouver

All aboard - join the Rocky Mountaineer for the first day of your 2 day journey through the Rockies:

Travel on board the Rocky Mountaineer from Jasper in the Canadian Rockies to Kamloops, in the heart of British Columbia’s interior. As you journey west and south you will be surrounded by the dramatic scenery of the Continental Divide and by the river valleys of the Monashee and Cariboo mountains. Today’s highlights include Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies at 3,954 metres (12,972 feet), Pyramid Falls, the climb over Yellowhead Pass and the journey along the North Thompson River as you approach Kamloops.

Overnight in Kamloops. Breakfast and Lunch included.

Day 8 - Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf Service from Kamloops to Vancouver

Day 2 of our journey to Vancouver

Your journey continues west towards the Pacific Ocean and the coastal city of Vancouver. On today’s journey you will again see dramatic changes in scenery, from the desert-like environment of the interior, through winding river canyons and pristine forests, to the Coast and Cascade mountains and the lush green fields of the Fraser River Valley. Highlights include the steep slopes and rock sheds along the Thompson River and the rushing waters of Hell’s Gate in the Fraser Canyon. Your rail journey ends on arrival in Vancouver this evening.

Breakfast and Lunch included.

On arrival at the rail station, you will be transferrred (incuded) to the Hotel Opus - for a 2 night stay

Day 9 - Explore Vancouver

Explore Vancouver at your own pace with a complimentary Hop on Hop off City tour pass.

Day 10 - Float-plane transfer to West Coast Wilderness Lodge

Transfer (included) to Vancouver Coal Harbour to board a floatplane for a scenic forty-minute flight northwest via Sechelt to West Coast Wilderness Lodge in Eggmont. During your flight you may see orca whales, dolphins and sea lions swimming below in Howe Sound’s stunning islands and bays. Just before you land at the Lodge you will pass over the Skookumchuck Rapids, the fastest salt water rapids in North America.

Package includes:

• 3 nights accommodation at West Coast Wilderness Lodge • 3 Breakfasts • Princess Louisa Inlet Zodiac / Boat Cruise • Choice of 1 of the follow activities - Inlet Zodiac Cruise - Guided Kayaking - Dinner at the Lodge

• Return transportation by floatplane • Use of all amenities at the resort • Detailed itinerary, vouchers & local information

Day 11 - 2 Princess Louisa Inlet Zodiac / Boat Cruise

Today enjoy a cruise of beautiful Jervis Inlet passing towering, 2000m (7000 ft) high cliffs, dozens of waterfalls and historical petroglyphs (ancient rock paintings of Coast Salish First Nations origin). The tour will take you through Malibu Rapids to enter Princess Louisa Inlet, an incredible fjord renowned for its beauty and protected waters. (Approx 4 hours)

Day 12 - West Coast Wilderness Lodge - Choice of Activities

Day 3 Choice of Activities

Today is yours to either relax at the lodge or choose one of the below included activities:

Inlet Zodiac Cruise (1 hrs) Explore the village of Egmont on an exciting zodiac tour. Experience the power of the currents as we surf next to the world’s best kayakers in the Skookumchuck Rapids, before heading out to Lone Tree Island for a visit with a friendly colony of seals.

Guided Kayaking (2 hrs) Explore the Sutton Islands chain right in front of the Lodge. Depending on the tide, we will head past a fish processing plant and government wharf lined with old-timers’ fishing boats into Egmont’s “downtown” to learn about its history and geography, or kayak west past eagles’ nests and colonies of sea stars.

Dinner at the Lodge

Enjoy a 3 course dinner in the lodges restaurant set high up on a craggy granite bluff overlooking forests, inlets & islands, the elegant dining room has floor-to-ceiling windows that span the entire hall

Day 13 - Float-plane transfer to Vancouver

The morning is free to enjoy the lodge and surrounding wilderness before your departure back to Vancouver Coal Harbour by floatplane.

Day 14 - Victoria, Butchart Gardens & Whales excursion

Your day begins with an awe inspiring 35-minute floatplane flight to Victoria with stunning aerial views of Vancouver, the Gulf Islands and Victoria Harbour. Upon your arrival in Victoria check in next to the floatplane terminal for our 3 hour excursion in search of Orcas, minke whales, grey whales, porpoises, harbour seals and other marine wildlife. You will ride aboard a custom-built zodiac boat that offers high speed with extraordinary stability giving you an exhilarating, safe and intimate whale watching experience. Comments by a certified marine biologist and naturalist are provided.After the tour, you are able to explore downtown Victoria on your own, before you meet your guided coach tour for you trip via the magnificent Butchart Gardens and through the Gulf Islands back to Vancouver.

Highlights:

- 35 minute floatplane ride to downtown Victoria - 3 hour whale watch excursion - Free time in downtown Victoria with the Inner Harbour, Fairmont Empress and Chinatown - The world famous Butchart Gardens - A 90 minute cruise through the spectacular Gulf Islands

Day 15 - Fly Vancouver to the UK

On checking out of hotel, transfer to Vancouver Airport (private transfer included) for your return flight to the UK