Western Canada and Vancouver Island Escorted Tour

Day 1 - Arrive in Vancouver

Arrive into Vancouver Airport and transfer to your chosen hotel. Spending the remainder of your day at leisure. 

Day 2 - Vancouver

Spend today exploring the city of Vancouver, enjoy a leisurely walk around Stanley Park taste local food at Granville Market, visit the Gastown or Grouse Mountain and Capilano Suspension Bridge. Vancouver has lots to offer speak to our Canada Experts if you wish to add on one of our Vancouver Experiences. 

Day 3 - Vancouver to Whistler (Start of Escorted Tour)

Your escorted tour will depart from Canada Place at 9am, transfer to Canada Place before 8:45am to begin your tour. Your first stop is Shannon Falls, one of British Columbia's most impressive waterfalls, before continuing along the world famous Sea to Sky Highway, one of Canada's most scenic drives hugging the coastline between mountain peaks and the Pacific Ocean. A further stop at Brandywine Falls gives you the chance to take in another stunning natural viewpoint before arriving into Whistler Village for a walking tour of this iconic mountain resort.

The highlight of the day is a ride on the Peak 2 Peak Gondola, which links Whistler Mountain to Blackcomb Mountain. At 436 metres above the valley floor it holds a number of world records and offers breathtaking views across the Coast Mountains. This is included in your tour. Arriving into Whistler check into your hotel with time at leisure to explore Whistler Village. For those who fancy something a little different this evening, there is the option to join Vallea Lumina, a multi media night walk through the forest in pursuit of hidden wonders. 

Day 4 - Whistler to Clearwater

After breakfast your journey will continue with a drive through the towns of Pemberton and Lillooet. The day's highlight is an authentic Indigenous experience with Xwisten Experience Tours, where you visit the Bridge River Fishing Grounds, the traditional and current fishing area of the St'át'imc People. Here you learn about the remarkable wind dried method of preserving salmon that is still practised today. After the tour you sit down to a Salmon BBQ complete with salmon, rice, salad and bannock, finishing with a traditional dessert of whipped berries known as sxúsum. You then check into your hotel in Clearwater with the evening free for dinner.

Day 5 - Clearwater to Jasper

Breakfast is included at your hotel before heading out to explore Wells Gray Provincial Park, a vast and spectacular wilderness famous throughout British Columbia for its extraordinary collection of waterfalls. You visit Helmcken Falls along with Spahats or Dawson Falls before making your way towards Jasper with a stop at Mount Robson, the highest peak in the entire Canadian Rockies standing at 3,954 metres. 

After arriving in Jasper checking into your hotel, spending your evening at leisure. There is the option to visit the Jasper Planetarium, one of the largest dark sky preserves in the world.

Day 6 - Jasper

After breakfast at your hotel the day begins with a visit to Maligne Canyon, where you walk along scenic bridges and trails taking in ancient fossils embedded in the rock face alongside a series of beautiful waterfalls. Please be aware that Maligne Canyon experienced significant damage during the Jasper wildfire and an opening date is yet to be confirmed. If it remains closed an alternative stop will be arranged. From there you head to Maligne Lake, famous for the vivid azure colour of its glacially fed water, its surrounding mountain peaks, the three glaciers visible from the shoreline and Spirit Island, one of the most photographed spots in all of Canada. There is the option to take a boat cruise out to Spirit Island speak to our experts for more details. The afternoon is free to explore Jasper at your own pace or join optional activities such as a food tour in town or an evening wildlife viewing tour.

Day 7 - Jasper to Banff along the Icefield Parkway

Breakfast is included before setting off for one of the most iconic experiences of the entire tour. You travel to the Columbia Icefield and take part in the world renowned Glacier Adventure, which is included. The Athabasca Glacier is one of the most visited glaciers in North America and the Glacier Adventure takes you directly onto the ice aboard specially designed Ice Explorer vehicles. You then travel the breathtaking Icefields Parkway with stops at Bow Lake and the famous Peyto Lake, whose vivid turquoise colour and unique wolf shaped shoreline make it one of the most photographed lakes in the Rockies, before arriving into the town of Banff and checking into your hotel.

Day 8 - Banff

Breakfast is included at your hotel before you take the Banff Gondola up Sulphur Mountain, which is included in your tour. At the summit you are rewarded with outstanding panoramic views across six mountain ranges. The morning continues with a tour of Banff townsite taking in Bow Falls and the magnificent Banff Springs Hotel, a castle like landmark that has sat at the heart of the Canadian Rockies since 1888. The afternoon is yours to enjoy, whether that is shopping and sightseeing along Banff Avenue or taking part in one of the many exciting outdoor activities on offer such as e-biking, horseback riding, canoeing on the Bow River, hiking, hot springs, or even a helicopter tour. The evening is at your leisure.

Day 9 - Banff to Kelowna

After breakfast you head to Lake Louise, one of Canada's most iconic natural landmarks, where the impossibly turquoise glacier fed water set against a backdrop of snow capped peaks and surrounding forest is truly one of those sights that stays with you. From there you visit Moraine Lake, another spectacular glacially fed lake in the Valley of the Ten Peaks, before travelling through Rogers Pass, a dramatic mountain route through Glacier National Park, and arriving into downtown Kelowna. The evening is yours to explore the town with plenty of great dining options to choose from.

Day 10 - Okangan Valley to Vancouver

Breakfast is included before spending the morning exploring the beautiful Okanagan Valley, Canada's premier wine region, with a stop at a local farmer's market and a winery. You then make your way back to Vancouver, arriving at approximately 7:30 pm. After checking into your hotel the evening is yours to enjoy at leisure.

Day 11 - Vancouver to Victoria

Breakfast is included at your hotel before departing downtown Vancouver at 9:15 am. You board a scenic BC Ferries sailing through the stunning Gulf Islands, a picturesque archipelago dotted with forested islands and calm waters, before arriving on Vancouver Island. Your first stop is the world famous Butchart Gardens, a remarkable 55 acre display garden that has been drawing visitors since 1904, before visiting Sea Cider for a tour of the cidery and a cider tasting. You then check into your centrally located hotel in downtown Victoria with the evening free to explore this charming city.

Day 12 - Victoria

The morning begins with a Victoria City tour, taking in Beacon Hill Park, Chinatown, the atmospheric Fan Tan Alley, Fisherman's Wharf and Government Street. The remainder of the day is entirely at your leisure. You might choose to stroll along Government Street, visit the well known Royal BC Museum, or treat yourself to the iconic Afternoon Tea at the Fairmont Empress Hotel, a Victoria institution that has been welcoming guests since 1908.

Day 13 - Victoria to Tofino

An early departure this morning with a scenic drive along the Malahat Highway, offering beautiful views over the Southern Gulf Islands. Your first stop is the Malahat SkyWalk, one of Vancouver Island's newest outdoor experiences. You walk along a 600 metre elevated walkway through an expansive Arbutus and Douglas Fir forest before ascending a 10 storey architecturally inspired spiral tower, the first of its kind in British Columbia, rising 250 metres above sea level with 360 degree views across islands, inlets, fjords, forests and mountains spanning two countries. From there you stop in Duncan, known as the City of Totems, for a brief tour and free time for lunch before arriving in Tofino in the evening. Your guide will share all the best tips for dinner and the hotel's onsite amenities.

Day 14 - Tofino

Today you explore Tofino's magnificent beaches including the sweeping sands of Long Beach, with the option to join your guide for a hike. You then visit the Ucluelet Aquarium, a fantastic locally run aquarium showcasing the incredible variety of marine life found along this stretch of coastline and offering great insight into the local environment. After the aquarium your guide takes you on a walk of the Wild Pacific Trail Lighthouse area around Ucluelet, where the rugged coastline and sweeping ocean views are nothing short of spectacular. The evening is yours at leisure.

Day 15 - Tofino

Today is entirely yours to fill however you wish. You might join a boat cruise to the famous Hot Springs Cove, try your hand at kayaking or surfing, hike through one of the area's many ancient rainforest trails, or simply relax on the beach and take in the wild beauty of the Pacific Rim. The evening is at your leisure to explore the town of Tofino.

Day 16 - Tofino to Campbell River

After checking out this morning you depart Tofino and travel back towards the east coast of Vancouver Island. Lunch stop today is the famous Coombs Country Market, known far and wide for the goats that graze on its rooftop, and a wonderful place to pick up fresh produce, great sandwiches and what many consider to be the best ice cream on the island. You then continue along the scenic Coastal Highway 19A through a series of coastal communities and beautiful landscapes, stopping in Comox for dinner, before arriving in Campbell River for the night. The evening is free to stroll along the waterfront, take in the sunset and enjoy the relaxed feel of this welcoming small town.

Day 17 - Northern Vancouver Island

The morning is at your leisure with a range of optional activities available including kayaking, fishing and whale watching. For those visiting between 20th August and 15th October there is also the option to join a full day Grizzly Bear Expedition into the Bute or Toba Valley, a truly remarkable wildlife experience. In the afternoon you visit Elk Falls Provincial Park to explore its extensive network of walking and hiking trails including the Elk Falls Suspension Bridge and the elevated cantilevered viewing platform, which offers a stunning view directly over Elk Falls. The evening is free for dinner.

Day 18 - Campbell River to Vancouver

Departing Campbell River in the morning your first stop is Morningstar Farm in Parksville, a local food hub with self guided tours, a farmgate store, a seasonal café, a petting farm and walking trails. From there you stop in Nanaimo for a stroll along the Harbourfront and a chance to try one of the city's most famous exports, the Nanaimo Bar, a no bake chocolate and custard slice that is a must for anyone with a sweet tooth. You then board the 3:55 pm ferry from Nanaimo to Horseshoe Bay, arriving back in downtown Vancouver at approximately 6:30 pm. After arriving in Vancouver transfer to your chosen hotel spending the remainder of your day at leisure.  

Day 19 - Vancouver Return

Your final day in Vancouver, we have included a City Highlights Tour that will drop you off at Vancouver Airport for your onward flight home. 

Explore the beauty, culture, and character of Vancouver on a guided city tour that connects the city's rich past with its modern charm. Drive through the cobblestone streets of historic Gastown, the vibrant community of Chinatown, and the creative atmosphere of Granville Island. Admire the coastal scenery and towering trees of Stanley Park, one of North America's greatest urban green spaces. With stunning views, local insights, and opportunities to discover hidden gems, this tour offers an authentic and memorable introduction to Vancouver.

Highlights: Gastown, Chinatown, Granville Island, Stanley Park, City Landmarks, Local Culture