SPIRIT OF THE ROCKIES
By Tourism British Columbia
07/16/2008
Whatever your group's outdoor adventurous spirit needs British Columbia has something for them to explore-and even a cozy relaxing trip for those that love fabulous resorts, dining and culture experiences.
Contact Information:
t: view phone 800-435-5622
e: view email stephanie.nichols@tourismbc.com
w: view URL http://www.canadawesternwonders.com
i: view contact details
- Whale Watching
- Tour local towns & Cities
- Outdoor tours and adventures
- "Ice exploring"
- Visit Whistler Resort
Tour Dates:
Number of Days: 12
Day 1 Arrive in Vancouver, BC
(Tue.) Welcome to Vancouver, your gateway to the Canadian Rockies! Tonight you are the guest of your Tour Director at a WELCOME RECEPTION. This is an opportunity to get to know your traveling companions and prepare for your journey. (WR)
Day 2 Vancouver
(Wed.) This morning, tour Vancouver, including the waterfront, Chinatown, and Stanley Park with its old-growth evergreen forests and totem poles. The remainder of the day is free to explore Vancouver’s many attractions at your leisure. (B)
Day 3 Vancouver–Rocky Mountaineer®–Kamloops
(Thu.) At Vancouver’s Rocky Mountaineer Station, board the ROCKY MOUNTAINEER. Follow the Fraser Canyon and the Thompson River through beautiful landscapes to historic Kamloops. Tonight, enjoy an optional dinner and a show at Two River Junction. (B,L)
Day 4 Kamloops–Rocky Mountaineer–Banff
(Fri.) Back aboard the Rocky Mountaineer, journey from Kamloops eastward to Shuswap Lake with its thousand miles of shoreline. The Kicking Horse River leads to passes over the Continental Divide to Banff National Park. (B,L)
Day 5 Banff. Choose Your Experience
(Sat.) Breathe in the fresh mountain air! This morning, tour the highlights of Banff-Bow Falls, Tunnel Mountain, and Surprise Corner. Later, enjoy your choice of activities! Take a leisurely NATURE WALK in Sunshine Meadows with a picnic lunch or enjoy AFTERNOON TEA at the Banff Springs Hotel. (B,D)
Day 6 Banff–Lake Louise
(Sun.) En route to Lake Louise today we’ll take a side trip to see one of the crown jewels of the Rockies—Moraine Lake and the Valley of the Ten Peaks. Here, 10 mountain peaks soar above 10,000 feet and surround the tranquil waters of the lake. Later, we arrive at enchanting Lake Louise. After we have checked into our rooms at the spectacular Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, the rest of the afternoon is free to fully enjoy the beauty, romance, and serenity of this world-famous location. (B,D)
Day 7 Lake Louise–Icefields Parkway–Jasper
(Mon.) Travel the awe-inspiring Icefields Parkway, past towering peaks and immense hanging glaciers, to Jasper National Park. View sapphire Peyto Lake and thundering Athabasca Falls, and ride an exciting “Ice Explorer” on the 1,000-foot-thick Athabasca Glacier. Your overnight destination is the charming village of Jasper in Jasper National Park. (B,D)
Day 8 Jasper–Sun Peaks
(Tue.) Departing Jasper, watch the scenery unfold while traveling the Yellowhead Highway along the Thompson and Fraser Rivers. This is the same route followed by the early fur brigades of the Hudson’s Bay Company as they paddled fully laden canoes to their headquarters in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Pass regal Mount Robson; at 12,972 feet the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. (B,D)
Day 9 Sun Peaks–Whistler
(Wed.) A spectacular day lies ahead! This morning, travel past some of the most beautiful and rugged lakes and mountains in British Columbia. This afternoon, we arrive in Whistler—one of Canada’s newest and most exciting mountain resorts, and host of the upcoming 2010 Winter Olympics—and settle into the deluxe Fairmont Chateau Whistler. (B,D)
Day 10 Whistler–Victoria
(Thu.) This morning, enjoy a visit and breakfast at the SQUAMISH LIL’WAT CULTURAL CENTRE , dedicated to the history and culture of the First Nations people. Afterward, Victoria awaits! Board a BC Ferry for a picturesque cruise to Vancouver Island and the charming, very British “Garden City” of Victoria. En route, visit the world-famous BUTCHART GARDENS. This estate offers more than 700 varieties of flowers on 130 acres and includes Italian, Japanese, and English-style gardens. Enjoy dinner on your own at one of the many restaurants in this harbor city. (B)
Day 11 Victoria. Choose Your Experience
(Fri.) Today, discover British Columbia’s capital with a city highlights tour. Later, enjoy another choice of included activities! Enjoy traditional HIGH TEA at the grand Fairmont Empress Hotel, or for the more adventurous, choose the WHALE-WATCHING excursion from Victoria’s Inner Harbour. This afternoon is at leisure to do as you please. Perhaps stroll around the Parliament buildings or shop the many stores this charming city has to offer. Tonight, your Tour Director hosts a festive FARE WELL DINNER . (B,D)
Day 12 Victoria–Vancouver
(Sat.) This morning, travel via BC Ferry through the Gulf Islands back to the British Columbia mainland for a transfer to the Vancouver International Airport. Please schedule flights after 2 p.m. (B)
