Grand Canadian Rockies Tour

Depart from London Heathrow with Air Canada. Flights from Manchester are available with a change in Toronto, at no extra cost. On arrival into Calgary, we meet our waiting coach and travel west on the Trans-Canada Highway into the rolling foothills of the Rocky Mountains. The majestic peaks of the Canadian Rockies soon fill the horizon as we enter Banff National Park. We continue to Banff, which is regarded as one of North America’s most picturesque small towns and transfer to our hotel for our first three nights, the Moose Hotel & Suites.

The delightful town of Banff is situated in Banff National Park, the first and most famous of Canada’s national parks and is an incomparable combination of towering peaks and high meadows, emerald lakes and fresh mountain air. This, combined with its sulphur hot springs, have made Banff National Park one of North America’s most spectacular scenic areas. This morning we take a tour of the region. We see the landmark Banff Springs Hotel, Tunnel Mountain and Bow Falls. We also take the Banff Gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain to enjoy panoramic views across the town and to Banff National Park beyond.

Our first Freedom Day in Canada. Today, we can choose to relax or explore this beautiful region as we please. Thrill-seekers may wish to join a scenic helicopter flight. Alternatively, you may prefer to unwind with a soak in Banff’s famous hot springs surrounded by incredible mountain scenery, or take an evening wildlife safari.

We Recommend - Picturesque helicopter ride

This spectacular 35-minute helicopter flight transports you in close proximity of the famous Three Sisters Peaks and onto Mount Assiniboine.

Tour Highlight

Today is undoubtedly one of your tour’s highlights as we commence our journey north into the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Leaving Banff, we take the high mountain pass of Kicking Horse across Canada’s great Continental Divide. Our first stop is Yoho National Park. Situated on the western slopes of the Rocky Mountains the park is renowned for its spectacular waterfalls and soaring peaks. We visit some of the park’s many highlights including the mirror-like green waters of Emerald Lake. Crossing back into Banff National Park we make our way to Lake Louise. Named after Queen Victoria’s fourth daughter, and known as the ‘Jewel of the Rockies’, it is considered by many to be one of the most picturesque lakes in the world. With its glittering, vivid turquoise waters, ringed by soaring mountain peaks and the majestic Victoria Glacier, it’s not hard to see why. We also visit Moraine Lake (conditions permitting), set in the rugged Valley of the Ten Peaks. Perfectly situated at the foot of Lake Louise is our hotel for the night, the world-renowned Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Following check-in, the remainder of our day is free to savour the exclusive facilities of this truly iconic hotel. Enjoy!

This morning, following a sumptuous breakfast in the most beautiful surroundings, we continue north along the Icefields Parkway to further experience a wealth of awe-inspiring scenery where crystal blue-green lakes, fresh mountain streams, deep forests and snow-capped mountain peaks are the order of the day. The Athabasca Glacier is one of six principal glaciers fed by the Columbia Icefields, and upon arrival at the Columbia Icefield we board our ‘Snowcoach’, an all-terrain ice explorer vehicle, and drive out onto Athabasca Glacier. At an altitude of 2,700 metres, our guide shares information about glaciers and the environment, whilst giving you the opportunity to walk on the ice. We continue our journey to Jasper, and our home for the next two nights will be Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge.

The first Europeans came to this area in the early 1800’s, searching for a fur trading route across the Continental Divide, and in 1907 the federal government made it a national park. The 10,878 square kilometres of Jasper National Park boast soaring peaks, lush valleys and peaceful lakes as well as spectacular icefields and glaciers. Today we depart on a full day sightseeing tour, firstly exploring Maligne Canyon before reaching Maligne Lake, the largest lake in the Canadian Rockies and one of the most photographed scenes in Canada. At Maligne Lake (weather permitting) we embark on a narrated cruise to tiny Spirit Island. We return to the beautiful and tranquil surrounds of our hotel mid-afternoon where the remainder of our day and evening are at leisure. Perhaps enjoy a cocktail in the hotel bar and discuss your favourite highlights of the day with your travelling companions.

Tour Highlight

Today, more incredible experiences await as we board the renowned Rocky Mountaineer and roll out of Jasper to further explore the Canadian Rockies by rail. Distant Journeys’ guests enjoy SilverLeaf service, where impeccable hospitality is only surpassed by the incredible views from the oversized windows of the glass-domed carriage. Sit back and savour the scenery from your comfortable reclining chair, as the friendly onboard hosts serve you delicious meals paired with excellent wines. Upgrades to Rocky Mountaineer’s GoldLeaf service are available should you wish to enhance your onboard experience.

Departing Jasper, we are soon surrounded by the dramatic backdrop of the Continental Divide, and the scenic river valleys of the Monashee and Cariboo Mountains, while all the time looking out for bald eagles and giant elk. Today’s highlights include Mount Robson, the tallest peak in the Canadian Rockies, and Pyramid Falls, one of the most prominent waterfalls in the area, as the Rocky Mountaineer climbs over the famous Yellowhead Pass. Head to the Rocky Mountaineer’s outdoor viewing area to get closer to nature as our journey continues, skirting the North Thompson River. We arrive into Kamloops and transfer to our hotel for the night, which will be selected by Rocky Mountaineer.

Tour Highlight

This morning we reboard the Rocky Mountaineer in time for a delicious breakfast. As we wind our way west towards the coastal city of Vancouver, we experience dramatic changes in scenery, from otherworldly desert landscapes to pristine forest and winding river canyons. Travel alongside the Fraser River, home to Canada’s largest salmon run, and marvel at the rushing waters of Hell’s Gate in the Fraser Canyon. Upon arrival into Vancouver, we disembark and transfer to our overnight accommodation, either the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre, the Coast Coal Harbour Vancouver Hotel by APA or the Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront.

Our day begins with a cruise through the beautiful Gulf Islands to Vancouver Island. On arrival, we visit Butchart Gardens – one of the world’s great botanical gardens, where there will be ample time to browse the impressive displays. Later, we continue to Victoria, British Columbia’s provincial capital and a former gold rush town. Its pioneering heritage and traditions are well preserved in its museums, art galleries, pioneer homes and great mansions. Our home for the next two nights is either the Inn at Laurel Point or the Coast Victoria Hotel & Marina by APA.

Victoria is known as the ‘Sunshine City of Gardens’, because of its abundance of green spaces and spectacular floral gardens. The hanging flower baskets, the buskers along the Inner Harbour, ocean vistas and the relaxing pace of life make this a captivating place to stay. This morning, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Victoria including highlights such as Beacon Hill Park, Thunderbird Park and Oak Bay. The rest of the day is at leisure, or you may wish to take an optional whale watching cruise for an opportunity to spot humpbacks, orcas, minke and gray whales. Other wildlife we may encounter include harbour and elephant seals, sea lions, porpoises, otters, cormorants and bald eagles.

Today we return to Vancouver. Our journey includes a pleasant cruise through the Gulf Islands resort region, a summer retreat for residents of both British Columbia and Washington State. Vancouver is a cosmopolitan city, which grew from a mill town into a metropolis in less than a century. Upon arrival, enjoy a sightseeing tour including Stanley Park, a 400-hectare green oasis offering scenic views along the famous Seawall. We explore its many landmarks, monuments and gardens, including the First Nations collection of totem poles.

We also visit English Bay, a bustling neighbourhood of beaches, shopping, and dining; Canada Place, an iconic national landmark welcoming residents, visitors and ships to the west coast; the trendy downtown area of Gastown and the vibrant culture of Chinatown. Later we arrive at our hotel for the next two nights, either the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre, the Coast Coal Harbour Vancouver Hotel by APA or the Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront.

A full day at leisure to explore the beautiful city of Vancouver. A large part of the city’s appeal is found in its wonderful location. Behind the sweep of its beaches soar high rise buildings. The city’s harbours and inlets are freckled with pleasure craft and ocean-going vessels from around the world. To the north of Vancouver are inviting mountain peaks, such as Grouse Mountain; to the south and east are the fertile farmlands of the Fraser River Valley. On your Freedom Day, why not take a tour to Grouse Mountain and Capilano Suspension Bridge, including scenic chair rides and guided eco-walks? Another option is to take a cruise of Vancouver’s inner harbour.

For those travelling on the direct flight to London Heathrow, your Air Canada flight departs in the early evening. Enjoy your final hours exploring Vancouver before transferring to the airport late afternoon. Guests travelling to Manchester can enjoy a leisurely morning before transferring to the airport for an afternoon flight. Manchester customers will connect via Toronto.

Our flights arrive into the UK this morning bringing our incredible Canadian adventure to a close.