Spectacular 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 in Calgary, we meet our awaiting coach and travel west along the Trans-Canada Highway into the scenic foothills of the Rocky Mountains. As we approach Banff National Park, the majestic peaks of the Canadian Rockies fill the horizon. We continue to the picturesque town of Banff, and transfer to our hotel, the Hotel Canoe & Suites, or the Mount Royal Hotel for our first three nights in Canada.

The delightful town of Banff is situated in Banff National Park, the first and most famous of Canada’s national parks. It boasts a breathtaking mix of soaring peaks, vibrant meadows and crystal-clear emerald lakes. This morning, we tour this impressive region, taking in the striking Tunnel Mountain and cascading Bow Falls. Our next 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.

Our first Freedom Day in Canada. Today, we can choose to relax or explore this beautiful region as we please. Perhaps join a scenic helicopter flight and take in some of the most beautiful landscapes Canada has to offer. Or experience cowboy culture, BBQ steaks, and mountain scenery on a Cowboy Cookout & Wagon Ride. Alternatively, you may prefer to unwind with a soak in Banff’s famous hot springs, surrounded by incredible mountain scenery, or take a cruise on the magnificent Lake Minnewanka. However you choose to spend your day, enjoy!

We Recommend - Scenic Helicopter Flight

Take a remarkable helicopter flight to witness spectacular views of the Rockies.

Tour Highlight

Today, we begin our journey along the iconic Icefields Parkway. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, dense forests, and emerald lakes, it is easy to see why it’s renowned as one of the world’s most scenic roads. We stop at the Athabasca Glacier, where we board our ‘Ice Explorer’ – an all-terrain ice explorer vehicle – and embark on an epic journey across the glacier. Along the way, our guide will provide insights about glaciers and the environment and offers us the opportunity to walk on the ice. We then continue our journey along the Icefields Parkway towards Jasper and our home for the next two nights, Forest Park Hotel.

The small quaint town of Jasper sits in the middle of Jasper National Park, the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies. The park, first established in 1907, covers over 10,000sqm and boast soaring peaks, lush valleys, and vibrant turquoise-coloured lakes, in addition to its spectacular icefields and glaciers. Today, we explore Maligne Canyon and 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 our hotel mid-afternoon, where the remainder of our day and evening are at leisure.

Leaving Jasper behind us, we travel westward along the Yellowhead Highway. Our route follows the scenic Thompson River, winding through the picturesque Shuswap Highlands. A region of rolling uplands, interspersed with the valleys of the Clearwater, North Thompson, and Adams Rivers. By evening, we arrive at the charming resort town of Sun Peaks and the Sun Peaks Grand, our home for the night.

Today, we drive through the rugged ranch lands of Kamloops and Cache Creek, known as ‘Cowboy Country.’ Our route winds dramatically along the steep canyon walls of the Fraser River, offering remarkable views as we make our way to Lillooet – once the bustling supply hub of the 1860 Cariboo Gold Rush. We then journey along a spectacular route through untamed wilderness, first charted by gold-seekers in their quest for fortune, as we make our way to Whistler Village. Upon arrival, we head straight to the Hilton Whistler Resort & Spa. Perfectly nestled in the heart of the village, we stay here for the next two nights.

Positioned between the towering peaks of Whistler and Blackcomb Mountain, Whistler has a spectacular alpine landscape. Today is yours to spend at leisure. Perhaps, take in the breathtaking 360-degree views with an optional ride on the Whistler Peak 2 Peak Gondola. Alternatively, take in the enchanting views of the rugged Coast Mountains from above on a glacier floatplane tour, or opt for a scenic helicopter flight that offers a bird’s-eye view of the wilderness of Garibaldi Provincial Park. Should you prefer, Whistler Village, with its many restaurants, cafes and shops is a delightful town to explore.

We Recommend - Spectacular Glacier Floatplane Tour

Take in the enchanting views of glaciers, fjords and volcanoes from high above.

Today we depart Whistler and head south to the spectacular Sea-to-Sky Highway where we follow the coast south to Squamish. Here we make a stop for an optional ride on the Sea to Sky Gondola, offering sweeping views of the majestic coastal forest and surrounding mountains. We then continue our drive to Horseshoe Bay, where we cruise by ferry across the Strait of Georgia to Vancouver Island, before heading by coach to Victoria. Our accommodation for the next two nights is the Delta Hotels Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort, located on Victoria’s charming harbour.

Known as the ‘Sunshine City of Gardens’, Victoria is celebrated for 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. Today, we enjoy a sightseeing tour of Victoria, with highlights including Beacon Hill Park, Thunderbird Park, and Oak Bay. Our tour concludes with a visit to Butchart Gardens. Established over 121 years ago, these privately owned and family operated gardens are a botanical paradise.

Arguably one of Canada’s most picturesque cities, our Freedom Day allows us to relax and enjoy all of its many charms. Alongside a beautiful harbour, and a nod to British ancestry with double-decker buses and quaint tea rooms, taking a stroll is one of the best ways to enjoy this delightful city. The region is also famed for its abundant marine life, so for an unforgettable adventure set sail on a whale watching cruise for the opportunity to spot orcas, humpback whales, minke whales, grey whales, porpoises, harbour seals, and other incredible marine creatures in their natural habitat.

We Recommend - Whale Watching Cruise

Victoria is one of the best places to see whales in the wild – join our afternoon whale watching cruise in search of these magnificent creatures.

Our day begins with a leisurely cruise through the stunning Gulf Islands, as we journey from Victoria to Vancouver. Upon arrival, we embark on a sightseeing tour of the city. First, we visit Stanley Park, a 400-hectare green oasis with a striking collection of First Nations totem poles. Next, we venture to English Bay, a lively waterfront neighbourhood known for its beaches, shopping, and dining. A stop at Canada Place follows, before a stroll through the historic charm of Gastown, with its cobblestone streets and famous steam clock. We finish our day in Chinatown, before arriving at our hotel, the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre, our home for the next two nights.

A full day at leisure to explore the beautiful city of Vancouver. Alternatively, travel north of Vancouver to the inviting mountain peaks of Grouse Mountain. Enjoy an exhilarating Skyride up the mountainside, for breathtaking views of Vancouver, before continuing to Vancouver’s oldest attraction – the Capilano Suspension Bridge – to enjoy the ancient old-growth forest, elevated by suspended walkways that offer a unique adventure.

We Recommend - Grouse Mountain and Capilano Suspension Bridge

Enjoy an exhilarating Skyride to the top of Grouse Mountain, followed by a walk on the Capilano Suspension Bridge.

We have the morning to make the most of our remaining time in Vancouver until we leave for the airport to fly to London Heathrow or Manchester.

Today our flights arrive in the UK bringing an end to our unforgettable Canadian adventure.