Rockies Trail

Be prepared to be captivated by the glorious scenery you will see on this nine night coach tour that visits the main highlights of Western Canada. From cowboy traditions, to mesmerising mountain peaks and lakes, this tour is ideal for the first time Canadian visitor who wants to sit back and relax and watch the amazing scenery of Western Canada passing by.

Tour overview
•   Sightseeing tour of Calgary
•   Tour of Banff National Park and explore the resort's centre
•   Optional helicopter ride over the park or gondola ride to Sulphur Mountain
•   Travel along the famously scenic and dramatic Icelands Parkway
•   Ride on the surface of the ancient Athabasca Glacier on board a 'snowcoach'
•   Optional cruise on the large glacier-fed Maligne Lake
•   Travel along the Yellowhead Highway to the heart of British Columbia
•   One night at the year-round resort of Sun Peaks
•   Pass through the 'cowboy country' ranchland of Kamloops
•   Ferry ride across the Strait of Georgia to Vancouver Island and two nights in Victoria
•   Tour of Victoria, a former British enclave
•   Optional float plane sightseeing tour over Victoria or whale watching cruise (seasonal)
•   Sightseeing in Vancouver
•   Farewell group dinner at the Capilano Suspension Bridge

Guide

The Rockies Trail is escorted by a tour manager from Day 2 to Day 9.

MEAL PLAN
Prices include breakfast throughout from Day 2 to Day 10 and dinner on Day 9.
ACCOMMODATION
Is in three star hotels, but in remote areas such as National Parks or small towns this standard may not exist and accommodation maybe more simple and rustic. Hotels will be confirmed with final itineraries.
GRATUITIES
Tipping is common practice in Canada. We recommend between 10-15% for waiting staff and barmen and smaller amounts for doormen and porters. For your guide and driver, tip at the end of your holiday.
TRAVEL TIPS
Don’t forget your camera and plenty of film or memory cards, as this journey will take you through the most awe-inspiring landscapes and amazing scenery that you might ever see.

NB
Children under 10 years old are not permitted on this tour. Tours are subject to minimum numbers (please call for details). The above tour is bilingual (English guaranteed).

DAY 1 - CALGARY
After arriving in Calgary, make your own way to your hotel where your tour joining instructions will be waiting for you.

DAY 2 - CALGARY TO BANFF NATIONAL PARK
A sightseeing tour of Calgary is included today before you travel west to the Canadian Rockies town of Banff for a two night stay. Enjoy the incredible scenery of Banff National Park on a sightseeing tour and enjoy a stroll around the resort's centre. Optional sightseeing tours can be booked locally including a helicopter sightseeing tour over Banff National Park, Canada's first national park, or a gondola ride to spectacular Sulphur Mountain.

DAY 4 - BANFF NATIONAL PARK TO JASPER NATIONAL PARK
The journey from Banff to Jasper promises to be a highlight as you travel north today on the famous Icefields Parkway, one of Canada’s most dramatic drives. After leaving Banff visit Lake Louise, one of the most photographed scenes in Canada. At the Columbia Icefield, board a specially constructed ‘snowcoach’ for a ride on the surface of the ancient Athabasca Glacier.

DAY 5 - JASPER NATIONAL PARK TO SUN PEAKS
Before leaving Jasper you can take an optional cruise on Maligne Lake, one of the most picturesque and largest glacier-fed lakes in the park. Travel west along the Yellowhead Highway into the heartland of British Columbia. Follow the Thompson River, through the picturesque Shuswap Highlands to Sun Peaks for your overnight stay.

DAY 6 - SUN PEAKS TO WHISTLER
See dramatic changes in scenery as you pass through the ‘Cowboy Country’ ranchland of Kamloops along the Fraser River Valley to Whistler for an overnight stay.

DAY 7 - WHISTLER TO VICTORIA
Journey south through spectacular coastal scenery to catch your ferry across the Strait of Georgia to Vancouver Island and then continue on to Victoria for a two night stay. Victoria is a charming city, proud of its maritime heritage and affter arrival, enjoy a tour of this former British enclave. You can book an optional float plane sightseeing tour over downtown Victoria and the Strait of Juan de Fuca or (in season) a whale watching cruise. The following day a visit to Butchart Gardens is included, which has some of the most beautiful floral displays in the world.

DAY 9 - VICTORIA TO VANCOUVER
We head back to the mainland today by ferry to the pretty oceanside city of Vancouver. On arrival enjoy a sightseeing tour in the afternoon of Stanley Park, English Bay, Gastown and Chinatown. The rest of the day is at leisure before a ‘Farewell Dinner’ at the Capilano Suspension Bridge.

DAY 10 - DEPART
A day at leisure to enjoy Vancouver before making your way to the airport in time for your onward flight.

YOUR CHOICE OF EXTENSION

CANADIANA
Why not combine the Eastern Explorer with the Rockies Trail to experience the best of eastern and western Canada.

DAY 1
Follow the Eastern Explorer.
DAY 12
Fly to Calgary and follow the Rockies Trail from Day 1 to Day 10 as described.