Canadian Rockies: National Parks Westbound
14 days
from Calgary to Vancouver
From
$ 2699
Duration14 days
The Rockies are a great reason to explore the Canadian West, but why stop there? We asked that question, then answered it with this trip — a sprawling, nature-rich mini-epic that melds some of Canada’s best national parks with time on the mist-shrouded shores of Vancouver Island. Find yourself face-to-face with moose, deer, and maybe even a bear on this trip loaded with diverse experiences — whale-watching, glacier hikes, hot springs, and much, much more — you’ll stuff a lifetime’s worth of adventure into the space of a mere two weeks.
This tour is operated by
-
Duration: 14 daysService level: Camping
-
Starts in: CalgaryPhysical Grading: Average
-
Ends in: VancouverAges: 18+
Tour Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1: Calgary
Start place: Calgary
Arrive at any time.
End place: Calgary
Day 2: Calgary/Banff
Start place: Calgary
Discover the beautiful town of Banff; view wildlife, take a gondola ride, or hike up a mountain for spectacular views.
End place: Banff
Meals: L
Day 3: Banff/Lake Louise
Start place: Banff
Gaze at the beauty of Lake Louise, and hike to the Agnes Lake Tea House or along the Six Glaciers Trail.
End place: Lake Louise
Meals: B, L, D
Day 4: Lake Louise
Start place: Lake Louise
Head into Yoho National Park and visit the mighty Tekakkaw Falls and Emerald Lake. Opt to go whitewater rafting in the afternoon.
End place: Lake Louise
Meals: B, L, D
Day 5: Lake Louise/Jasper
Start place: Lake Louise
To travel the icefield parkway is to experience one of Canada's national treasures and most rewarding destinations. Stretching 230km (155 mi) between Lake Louise and the town of Jasper, the parkway offers easy access to one of the most spectacular mountain landscapes on Earth. This is a wonderful journey through the heart of the Canadian Rockies, a vast wilderness of magnificent peaks, pristine mountain lakes, and broad sweeping valleys. Stop at Columbia Icefield for an unforgettable experience. Continue on to Jasper. In the evening, set up your camp and enjoy a nice warm campfire.
Make the stunning drive to Jasper via the Icefield Parkway. Visit beautiful Bow Lake, and stop at Columbia Icefield Centre before arriving in Jasper in the evening.
End place: Jasper
Meals: B, L, D
Day 6: Jasper
Start place: Jasper
Stroll through Maligne Canyon and explore the surrounding area of Jasper. In the afternoon, head back to check out the lively mountain town.
End place: Jasper
Meals: B, L, D
Day 7: Jasper/Wells Gray Park
Start place: Jasper
Stop at Mount Robson, the tallest mountain in the Rockies, en route to Wells Gray PP.
End place: Wells Gray Park
Meals: B, L, D
Day 8: Wells Gray Park
Start place: Wells Gray Park
Head out for an exciting adventure canoeing in the Canadian wilderness. Stop at some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the park, including the world famous Helmcken Falls.
End place: Wells Gray Park
Meals: B, L, D
Day 9: Wells Gray Park/Whistler
Start place: Wells Gray Park
Drive through dense woods into the Canadian desert and finally to the beautiful coastal mountains.
Picnic lunch in Marble Canyon PP
End place: Whistler
Meals: B, L, D
Day 10: Whistler
Start place: Whistler
Wake up in one of Canada's greatest natural playgrounds. Go for a hike in the morning, then enjoy a free afternoon to relax or explore more of Whistler and its surroundings.
You can opt out of today's hike if you'd prefer to spend the whole day exploring other parts of Whistler.
End place: Whistler
Meals: B, L
Day 11: Whistler/Tofino
Start place: Whistler
In the morning, drive a short distance to the ferry terminal. Taking a ferry to Nanaimo on Vancouver Island is an exciting part of the adventure of getting here. BC Ferries offers an outstanding service that travels through some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. In the afternoon, continue to drive to Tofino, just in time for sunset.
Take a ferry across to Vancouver Island. Stroll the trails beneath ancient Douglas firs in MacMillan Provincial Park. Arrive in time for a gorgeous sunset.
End place: Tofino
Meals: B, D
Day 12: Tofino
Start place: Tofino
Search for orcas and other whales on a half-day whale watching tour by Zodiac. In the afternoon, enjoy free time and take in Tofino's unique blend of fisher-meets-surfer vibe.
End place: Tofino
Meals: B, L, D
Day 13: Tofino/Victoria
Start place: Tofino
Travel south down Vancouver Island to British Columbia's capital, Victoria. Take a stroll around the city and absorb the West Coast vibe.
End place: Victoria
Meals: B, L
Day 14: Victoria/Vancouver
Start place: Victoria
Please note this trip ends on arrival to Vancouver. If you are interested in exploring Vancouver and its nearby attractions, it is recommended you book additional post-trip accommodation nights.
Take a ferry back onto the mainland. Trip ends upon arrival to Vancouver. Opt to spend the afternoon exploring this beautiful, easy-going city.
End place: Vancouver
Meals: B
Inclusions
Included
- Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group Your Discover Moment: Banff
- Entrance fees to all national and provincial parks with walking and hiking excursions
- Stop at Columbia Icefield
- Half-day canoeing excursion in Wells Gray PP
- Half-day whale watching tour by Zodiac
- Self-inflating mattresses and dome tents while camping
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
-
Transport
Air-conditioned private vehicle, Hiking, Ferry, Canoe, Zodiac -
Accommodation
Hotel (1 nt), Participation camping (12 nts)