Rockies & West Coast Boutique Adventure 17 days / 16 nights

Trip Overview

Encounter the real wilderness of the Rockies and sample the lifestyle of the West Coasts nature fanatics, on this Western Canada rail & self-drive vacation! Choosing the highlight of this trip is hard. Whether you prefer hiking a Canadian Rockies peak, rafting a rapid river, zipping through the tree lines, or watching a Grizzly teach her cubs to catch salmon, this is the ultimate trip.

Trip Images

Map

Arrive Calgary
2 nights Banff
2 nights Rockies lodge
2 nights Jasper
1 night Quesnel
2 nights Whistler
2 nights Tofino
1 night Campbell River
2 nights Knight Inlet Lodge
2 nights Vancouver

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 - Your Canadian Train and Self-Drive Trip Begins - Calgary to Banff From Calgary you can clearly see the Rocky Mountains on the horizon, pick up your car from the Calgary Airport and head out west to the Rockies. Spend the afternoon exploring the town of Banff or perhaps just relax and get over the jet lag before the start of your adventure through the Rockies and BC’s west coast! Overnight in Banff.

Day 2 - Banff Rafting
Your Canadian adventure starts today as you make your way to the starting location of your white water rafting trip. This dramatic rafting tour at Horseshoe Canyon offers some of the best scenery in the area. Look up -- the Canadian Rockies stand proudly above. For those brave enough or young at heart, a stop is made along the way for an optional cliff jump! Your heart races as you enjoy what Canada has to offer. Overnight in Banff.

Day 3 - Banff to Field
Enjoy a change of pace on your vacation in Canada. Head out into the wilderness of Yoho National Park, to stay at a historic lodge - the Emerald Lake Lodge. Built of hand-hewn timber and featuring massive stone fireplaces, the Lodge includes a formal dining room, quiet reading and sitting rooms, and a games room. You can truly escape and relax in this Canadian wilderness setting especially as there are no televisions or internet access in any of the rooms. It’s just you, a roaring fire, and the Rockies. Overnight in Emerald Lake.

Day 4 - Yoho National Park
You have a full day to take in the setting at this lodge and the surrounding Rockies. There are plenty of activities and packages to choose from at the lodge, from hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking, horseback riding, canoeing or fishing. You can create your ideal vacation: a perfect blend of adventure and serenity. After an active day, return to your sanctuary and marvel at your Canadian background. Overnight in Emerald Lake.

Day 5 - Field to Jasper on your Canadian Train Trip
The Icefields Parkway is a scenic drive unlike any other, tracing 140 miles from Lake Louise through the heart of the Canadian Rockies to Jasper. The tour journeys through a vast wilderness of magnificent peaks that top 11,000 feet and glaciers 1000 feet thick. Take a break from the tour at the Columbia Icefield, Athabasca Glacier and Icefield Centre to learn more about glaciation, climate change in Canada and to head out onto the ice floe.

The surrounding Canadian wilderness is home to elk, moose, caribou and bear. Sightings are frequent and occasionally cause what locals refer to as a ‘bear-jam’.
Arrive in Jasper and settle in to your rustic cabin, set in a tranquil forest location amid the Rockies. Overnight in Jasper.

Day 6 - Canoe on Pyramid Lake
Pyramid Lake offers great opportunities to appreciate the natural beauty of Canada that surrounds you as you glide quietly across the lake with your guide. Keep your eyes open for moose that may be walking along the shores of the lake, or for beavers making their homes. The tour is a morning excursion and the remainder of the day is spent in Jasper. Overnight in Jasper.

Day 7 - Onboard the Rocky Mountaineer Train - Jasper to Quesnel
Today you’ll trade in the road for the rails you know you will see all the scenery of the Cariboo from Jasper to Quesnel. The Rocky Mountaineer train travels during daylight hours only so don’t miss anything on your vacation. Your train first navigates the Rocky Mountain Trench, the Cariboo Mountains and the Rockies line the railroad tracks on either side before opening into the pasture land, rolling hills and vast forests for which British Columbia is famous. Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. passes by at an impressive elevation of almost 13,000 ft. After arriving at the Rocky Mountaineer station a coach whisks you to a local hotel in the quaint town of Quesnel. Overnight in Quesnel.

Day 8 - Onboard the Rocky Mountaineer - Quesnel to Whistler
After boarding the train, the Rocky Mountaineer sets off on its journey to Whistler. The nearly desert-like Cariboo Plateau gives way to the Canadian forest and winding lake shores of Anderson and Seton Lakes. The award-winning service, food and commentary of the Rocky Mountaineer train continues. As the train pulls into Whistler , the pleasure of the last two days aboard the train ends and the excitement of Canada’s most famous ‘four season’ resort begins. Will it be hiking, biking or kayaking that proves your favorite way to explore? Here on the West Coast of Canada, you don’t have to choose. This vacation is yours to enjoy, why not soak it all up? Overnight in Whistler.

Day 9 - Whistler Ziptrek
Today you wake to new sights and sounds. Whistler village is your home for today, so you’ll want to get out early to explore. Soar high in the air through the spectacular valley of the ancient rainforest of Whistler & Blackcomb mountains. This is a truly unique outdoor adventure, rain or shine, with no better setting than Whistler. After a full day, treat yourself to some Canadian dining, a walking tour of Lost Lake, or indulge in a spa package. Overnight in Whistler.

Day 10 - Canadian Train Trip Continues to Tofino
Hop into your car to continue the journey down to the Pacific Ocean. This stretch of road known as the Sea to Sky Highway has won awards as one of the Canada’s best road trips. On the ferry cruise across the Georgia Strait to Vancouver Island keep an eye out for whales and seals. This trip is an experience on its own as you sail through the Gulf and enjoy the lush Canadian scenery. Drive across Vancouver Island to the village of Tofino - quite simply one of our favorite places on the planet. Tofino does Canada proud -- one of the few places in the world where you can hike and surf in the same day! Overnight in Tofino.

Day 11 - Sea Kayaking in Clayoquot Sound + a Rainforest Hike
Today you learn about sea-kayaking - one of the best ways to explore the Canadian coast - with a guided adventure across a sheltered inlet to walk in awe in Canada’s old-growth forests. You will learn about the sophisticated culture of the First Nations peoples of the area. We recommend sampling the local seafood for dinner on your return to Tofino. Overnight in Tofino.

Day 12 - Tofino to Campbell River
Drive back across Vancouver Island. Stop for a picnic at Port Alberni, the Salmon Capital of the World (adjacent waters boast all five species of pacific salmon) en route to Campbell River and check into your hotel. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. Overnight in Campbell River.

Day 13 - Float plane - Campbell River to Knight Inlet Lodge
Make your way down to the Seaplane Dock and get ready to begin an exciting few days of grizzly bear tours, adventures, and relaxing (of course!). The seaplane flight flies over the Great Bear Rainforest and takes roughly 30 minutes - a highlight in itself. As you soar over the island, enjoy Canada from a bird’s eye view. Upon arrive, you can choose one of the many activities available, including kayaking, hiking, and wildlife viewing or head straight out on a Grizzly bear tour. Overnight in Knight Inlet Lodge.

Day 14 - Knight Inlet lodge
On your second day at the rustic Knight Inlet Lodge relax in the vast Canadian wilderness, choose a different lodge activity or go Grizzly bear viewing accompanied by an experienced guide. This is your vacation and you can create any package that suits you best. Overnight in Knight Inlet Lodge.

Day 15 - Fly back to Campbell River then drive to Vancouver
Once again, the float plane arcs over the underlying forest and sets you down in Campbell River. Drive down the east coast of Vancouver Island and take the ferry to the modern and multicultural city of Vancouver. Overnight in Vancouver.

Day 16 - Grouse Mountain Sunset Tour
Vancouver is a wonderful place to end your vacation. Surrounded by mountains and ocean, it has a reputation as one of the most livable and beautiful cities both in Canada and in the world. You have the day to explore the city of Vancouver as you wish, perhaps it will be shopping for those last minute souvenirs, taking a tour through exciting Granville Island or wandering around one of the museums in the city.

This evening you will be picked up from your hotel in downtown and brought over to the North Shore mountains for a sunset tour, passing though Stanley Park. Travel up to the top of the mountain on a gondola ride where you have 2 hours to explore Canada at new heights before returning to your hotel. Overnight in Vancouver.

Day 17 - Much too soon - Depart Vancouver
Much too soon you leave the colorful sights and fresh air of Canada behind as your Canadian train trip comes to an end.

Accommodations

Options & Upgrades

Options & Upgrades

This trip can be customized for your perfect vacation - call us for friendly local advice

• Upgrade to GoldLeaf service onboard the Rocky Mountaineer

Options at Knight Inlet lodge
• Excursions to Johnstone Strait for marine wildlife viewing
• Bald Eagle viewing and other bird life
• Viewing grizzly bears from the platforms or boats
• Excursions to Thompson Sound and Bond Sound for bear and wildlife viewing
• Scenic cruise of Knight Inlet
• Jetboat tours of Klinaklini River
• Wildlife tracking to make plaster casts of animal prints
• Interpretive forest walk in the Kwalate Valley
• Use of sea kayaks on organized tours

Dates & Prices

2010 Package Start Dates
Departs Calgary:

May 13, 20, 27
June 3, 17
July 1, 8, 29
August 5, 12, 26
September 2, 9

	USD $
	Double
May 13 - May 20 2010	5,747
May 27 - Jun 3 2010	6,047
Jun 4 - Jul 8 2010	6,868
Jul 29 - Sep 9 2010	7,646

Price Notes

• Prices are per person
• Twin is two people occupying a room, triple pricing is also available
• Activities and options dependent on favorable weather and water levels

Includes
• 16 nights accommodation in rustic lodges and first-class hotels.
• 12 days Intermediate Car rental
• Loss Damage Waiver (LDW)
• Airport surcharges and fees where applicable
• Vehicle licensing fee
• Horseshoe Canyon rafting
• Canoeing on Pyramid Lake
• Rocky Mountaineer Red Leaf service from Jasper to Whistler, including breakfast & lunch each day on train
• Ziptrek Tour in Whistler
• Sea Kayaking and hiking trip from Tofino
• 2 nights at Knight Inlet Lodge choose from wildlife viewing and active options
• All meals, snacks and complimentary house wine with dinner at Knight Inlet Lodge
• Services of Knight Inlet Lodge staff including naturalists and photography leaders
• Float plane between Campbell river and Knight Inlet Lodge
• Grouse Mountain Sunset Tour
• Motorcoach rail station transfers in Jasper, Quesnel & Whistler
• documentation package

Not Included
• One way car rental fee - Calgary Airport to Jasper and Whistler to Vancouver (approx. $150CAD each)
• Ferry charges
• Fuel and refueling fees
• Additional drivers fees
• Personal Accident Insurance (PAI)
• Personal Effects Coverage (PEC)
• Meals and attractions unless otherwise specified
• Park entrance fees
• Trip Cancellation Insurance
• Canadian sales taxes (pre-rebated by 50% for visitors to Canada)

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