Canadian Rockies – Calgary to Vancouver
August 11. – 21. 2009
Post Convention tour escorted by Ken Smookler.
Day 1 Montreal / Calgary, AB
Depart Montreal and arrive in Calgary, the Heart of the New West, nestled in the foothills of Canada’s Rocky Mountains. The rest of day is at leisure to enjoy this western city legendary for its heritage and hospitality. This evening meet your guide and fellow passengers at a get acquainted dinner. (D)
Day 2 Banff, AB
Discover Calgary on a city tour including Downtown, Chinatown, Au Claire Market and the Kensington District. Take a short elevator ride to the top of the Calgary Tower and see an unsurpassed view of the Rocky Mountains to the west. Be sure to walk “out into space” by venturing onto the new glass floor and look directly below at the heart of the city. Leave the flat of the prairies behind and travel a short distance west to the spectacular Canadian Rockies. Upon arrival explore Banff on a sightseeing tour with stops at Cascade Gardens, one of Canada’s finest historic landscapes and beautiful Bow Falls located near the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, a symbol of Rocky Mountain magnificence for more than a century. Great viewpoints exist along footpaths on both side of the river. (B)
Day 3 Lake Louise / Takakkaw Falls / Yoho National Park / Emerald Lake
This morning travel the famous Bow Valley Parkway. Stop at Johnston Canyon for an easy walk through a deep rugged canyon littered with waterfalls. Then pass where the forest parts to reveal outstanding views of the fortress-like Castle Mountain. A short drive to Lake Louise known as the Diamond in the Wilderness and one of the most photographed places in the world. See the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise surrounded by glistening glaciers and overlooking the crystal clear lake. Visit the nearby Morraine Lake, a crystal clear blue-green lake in a valley hemmed in by ten lofty mountain peaks. Cross the Continental Divide where the waters of the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific Ocean divide and into Yoho National Park with some of the most sublime scenery in North America. Visit Takakkaw Falls, higher than Niagara Falls and Emerald Lake, filled with glacial run-off water that makes it glisten with the blue-green hue of an emerald. (B)
Day 4 Icefields Parkway
Today, with cameras ready, drive one of the world’s most spectacular mountain highways through the Icefields Parkway. See unsurpassed mountain scenery paralleling the Great Divide with opportunities to see elk, moose, goats, sheep and possibly a bear. Stop at the summit of Bow Pass to see the beautiful soft baby blue waters of Peyto Lake and the rugged beauty of the Mistaya River Valley. Not to be missed is the experience of a lifetime - a ride on the Ice Explorer at the Columbia Icefield for a close up look at Athabasca glacier. Continue north and visit the powerful and breathtaking Athabasca Falls before arriving in the quaint mountain town of Jasper. This evening enjoy an optional float trip down the Athabasca River.
Day 5 Jasper
Start this day of Rocky Mountain adventure with a gentle ride up Whistler Mountain into Jasper National Parks alpine tundra on the Jasper Tram and enjoy breakfast at the top. A full day of sightseeing follows including a gentle walk down Maligne Canyon to see how the water has carved spectacular crevices out of the mountain. A short drive and you arrive at Maligne Lake, the largest natural lake in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. (B)
Day 6 Sun Peaks, BC
Say goodbye to Jasper this morning and traveling west pass Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. Follow the Thompson River south towards Sun Peaks Resort, a cozy European-style village complete with bell tower. The narrow streets are great for strolling and are lined with restaurants and shops exuding warmth and hospitality.
Day 7 Whistler, BC
Continue west and traveling Old Duffy Lake Road, cross the vast ranchlands of the Cariboo Plateau and the desert like conditions of the Fraser Canyon, offering breathtaking and varied scenery. Arrive in the mountain resort of Whistler, home to jagged peaks, glistening lakes, lush coastal forests and a charming village.
Day 8 Victoria, BC
This morning browse through the boutique shops and saunter through the “pedestrian only” village of Whistler before traveling south to Vancouver on the Sea to Sky Highway. The highway follows the valley of the Cheakamus, which plunges over a considerable escarpment at Brandywine Falls. Arrive in North Vancouver and board the BC Ferry to Vancouver Island.
Day 9 Victoria
Today spectacular gardens and unique Victorian era architecture await in Victoria, capital city of the Province of British Columbia. Enjoy a city tour of this elegant old world city and visit the beautiful Butchart Gardens to stroll through the famous gardens and elaborate fountains. There will be time to walk along the harbour, visit the parliament buildings or shop at nearby British stores. Take an optional whale watching tour to see orcas, gray, humpback and other whales as well as hundreds of Stellar and California Sea Lions.
Day 10 Vancouver, BC
Say “cheerio” to Victoria and travel by ferry back to Vancouver, often called the most captivating City in Canada. Delight in a city tour that includes Stanley Park, Chinatown, English Bay as well as some prestigious residential areas of Vancouver. Visit Capilano Suspension Bridge and breathe in the cedar-scented rainforest air as you make your way across Vancouver's famous landmark. This evening join fellow passengers for a farewell dinner. (D)
Day 11 Vancouver, BC
Depart your hotel and transfer to the Vancouver International Airport for your return flight home.
Highlights:
- Calgary City Tour /Calgary Tower
- Banff Sightseeing
- Cascade Gardens /Bow Falls
- Johnston’s Canyon
- Continental Divide
- Lake Louise/Morraine Lake
- Yoho National Park
- Takakkaw Falls
- Emerald Lake
- Peyto Lake
- Columbia Icefields
- Ice Explorer Ride
- Athabasca Falls
- Jasper Sightseeing
- Jasper Tramway
- Maligne Canyon Walk
- Mount Robson
- Sun Peaks Resort
- Whistler Village
- Victoria City Tour
- Butchart Gardens
- Vancouver City Tour
- Capilano Suspension Bridge
- Stanley Park / Gastown
- 5 Meals: 3 Breakfasts 2 Dinners
Price per person
- (double occupancy) CAD $ 2341.00 + $ 90.52 Tax
- (single occupancy) CAD $ 3198.00 + $ 131.33 Tax
Above tour prices are based on a minimum 35 passengers
Not included :
- Flight to Calgary/ from Vancouver *
- Cancellation and/or medical insurance ( mandatory)
- Gratuities to drivers and guides
- Items of personal nature
* We would be pleased to arrange your flights from your home town incorporating the above flights .
Retun flights to/from Montreal approx. CAD $ 800.00
For more information please call Maya Wanger at 1-800-265-2817 or by email: travelsource@sympatico.ca