Rockies & West Coast Boutique Adventure 17 days / 16 nights
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 Calgary Airport and head out west. 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!Day 2 - Banff Rafting
Your 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. For those brave enough or young at heart, a stop is made along the way for an optional cliff jump!
Day 3 - Banff to Field
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 wilderness setting especially as there are no televisions or internet access in any of the rooms.
Day 4 - Yoho National Park
You have a full day to take in the setting at this lodge and the surrounding area. There are plenty of activities to choose from at the lodge, from hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking, horseback riding, canoeing or fishing.
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 route journeys through a vast wilderness of magnificent peaks that top 11,000 feet and glaciers 1000 feet thick. Take a break at the Columbia Icefield, Athabasca Glacier and Icefield Centre to learn more about glaciation, climate change and to head out onto the ice floe.
The surrounding high-country 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 lodge cabin, set in a tranquil forest location.
Day 6 - Canoe on Pyramid Lake
Pyramid Lake offers great opportunities to appreciate the natural beauty 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 remainder of the day is spent in Jasper.
Day 7 - Canadian Rockies Train from Jasper to Quesnel
The Rocky Mountaineer travels during daylight hours only. So as you trade the road for the rails you know you will see all the scenery of the Cariboo from Jasper to Quesnel. Your train first navigates the Rocky Mountain Trench, the sheer Rocky and Cariboo mountains line the tracks on either side before opening into the pasture land, rolling hills and vast forests that British Columbia is famous for. 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.
Day 8 - Canadian Rockies Train from Quesnel to Whistler
After boarding, the Rocky Mountaineer sets off on its journey to Whistler. The nearly desert-like Cariboo Plateau gives way to the forest and winding lake shores of Anderson and Seton Lakes. The award-winning service, food and commentary of the Rocky Mountaineer 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?
Day 9 - Whistler Ziptrek
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.
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 worlds best road trips. On the ferry cruise across the Georgia Strait to Vancouver Island keep an eye out for whales and seals. Drive across Vancouver Island to the village of Tofino - quite simply one of our favorite places on the planet.
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.
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.
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, adventure, and relaxing (of course!) The seaplane flight flies over the Great Bear Rainforest and takes roughly 30 minutes - a highlight in itself. Choose one of the many activities available, including kayaking, hiking, and wildlife viewing or head straight out on a Grizzly bear tour.
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.
Day 15 - Fly back to Campbell River then drive to Vancouver
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.
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 in the world. You’ve the day the explore the city of Vancouver as you wish, perhaps it will be shopping for those last minute souvenirs or wandering around one of the museums in the city.
This evening you will be picked up from your hotel and brought over to the North Shore mountains for a sunset tour, passing though Stanley Park. Travel up the mountain on a gondola ride to the top of the mountain where you have 2 hours to explore before being taken back to your hotel.
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.
Which part of Canada or Alaska should I explore?
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