best of western canada

This is a customisable itinerary to provide you with a start point and suggestions for your travel plans. We’ll work closely with you and our travel partner to design your ideal trip, paying close attention to your interests, your travel style and your budget. Our partner’s specialists know the country inside out and can lead you to experiences you won’t find in a guidebook.

Tour highlights

• Explore the buzzing coastal city of Vancouver and go whale watching off the coast.

• Admire western Canada's mountainous scenery from aboard the comfortable Via Rail Canadian train.

• Explore the Rocky Mountains at your own pace, enjoying hikes through mountain and lake scenery.

• Take a guided icewalk onto the Athabasca Glacier.

Itinerary

Days 1 - 4: Vancouver

Highlights: Stanley Park, Chinatown, The Shops of Robson Street,

1 Morning Whale watching

Heading out onto the Strait of Georgia and tracking reports of recent whale sightings. This is one of the best places to view orca in the wild, with three pods native to the southern parts of Vancouver Island. Your onboard naturalist will tell you all about the orca, porpoises, sea lions, bald eagles and other wildlife that you may encounter

Day 4 / 5 Rail on 'The Canadian' from Vancouver to Jasper

A comfortable train from which you can enjoy fantastic views from the domed glass observation cars. You will be accompanied by experienced guides who know the railway and the areas you pass through well and can help point out wildlife. You spend tonight on board the train in your private cabin.

Day 5 - 7 : Jasper

At lesiure: Take a walk around the alpine meadows near Mount Edith Cavell and Angel Glacier, a great area for wildlife viewing and hiking. Alternatively, take a cable car up to the top of Whistlers Mountain, or take a boat trip out on Maligne Lake to Spirit Island for an iconic view of the turquoise lake and surrounding forest.

Spend a second full day exploring the beauty of Jasper National Park. A fantastic spot to visit is Old Fort Point lookout. It's a beautiful walk from town and the lookout offers stunning views of Jasper town and the surrounding mountains.

Days 7 - 9: Drive the Spectacular Icefields Parkway

Drive five hours south from Jasper, along the spectacular Icefields Parkway, to Field. Your journey includes a stop at the Athabasca Glacier where you will enjoy a guided walk onto the glacier itself. The trip is led by knowledgeable guides who can tell you about the glacier and the area's geology. Your journey then continues toward Yoho National Park. There are many beautiful lakes and glaciers to admire en route.

Explore Yoho National Park, Lake Louise and Moraine Lake

Days 10 & 11: Banff

We recommend taking the gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain, which boasts superb views stretching across the Rockies. Walk along the boardwalk to the summit to get even higher and look down upon Banff below. 

For a chance of seeing some of the area's wildlife, follow one of the many hiking trails in the area. We like the walk that leads along the Johnston Canyon to the Ink Pots — seven cold natural springs that bubble up to the surface of a meadow.

Day 12: Drive to Calgary for your return flight home

Our Reference: in76590

Terms and Conditions

Prices are per person (unless stated otherwise). Prices are not live and are subject to change at any time. Where applicable prices include any advertised discounts. Holidays are subject to availability and tour operator/supplier’s booking conditions apply. Offers can be changed or withdrawn without notice. Latest price/availability and operator details will be confirmed at time of enquiry – ask for more information.