Day 1 - Arrive Vancouver
Upon arrival at Vancouver International Airport, pick-up your rental car and drive to the Wedgewood Hotel & Spa, an elegant, world-class structure, set in the centre of Vancouver's thriving and cosmopolitan downtown. The remainder of the day is at your leisure.
Luxury: Overnight Wedgewood Hotel & Spa - Deluxe Suite
Day 2 - Vancouver & North Shore Sightseeing
Enjoy the day exploring Vancouver City and North Shore. Discover the world famous Stanley Park; see spectacular mountain views from Prospect Point and English Bay beaches. Explore Chinatown, historic Gastown and Canada Place. Take a trip to Granville Island where visitors and locals alike shop at the Farmer's Market and the local artisans' workshops. Travel across the Lions Gate Bridge to the Capilano Suspension Bridge and take time to experience Vancouver's oldest and most famous attraction. The new Tree Top Adventure offers visitors a squirrel's eye view of a thriving coastal forest, as they venture from one magnificent Douglas fir tree to another via a series of elevated suspension bridges, some reaching as high as 100 feet above the forest floor. Next, travel a short distance to Grouse Mountain and take a gondola ride to the top for a spectacular panorama view of the city and surrounding area.
Luxury: Overnight Wedgewood Hotel & Spa - Deluxe Suite
Day 3 - Vancouver to Victoria/ via Nanaimo
Today discover Vancouver Island, the #1 Island Destination in North America. Depart downtown Vancouver and travel to Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver where you will board BC Ferries. Enjoy a 95 minute ferry ride across the Strait of Georgia, passing the rugged coastline and tranquil beaches as you cruise to Nanaimo's Departure Bay. From Nanaimo, drive along the scenic Malahat Highway and stop at the quaint town of Chemanius, the town of murals. Arrive in Victoria in the early afternoon with plenty of time to explore the city, visit the Royal BC Museum, have Afternoon Tea or just wander around the Inner Harbour. A short ride from Victoria will bring you to the tranquil setting of Brentwood Bay. Your accommodation for the next two nights will be the Brentwood Bay Lodge & Spa, Victoria's only five-star oceanfront resort.
Brentwood Bay Lodge & Spa
Discover the understated elegance and discerning service offered at the Brentwood Bay Lodge & Spa. Located on the pristine Brentwood Bay, in the heart of wine country, your Ocean Suite will offer inspiring views from every vantage point.
Luxury: Overnight Brentwood Bay Lodge & Spa - Ocean Suite
Day 4 - Butchart Gardens & Whale Watching
Enjoy the day exploring Victoria. Drive to the world renowned Butchart Gardens. At the gardens, you will see the Sunken Garden, the Japanese and Italian Gardens, the English Rose Garden and the magnificent Ross Fountain, all linked by spacious lawns, streams and lily ponds - 50 acres of fragrance and beauty. Afterwards, continue your journey to downtown Victoria, for an afternoon of whale watching.
Whale and Marine Wildlife Watching expeditions have become one of Victoria's most popular activities. The waters around Southern Vancouver Island are home to three resident pods of Orca (or Killer Whales). You can also see gray and humpback whales (in season) dozens of species of seabirds, playful Porpoises, Seals & Seal Pups, Sea Lions, the majestic Bald Eagles, Lighthouses and marine eco-systems. Choose to have your excursion on exhilarating 28' open Zodiacs or a beautiful 46' Motor Yacht (offering an enclosed cabin as well as outside viewing decks). Experienced skippers & naturalists, a perfect safety record, high whale sightings & free Marine Mammal Information Kit are included.
Luxury: Overnight Brentwood Bay Lodge & Spa - Ocean Suite.
Day 5 - Victoria to Harrison Hot Springs
Today, depart Victoria and discover one of Vancouver's great escapes, Harrison Hot Springs. After a 95 minute BC Ferry ride across the Strait of Georgia, an hour and a half drive along the Trans Canada Highway will bring you to the tiny community of Rosedale. You may want to stop at Minter Gardens, an impressive show gardens with 11 themed gardens within 32 acres. Harrison Hot Springs is only a few minutes further. On the edge of southwestern British Columbia's largest lake, with sandy beaches, mountain scenery, and natural mineral hot springs, Harrison looks and feels a lot like a European spa town. Check into the Harrison Hot Springs Resort & spa, your accommodation for the night.
Harrison Hot Springs Resort & Spa
Relaxation awaits at Harrison Hot Springs Resort & Spa. Set against the spectacular snow-capped mountains of Southwestern British Columbia, you'll find the source of all that relaxes you. From soothing hot spring to a tranquil Healing Springs Spa, everything you need to surround yourself in comfort is found here.
Luxury: Overnight Harrison Hot Springs Resort - East Tower
Day 6 - Harrison Hot Springs to Osoyoos
Leave Harrison Hot Springs this morning and begin your drive east to Osoyoos, known for its beautiful scenery, wines, orchards and the warmest fresh water lake in Canada. All this is housed in Canada's only desert. Enroute, travel through the Allison Pass and Manning Provincial Park, which features tremendously diverse landscapes and plentiful flora and fauna. Visit the site of the massive Hope Slide then continue your journey through Princeton and Keremeos, stopping for a visit at the historic Grist Mill and gardens. As the air becomes dry and warm, arrive in the beautiful lakeside resort of Osoyoos and the Spirit Ridge Vineyard Resort & Spa, your hotel for the next 2 nights.
Spirit Ridge Vineyard Resort & Spa
Located near the sunny shores of Osoyoos Lake and steps from Okanagan golf courses and vineyards, Spirit Ridge Vineyard Resort & Spa has set a new standard for premium resort accommodations. Spirit Ridge is proud to be part of greater resort destination of Nk'Mip (pronounced Ink-a-meep) with its brand new Cultural Centre, Nk'Mip Cellars, Sonora Dunes Golf Course, and more!
Luxury: Overnight Spirit Ridge Vineyard Resort & Spa - 1 Bedroom Corner Suite
Day 7 - Osoyoos Exploring
Today is at leisure to explore Osoyoos. You are about to experience a unique, vibrant community, in the heart of Desert Wine Country. Visit local wineries for tour & tasting, take in a round of golf, or perhaps pamper yourself with a treatment at the resort spa.
Be sure to visit the Osoyoos Desert Centre were you can take interpretive guided tour along the one and one half kilometers of elevated boardwalk trail that winds through the arid shrublands and grasses to four interpretive kiosks. Experience the beauty and learn more about the desert features through visits to the native plant garden and the spadefoot toad pond. Early morning bird watching programs and evening walks are scheduled during the week and reservations are recommended for these special programs. (The Desert Centre is open from late April to late October)
Luxury: Overnight Spirit Ridge Vineyard Resort & Spa - 1 Bedroom Corner Suite
Day 8 - Osoyoos to Westbank
Today depart Osoyoos and travel north through the lush Okanagan Valley and along the shoreline of Okanagan Lake to Westbank, travelling through many communities and continuing to explore the local wine region. Okanagan Lake is world famous as the home of Ogopogo, but offers good fishing, excellent swimming, boating, water skiing and other water fun activities. Along the way there are numerous access spots leading to beautiful sandy beaches. Westbank is home to the new Cove Lakeside Resort and your home for the next 2 nights.
The Cove Lakeside Resort
The Cove is a full service luxury resort in a spectacular setting, a playground for adults with a beachfront walkway, pools, hot tubs, putting green and private marina. The beautifully appointed suites have splendid views of the lake and surrounding mountains, and the landscaped gardens invite exploration.
Luxury: Overnight The Cove Lakeside Resort - One Bedroom Suite
Day 9 - Westbank/Kelowna Exploring
From your secluded resort on the shores of Okanagan Lake you can enjoy the great treasures of the Okanagan Valley at your pleasure. Take some time and visit some of the nearby wineries. There are over 50 within an easy drive. Visit a unique lavender farm, shop in the sophisticated boutiques of Kelowna, journey north to Vernon and visit the historic O'Keefe Ranch, take a ride in the past on the Kettle Valley Steam Train, rent a boat and water ski, fish or just relax on the lake. This evening, a special culinary treat waits at the Summer Hill Winery. Savour local wines, and enjoy a truly gourmet experience as you sit on the expansive deck and watch the sun set over the vineyards and glistening lake.
Luxury: Overnight at The Cove Lakeside Resort - One Bedroom Suite
Day 10 - Westbank/Kelowna at Leisure
Today is a free day to enjoy the spectacular Cove Resort. Perhaps start the day with a round of golf at one of the many nearby championship courses. Or, why not spend the day sunning at poolside, waterskiing on the lake or enjoying a soothing spa treatment in the privacy of your suite.
Luxury: Overnight at the Cove Lakeside Resort - One Bedroom Suite
Day 11 - Field/Canadian Rockies
This morning depart from the beautiful Cove Lakeside Resort and drive through the northern region of the Okanagan, passing through the resort cities of Kelowna and Vernon on your way to connect with the Trans Canada Highway. At the lakeside community of Sicamous, join Highway 1 and head eastward along the shores of the Shuswap Lakes. Formed like a giant "H" the Lakes have over a thousand miles of secluded lakeshore and are home to one of the world's largest fleets of vacation houseboats. Your journey today will take you through three incredible mountain ranges and national parks as you make your way towards the Canadian Rockies. Traveling over the famed Rogers and Kicking Horse Passes your journey ends for the day in the beautiful Yoho Valley. Perched beside the fast flowing Kicking Horse River is your accommodation for the next 2 days, The Cathedral Mountain Lodge. This evening you may choose to visit nearby Emerald Lake and the mighty Takakkaw Falls.
Cathedral Mountain Lodge
Intimate, Classic, Amazing - Your own Private Sanctuary in the Mountains. Nestled in the trees along the banks of the glacier-fed Kicking Horse River, the lodge and luxurious log cabins feature Canadian Rockies accommodations at its finest. The cabins are perfectly appointed to create an oasis of luxury. Warm yourself by the wood-burning stone fireplace. Indulge in a leisurely bath in the soaker tub. Ponder the serenity of the wilderness while sitting on your large private deck. Dine in the Great Room and savour creative regional cuisine. Choose from an extensive Canadian and International wine list. Sip a liqueur on the secluded deck as the sun makes its spectacular exit. There is nothing to disrupt your mountain escape.
Luxury: Overnight at the Cathedral Mountain Lodge - Mountain View Log Cabin (includes continental breakfast)
Day 12 - Columbia Icefields Parkway/ Helicopter Tour with Gourmet Picnic Lunch
This is the day to explore the mountains, lakes and Glaciers along the spectacular Icefield Highway. As you travel north along the highway, watch for bears, mountain sheep and elk along the highway and in the nearby lakes and marchland. Today's scenery is almost unbelievable with superb vistas at every curve in the highway. At the Columbia Icefields take an amazing tour of the Athabasca Glacier from the comfort of a giant Ice Explorer vehicle and learn the history of the massive glaciers that surround you. After, enjoy the unique and exhilarating helicopter sightseeing flight over the Wilson Icefield. This spectacular flight will allow you to discover not only 6 glaciers but also the Wilson Icefield where you will be able to see down into the many crevasses of the deep blue crowfoot at its base. From above the Wilson Icefield, at 10,500 feet, you will view glaciers and icefields as far as the eye can see! Your pilot will make a landing and you will have time to go for a leisurely walk with your pilot in the high alpine. A walk never to be forgotten! Enjoy a mountaintop picnic in the high alpine. The picnic includes a deluxe sandwich (meat eater or vegetarian - let us know) along with an appetizer tray and dessert. This is an experience you will never forget. Later, as you make your way back to your Lodge, enjoy the peaceful serenity of Peyto Lake, the Mistaya Canyon and the ever present Bow River.
Tonight a special gourmet treat awaits you as you enjoy dinner at one of the top restaurants in Banff National Park, the Walter Wilcox Dining Room at Moraine Lake Lodge. The restaurant offers a unique, elegant menu showcasing the best cuisine from the region. Graced by a large stone fireplace and an elegant Rocky Mountain interior, views of Moraine Lake through the massive windows in the atrium provide a spectacular vista. After dinner drive back to the Cathedral Mountain Lodge.
Luxury: Overnight at the Cathedral Mountain Lodge - Mountain View Log Cabin
(includes continental breakfast)
Day 13 - Field to Banff / Lake Louise & Banff Exploring
Today explore the magnificent Lake Louise region on your way to Banff. Explore the world famous Chateau or take a walk around the lake fondly known as "The Gem of the Rockies" Banff is only a 45-minute drive from Lake Louise. Take some time to enjoy this famous alpine resort. You may wish to take a drive around Tunnel Mountain to view the beautiful town of Banff and the mighty Bow River. For a more spectacular view, take the dramatic 8-minute gondola ride to the summit of Sulphur Mountain and enjoy the panoramic view from 7500 ft. Your accommodation for tonight is the luxurious Rimrock Resort. Perched on the side of Sulphur Mountain your hotel suite will give you a glorious view of the Bow Valley and surrounding area.
Rimrock Resort Hotel
Nestled in a pristine mountain setting above the Banff Townsite, the Rimrock Resort Hotel offers comfort and luxury combined with the most breathtaking mountain and alpine valley views to be found. With unmatched style, decor and superb hospitality, the Rimrock Resort Hotel is a very special place to visit for a truly remarkable experience. The hotel's accommodations provide unsurpassed beauty, both inside and out.
Luxury: Overnight Rimrock Resort Hotel - Premium room
Day 14 - Banff to Calgary Airport
A 90-minute drive eastward will soon bring you to the foothills of the Rockies and the booming oil and ranching city of Calgary. Drop you car off at the nearby Calgary International Airport in time for your return flight home.
PACKAGE INCLUDES:
- 13 nights accommodation, room tax and any mandatory service charges
- 14 Day Luxury car rental including unlimited mileage, LDW, PAI, PEC, Taxes, Airport surcharge, VLF, and Extra driver
- Grouse Mountain admission
- Capilano Suspension Bridge & Tree Top Adventures admission
- Butchart Gardens admission
- 3 Hour Whale Watching Tour in Victoria
- Dinner at the Summerhill Winery including gratuities
- Columbia Icefields 1 1/2 hour Ice Explorer ride
- Wilson Icefield helicopter tour (25 minutes) including a landing and gourmet picnic lunch
- Dinner at Moraine Lake Lodge including gratuities
- Sulphur Mountain Gondola Ride
- National Park Entrance Fee
- Personalized documentation package
PACKAGE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- Car Rental: Drop fee between Vancouver & Calgary (approximately $150CAD), refuelling service charge, baby seats, toll highway charges, additional driver taxes, and credit card security deposit
- Activities not listed as included
- Gratuities not listed as included
- Meals not listed as included
- Transfers not listed as included
- Goods and Services tax (GST)
- Trip Cancellation Insurance (Insurance can be purchased from your Vacation Specialist, ask for more details)