Day 1 - Vancouver to Victoria
Your journey starts in Vancouver when you pick up your full size rental car. A short drive will bring you to the BC Ferry Terminal and your 90-minute voyage through the scenic Gulf Islands to Victoria. Your accommodation for the next two nights is one of Victoria’s most unique and charming properties. This boutique hotel embraces the old-world charm of Victoria’s Inner Harbour.
Overnight at the Abigail’s Hotel
Day 2 - Victoria
This is a fun day which you can arrange yourself. Choose one option from a range of activities including a Butchart Gardens and city tour, mountain biking, kayaking, whale watching of flightseeing. All can be booked at the Abigail Hotel.
Overnight at the Abigail’s Hotel
Day 3 - Victoria to Tofino
Today enjoy a scenic drive on the Island Highway north to Nanaimo, then cut across the island and head to the west coast and the town of Tofino. There are lots of sightseeing opportunities so allow at least 6 hours for the trip. Set amongst towering trees and overlooking the rugged coastline and long sandy beach, your accommodation for the next two days is the luxurious Long Beach Lodge.
Overnight at the Long Beach Lodge
Day 4 - Tofino and Long Beach
A magical day waits. Today enjoy a full-day marine excursion to the north end of world famous Clayoquot Sound. Whales are frequently sighted along the way and marine stops may also be made along the way. A short boardwalk train will lead you to natural sulphur hot springs where you can enjoy a relaxing soak. Traveling in either a covered boat or exciting Zodiac is an experience long to be remembered.
Overnight at the Long Beach Lodge
Day 5 - Tofino to Whistler
Today you return across the island to the city of Nanaimo for a 90-minute ferry ride across the Gulf of Georgia to the mainland and Horseshoe Bay. Drive north along fjord-like Howe Sound to the mountain resort of Whistler. This is a full day journey that will take at least seven hours.
Overnight at the Nita Lake Lodge
Day 6 - Whistler
This is a perfect day to enjoy all that Whistler has to offer. A special feature will be the Ziptrek Ecotour. This unique experience will take you on a three-hour journey on suspended cables through the hidden beauty of Fitzsimmons Creek and the forest valley between Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. In the evening, stroll the pedestrian village of Whistler and sample the excellent shops and cuisine.
Overnight at the Nita Lake Lodge
Day 7 - Whistler to Sun Peaks
Traveling further north, explore the sights of the rugged Duffey Lake Road as you head to the Gold Rush town of Lillooet. This is the route taken by the Gold Rush miners over a century ago as they headed into the goldfields of the Cariboo Region of BC. Following the banks of the rugged Fraser River you will enter the interior plateau region of BC. Your drive to the Mountain Resort of Sun Peaks will take about 10 hours.
Overnight at the Delta Sun Peaks Resort
Day 8 - Sun Peaks
This is a perfect day to relax and enjoy a variety of optional activities including horseback riding, mountain biking, golf, hiking or a spa treatment. All can be booked through our local representative who will advise you on the local weather conditions as well.
Overnight at the Delta Sun Peaks Resort
Day 9 - Sun Peaks to Jasper
Traveling north along the Yellowhead Highway, you will enjoy the scenery that unfolds along the banks of the North Thompson River. Your seven-hour journey takes you past Mt Robson, tallest mountain in the Canadian Rockies and into the province of Alberta and Jasper National Park.
Overnight at the Pyramid Lake Resort
Day 10 - Jasper
Jasper National Park is one of Canada’s largest natural parks and offers a myriad of activities for each visitor. Included in your stay in Jasper is a choice of activities that includes cruising on Maligne Lake, rafting on the Athabasca River, a motorcoach tour or horseback riding. Your destinations will include Miette Hot Springs, Patricia Lake and the Jasper Tramway to mention but a few.
Overnight at the Pyramid Lake Resort
Day 11 - Jasper to Emerald Lake
Your journey to Emerald Lake today will take you on one of the most spectacular highways in the world. The Icefield Highway will take you along the Athabasca River in into the mountain passes of the Columbia Icefields. Take at least 6-8 hours for this journey so that you can enjoy all the stops along the way including a trip onto the Athabasca Glacier on a large Ice Explorer vehicle (not included). You will travel through parts of Banff and Yoho National Parks before arriving at Emerald Lake.
Overnight at the Emerald Lake Lodge
Day 12 - Emerald Lake
This is a day to relax and enjoy your tranquil surroundings. Take a canoe ride on Emerald Lake or explore the wonders of the Natural Bridge, and the nearby Takakkawa Falls.
Overnight at the Emerald Lake Lodge
Day 13 - Emerald Lake to Banff
Travel back into the province of Alberta and Banff National Park today. Driving the Trans Canada Highway #1 take some time to view the amazing Spiral Tunnels, visit world-famous Lake Louise and spectacular Moraine Lake. Travel along the banks of the Bow River before arriving at the resort town of Banff. Your accommodation for the next 2 nights is the secluded Hidden Ridge Resort.
Overnight at the Hidden Ridge Resort
Day 14 - Banff
This is one of the most famous resorts in the world and there is a wide range of opportunities to enjoy it. You have a choice of activities ranging from a guided hiking tour, sightseeing, wildlife-viewing or riding the Sulphur Mountain Gondola (not included) or visiting the historic Cave and Basin museum. This afternoon you will return your rental vehicle.
Overnight at the Hidden Ridge Resort
Day 15 - Rocky Mountaineer ® - Banff to Kamloops
Your adventure enters another exciting phase as you board the Rocky Mountaineer ® train for your journey to Vancouver. Today’s travel will take you through the Rocky Mountains westward into British Columbia following surging rivers and rugged canyons. Later in the day the train travels smoothly along the banks of the Shuswap Lakes and makes its way to the interior city of Kamloops where you will spend the night.
RedLeaf Service®
Overnight in Kamloops (Hotel to be advised)
Day 16 - Rocky Mountaineer ® - Kamloops to Vancouver
Board the Rocky Mountaineer ® for the final part of your journey. Today you will travel through dramatic changes in scenery from the desert-like environment of the interior, to the tumbling waters of the Fraser Canyon and eventually the lush farmland of the Fraser Valley. Your journey ends on arrival in the beautiful city of Vancouver.
Overnight at the Vancouver Renaissance Hotel
Day 17 - Depart Vancouver
This fabulous journey ends when you check-out of your Vancouver Hotel.
PACKAGE INCLUDES:
- 16 nights accommodation, room tax and mandatory service charges
- Rocky Mountaineer ® 2-day rail tour including 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches and snacks
- 15 days full-size car rental including one-way drop charges and unlimited mileage
- Gypsy Tour Guide – audio commentary
- Choices of activities in Victoria, Sun Peaks, Jasper and Banff
- Ziptrek Ecotour in Whistler
- Canoe Rental at Emerald Lake
- Exclusive Attractions Pass
- Rail station transfers in Banff, Kamloops & Vancouver
- Personalized documentation package
PACKAGE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- Transfers to Vancouver Airport
- Accommodation on arrival in Vancouver
- Meals not listed as included
- BC Ferries charges
- Optional services for rental car
- Hotel parking fees
- National Park Pass
- Luggage handling
- Trip Cancellation Insurance (Insurance can be purchased from your Vacation Specialist at Exclusively Canada.