Small Group Grand Canadian Rockies - 10D/9N
What your day looks like
Canada’s Rocky Mountains provide a stunning landscape of craggy, towering rock faces, snow-capped mountains, thick forests, and picturesque lakes. Wander the streets of Vancouver and admire the views in each direction you turn. Hike or bike the breathtaking trails of Whistler, Sun Peaks, Jasper, and Banff. Experience the renowned expanse of Lake Louise, or wrap your hands around a mug of hot chocolate while admiring the superb alpine scenery of the Rockies. Ready for a grand adventure? Jump aboard and witness the sheer beauty of this exceptional part of the world.
The experience, in brief
- Hike or bike of Whistler, Sun Peaks, Jasper, and Banff
- Explore the happening neighbourhood of Yaletown
- View Granville Island
- Visit the colourful markets full of fresh produce and handicrafts
- Stop at Stanley Park’s in Whistler
- Drive through the mountains to Sun Peaks
- See the largest of Canada's Rocky Mountain parks in Jasper
- View showcasing the Rockies’ valleys in Banff National Park
- Visit Lake Louise & Take a walk around the turquoise lake
- Opportunities for canoeing, mountain biking, and hiking in Sulphur Mountain
- Explore Calgary city
- Learn a new sport at Canada Olympic Park
Your day, step by step
Vancouver
Day 1: Vancouver. Welcome to Canada! Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm.
Vancouver
Sightseeing at Yaletown. If you do arrive early, perhaps explore the happening neighbourhood of Yaletown.
Vancouver
Sightseeing at Granville Island. Head to Granville Island.
Vancouver
Local Flavor. Visit the colourful markets full of fresh produce and handcrafts.
Vancouver
Sightseeing. Vancouver’s coastal setting is beautiful, bordered by an ocean harbour to the north and a river to the south. The majestic Coastal Mountains, often snow-capped, provide the eastern horizon, making it a picturesque place to spend a few days before the tour begins.
Vancouver
Sightseeing at Chinatown, Vancouver. After your welcome meeting, perhaps wander around downtown Vancouver, seek out a cheap dumpling joint in Chinatown or a craft beer in the Gastown neighbourhood.
Vancouver
Accommodation in Hotel.
Vancouver
Sightseeing at Stanley Park - Vancouver. Day 2: Whistler. On your way out of Vancouver today, check out Stanley Park’s carved totem poles, representing the historical crests of First Nations families and their clans.
Vancouver
Sightseeing at Shannon Falls Provincial Park. During the drive to Whistler you’ll stop at the beautiful Shannon Falls, then learn more about First Nations art, history and culture at Squamish Lil'Wat Cultural Centre.
Vancouver
Relaxation & Fun. Then refuel with a late lunch at the onsite cafe, serving a modern take on traditional First Nations food. In Whistler Village, enjoy free time to wander the bustling hub of shops and award-winning restaurants, all surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery. Later, you may like to join in on the Whistler nightlife by sampling one of the town’s lively bars.
Vancouver
Lodge (1 night).
Vancouver
Sightseeing. Day 3: Whistler. Stunning Whistler is ready to be explored, up the mountain or back down in the village. Perhaps buy yourself a ticket to ride the PEAK 2 PEAK gondola to enjoy unparalleled views of towering volcanic peaks and surrounding forest on the world’s longest and highest lift
Vancouver
Lodge (1 night).
Vancouver
Sightseeing. Day 4: Sun Peaks. Drive through the mountains to Sun Peaks (approximately 4–5 hours). Sun Peaks township is set on one of many peaks along the mountain range and the views from the top are incredible.
Whistler
Sightseeing at Audain Art Museum. On arrival you may have time to explore the area by bike or on foot prior to your evening adventure, where you’ll head out by canoe to an outpost for a four-course feast consisting of salad, bannock, soup, salmon, ribs and cookies. This is a taste of how the old fur traders used to travel and what they ate along the way.
Vancouver
Accommodation in Hotel.
Vancouver
Eco Tour at Jasper National Park. Day 5: Jasper. Head to Jasper, one of the most photographed places in Canada. Jasper is the largest of Canada's Rocky Mountain parks, famous for wildlife such as elk, moose, deer, coyotes, grizzly bears and mountain lions, as well as smaller mammals and birds.
Whistler
Hiking at Whistler Mountain. During your free time in Jasper you’ll have options to explore including hiking Whistler Mountain, mountain biking in the Valley of Five Lakes and riding the Jasper SkyTram – the highest and longest aerial tramway in Canada. Climbing to 2300 metres, the SkyTram provides spectacular views of the Rocky Mountains.
Vancouver
Accommodation in Hotel.
Vancouver
Sightseeing at Maligne Lake. Day 6: Jasper. Today is a free day in Jasper. Join the group on a visit to Maligne Lake for some hiking, and perhaps book yourself a cruise on the lake’s shimmering blue waters past the much-photographed Spirit Island.
Vancouver
Sightseeing. Alternatively, a ride on the Jasper SkyTram is highly recommended if you didn’t do it yesterday, as it provides stunning views over the township and surrounding mountains. For adventure seekers, Jasper is an excellent destination to hire a mountain bike and explore the surrounding trails which weave through dense forest and pass stunning lookouts.
Vancouver
Accommodation in Hotel.
Vancouver
Sightseeing at Banff National Park. Day 7: Banff National Park. Buckle up for Banff. Today is a long day, with many scenic stops and visits along the way (in total, up to 12 hours). In the morning, travel towards Banff, stopping off at the Columbia Icefields Centre, Athabasca Falls and Sunwapta Falls. Head into Banff National Park in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Banff is considered the oldest national park in Canada, showcasing the Rockies’ valleys and mountain chains which began forming up to 75 million years ago. The group will stop by the cliffs of the Weeping Wall and the Crowfoot Glacier on the way to the evening's accommodation.
Vancouver
Accommodation in Hotel.
Vancouver
Sightseeing at Lake Louise (Alberta). Day 8: Lake Louise / Banff National Park. Today pay a visit to Lake Louise with the group. Take a walk around the turquoise lake (season depending) or check out the interior of the luxury mountain resort, Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
Vancouver
Sightseeing. Later, don an old-fashioned swimsuit and soak in the hot mineral waters of the local hot springs. If there is extra time today, you may like to take part in one of the many adventure activities available within the park. With its coniferous forests, alpine meadows, icefields and glaciers, the park is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise.
Vancouver
Sightseeing at Sulphur Mountain (Alberta). There are opportunities for canoeing, mountain biking, hiking or riding the gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain.
Vancouver
Accommodation in Hotel.
Calgary
City/Town Tour. Day 9: Calgary. Complete your crossing of the Rockies today on a drive to Calgary. Along the way, make a stop in the cosy little town of Canmore, the perfect place to grab some lunch and soak in some final mountain views.
Calgary
Sightseeing. Say goodbye to the Rockies and continue to Calgary, arriving in the afternoon. Home to the famous Calgary Stampede, the city is growing at a rapid rate, largely thanks to oil and mining. While it may not be the most picturesque of cities, Calgary makes up for it with a budding dining and nightlife scene.
Calgary
Sightseeing at Canada Olympic Park. Enjoy free time to chill out in Prince's Island Park, head up the Calgary Tower for great views or learn a new sport at Canada Olympic Park. In the evening perhaps head for dinner at one of the city's great restaurants.
Vancouver
Accommodation in Hotel.
Vancouver
Day 10: Calgary. There are no activities planned for today and you can depart the accommodation at any time, though please be sure to comply with any hotel check-out times.
What to know before booking
Included
Private vehicle Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre Visit Sun Peaks - 4 Course Fur Trader's Feast & Voyageur Canoe experience Jasper National Park - Entrance Fee Visit Maligne Lake Banff Upper Hotsprings Visit Lake Louise
Meeting & Pickup
The tour starts in Vancouver, Canada. Finish Calgary, Canada.
Languages Offered
[object Object]
Planning Notes
Minimum age: 15 Hotel pickup offered: No Confirmation: Manual By PE