Canada & the Rockies

Company : Contiki
Activities: Adventure Holidays / Tours
Duration: 1 week to 2 weeks
Approx Costs: 1000 to 1250 £ Pound (UK)

Chill out & challenge yourself in Canada's dynamic duo of provinces: Alberta & British Columbia. The diverse physical beauty from Vancouver to Whistler to Banff features the greatest of the great outdoors.

Take a hike or ride a bike along the many scenic, wildlife-laced trails. Better yet, we'll put you on a gondola, horseback, helicopter, or whatever improves your views point for the endless, to-die-for photo opportunities.

Itinerary

1 VANCOUVER TO WHISTLER
Meet your Contiki crew and new friends in Vancouver where we'll set off on a sightseeing tour of the city. Then we are off to Whistler, home to the 2010 Winter Olympics, via the Scenic Sea to Sky Highway. We arrive in Whistler this afternoon where you'll have time to browse the shops of Whistler Village before your included dinner.

2 WHISTLER
Today is yours to enjoy this beautiful mountain resort. Perhaps you'll want join us in an exciting Peddle and Paddle trip (optional), challenge yourself to the Ziplines or do some hiking on one of Whistler's trails. This afternoon you'll have an opportunity to take a scenic gondola ride to the top of Whistler/Blackcomb Mountain.

3 WHISTLER TO KAMLOOPS
We have the morning free in Whistler where you will have the opportunity to browse the shops and cafes of Whistler village. After lunch we travel further into British Columbia, through the Lillooet Mountain Range towards our night stop in Kamloops.

4 KAMLOOPS TO JASPER
Get ready Rockies, here we come! Today we will drive into the spectacular Rocky Mountains, via the scenic Yellowhead highway. En route, we will stop to view Mt. Robson, the highest point in the Canadian Rockies, as well as drive past Moose Lake. You also have a chance to go white water rafting today! (Optional/seasonal)

5 JASPER
Be sure to keep your camera ready for wildlife shots on the short drive to Maligne Lake this morning, where you will have the opportunity to enjoy the amazing scenery. We'll also visit Maligne Canyon, the deepest and longest limestone canyon in the Rockies, where you'll marvel at this impressive gorge carved by generations of raging water. The afternoon is free to hike, bike or simply enjoy the beauty of Jasper. Tonight, sample the local Rocky Mountain cuisine.

6 JASPER TO BANFF
The Wonder Road ... It's non-stop beauty today as we travel the famous Icefields Parkway, considered one of the most scenic highways in the world. The highlight will be the ride aboard the specially designed "Ice Explorer" on the Athabasca Glacier! This afternoon we'll visit Lake Louise and make several photo stops, including the vivid blue Peyto Lake (seasonal). We arrive in Banff late this afternoon.

7 BANFF
We have two days free to enjoy everything that Banff National Park has to offer. You're able to sightsee, hike, shop, or just relax in the beautiful town of Banff. Why not take the optional gondola ride to Sulphur Mountain where spectacular views of Banff await? Or take a breathtaking helicopter ride over the Rocky Mountains, a once in a lifetime experience. Join us one night for an optional horseback ride and steak fry.

8 BANFF TO VERNON
Bye Bye Rockies! We bid farewell to the Rockies today as we drive through three national parks in a single day. Yoho, Glacier and Mt. Revelstoke National Parks all await us as we make our way back into British Columbia. Tonight we stay in the Okanagan Valley - Canada's fruit basket, full of orchards, farmlands and vineyards.

9 VERNON TO VANCOUVER
Hello Big City! Today we travel via the Coquihalla and Transcanada highways enroute to the cosmopolitan city of Vancouver with time to explore the city this afternoon. Tonight, join us for an optional dinner cruise around Vancouver's beautiful harbour.

10 VANCOUVER
Feel the young vibe of this city while exploring its hip shops & cafes. Later, enjoy a dinner cruise around the harbor & head out for a night on the town!

11 DEPART VANCOUVER
Today its time to say a final farewell as your tour ends this morning.