Canadian Rockies and Pacific Coast

15 days
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4.6/5 Excellent
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Small Group Tour
Journey across the rugged Rockies and along the wild Pacific Coast, soaking up majestic scenery, towering mountains, and glacial lakes. From the flora and fauna of Banff National Park to the lush rainforests of Vancouver Island, this tour whisks you through Canada's most iconic landscapes. Along the way, get closer to Canadian culture, stopping in quaint reso...
19%
$6,581
From$5,350
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate

Highlights

    • Discover the majesty of Canada's great outdoors, travelling between Vancouver and Calgary
    • Walk trails in Banff and Jasper National Parks and look for grizzly and black bear
    • Explore the wildly beautiful Vancouver Island and the Pacific Coast

What's this trip about?

    Journey across the rugged Rockies and along the wild Pacific Coast, soaking up majestic scenery, towering mountains, and glacial lakes. From the flora and fauna of Banff National Park to the lush rainforests of Vancouver Island, this tour whisks you through Canada's most iconic landscapes. Along the way, get closer to Canadian culture, stopping in quaint resort towns and bustling cities. Vancouver Island - Experience a new way of island living by exploring Vancouver Island's verdant rainforest. Banff National Park - Soak up the postcard-perfect vistas of this bucket-list National Park, including the unreal blue hue of Lake Louise. Icefields Parkway - Take in the scenery along the famous Parkway, spotting the mighty Athabasca Glacier (and possibly moose, elk and bear) as we go.

Details

Itinerary focusOff the Beaten Path
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 20 people
Age range16 to 85 years
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityVancouver
End CityCalgary

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Hiking & Walking

Destinations

  • North America
  • Canada

Attractions

  • Banff
  • Banff National Park
  • Calgary
  • Canadian Rockies
  • Canmore
  • Jasper
  • Jasper National Park
  • Lake Louise
  • Niagara Falls
  • Pacific Coast
  • Tofino
  • Vancouver
  • Whistler
  • Whyte Museum

Activities

  • Hiking

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Join tour in Calgary

Our tour of the Rockies and Pacific Coast starts in Calgary. This dynamic city is a rich fusion of modern architecture and traditional heritage, where the pioneering history of the Canadian West is woven into everyday life. Due to the number of flights arriving in...

Day 2 Visit Calgary, drive to Canmore, explore Kananaskis Country

We'll waste no time this morning, taking a quick drive through the centre of Calgary as we head west into the Rockies, their peaks rearing up in the background like a distant tidal wave. To the west of Calgary lie the stunning landscapes of Kananaskis Country, Alberta...

Day 3 Walk on the Medecine Trail with an indigenous guide; optional aerial tram ride up Sulphur Mountain

Over the next two days, we'll explore the majestic peaks and glacial lakes of Banff National Park. We'll be following well-marked trails to uncover stunning vistas and perfumed pine forests. We'll drive from Canmore to Banff this morning, towards the beautiful me...

Day 4 Full day visit to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake

Today we'll take the hour-long drive to postcard-perfect Lake Louise and its next-door neighbour, Moraine Lake. Tom Wilson, the first white Canadian to see Lake Louise, when he was led there by a local native in 1882, wrote "I never, in all my explorations of these fi...

Day 5 Drive to Jasper National Park via Icefields Parkway

Today, we'll drive along one of the world's top scenic highways, the Icefield Parkway. Spectacular scenery unfolds at every turn, and we'll likely encounter wildlife along the road too. We'll continue northwards and pass alongside the Columbia Icefield where we'l...

Day 6 Search for wildlife in Jasper National Park

We'll start today with a short hike (approximately four kilometres) on an easy boardwalk in Maligne Canyon, taking in the stunning views over the water that leaps and pummels its way through the narrow canyon. After our visit to the canyon, we'll drive to the eno...

Day 7 Head to Clearwater via Mount Robson

This morning, we'll head northwest along Highway 16, through Mount Robson Provincial Park. Along the way, we'll get to see Mount Robson itself, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies (3954m). It's so tall that it has its own weather patterns and, if we're lucky, we'...

Day 8 Visit the Wells Gray Provincial Park

This morning, we'll head out to the nearby Wells Gray Provincial Park, home to Helmcken Falls, which (at 127 metres) is higher than Niagara Falls. There are unexpectedly spectacular views from all along the park entrance road and great opportunities for wildlife spott...

Day 9 Journey to Whistler

We'll have a long drive, around six hours, ahead of us today, as we travel south to Whistler. En route, we'll make various stops to soak up the scenery. We'll travel through the mountains of interior British Colombia, the landscape changing with the shifting climate, ...

Day 10 Free day in Whistler, walk or take cable car ride

Today is free to enjoy Whistler and the variety of activities on offer here. You might like to take a cable car up one of the nearby peaks and hike a trail. There are plenty of trails in and around Whistler, taking in either the rugged mountains or the peaceful shores...

Day 11 Ferry to Nanaimo, drive to Pacific Rim National Park

This morning, we'll follow Route 99 (more famously known as the Sea to Sky Highway) toward the Pacific Coast and Vancouver. We'll continue to Horseshoe Bay from where we'll catch the ferry across to Nanaimo on Vancouver Island. Although the island stretches almost 500...

Day 12 Free day for optional whale watching or sea kayaking

Today we're free to choose from a variety of activities. The two most popular excursions are both out to sea. The more energetic amongst us might like to explore the wild coastline and hidden coves by kayak. Alternatively, there'll be the chance to go whale watching f...

Day 13 Drive to Victoria, free time to explore

We'll head south today, away from the wilderness of the Pacific Rim National Park and towards the much gentler scenery of Victoria. On the way, we'll make stops to view the totem poles carved by the First Nations of the North West Coast. In 1884 the Federal Government...

Day 14 Ferry to Vancouver and orientation tour

Vancouver (the Jewel of North America) beckons us today. As cosmopolitan as the city is, reaching to the Pacific Ocean and surrounded by Mount Seymour and Grouse Mountain, it's impossible to forget Canada's abundant natural beauty. During the afternoon, we'll hav...

Day 15 Trip ends in Vancouver

Our tour of the Rockies and Pacific Coast ends at our hotel in Vancouver. There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you'd li...

Day 1 Join tour in Vancouver

Our tour starts today in Vancouver. Quintessentially Canadian, Vancouver is a modern, cosmopolitan city set amidst some of the most breathtaking scenery on the west coast. Due to the number of flights arriving into Calgary late in the day, our tour leader - who fo...

Day 2 Orientation tour of Vancouver, ferry to Victoria

This morning we'll take a brief tour of the city, discovering some of its treasures for ourselves, before we hop on an afternoon ferry to Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, on Vancouver Island. Although the island stretches almost 500 kilometres from norht to ...

Day 3 Travel to Pacific Rim National Park

This morning we'll have some free time to explore the city on foot, visiting its shops, galleries and historic sites. Afterwards, we'll drive out of the city towards the wilderness of the Pacific Rim National Park. We'll make stops to view the totem poles carved ...

Day 4 Free day for optional whale watching or sea kayaking

Today we're free to choose from a variety of activities. The two most popular excursions are both out to sea. The more energetic amongst us might like to explore the wild coastline and hidden coves by kayak. Alternatively, there'll be the chance to go whale watching f...

Day 5 Drive to Nanaimo, ferry to mainland, drive to Whistler

Departing Pacific Rim this morning, we'll drive to the MacMillan Provincial Park, where we'll take a short walk to the famous Cathedral Grove, a striking group of huge Douglas First. Some of these incredible trees reach up to 70 metres high, are two metres thick and a...

Day 6 Free day in Whistler, walk or cable car ride

Today is free to enjoy Whistler and the variety of activities on offer here. You might like to take a cable car up one of the nearby peaks and hike a trail. There are plenty of trails in and around Whistler, taking in either the rugged mountains or the peaceful shores...

Day 7 Head to Clearwater via Spahats Falls

We'll have a long drive, around six hours, ahead of us today, as we travel north to Clearwater. En route, we'll make various stops to soak up the scenery. We'll travel through the mountains of interior British Columbia, the landscape changing with the shifting climate...

Day 8 Visit the Wells Gray Provincial Park, including Helmcken Falls

This morning, we'll head out to the nearby Wells Gray Provincial Park, home to Helmcken Falls, which (at 127 metres) is higher than Niagara Falls. There are unexpectedly spectacular views from all along the park entrance road and great opportunities for wildlife spott...

Day 9 Drive to Jasper National Park via Mount Robson

This morning, we'll head northwest along Highway 16, through Mount Robson Provincial Park. Along the way, we'll get to see Mount Robson itself, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies (3954m). It's so tall that it has its own weather patterns and, if we're lucky, we'...

Day 10 Search for wildlife in Jasper National Park

We'll start today with a short hike (approximately four kilometres) on an easy boardwalk in Maligne Canyon, taking in the stunning views over the water that leaps and pummels its way through the narrow canyon. After our visit to the canyon, we'll drive to the enorm...

Day 11 Drive to Canmore along the Icefields Parkway

Today, we'll drive along one of the world's top scenic highways, the Icefield Parkway. Spectacular scenery unfolds at every turn, and we'll likely encounter wildlife along the road too. We'll be driving southwards to Canmore, passing alongside the Columbia Icefield...

Day 12 Full day visit to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake

Today we'll take the hour-long drive to postcard-perfect Lake Louise and its next-door neighbour, Moraine Lake. Tom Wilson, the first white Canadian to see Lake Louise, when he was led there by a local native in 1882, wrote 'I never, in all my explorations of these fi...

Day 13 Walk on the Medecine Trail with an indigenous guide; optional aerial tram ride up Sulphur Mountain

We'll drive from Canmore to Banff this morning, towards the beautiful meadows of Cascade Ponds. Here, we set out on foot with a local and knowledgeable indigenous guide from the Cree Iroquois community, to explore the Medecine Trail, an easy walk of around 1.5km (one ...

Day 14 Explore Kananaskis Country on foot, drive to Calgary

Lying to the southwest of Banff National Park is an area of unspoilt mountain scenery, rich in flora and fauna. This is Kananaskis Country, over 4,000 square kilometres of spectacular wilderness that boasts several provincial parks and one ecological reserve. We'll vi...

Day 15 Tour ends in Calgary

Our tour of the Rockies and Pacific Coast ends at our hotel in Calgary. There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at the hotel. If you'd like a...

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Dates & Availability

Price From $5,350
Price per day$357
Last Updated: 4/26/2024
Start Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Single Room (Optional)
Availability
25 May 2024
08 Jun 2024
$5,420
$1,840
3 spots left
08 Jun 2024
22 Jun 2024
$5,660
$1,970
1 spots left
29 Jun 2024
13 Jul 2024
$5,350
$2,060
4 spots left
13 Jul 2024
27 Jul 2024
$5,600
$2,060
Sold Out
27 Jul 2024
10 Aug 2024
$5,410
$2,070
6 spots left
10 Aug 2024
24 Aug 2024
$5,520
$2,060
6 spots left
24 Aug 2024
07 Sep 2024
$5,830
$1,960
2 spots left
07 Sep 2024
21 Sep 2024
$6,000
$2,070
Sold Out
24 May 2025
07 Jun 2025
$6,290
$2,320
11 spots left
07 Jun 2025
21 Jun 2025
$6,290
$2,320
12 spots left

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Explore!.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Explore! Reviews & Ratings

4.6/5  Excellent
Excellent
6,561
Great
2,178
Average
375
Disappointing
116
Terrible
56
E

Elizabeth

Sep 2023

Written on

Canadian Rockies and Pacific Coast

Fantastic trip, so much to see and do in this beautiful country. The accommodation was all very comfortable and our guide was knowledgeable, enthusiastic, kind and ...

A

Astrid

Sep 2023

Written on

Canadian Rockies and Pacific Coast

Amazing itinerary with enough time to get a flavour of the place - though not as much time as you will wish you could have spent!! Fantastic scenery - everywhere you...

T

Trusted Customer

Sep 2023

Written on

Canadian Rockies and Pacific Coast

Booking was handled well, considering it was done at short notice of about 4 weeks.

L

Liz

Sep 2023

Written on

Canadian Rockies and Pacific Coast

I originally planned this trip in 2019 and it did not disappoint. Our tour leader Dusty was very knowledgeable, travel days flew by with regular stops and he took us...

I

Ian

Aug 2023

Written on

Canadian Rockies and Pacific Coast

There was nothing particularly wrong with this trip but nothing to mark it out as unique to Explore. In fact it was run by a Canadian company and some people hadn't ...

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Tour Operator

Explore!

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About Explore

We've been taking small groups on adventure vacations for over 41 years. Our authentic adventure travel experiences explore the sights and culture of a country, with hand-picked accommodation that balances comfort and location. Our average group tour size is just 11; perfect for meeting new people and getting to the heart of our destinations. Explore is one of the world's most trusted adventure travel companies with over 350 trips to more than 100 countries. We are passionate about travel and have developed a wide range of unique activities and adventures which give our customers an unforgettable experience with a team of award-winning Explore leaders. With Explore, you'll get to see your destination from a whole new perspective that takes you away from the typical well-trodden tourist track. You'll have the chance to meet, dine and stay with local people, rest in authentic accommodation with other like-minded explorers and travel to must-see destinations with a unique Explore twist. From family holidays to trips for solo travelers; cycling tours to wildlife safaris; trekking on mountains or exploring miles of scenic coastline, there is something for every kind of traveler with Explore. We will provide our expert knowledge, exciting itineraries and outstanding service as part of our sustainable travel experiences which take you under the skin of the country you're visiting for the adventure of a lifetime.


Why we love this operator
They explore a place beyond the typical tourist traps and offer exciting activities that bring the “wow factor” intrepid travelers want.
What they’re known for
Famous for our expert local guides that help ease the unknowns of adventure travel while bringing a unique richness and spontaneity to each and every

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Logistics

Transportation & Flights

Ferry, Minibus,

Transportation & flights

Ferry, Minibus
Guides
Explore Tour Leader
Cancellation policy
These conditions are applicable to Discovery & Wildlife, Cycling, Walking and Family Trips. These conditions were updated November 2022. Booked a Polar trip? Please refer to our Polar booking conditions. To make it easy to know the detail of our flexibility, we’ve put it in a grid (these terms apply to all trips apart from our Polar Voyages.) Standard cancellations or changes within 69 days of travel If you’re getting closer to your trip, cancellation charges will apply as follows: For trips confirmed by 31st December 2022: 59-42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100% For trips confirmed from 1st January 2023: 69 -42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100%
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
When travelling to Canada, you will need the following: ETA - Citizens of the UK, New Zealand, Australia and passport holders from several EU countries can apply for an ETA here - http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/eta.asp - other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office. USA: If transiting via the US you will require either a visa or an ESTA (an evisa). Please read on for more information. Citizens of the UK, New Zealand, Australia, Canada and passport holders from several EU countries can apply for an ESTA under certain conditions. This applies if you enter the country by sea or by air, and this must be done online via https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov, no later than 72 hours prior to travel. Travellers who have not registered before their trip are likely be refused boarding. You must have a biometric passport to apply for an ESTA. UK passports which are biometric feature a small gold symbol (camera) at the bottom of the front cover. If you have visited Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen since 2011 or are dual nationals of these countries, you cannot travel with an ESTA and instead you will need to apply for a visa from the nearest US Embassy or Consulate. If you are unable to provide a valid visa before boarding flights to the US, or entering via another method, you may not be permitted to travel. You should also be aware that if you have travelled to or have been in Cuba since the 12th of January 2021, you will not be eligible for an ESTA visa waiver and will need to apply for a US visa. You should consult the US State Department website to determine which you will need. Your ESTA application will ask for Point of Contact information. Please note that if you're only transiting through the USA then this is not required. If you're visiting or staying in the USA on an Explore trip, then our USA contact information will be listed on your final documentation which you will receive approximately 3-4 weeks before departure. Entry requirements for the USA can change regularly, therefore, please ensure you have the most up to date information before you travel by checking the US embassy website. Visa applications - http://london.usembassy.gov/niv/apply.html
Health & Safety
Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against tetanus, typhoid, infectious hepatitis and polio. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at <a href="https://www.explore.co.uk/essential-information/know-before-you-go/travel-health">Explore Travel Health</a> and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.
Age Requirements
16 to 85 years
Additional Information
Trip ID
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