Compare Canadian Rockies Tours (Small Group Canadian National Parks 7 Days) WCR7CPPRT by Bindlestiff Tours vs Canadian Rockies & Pacific Coast 2023 End Seattle Classic Group by Insight Vacations

DAY 1 – SEATTLE TO KAMLOOPS

Canadian Rockies Tours begin as follows: Today takes us through Kamloops British Columbia where the North and South Thompson rivers meet. Kamloops is abundant with stunning scenery and great wildlife viewing. Cougars, bears, elk and more inhabit the Thomson River Valley. En route stop for a short walk and picnic at Bridal Veil Falls Provincial Park. The landscape encompassing the park is characterized by low elevation valleys and lush, rounded mountains. Bridal Veil Falls, which tumbles 197 ft. over a smooth rock face, creating a “veil-like” effect.

DAY 2 – YOHO NATIONAL PARK

The word Yoho comes from the Cree word for awe and wonder and it soon becomes apparent why. Explore trails around the magnificent Emerald Lake where you can take a walk around the lake or simply relax in the lake shore café and enjoy the views. This afternoon we drive the Kicking Horse Pass across the Continental Divide into Alberta. Enjoy panoramic vistas of peaks exceeding 10,000 feet on Rogers Pass at the summit in Canada’s Glacier National Park en route to Banff, our night stop. Banff is a fun mountain town offering some alpine nightlife and numerous cafes and restaurants.

DAY 3 – BANFF NATIONAL PARK – LAKE LOUISE

Lake Louise is an alpine lake known for its stunning turquoise glacier fed waters ringed by high peaks and overlooked by a stately chateau. Multiple hiking trails lead up to the Lake Agnes Tea House for bird’s eye views of the lake. Take a hike to the Plain-of-Six-Glaciers, take is easy exploring the lake shore or choose to canoe on these pristine waters. This afternoon visit Moraine Lake in the Valley of the Ten Peaks, at an elevation of approximately 6,183 feet for some epic photos.

DAY 4 – ICEFIELDS PARKWAY & JASPER NATIONAL PARK

You are in for a real treat today. Spend the day driving and exploring the Icefields Parkway. This drive offers endless vistas, jagged mountains, glaciers and wildlife viewing opportunities-truly one of the world’s most spectacular drives. Enjoy short walks, views of Bow Glacier and Peyto lake, take an optional helicopter flight over the Columbia Icefield or step out on the Athabasca glacier- this day just keeps on giving.

DAY 5 – JASPER NATIONAL PARK

This morning is yours to enjoy Jasper – the largest national park in Canada. Marvel at the snow capped summits and beautiful lakes in this true wild mountain wilderness. Jasper offers an abundance of wildlife sightings, jagged mountain peaks, alpine lakes and numerous hiking/biking opportunities around the famous trails and stunning lake shores. After a full day of activities we follow the Yellowhead Highway, hugging the mighty North Thompson River to our night stop of Clearwater BC. See the base of 12,972-foot Mount Robson (the highest point in the Canadian Rockies) and maybe catch a glimpse of the infamous peak en route.

DAY 6 – WHISTLER & VANCOUVER

On to the alpine resort of Whistler, nestled at the base of Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. Today is free to explore all that Whistler has to offer. Enjoy spectacular scenery and incredible photo opportunities as you explore this cute ski town and home of the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics.

DAY 7 – VANCOUVER & SEATTLE

This morning, drive the spectacular Sea to Sky highway for your morning in Vancouver. Tour this great city including the waterfront, Gas lamp district, Chinatown, and Stanley Park. Head to Seattle for your evening downtown or drop off at the departure hotel.

Guests may depart in Vancouver at noon or Seattle when the tour ends.

This epic Western Canada tour ends at approx. 8pm

Day 1: Welcome to Vancouver

Arrive in Vancouver, a haven for sports enthusiasts and keen history buffs alike. This unique city offers something for everyone. From its striking mountains to the bustle of the city’s art and music scene, this British Columbia seaport does not disappoint. On arrival, your airport transfer will take you to your luxury hotel before you join your Travel Director at 18:00 for a Welcome Dinner and an opportunity to mingle with fellow guests over wine.

Day 2: Cruise the Gulf Islands to Victoria

Embark on a tour of Vancouver, exploring Gastown and the famous totem poles in Stanley Park followed by a visit to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. You'll have free time to enjoy lunch on your own. This afternoon, board a ferry and sail through the beautiful Gulf Islands to Vancouver Island, an idyllic place known for its fishing and art communities. You'll end your day here, in British Columbia's stunning capital city, Victoria. Your hotel will be the Inn at Laurel Point, a modern waterfront venue with harbour views.

Day 3: Butchart Gardens

Start your day wandering through world renowned Butchart Gardens, a beautiful National Historic Site of Canada featuring groups of floral displays. Enjoy an immersive day exploring Canada's oldest Chinatown, the bustling Inner Harbour and stately Legislative Buildings. At night, choose from a selection of restaurants for your Dine-Around Evening, where you’ll sit down and enjoy a hearty meal with striking views.

Day 4: Victoria to Chase, British Columbia

This morning, cruise back to the mainland and continue on your scenic journey through British Columbia to the Secwepemc Territory at Little Shuswap Lake close to Chase. Upon arrival, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you witness and partake in a Smudging Ceremony, a traditional spiritual ritual conducted by a member of the local Indigenous community. As you settle in at your lakeside lodge this evening, you'll enjoy a Dinner with Wine, featuring authentic regional flavours.

Day 5: The Alpine Wonderland of Jasper National Park

After breakfast this morning, your journey takes you along the legendary Yellowhead Highway towards Jasper National Park, part of the Canadian Rocky Mountains Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. En route, a stop will be made at the Mount Robson Visitor Center in Mount Robson Provincial Park, the second oldest park in British Columbia’s park system and truly one of the world’s crown jewels. Enjoy the best views of Mount Robson, which at 12,972 ft (3,954 metres) is the most prominent mountain in North America's Rocky Mountain range and also the highest point in the Canadian Rockies. Arrive in the wonderland of Jasper National Park with its soothing mineral hot springs, rugged glaciers, colourful meadows, and majestic mountains.

Day 6: Exploring Jasper and the Columbia Icefield

Start the day with an informative walk on the trails of Maligne Canyon, one of the most beautiful gorges in the Canadian Rockies. Then, embark on a narrated cruise across the serene waters of iconic Maligne Lake, one of the jewels of the Canadian Rockies (please note that this activity is seasonal and subject to closure as the lake may be frozen). Stop at Spirit Island, one of the most photographed sites in the Canadian Rockies. Start your journey along the majestic Icefields Parkway, one of the world's most stunning mountain drives. Travel along the majestic Icefields Parkway and arrive at the Columbia Icefield for your stay at the just opened Glacier View Lodge, the first and only glacier-view resort in Canada. After a welcome reception in the Moraine Lounge,venture onto the amazing Glacier Skywalk where you will be treated to an after-hours, private guided tour of the cliff-edged, glass-floored walkway.After enjoying a gourmet dinner with wine, you can step out onto the Viewing Deck, stargaze marveling at the dark night sky, relax with a drink in the library, or hang out inside the Moraine Lounge with games and live entertainment.

Day 7: Icefields, Glaciers and Lakes to Banff National Park

Following a hearty breakfast, your Local Expert will escort you to a special before-hours glacier tour. Venture out onto Athabasca Glacier in a massive Ice Explorer. Then, join your guide for a stroll atop the ice and discover the beauty and immensity of the glacier. Learn about the history and geology of the region, and enjoy a warm beverage out on the glacier itself. After this morning's icy adventure, continue south to Lake Louise and admire it's blue waters and Victoria Glacier. Journey on to the resort town of Banff, your home for the next two nights. This evening, dine in town and unwind in your stunning natural surroundings.

Day 8: The Unspoiled Wilderness of Banff National Park Relaxed Start

Today is yours to spend exploring the rugged charms of the park. Choose from several optional experiences, including a once in a lifetime helicopter flight over the magnificent Canadian Rockies, or a ride onboard the Banff Gondola, a scenic cableway that can take you to the summit of Sulphur Mountain.

Day 9: Buffalo and Glacier National Park

From craggy plains to mountainous landscapes, you’ll cross the U.S. border into Montana and end your day at Many Glacier Hotel, a charming property situated in the heart of Glacier National Park. Glacier National Park is an American national park located in northwestern Montana, on the Canada–United States border, adjacent to the Canadian provinces of Alberta and British Columbia. The park encompasses over 1 million acres and includes parts of two mountain ranges, over 130 named lakes, more than 1,000 different species of plants, and hundreds of species of animals. This vast pristine ecosystem is the centerpiece of what has been referred to as the "Crown of the Continent Ecosystem," a region of protected land encompassing 16,000 square miles.

Day 10: Going-to-the-Sun and Glacier National Park

Today, board a private Red Jammer bus to cruise along the Going-to-the-Sun Road in style. During your narrated trip you'll witness stunning views from Logan Pass and the marvels of the park's wild interior. Disembark and end your day at Lake McDonald, the largest lake in Glacier National Park. Rest up in a classic Swiss-chalet-style lodge with spectacular mountain views.

Day 11: Lake Coeur d'Alene and Spokane

Today you'll continue on to the beautiful shores of Lake Coeur d'Alene, one of America's most beautiful lakes, and arrive in Spokane to stay at The Historic Davenport, Autograph Collection hotel.This is Washington State's grandest hotel, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It has welcomed a number of famous faces including Amelia Earhart and Clark Gable.

Day 12: Wonderful Wines en route to Seattle

Wine connoisseurs rejoice. Today you'll head through the wide, endless horizons of the wine-producing area of Washington State. This afternoon, enjoy a tasting of local wines at your Highlight Lunch, focusing on fresh, local and artisanal ingredients. Then it's on to Seattle for an evening at leisure at your hotel.

Day 13: The Soaring Sights of Seattle

Enjoy an Insight Choice today. Either head to the Space Needle, with its jaw-dropping panoramic views of the unique skyline or the Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibit. You'll also see Puget Sound, Pioneer Square and Pike Place Market, where you should watch out for flying fish. The afternoon is yours at leisure and you'll find activities, restaurants and shops aplenty. In the evening, join your Travel Director and fellow guests for a Celebration Dinner with wine at Ivar's Acres of Clams. Here you'll find the Northwest's best dining, as you take in the views on Seattle's waterfront.

Day 14: Depart Seattle

It’s time to say goodbye to the Emerald City as your trip comes to an end. An included transfer will take you to Seattle SeaTac International Airport.