Compare Western Canada with Inside Passage by Cosmos vs Spectacular Rockies and Glaciers of Alberta Classic Group by Insight Vacations

Day 1: VANCOUVER AREA

Welcome to Vancouver! Your Tour Director is on hand late this afternoon to answer any questions.

Day 2: VANCOUVER AREA

This morning, an included city tour highlights Stanley Park, Chinatown, the harbour, and beaches, and more. The rest of the day is at leisure, and your Tour Director will have suggestions for your further exploration of the city. Maybe take a water taxi to lively Granville Island with its outdoor markets, street musicians, and waterfront cafés, or visit historic Gastown with its steam-powered clock, antique shops, art galleries, and street vendors.

Day 3: VANCOUVER AREA–FERRY CROSSING–VICTORIA

This morning, set sail across the Strait of Georgia through the spectacular Gulf Islands, an area known for its Mediterranean-like climate. Afternoon sightseeing in Victoria includes world-famous Butchart Gardens, Bastion Square, and Thunderbird Park with its unusual collection of totem poles.

Day 4: VICTORIA

Be sure to discover some of the attractions this splendid city has to offer, including the Royal British Columbia Museum, afternoon tea at the Empress Hotel, a whale-watching cruise on the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and shopping along Government Street.

Day 5: VICTORIA–CHEMAINUS–PORT HARDY

An early departure from Victoria follows the eastern coastline of Vancouver Island, stopping in Chemainus, the unique village with more than 30 murals depicting pioneer settlement of the area. Then, it’s through the port of Campbell River, the “Salmon Capital of the World.”

Day 6: PORT HARDY–INSIDE PASSAGE CRUISE–PRINCE RUPERT

Early this morning, embark on one of the world’s most beautiful ocean voyages. The scenery is spectacular, with towering mountains, roaring waterfalls, endless islands, and virgin rainforests. Marine life abounds, often with sightings of sea lions, eagles, and porpoises—you may even spot a killer whale! Late-evening arrival in Prince Rupert.

NOTE:
Cruising time through the Inside Passage is approximately 16 hours. Please come prepared with all medications, eyeglasses, and any other items you will need.

Day 7: PRINCE RUPERT

Enjoy an orientation tour of Prince Rupert, and visit the North Pacific Historic Fishing Village, a National Historic Site, for a guided tour of British Columbia’s oldest cannery village. Learn of the canning process and what life was like in the village during peak production in the last century.

Day 8: PRINCE RUPERT–VIA RAIL THE SKEENA–SMITHERS–PRINCE GEORGE

This morning, board VIA Rail’s Skeena train for the trip of a lifetime. Sit back and enjoy an all-daylight journey that winds its way through the majestic Coast Mountains, follows the mighty Skeena River—often referred to as the “River of Mists.” Retrace the steps of the ancient First Nations trading routes and follow the paths of the earliest fur traders. Soaring bald eagles, inquisitive black bears, browsing moose, and other wildlife may be spotted. Disembarking in Smithers, you’ll continue to Prince George for an overnight stay in British Columbia’s “Northern Capital.”

NOTE:
Train travel is subject to unforeseen delays.

Day 9: PRINCE GEORGE–MOUNT ROBSON–JASPER NATIONAL PARK

As we continue onward to Jasper National Park, the peak elevations grow, culminating with Mount Robson, the highest of Canada’s Rockies at almost 13,000 feet. In Jasper, an orientation tour showcases the area’s unspoiled beauty. Overnight in Jasper National Park.

Day 10: JASPER NATIONAL PARK

Today, join the optional excursion to Maligne Lake and Spirit Island, where you embark on a narrated cruise of the lake. The balance of the day is free to enjoy everything Jasper has to offer, from guided hikes and quaint shops to meandering wildlife.

Day 11: JASPER NATIONAL PARK–COLUMBIA ICEFIELD–LAKE LOUISE–BANFF NATIONAL PARK

Winding our way down the western fringe of Alberta, our journey takes us through some of the Canadian Rockies’ most breathtaking wilderness. Our first highlight is a stop at the Columbia Icefield to experience the Ice Explorer, an all-terrain vehicle that travels on ice measuring 750 feet thick. As we journey south, precipitous gorges, snowcapped mountain ranges, and lakes of exquisite blues and greens come into view. Visit Lake Louise, its cold waters perfectly mirroring the surrounding mountains and glaciers. Arrive in Banff National Park and enjoy an orientation tour.

Day 12: BANFF NATIONAL PARK

Banff is one of Canada’s favorite year-round resorts, with summer activities including hiking, boating, horseback riding, and fishing. Consider an optional helicopter ride high over the Canadian Rockies.

Day 13: BANFF NATIONAL PARK–CALGARY

Arrive in Calgary, home to the world-famous Calgary Stampede, and take a city tour. Highlights include downtown, Fort Calgary, Stampede Park, the Saddledome, and Canada Olympic Park. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Perhaps go to the top of Calgary Tower for a 360-degree panoramic view, Heritage Park Historical Village or Studio Bell to visit the Canadian Music Hall of Fame.

Day 14: CALGARY

Your vacation ends this morning.

Day 1: Welcome to Banff

After your arrival at Calgary Airport, you are transferred to the Castle in the Rockies, your historic mountain resort in Banff. Built in the distinctive Canadian Château style, it is one of the earliest examples of the country’s grand railway hotels. Tonight, join your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a Welcome Dinner.

Day 2: Exploring Banff

Connect with nature as you join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience with your First Nations Cree Iroquois Local Expert. Embark on a guided walk in the Boreal forest and discover the Indigenous world of plant medicines. Learn about the historical and modern day uses of plants and listen to fascinating stories about the First Nations culture.Explore Banff with a few fun optionals. Choose to play nine holes of golf. Alternatively, take the Banff gondola up Sulphur Mountain and go on a hike. Another option is to take a guided horseback ride.

Day 3: A Trip to Lake Louise Relaxed Start

Explore Lake Louise with Insight Choice. Choose a journey on the sightseeing gondola and look out for local wildlife as you enjoy a hike surrounded by panoramic views. Alternatively, join your Travel Director for a relaxed stroll along iconic Lake Louise and put paint to canvas to create your own masterpiece. Indulge in a delicious lunch before returning to Banff and enjoying the rest of your day at leisure.

Day 4: Lakes, Mountains and Glaciers Relaxed Start

Start your day with a visit to the glacier-fed Moraine Lake in the Valley of the Ten Peaks. Take a moment to absorb the view of the stunning turquoise lake hidden among steep mountains, waterfalls, and rock piles. Your journey continues on the Icefields Parkway, one of the most beautiful drives on the planet. Admire the dramatic scenery of the Rockies with plenty of photo opportunities. Later, a warm welcome greets you at the country’s first and only glacier-view resort where you will savour a Canadian inspired, locally sourced dinner. After your meal take advantage of the long daylight hours and set out for a private visit to the Columbia Icefield Skywalk, a glass-floored walkway above the Sunwapta Valley. Once night falls, step out on your hotel’s viewing deck and take your chances at stargazing undisturbed by light pollution.

Day 5: Glacier Adventure

Before other travellers arrive, venture onto the Athabasca Glacier in a massive Ice Explorer for your special visit. Join your Local Expert and walk on the frozen flow of ice. Discover the beauty and immensity of the glacier as you learn about the history and geology of the region. Continue along the magnificent Icefields Parkway and arrive at Jasper National Park with its soothing mineral hot springs, colourful meadows and majestic mountains.

Day 6: Exploring Jasper

Join your Travel Director for an informative walk on the trails of Maligne Canyon, the deepest gorge in the Jasper National Park. Weather permitting, embark on a narrated cruise across the serene waters of Maligne Lake and stop at Spirit Island, one of the most photographed sites in the Canadian Rockies.

Day 7: Relaxing in Kananaskis Relaxed Start

Enjoy your scenic drive to Kananaskis and your upscale hotel nestled in the wilderness. Relax at the resort surrounded by mountainous beauty and modern comforts. Tonight, come together with your fellow travellers for a festive Celebration Dinner and toast to your wonderful trip in the Canadian Rockies.

Day 8: Farewell Canada

After breakfast, you are transferred to Calgary Airport where your journey comes to an end. Arrival time at airport is approximately 12:00.