Compare Canadian Rockies & Pacific Coast 2022 End Seattle Classic Group by Insight Vacations vs 8 Day Canadian Rockies & British Columbia by Gate 1 Travel
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Trip |
5 | Excellent
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3.5 | Average
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Duration | 14 days | 8 days |
Price From | $ 7,155 | $ 2,889 |
Price Per Day | $ 511 | $ 361 |
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Trip Style | Group tour | Group tour |
Lodging Level | Premium | Premium |
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Travel Themes |
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Countries Visited | ||
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Flights & Transport | Airfare included | Ground transport included |
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Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
Description | This two-week guided tour traverses the most majestic terrain of Canada before dipping into the U.S. Start in Vancouver, where the famous totem poles in the lush Stanley Park are worth of a photo — or 10. Cruise across the serene, mirror-like waters of Maligne Lake, watching as the reflection of the Canadian Rockies wave in the vessel’s wake. Enjoy a private guided tour of Glacier Skywalk, a glass walkway above the Sunwapta Valley, where you will see waterfalls and wildlife. Explore the rugged wonder of Banff National Park on a helicopter or gondola ride. In Washington, visit the award-winning winery Cave B Estate and indulge in an artisanal lunch paired with its finest wines. And look for flying fish at Seattle’s Pike Place Market, where fishmongers at the world-famous farmers market are apt to toss fresh filets from stand to stand. |
1 Calgary, 2 Banff, 1 Revelstoke, 2 Kelowna, 1 Vancouver |
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.
All sightseeing and itinerary inclusions are subject to favorable weather conditions and seasonality. In those instances, and until the roads are available for travel, often unpredictable until the last moment, roads, routes and sites will be amended.
DAY 1, Thursday - Depart for Canada
DAY 2, Friday - Calgary City Tour, Canmore, Travel to Banff
DAY 3, Saturday - Banff National Park
DAY 4, Sunday - Lake Louise, Yoho National Park
DAY 5, Monday - Craigellachie, O'Keefe Ranch, Honey Farm Tour, Kelowna
DAY 6, Tuesday - Lake Okanagan Cruise, Wine Tasting
DAY 7, Wednesday - Travel to Vancouver, Stanley Park
DAY 8, Thursday - Depart Canada |