Compare Yukon Adventure by Great Canadian Trails vs Rockies Trail by Omega Tours

Day 1: Whitehorse

Welcome to Whitehorse! Upon arrival, make your way to the downtown hotel using the hotel's complimentary shuttle. Named after the rapids on the Yukon River which resembled the flowing manes of charging white horses, the territory's capital was a First Nations’ campsite until the Gold Rush brought tens of thousands of gold-seekers on their way to the Klondike. This evening is free to explore the historic town and its quaint Main Street.

Day 2: Carcross Day Hike (4-5hrs, 9km)

Today we will hit the road and go south down the Klondike highway, to the First Nation community of Carcross, once known as 'Caribou Crossing'. In Carcross, we will climb the Sam McGee Trail, a historic and rewarding hike. The trail was originally made to service the tramway built in 1905 by Sam McGee for a silver mining operation and there remain many remnants of the tramway and mining artifacts along the trail. The hike has an elevation of 618m, is 9km long, and takes 4-5 hours. The mountain and lake views from the top are sure to amaze. We return to our hotel in Whitehorse for overnight.

Day 3: Visit and Hike in Kluane National Park (4hrs, 14km)

Today, you will have the opportunity to experience the beauty of Kluane National Park and Reserve. Truly a dream hiking destination, Kluane offers an alpine and subalpine landscape for hikers of all levels. At 22,000 square kilometres, the park is half the size of the Netherlands. It’s also home to Canada’s highest mountain, Mount Logan, and the largest non-polar icefields on Earth. Wildflowers bloom in abundance during summer, and in the fall, the aspen forests and alpine create an unforgettable display of colour. After a stop at the visitor's centre, we enjoy an easy afternoon hike on the Thunderegg Creek Trail; a good half-day hike that gives us a closer look at Kluane’s famous mountains, following along an old exploration road with open views of the Alsek Valley. The trail is 14km long with minimal elevation gain, and takes approximately 4 hours ending at the namesake sphere-shaped 'thunder egg' rocks. We spend the next 2 nights at a comfortable inn in the community of Haines Junction, conveniently located on the edge of the national park.

Day 4: Kluane National Park Full-Day Hike (6.5-8hrs, 15km)

We have a full day to truly experience majestic Kluane, as we are spoiled with trail options in this incredible park. Depending on local conditions and the group's interest/abilities, we may choose Sheep Creek trail which offers incredible mountain views and wildlife spotting opportunities. Sheep Creek is 15km long, has a 1100m elevation gain, and takes approximately 6.5 hours. Alternatively, we can consider the famous but difficult King’s Throne on Kathleen Lake, which has an elevation gain of 1250m, is 15km long, and takes approximately 8 hours. The views of the surrounding valleys and Kathleen Lake are absolutely breathtaking. This evening we return to Haines Junction for dinner (not included) and overnight.

Day 5: Half-Day Hike and Takhini Hot Springs

In the morning, we will have time for another short hike. We will decide on which one based on how we feel after the last two days. In the afternoon, we will return to Whitehorse and make our way to the Takhini Hot Pools to relax in the healing waters after hiking through Kluane. Rich in minerals, the natural hot springs have been in operation for over 100 years. This evening we have another opportunity to take time to explore Whitehorse and get to know the capital. Overnight downtown hotel.

Day 6: Paddling the Yukon River (5-7hrs)

It's time for a canoe trip down the Yukon River – this trip is one of the highlight experiences of the Yukon! The Yukon River presents excellent opportunities to spot unique wildlife and to see the Yukon from a different perspective. We paddle for about 5-7 hours down the historic river between its beginning near Marsh Lake, through Mile's Canyon, and to Schwatka Lake (2 people per canoe, no paddling experience required). From here, we return to Whitehorse for a celebratory farewell dinner and final night in the capital.

Day 7: Whitehorse

Today marks the end of our adventure. Take advantage of the hotel's free airport shuttle and have a safe onward journey!

DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN CALGARY

Arrive at Calgary International Airport. Individual transfer to your centrally located hotel. After check-in the remainder of the day is free. The tour director will contact you in the late afternoon to give details about joining the tour. Explore the Old West at the Glenbow Museum or Fort Calgary on your own, browse through the Eau Claire Market, ride up the Calgary Tower for a great view and savor the great restaurants and dynamic nightlife. Overnight in Calgary.

Accommodation at the Delta Hotels by Marriott, Calgary, or similar

DAY 2: CALGARY TO BANFF NATIONAL PARK

We begin the day with a city tour of Calgary. Leaving the city, we travel west on the Trans-Canada Highway into the rolling foothills of the Rocky Mountains. The majestic peaks of the Canadian Rockies soon fill the horizon as we approach Banff National Park, our first of several in the Canadian national parks system. We soon arrive in the charming resort town of Banff. Overnight in Banff. Meals: B

Accommodation at the Mount Royal Hotel or Banff Aspen Lodge, Banff, or similar

DAY 3: BANFF NATIONAL PARK

Today we will enjoy a tour of the region around Banff. The area became Canada’s first national park in 1885 to protect its natural hot springs. An optional Helicopter Sightseeing Tour will give you the chance to see the eastern ranges of the Rocky Mountains. Alternatively, you can take an optional gondola ride to spectacular Sulphur Mountain. Bring your camera! The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the surroundings of Banff, stroll along Banff Avenue, or relax and enjoy the scenery. Meals: B

Accommodation at the Mount Royal Hotel or Banff Aspen Lodge, Banff, or similar

DAY 4: BANFF NATIONAL PARK TO JASPER NATIONAL PARK

Today’s journey through Banff and Jasper national parks promises to be a highlight of our Rockies Trail program. Shortly after leaving Banff, we visit the famous scenery of Lake Louise, one of the most photographed lakes in Canada. Afterward, we travel north on the famed Icefields Parkway through a rugged wilderness flanked by dramatic mountain ranges. At the Columbia Icefield, we board a specially constructed Ice Explorer to ride on the surface of the ancient Athabasca Glacier. Close to Jasper, you have the chance to go on an optional raft trip on the Athabasca River. Your experienced guide will point out the natural and human history as you raft through short rapids and stretches of calm waters. Overnight in Jasper. Meals: B

Accommodation at the Lobstick Lodge, Jasper, or similar

DAY 5: JASPER NATIONAL PARK TO SUN PEAKS

Before leaving Jasper National Park this morning, you can take part in an optional Spirit Island Cruise on Maligne Lake, the most picturesque and largest glacier-fed lake in the park. You may alternately take an optional motorcycle tour of Jasper, riding in the comfortable sidecar with an unmatched view of the forests and mountains. Then, we travel west along the Yellowhead Highway and into the heartland of British Columbia. Breathtaking, unspoiled vistas await visitors in every season of the year. The route takes us along the Thompson River through the picturesque Shuswap Highlands. Overnight in Sun Peaks. Meals: B

Accommodation at Sun Peaks Grand, Sun Peaks, or similar

DAY 6: SUN PEAKS TO WHISTLER

We can expect a day of dramatic scenery changes when we drive through the ranch lands and head for the coastal mountains. A journey along the Duffey Lake Road exposes new vistas at every turn. An optional Floatplane Sightseeing Tour over Garibaldi Park gives you an inspiring view of a natural preserve of volcanic peaks, alpine lakes, and meadows. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Whistler. Meals: B

Accommodation at Delta Hotels by Marriott Whistler Village Suites, Whistler, or similar

DAY 7: WHISTLER TO VICTORIA

The Sea-to-Sky Highway leads us south through spectacular coastal scenery today. You will visit the Capilano Suspension Bridge suspended high above a magnificent canyon. From Horseshoe Bay, we cruise by ferry across the Strait of Georgia to Vancouver Island and continue by coach to Victoria, British Columbia’s capital city. Arriving in Victoria, we embark on a city tour of this former British enclave. Overnight in Victoria. Meals: B

Accommodation at the Coast Victoria Hotel & Marina by APA, Victoria, or similar

DAY 8: VICTORIA

Proud of her maritime heritage, Victoria has retained a quaint, colonial demeanor evident in the many 19th-century landmarks throughout the city. Today we treat ourselves to a tour of the world-famous Butchart Gardens, one of the world’s great floral displays set in a reclaimed stone quarry. Time will be allocated here for browsing through the regal gardens. You can take part in an optional Floatplane Sightseeing Tour over downtown Victoria and the Strait of Juan de Fuca with the Olympic Mountains in the distance. You can also go on an optional Whalewatching Excursion aboard a Zodiac or a regular vessel. Watch for the magnificent orcas and the abundance of marine wildlife. The remainder of the day is at leisurely exploring the city’s delights. Overnight in Victoria. Meals: B

Accommodation at the Coast Victoria Hotel & Marina by APA, Victoria, or similar

DAY 9: VICTORIA TO VANCOUVER

We continue through the resort region of the Gulf Islands to the oceanside city of Vancouver. Upon arrival in Vancouver, we enjoy an interesting tour of the city, including Stanley Park, English Bay, Gastown, Chinatown, and much more. The remainder of the day is free for independent exploration or simple relaxation. This evening features our farewell dinner. Meals: B, D

Accommodation at the Sutton Place Hotel, Vancouver, or similar

DAY 10: VANCOUVER DEPARTURE

A time for last-minute shopping and sad farewells. Individual transfer to Vancouver International Airport in time to check in for your return flight. Meals: B