Experience Overview
Canada’s Rocky Mountains provide a stunning landscape of craggy, towering rock faces, snow-capped mountains, thick forests and picturesque lakes. Wander the streets of Vancouver and admire the views each direction you turn. Hike or bike the breathtaking trails of Whistler, Sun Peaks, Jasper, and Banff. Experience the renowned expanse of Lake Louise, or wrap your hands around a mug of hot chocolate while admiring the superb alpine scenery of the Rockies. Ready for a grand adventure? Jump aboard and witness the sheer beauty of this exceptional part of the world.
Highlights
- Sit back and enjoy the Icefields Parkway between Jasper and Banff, one of the most scenic drives on earth, without the hassle of driving.
- Head to Whistler to learn more about First Nations history at the Squamish Lil'Wat Cultural Centre – the first of its kind in Canada.
- Experience the seasonal moods and beauty of Lake Louise for yourself and cross off one of those must-see bucket list experiences.
- Keep your eye on the roadside for extraordinary wildlife like elk, black bears, grizzly bears, eagles, Rocky Mountain goats, and – if you're lucky – beavers, wolves and moose.
- Head out on a walk and talk with a guide from Yellowstone to Yukon, an initiative to create wildlife corridors spanning from the US to Canada.
Trip Details
Product Code: 2612
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Private Vehicle
Guide Language: English
Supplier Code: SSKK
Starts: Vancouver, Canada
Finishes: Calgary, Canada
Duration: 10 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating: Light
Includes
Meals: Lunch (3), Dinner (1)Accommodation: Hotel (4 nights),Lodge (3 nights),Inn (2 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 5508 (CAD 551 /day)
Itinerary
Welcome to Canada! Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you do arrive early, perhaps explore the happening neighbourhood of Yaletown, or head to Granville Island to visit the colourful markets full of fresh produce and handcrafts. Vancouver’s coastal setting is beautiful, bordered by an ocean harbour to the north and a river to the south. The majestic Coastal Mountains, often snow-capped, provide the eastern horizon, making it a picturesque place to spend a few days before the tour begins.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
On your way out of Vancouver today, check out Stanley Park’s carved totem poles, representing the historical crests of First Nations families and their clans. During the drive to Whistler you’ll stop at the beautiful Shannon Falls, then learn more about First Nations art, history and culture at Squamish Lil'Wat Cultural Centre. Refuel with a late lunch at the onsite cafe, serving a modern take on traditional First Nations food. Once you arrive in Whistler Village, your leader will take you on an orientation walk through the bustling hub of shops and award-winning restaurants, all surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery. Later, you may like to join in on the Whistler nightlife by sampling one of the town’s lively bars.
Included Activities:
- Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre Visit
- Whistler - Leader-led orientation walk
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Stunning Whistler is ready to be explored, up the mountain or back down in the village. Perhaps buy yourself a ticket to ride the PEAK 2 PEAK gondola to enjoy unparalleled views of towering volcanic peaks and surrounding forest on the world’s longest and highest lift. Once at the top, check out the nearby scenic walking trails, mountaintop restaurants and indoor interpretive displays. Otherwise, you could hire a bike and ride along the Valley Trail to Lost Lake, or go for an easy hike along the Lost Lake Nature Trail. If you're after something a little more cultured, perhaps hit the Audain Art Museum to see a selection of First Nations and British Columbian artwork.
Optional Activities:
- Whistler - Zip Trek Tour (1.5 hrs) (129 CAD)
- Whistler – Standard Mountain Bike Rental (full day) (90 CAD)
- Whistler - PEAK2PEAK Gondola (82 CAD)
- Whistler - Audain Art Museum (18 CAD)
- Whistler - Regular Bike Rental (half day) (40 CAD)
- Whistler - Lost Lake Trail hike - Free
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Say goodbye to Whistler and drive through the mountains to Sun Peaks. The Sun Peaks township is set on one of many peaks along the mountain range and the views from the top are incredible. On arrival you’ll have the choice to see those views for yourself by doing a hike along the Sunburst Loop. Or, you might like to take a shorter walk along the Shuswap Medicine Trail and learn about local flora, fauna and traditional First Nations medicines. This evening, rejoin your group for dinner together.
Optional Activities:
- Sun Peaks - Sunburst Loop Trail - Free
- Sun Peaks - Shuswap Medicine Trail - Free
Accommodation:
- Lodge (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning head to Jasper National Park, one of the most photographed places in Canada. Jasper is the largest of Canada's Rocky Mountain parks, famous for wildlife such as elk, moose, deer, coyotes, grizzly bears and mountain lions, as well as smaller mammals and birds. Along the way you’ll stop in at Mt Robson Provincial Park, stretching your legs on a short walk through the picturesque wildflower meadows. Once you arrive in Jasper, you’ll have options to explore the village of Jasper and its surrounds.
Included Activities:
- Jasper National Park - Entrance Fee
- Mt. Robson Provincial Park - Wildflower walk
Accommodation:
- Inn (Number of Nights: 1)
Today is a free day in Jasper. Join the group on a visit to Maligne Lake for some hiking, and perhaps book yourself a cruise on the lake’s shimmering blue waters past the much-photographed Spirit Island. If the lake cruise isn’t your thing, you might like to spend your time seeing the area while hiking either the Mary Schaeffer or the Moose Lake trails. There’s also the option hike or bike around Beauvert Lake, or a ride on the Jasper SkyTram is highly recommended if you didn’t do it yesterday!
Included Activities:
- Visit to Maligne Lake
Optional Activities:
- Jasper - Mountain Bike Hire (75 CAD)
- Jasper - Cruise on Maligne Lake (79 CAD)
- Maligne Lake - Hiking - Free
- Jasper National Park - Hikes - Free
- Jasper - Rafting on Athabasca River (2 hours) (100 CAD)
Accommodation:
- Inn (Number of Nights: 1)
Buckle up for Banff. Today is a long day, with many scenic stops and visits along the way. In the morning, travel towards Banff, stopping off at the Columbia Icefields Centre and Sunwapta Falls. You'll have the chance to join an optional glacier hike with a professional guide (at own expense). Then head into Banff National Park in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Banff is considered the oldest national park in Canada, showcasing the Rockies’ valleys and mountain chains which began forming up to 75 million years ago.
Included Activities:
- Icefields Parkway - Sightseeing Stops including Sunwapta Falls
Optional Activities:
- Icefields Parkway - Athabasca Glacier Hike with Guide (115 CAD)
Accommodation:
- Lodge (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, pay a visit to Lake Louise. You can get your bearings on optional walks along the easy Waterfront Trail, or take the steeper trail to the Fairview Lookout for some incredible views from above. After, you might like to check out the interior of the luxury mountain resort, Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. This afternoon, don an old-fashioned swimsuit and soak in the hot mineral waters of the Banff Upper Hot Springs. If there is extra time today, you may like to take part in one of the many adventure activities available within the park. With its coniferous forests, alpine meadows, icefields and glaciers, the park is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise. There are opportunities for canoeing, mountain biking, hiking or riding the gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain.
Included Activities:
- Banff Upper Hotsprings
- Visit to Lake Louise
Optional Activities:
- Buffalo Nations Luxton Museum (10 CAD)
- Banff - Canoe Hire (70 CAD)
- Banff - Sulphur Mountain gondola (75 CAD)
- Banff - Horse Riding (1 hour) (90 CAD)
- Banff - Mountain bike hire (full day) (45 CAD)
- Banff - Cruiser bike hire (full day) (38 CAD)
- Lake Louise - Waterfront Trail - Free
- Lake Louise - Fairview Lookout hike - Free
Accommodation:
- Lodge (Number of Nights: 1)
Before leaving Banff this morning, join a guide from Yellowstone to Yukon (Y2Y). Y2Y is an initiative to create wildlife corridors spanning from Yellowstone to Yukon, and you’ll learn about how the US and Canada have come together to support the animals whose habitats span both countries. Then, complete your crossing of the Rockies today on a drive to Calgary. Along the way, make a stop in the cosy little town of Canmore, the perfect place to grab some lunch and soak in some final mountain views. Arriving in Calgary the afternoon. Home to the famous Calgary Stampede, the city is growing at a rapid rate, largely thanks to oil and mining. While it may not be the most picturesque of cities, Calgary makes up for it with a budding dining and nightlife scene. In the evening perhaps head for dinner at one of the city's great restaurants.
Included Activities:
- Banff - Walk and talk with Y2Y Wildlife Conservation guide
Optional Activities:
- Calgary - Calgary Tower (18 CAD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
There are no activities planned for today and you can depart the accommodation at any time, though please be sure to comply with any hotel check-out times.
Similar Experiences
Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Patricia P - Traveled, May 2019
I have done my 6th intrepid trip(i think) and has always been a great experience,our guide/driver earnt a lot of these points
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/18/2019
Patrizia F - Traveled, May 2019
Country, daily programm, size of groupe, organisation, animals, tourguide Rich => just perfect
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/18/2019
Sarah A - Traveled, May 2019
Excellent balance of destination highlights, personal time, small group and local guide was very knowledgeable
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/18/2019
Andreas P - Traveled, June 2019
First off all the wonderful country, then the great company of the other travellers on the trip and on top off all the best guide Mr. Will Flowers
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/18/2019
Susan H· - Traveled, June 2019
I thought Will was so knowledgeable and anything we ask even if he didn’t know he got back with an answer . He is Very sociable and always had a smile on his face !the souper troopers were epic ! Saw so much wildlife except a bear eating a salmon
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/18/2019
Yvonne K - Traveled, June 2019
We did such a great variety of different activities and saw spectacular places.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/18/2019
Alex F - Traveled, August 2019
Richard our guide made the trip- he was so fabulous and the reason it was so great was because of his passion and positivity. I love that Intrepid supports sustainable tourism which is a reason why I love it also.. my husband and I only had limited time to Travel and this trip ensured we saw the very main things we wanted to explore and we don’t feel like we missed out on anything. The only thing that was slightly disappointing was that the accommodation in Jasper and Bannf were VERY far out of town- which wasn’t really communicated with us prior to the trip and considering we were only in those areas for a few nights it really wasn’t ideal being that far away.. that was the only negative though- I cannot fault the destinations and the guide- Rich was incredible
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/18/2019
Ann E - Traveled, June 2019
Great guide
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/18/2019
Carmen - Traveled, August 2018
Really awesome! I enjoyed it immensely plus our guide Jay was so accommodating to everyone's personal wants to the tour. Also he's really versatile and knows exactly how to time everything so we're not bothered too much by the tourist rushes. It was so great. I'm so happy I went ^^
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/04/2018
Damien - Traveled, February 2018
Seeing the majesty of the rockies firsthand was a dream come true.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/21/2018
Kirk F. - Traveled, May 2019
The tour was great and seen so much of what I wanted to see. The tour guide was excellent and made the trip even better. I didn’t realise how much I’d learn and discover through this trip
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/18/2019
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