The Rockies to the Pacific and Vancouver Island
19 days, Guided Groups, Fixed Departures
From Calgary to Vancouver Island, set off on a journey following the settlers' footsteps in the land of bear and elk and experience the contagious spirit of adventure that roams free in this western land. Here, nature has created one of the most picturesque landscapes on earth where abundant wildlife (virtually guaranteed!) and wilderness complement some of the most majestic mountain vistas imaginable.Trails traverse moraine fields, spectacular canyons, open plateau, waterfalls, glaciers, towering peaks and turquoise alpine lakes of such dazzling clarity that you can scarcely believe that the images in front of you are for real.
You will witness the richness and diversity of some of the very best day hikes of the Canadian Rockies in the renowned Banff and Jasper National Parks and also explore the humbling Icefields Parkway before heading to British Columbia to experience the silencing effect of mountain scenery whilst canoeing on Clearwater Lake.
Travel to the famous ski resort of Whistler where you can take advantage of mountain top beauty, alpine fields and spectacular falls. Descend to the ocean for your ferry crossing to the natural paradise that is Vancouver Island.
Walk in the incredible Pacific Rim National Park with its exotic rainforest vegetation and beaches and ride up the Pacific Ocean in zodiacs to a private island in Clayoquot Sound to view killer whales.
Return to Vancouver, where the city meets the beach before flying home. Truly a journey from mountain to ocean!
- Day 1. Outbound to Calgary
- Fly to Calgary and overnight in Canada's wild west city.
- Days 2 to 4. Kananaskis and Banff
- Head for the mountains at Kananaskis Country, a favourite playground for the locals with its rugged limestone cliffs and beautiful meadows and lakes. Climb Indefatigable Mountain and watch the moose roam on the Marl Lake Trail before travelling to Canada's oldest national park, Banff. From Sulphur Mountain you can view the whole of this magnificent range before heading to Mount Edith, along a fabulous mountain pass that peaks at 2300 metres.
- Days 5 to 7. Jasper National Park
- Travel along the famous mountain highway, the Icefields Parkway, which offers views of more than four hundred glaciers, the Athabasca Falls and the startling emerald Lake Louise. The Jasper area is best known for its mesmerising scenes of rugged and serene beauty. There are miles of open meadows and mountain ridge walks - take the colourful Opal Hill Trail and the panoramic Sulphur Skyline Trail with views east to the prairies and west towards the continental divide. Relax at the Miette Hot Springs, a perfect place to soak away any aches before retiring to your campsite.
- Days 8 to 12. Into British Columbia
- Head for Mount Robson, the country's highest peak and follow a historic gold diggers trail. From your campsite at Wells Gray, dwarfed by the Caribou Mountains, paddle your way over the pristine water of Clearwater Lake, watching for wildlife along the shores. Head up towards Whistler where the views of an endless sea of mountains cannot be described in words! This famous village is surrounded by provincial parks offering fantastic hikes and wonderful birdwatching opportunities.
- Days 13 to 15. Vancouver Island
- Down to the coast and over on the ferry to the hidden gem of Vancouver Island, truly a nature lover's and wilderness trekker's paradise. The Pacific Rim National Park is a window to the immense Pacific Ocean and numerous paths trail through its dense vegetation and rich fauna. Zodiac boats zip you into the most remote and impressive region at Tofino where, from a magnificentprivate island, you can swim in a natural hot water basin and observe a multitude of sea mammals including whales. An unforgettable experience.
- Days 16 to 19. Vancouver and Homeward
- Overnight in the quaint colonial capital of Victoria before returning to cosmopolitan Vancouver to enjoy city culture and beach life. Fly overnight back to the UK.
- Tour grade: B/C
- Cost per person: £3,250
- Single supplement: £170
- CO2 Offset cost: £14.76.
- What is included: Flights, private transfers, experienced guide, park fees, zodiac safari, most meals.
- Accommodation: Hotels, camping.
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Departure dates:
Saturday, 9 August 2008.
Saturday, 8 August 2009.