Day 1 – Arrive Victoria
Welcome to Canada. On arrival in Victoria, British Columbia’s charming capital, you'll be transferred to your hotel. Set on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, Victoria is renowned for its beautiful harbour, heritage architecture and relaxed coastal atmosphere.
This evening, meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers at a welcome dinner.
Stay: 2 nights, Victoria
Day 2 – Victoria
Discover the beauty of Victoria, known for its picturesque waterfront, colourful gardens and British heritage.
Visit the world-famous Butchart Gardens, a stunning 22-hectare display of themed gardens featuring vibrant floral displays, peaceful pathways and the spectacular Sunken Garden. Later, enjoy an orientation tour taking in the Inner Harbour, Bastion Square, Beacon Hill Park and Victoria's attractive residential neighbourhoods.
The remainder of the day is at leisure or choose from a range of optional experiences including whale watching, a horse-drawn carriage tour, scenic floatplane flight, food tour or traditional afternoon tea at The Empress.
Included Experiences:
- Visit Butchart Gardens
- Orientation tour of Victoria
Day 3 – Victoria to Whistler
Travel north across Vancouver Island to Nanaimo before boarding a BC Ferry through the scenic Georgia Strait to Horseshoe Bay.
Continue along the spectacular Sea-to-Sky Highway, where coastal scenery gives way to towering mountains and dense forests. Arrive in Whistler, one of Canada's premier alpine destinations, nestled beneath the peaks of Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains.
Stay: Whistler
Day 4 – Whistler to Thompson Valley
Journey along the scenic Duffy Lake Road, one of British Columbia's most beautiful mountain routes. Pass turquoise lakes, dramatic peaks and dense forests before reaching the historic town of Lillooet.
Continue into the picturesque Thompson Valley, where the North and South Thompson Rivers meet, and enjoy an overnight stay surrounded by peaceful riverside scenery.
Stay: Thompson Valley
Day 5 – Thompson Valley to Emerald Lake via Lake Louise
Travel through the Canadian Rockies to the iconic Lake Louise, famed for its turquoise waters and spectacular mountain setting. Enjoy time to explore the lakeshore before continuing to Emerald Lake, one of the Rockies' most beautiful alpine lakes.
Surrounded by towering peaks and pristine wilderness, Emerald Lake provides a memorable setting for the next two nights.
Stay: 2 nights, Emerald Lake
Day 6 – Athabasca Glacier
Travel the spectacular Icefields Parkway, widely regarded as one of the world's most scenic drives. Pass glaciers, rugged mountain peaks, alpine lakes and wildlife-rich landscapes en route to the Columbia Icefield.
Board a specially designed Ice Explorer vehicle and venture onto the ancient Athabasca Glacier for an unforgettable experience amidst one of the largest icefields in North America.
Return to Emerald Lake later in the day.
Included Experience:
- Columbia Icefield Ice Explorer experience
Day 7 – Emerald Lake to Banff
Depart Emerald Lake and, season permitting, admire the stunning beauty of Moraine Lake in the Valley of the Ten Peaks.
Continue to Banff, where a sightseeing tour introduces the Bow River and Bow Falls. Located within Banff National Park, Banff is a charming mountain town filled with boutiques, galleries, cafés and breathtaking alpine scenery.
Included Experience:
- Banff sightseeing tour featuring Bow River and Bow Falls
Stay: 2 nights, Banff
Day 8 – Banff
Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore Banff and its spectacular surroundings. Optional experiences include helicopter sightseeing, wildlife tours, rafting excursions and guided e-bike adventures.
This evening, ascend Sulphur Mountain aboard the Banff Gondola. Take in sweeping views over Banff and the surrounding Rockies before enjoying dinner at Sky Bistro.
EmeraldPLUS Experience:
- Banff Gondola ride and dinner at Sky Bistro
Day 9 – Rocky Mountaineer to Kamloops
Begin your unforgettable journey aboard the world-famous Rocky Mountaineer in SilverLeaf Service. Relax in your panoramic carriage as you travel through the magnificent Canadian Rockies, taking in dramatic mountain landscapes, forests, rivers and views of Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies.
Enjoy breakfast, lunch and beverages served at your seat throughout the day.
Stay: Kamloops
Day 10 – Rocky Mountaineer to Vancouver
Reboard the Rocky Mountaineer and continue west through deep canyons, river valleys and fertile farmland as the scenery gradually transitions from mountains to coast.
Arrive in Vancouver late afternoon and transfer to your hotel.
Stay: 2 nights, Vancouver
Day 11 – Vancouver
Today discover Vancouver's highlights on a city sightseeing tour. Visit Stanley Park, home to its famous First Nations totem poles, explore the vibrant waterfront precinct and spend time at bustling Granville Island.
Later, visit Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, where you can walk high above the Capilano River and experience the elevated Treetops Adventure through the surrounding forest canopy.
Included Experiences:
- Vancouver city sightseeing tour
- Visit Granville Island
- Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
Day 12 – Depart Vancouver
Begin the day with a special breakfast experience at Grouse Mountain's grizzly bear sanctuary. Enjoy breakfast while learning about the resident bears in their natural surroundings.
Later, transfer to Vancouver Airport for your onward flight.
EmeraldPLUS Experience:
- Breakfast with the bears at Grouse Mountain
