COASTAL BC INSIDE PASSAGE & ROCKIES 2024
Overview
This small intimate tour provides a journey of a lifetime through one of the wildest, diverse and unbelievably beautiful parts of the world. Starting and finishing in Vancouver, we explore some of the most scenic places in British Columbia & Alberta. We navigate routes that are embedded into Canadian History: we follow the Fraser River as we leave Vancouver, make our way to the Rocky Mountains and the Continental Divide before following the Skeena River and embark on a cruise on the Pacific Ocean. Along the way, you will experience distinctly Canadian activities that will deepen your understanding of Canadian culture, nature and landscape. Be sure to pack your binoculars for this tour!
Itinerary
1
Vancouver to Kelowna
Thompson | Okanagan
- Depart Vancouver from Canada Place at 7:15am (please arrive by 7am)
- Enjoy incredible sights traveling through the Fraser Valley
- We carry on along the Coquihalla Highway towards the Okanagan and wine country valley
- Wine tasting at a local winery
- Arrive in Kelowna, your overnight stop, where you’ll be able to walk the beautiful boardwalk along Lake Okanagan or through the cute shops that line the streets of this desert town
- The evening is at your leisure
2
Kelowna to Lake Louise & Banff
Lake Louise
Moraine Lake
- We depart the Okanagan Valley and are heading for the heart of the Canadian Rocky Mountains
- Before we arrive in the Rockies, we will stop at Craigellachie, where the last Spike of the Canadian Railways was set, and travel over Roger’s Pass
- Stop at Lake Louise and Moraine Lake to marvel at the glacier-fed lakes, which are considered two of the most beautiful lakes in the area
- Check in to your hotel in downtown Banff this evening
- Leisure time to explore the town
3
Banff
Banff
Banff Gondola Summit
- Enjoy a tour of the townsite of Banff
- Stop at Bow Falls, Banff HooDoos, take a peek at the famous Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel
- Visit the Sulphur Mountain Gondola
- The remainder of the day is at your leisure to stroll along Banff Avenue or arrange for an optional activity with your guide
4
Banff National Park to the Icefields & Jasper
Athabasca Falls
Jasper
- We depart Banff for an amazing day exploring the Icefield Parkway, as we make our way to Jasper
- Stop at Bow Lake and Athabasca Falls
- Stop at the Columbia Icefields for an unforgettable experience – ride the Ice Explorer onto the Athabasca Glacier¹ (included)
- Arrive in Jasper¹ in the Late afternoon where the remainder of the day is at your leisure
5
Jasper to Prince George
Maligne Lake
Prince George
- We travel along the Maligne Lake Road to the famous Maligne Lake where you can stroll the lake edge, enjoy the beautiful views, or take a boat tour to one of the most photographed spots in Canada, Spirit Island (additional cost)
- Stop at Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, topping out at an altitude of 3,954 m
- Arrive in Prince George in the evening
6
Prince George to Prince Rupert
Cow Bay | Prince Rupert
Prince Rupert
- Today we will follow the Skeena River West towards BC’s coast
- Arrive in the coastal town of Prince Rupert in the evening. Enjoy the stunning water views the restaurant and patio of your hotel are offering
7
Prince Rupert
- After we have been traveling for a few days, today is time for relaxation
- You will have the option to visit the Museum of Northern BC or participate in an optional activity for an additional cost (Grizzly Bear Tour into the Khutzeymateen Valley or Whale Watching depending on the time of year)
8
Prince Rupert to Port Hardy via the Inside Passage
Inside Passage
Port Hardy
- Today is an early start to the day as we check in to the Inside Passage Ferry Cruise at approx. 5:30am
- Enjoy the 16-hour journey from Prince Rupert to Port Hardy including several points of interest along the way, including Princess Royal Channel and Chatham Sound
- Late night arrival in Port Hardy and check-in to your hotel
9
Port Hardy - Campbell River
Alert Bay
Campbell River
- Drive to Port McNeill where we will take BC Ferries to Alert Bay on Cormorant Island
- Alert Bay is deeply rooted in indigenous culture, with up to half of its residents being First Nations people
- One of the unique attractions of Alert Bay is the world’s tallest totem pole. This remarkable landmark is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the indigenous communities in the area and offers a fascinating sight for visitors
- Visit U’mista Cultural Centre in Alert Bay (admission included) which houses a museum showcasing returned artefacts from the indigenous communities. These artefacts, which were once confiscated by the Government of Canada, provide a deep insight into the rich cultural heritage of the Kwakwakaʼwakw people
- Later this afternoon we will arrive in Campbell River where you will check in to your waterfront hotel
10
Campbell River
Estuary Kayaking
Whale Watching
- Join your tour guide for an early morning walk through Millennium Trail or have a sleep in today.
- Today you have the option to go on a whale watching tour at an additional cost
- Explore the waters of the Salish Sea, Discovery Passage, and Johnstone Strait. With an abundance of wildlife in this area, we are likely to encounter Humpback Whales, Killer Whales, Pacific White-Sided Dolphins, Bears, Steller Sea Lions, and so much more. From August 20 – October 15 there is also the option to go on a bear watching tour.
- Evening at leisure
11
Campbell River to Victoria
Victoria
Chinatown, Victoria
- After breakfast depart Campbell River
- Today we are traveling south towards Victoria. Along the way we will stop in the town of Comox for a lunch stop
- We arrive in Victoria this afternoon and take a fully guided city tour of BC’s Capital, including Fan Tan Alley in Chinatown, Fisherman’s Wharf, Beacon Hill Park and Mile Zero
- The rest of the day is at leisure
12
Victoria to Vancouver
Victoria
Butchart Gardens
- After breakfast enjoy free time to explore downtown or book an optional activity, including High Tea at the Empress Hotel, Cycling Tour around Victoria Harbour
- This afternoon visit the famous Butchart Gardens
- Later, we will head to Swartz Bay where we will board BC Ferries for a 90-minute mini-cruise through the Southern Gulf Islands
- We will arrive in downtown Vancouver around 8pm
- Check into your hotel and evening at leisure
Get 20% OFF the September 19, 2024 departure. If you see no availability online, we might still have space. Please contact us to inquire.
Save up to $1,100 per person*!
Duration
12 days | 11 nights
Size
GUIDED (Max. pax: 22)
Quad
From* CA$4,554/pp | US$3,552/pp
Triple
From* CA$4,804/pp | US$3,747/pp
Double
From* CA$5,299/pp | US$4,133/pp
Single
From* CA$7,064/pp | US$5,510/pp
*Prices may vary during peak season. Special rates available. Online booking fee excluded. Transactions are processed in Canadian dollars (CA$). Prices displayed in U.S. dollars (US$) are indicative rates only for information purposes. We recommend confirming current exchange rates prior to making any transactions.
Highlights
- Canada’s Desert – the Okanagan Valley
- The majestic Rocky Mountains
- Northern British Columbia and Indigenous experiences
- The famous Inside Passage, experiences onboard BC Ferries
- Travel Vancouver Island from North to South
- Indigenous Museum visit on a small Island near Vancouver Island
Inclusions
- Mini-coach transportation
Experienced, fun & friendly tour guide- Daily breakfast
Fees for BC Ferries through the Inside Passage- Inside Passage cruise (BC Ferries): Prince Rupert - Port Hardy
- BC Ferries to Alert Bay, Cormorant Island
- Winery tour and tasting
11 Nights Accommodation- Admission to Columbia Icefields Glacier Adventure
- Admission to the Banff Sulphur Mountain Gondola
- Admission to Butchart Gardens
Admission to U'Mista Cultural Centre- All taxes and park fees
Optional Add Ons
Add any of these options to make the most of your experience
Grizzly Bear Tour
Khutzeymateen Valley
Whale Watching
Prince Rupert
Contact us for prebooking & rates
