COASTAL BC INSIDE PASSAGE & ROCKIES
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
- Continental Breakfast at your leisure included at your hotel
- 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
Fairmont Banff
- Enjoy a tour of the townsite of Banff
- Stop at Bow Falls, Banff HooDoos, take a peek at the famous Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel
- Option to visit the Sulphur Mountain Gondola (additional cost)
- The remainder of the day is at your leisure to stroll along Banff Avenue or arrange for an optional activity with your guide (additional cost)
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 Discover Centre for an unforgettable experience – ride the Icefields Explorer to the Athabasca Glacier
- Arrive in Jasper 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 an optional boat tour to one of the most photographed spots in Canada, Spirit Island (additional cost)
- Visit Maligne Canyon
- 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
- Continental Breakfast at your leisure included at your hotel
- 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 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 ad check-in to your hotel
8
Port Hardy - Alert Bay - Campbell River
Alert Bay
Campbell River
- Transfer to Port McNeill where we will walk on a BC Ferries to bring us over to Alert Bay on Cormorant Island
- Visit U’mista Cultural Centre in Alert Bay (admission included)
- Lunch in Alert Bay (additional cost) and ferry back to the Island
- Later this afternoon we will arrive in Campbell River where you will check in to your hotel
9
Campbell River
Estuary Kayaking
Whale Watching
- Join your tour guide for an early morning walk through Millennium Trail or get to sleep in.
- 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.
- Other options today include kayaking through a local estuary (additional cost) or simply relax and enjoy the resort amenities.
- Evening at leisure
10
Campbell River to Victoria
Victoria
Butchart Gardens
- 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 (additional cost)
- We arrive in Victoria this afternoon, and you will have the options to enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure or participate in an optional activity, such as a visit of the famous Butchart Gardens (additional cost)
11
Victoria to Vancouver
Chinatown | Victoria
Victoria
- After breakfast enjoy a fully guided city tour of BC’s Capital including Fan Tan Alley in Chinatown, Fisherman’s Wharf, Beacon Hill Park and Mile Zero
- This afternoon is free to explore downtown or book an optional activity including High Tea at the Empress Hotel, Cycling Tour around Victoria Harbour (additional cost)
- 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
Duration
11 days | 10 nights
Size
GUIDED (Max. pax: 22)
Quad
From $3,649/pp
Triple
From $3,924/pp
Double
From $4,299/pp
Single
From $6,049/pp
Prices are in Canadian Dollars and include taxes. They may vary during peak season. Special rates available. Online booking fee excluded.
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
10 Nights Hotel Accommodations
Experienced, fun & friendly tour guide
Mini-coach transportation- Inside Passage cruise (BC Ferries) from Prince Rupert to Port Hardy
Ferry fees from Vancouver to Victoria- Daily breakfast
- Admission to Columbia Icefields Glacier Adventure
Admission to U'Mista Cultural Centre- Scenic sightseeing stops
- Winery tour and tasting
