Route CV4: Rockies, Chilcotin & Island

A great option for those looking for a more adventurous trip, visiting the highlights of Western Canada as well as some of the lesser-known, yet most impressive areas of British Columbia: Caribou & Chilcotin Country. Travel spectacular roadways highlighting the best of Western Canada. From Calgary, you will explore Banff, Yoho & Jasper National Parks, staying in the quaint mountain towns of Banff, Lake Louise & Jasper. The route visits Mt.Robson and Wells Gray Provincial Parks, before heading to the land of ranches and cowboys, and Tweedsmuir South Provincial Park. The ferry crossing through the Discovery Coast Passage, the fjords of the remote coast between Bella Coola and Port Hardy, is a more relaxed version of the Inside Passage route. Travel is slower giving you a better chance to observe whales and other marine life straight from the vessel. Explore Tofino and Pacific Rim National Park, and the provincial capital of Victoria, before finishing your trip in the cosmopolitan city of Vancouver.

Route - 17 days/16 nights

Calgary (Airport) - Banff (1 night) - Lake Louise (2 nights) - Jasper (2 nights) - Blue River (1 night) - Williams Lake/Riske Creek (2 nights) - Tweedsmuir/Bella Coola (2 nights) - Ferry Discovery Coast - Port Hardy (2 nights) - Parksville (1 night) - Tofino (2 nights) - Victoria (1 night) - Vancouver (2 nights) - Vancouver (Airport)

Dates 2012

Departures from Calgary on FRIDAYS from June 8th to August 31st, 2012 (subject to change).

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival Calgary

Arrival at the Calgary Airport where you will be welcomed by one of our representatives. He/she will take you to the rental car desk where you will pick up your vehicle. It is also a chance to go over the itinerary and any last minute questions. Your journey will then begin as you make your way west to Banff National Park and the town site of Banff.

Night in Banff. Approx. 150 KM.

Day 2 Banff - Johnston Canyon - Lake Louise

This morning we suggest visiting the highlights of the Banff area: the Bow River Falls, Lake Minnewanka, and the Cave & Basin Historic Site. Your ride up the Banff Gondola (included), will take you to the peak of Sulphur Mountain where you can enjoy a short walk along the summit boardwalk to a historic weather station. Bighorn sheep often graze along these upper slopes. If the weather is good, take in the wonderful views of the valley below and the national park. After lunch, you will travel from Banff towards the village of Lake Louise. Along the way we suggest a stop at Johnston Canyon where a short hike along a series of catwalks will take you to the Upper Falls. Upon arrival in Lake Louise, drive up to the lake and soak up the view from the shore of the famous lake with the backdrop of Victoria Glacier. A short canoe paddle or stroll/hike from the Chateau will compliment your visit. The village offers many options for fine dining, either at one of the restaurants at the Chateau, Deer Lodge or Post Hotel.

Night in Lake Louise. Approx. 100-150 KM.

Day 3 Lake Louise & Yoho National Park

Today you will explore Yoho National Park, just west of Lake Louise. We suggest visiting the Natural Bridge and Emerald Lake in the morning. We also recommend the drive up the Yoho Valley Road (open approx. July - September) to Takkakaw Falls, the second highest waterfall in Canada. Upon your return to the Lake Louise area, take the time to visit Lake Moraine, one of the most beautiful lakes of the national park, nestled in the Valley of the Ten Peaks.

Night in Lake Louise. Approx. 150 KM.

Day 4 Lake Louise - Icefields Parkway - Jasper

An impressive day awaits you as you leave Lake Louise northbound on the spectacular Icefields Parkway through Banff National Park towards Jasper National Park. The route features many viewpoints including Crowfoot Glacier, Peyto Lake and Bow Lake. At Bow Lake, go back in time by taking a peak or having a meal at the historic Num-ti-jah Lodge. Upon reaching the Columbia Icefields, visit the Icefield Centre and board the "Ice Explorer" (included) which will take you right up onto the Athabasca Glacier for a close-up view of the retreating arm of this massive icefield. Stops at Sunwapta Falls and Athabasca Falls are also recommended before arriving at the Jasper town site.

Night in Jasper. Approx. 250 KM.

Day 5 Jasper

Start the day by visiting prehistoric Maligne Canyon, a unique geological formation, which, although very narrow, has a depth of 50 metres in places. Criss-crossing the canyon over a series of six bridges, you can explore the area from all angles. The access road to Maligne Lake is also worth driving if only for wildlife viewing. It is common to spot moose, deer, and bears. Boat tours are possible to the end of the lake. After a stop in town for lunch, drive up the Edith Cavell Road for a short hike and a close, impressive view of Angel Glacier. In the late afternoon, head up the Jasper Tramway (included) to the summit of Whistlers where you can take a short hike. Rafting on the Athabasca, Fraser or Sunwapta Rivers is a great option for those looking for something more active. Consider adding an extra day in Jasper as there are many things to see and do in the area.

Night in Jasper. Approx. 100 - 200 KM.

Day 6 Jasper - Blue River

Today you will head west from Jasper along the Yellowhead Highway. Mount Robson Provincial Park awaits you as you enter the province of British Columbia. At 3,954 metres, Mt. Robson is the highest peak in the Rockies. Take a helicopter sightseeing flight for a bird's eye view of this impressive mountain and surrounding lakes and glaciers (optional). Your journey continues to Blue River, a beautiful, remote spot in the Monashee Mountains. Enjoy the lodge setting, take a swim in the nearby lake, or head out for a wildlife viewing river excursion.

Night in Blue River. Approx. 250 KM.

Day 7 Blue River - Williams Lake/Riske Creek

This morning we recommend heading out early and visiting Wells Gray Provincial Park with its waterfalls and volcanic rock formations. Take a short hike to visit Helmcken Falls, the most famous and accessible of the falls. Stop at one of the area's ranches for lunch and continue west to through Caribou Country. You will pass through the town of Williams Lake where we suggest a visit to the Caribou Chilcotin Museum and filling up on gas and stocking up on supplies before ending your day at a remote historic lodge in Riske Creek.

Night in Riske Creek/Williams Lake. Approx. 450 KM.

Day 8 Chilcotin Plateau

Today you will have a full day to explore the Chilcotin Plateau. Possible activities include a jet boat tour in the Chilcotin River (optional) and a visit to Junction Sheep Range Provincial Park, home of the largest Big Horn Sheep population in British Columbia.

Night in Riske Creek/Williams Lake. Approx. 50 - 100 KM.

Day 9 Riske Creek/Williams Lake - Tweedsmuir/Bella Coola

The journey continues westward along Highway 20 through the Caribou Chilcotin, passing lakes and rivers famous for fishing. If you get the chance, stop in one of the lodges along the way to sample some fare. A section of this highway is gravel so please take your time driving on these sections. Also because it is quite remote, fill up on gas when you have the chance. You will enter Tweedsmuir South Provincial Park, crossing its volcanic mountain range and the Heckman Pass. The adventure continues with the drive down "The Hill", which drops 1,524 metres in fewer than 10 kilometres. Upon arriving at the lodge, we suggest a rest and simply taking in the views from this historic location.

Night in Tweedsmuir/Bella Coola. Approx. 350 KM.

Day 10 Tweedsmuir/Bella Coola

A free day to explore Tweedsmuir, by boat, helicopter, plane or on foot. Wildlife abounds in this remote area, home to grizzly bears and caribou. A visit to the town of Bella Coola is also recommended.

Night in Tweedsmuir/Bella Coola. Approx. 50- 100 KM.

Day 11 Tweedsmuir/Bella Coola - Port Hardy

After picking up a breakfast to go and early check-out, you will make your way to the ferry terminal in Bella Coola. The Discovery Coast Passage ferry departs at 8 am. The day will be spent cruising at a leisurely pace with time to observe the flora and fauna of the surrounding islands and the wild western coast. Often whales are spotted and the captains have been known to slow down to allow you a closer look. At approx. 9 pm you will arrive in Port Hardy, on the northern-most tip of Vancouver Island.

Night in Port Hardy. Approx. 100 KM.

Day 12 Port Hardy

A full day today dedicated to exploring the remote, northern most tip of Vancouver Island. We suggest a visit to historic Telegraph Cove south of Port Hardy. Opportunities for kayaking, orca watching and observing the bears of Knight Inlet.

Night in Port Hardy. Approx. 50 - 150 KM.

Day 13 Port Hardy - Tofino

From Port Hardy you will head south along the eastern edge of Vancouver Island. The route offers incredible views of the mainland's mountain ranges and often of local marine life. From Parksville, you will travel into the interior, passing the town of Port Alberni and Cathedral Grove, a protected forest of giant cedars. Arrival in the coastal town of Tofino which will serve as your base to explore the impressive Pacific Rim National Park. Take the afternoon to explore the town's galleries or enjoy the sunset from one of the national park's wild beaches.

Night in Tofino. Approx. 500 KM.

Day 14 Tofino

A day to explore and relax in Tofino and Pacific Rim National Park. We highly recommend a whale watching excursion by boat or zodiac from Tofino this morning. Kayak tours are also a great option for exploring the coastline.

Night in Tofino. Approx. 50 - 100 KM.

Day 15 Tofino - Victoria - Vancouver

The route from Tofino today takes you back towards Parksville and then along the eastern coast of the island southbound. Visit the provincial capital of British Columbia, Victoria, with its distinct British flare: the centre, Government Street, the Parliament building, and the Royal BC Museum. In afternoon, from the port of Swartz Bay, north of Victoria, you will board an early ferry back to the mainland port of Tsawwassen, south of Vancouver, a scenic crossing of approximately 1 hour through the Gulf Islands. Once in Vancouver, enjoy the great variety of cuisine, multitude of bars and shops along famous Robson Street.

Night in Vancouver. Approx. 400 KM.

Day 16 Vancouver

Free day in Vancouver. You will have the opportunity to visit some of the highlights of Vancouver's city centre: Gastown, Chinatown, English Bay and/or Granville Island. Optional visit to North Vancouver to visit Capilano Park (not included) boasting the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the world or Grouse Mountain (not included). We recommend exploring Stanley Park by bike (rental available nearby) or on foot in the late afternoon or to watch the sunset.

Night in Vancouver. Approx. 100 - 150 KM.

Day 17 Departure Vancouver

Some free time this morning for last minute shopping before making your way to the Vancouver Airport. Drop-off the rental car and time to head home. Until next time!

Approx. 50 KM.

Includes

• 16 nights of lodging (tourist/superior or lodge/boutique)
• Sulphur Mountain Gondola in Banff
• Excursion in the "Ice Explorer" at the Columbia Icefields
• Jasper Tramway
• Discovery Coast ferry (passengers & vehicle)
• Vancouver Island ferry and reservation fee (passenger & vehicle)
• Vehicle rental (various class types), drop-fee included
• Annual Parks Canada Discovery Pass (permits access to national parks, vehicle & passengers)
• Reception at the Calgary Airport upon arrival
• Support of local Paso Norte team
• Taxes and levies

Optional

• Rafting (Jasper, Yoho)
• Panoramic flightseeing (Mt.Robson, Tweedsmuir)
• Whale watching (Port Hardy, Tofino)
• Bear Watching (Port Hardy, Tofino)