Route VC1: Rockies & Coast Express

This route is ideal for those who want to visit both the Rockies and Vancouver & Victoria on the west coast but do not have much time. Travel spectacular roadways highlighting the best of Western Canada. From the cosmopolitan city of Vancouver and the provincial capital of Victoria on Vancouver Island, the route visits Wells Gray and Mt.Robson Provincial Parks. Explore Jasper, Yoho & Banff National Parks, staying in the quaint mountain towns of Banff, Lake Louise & Jasper and finish your trip in the cowboy city of Calgary.

Route - 11 days/10 nights

Vancouver (Airport) - Vancouver (2 nights) - Victoria (1 night) - Kamloops (1 night) - Blue River (1 night) - Jasper (2 nights) - Lake Louise (2 nights) - Banff (1 night) - Calgary (Airport)

Dates 2012

Daily departures from Vancouver.
Regular Season: June 1 - Sept 20, 2012

For travel in spring and fall (e.g. May & October), please contact us! Discounts available but exact route and inclusions may vary.

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival Vancouver

Arrival at the Vancouver 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. In the evening enjoy the great variety of cuisine, multitude of bars and shops along Vancouver's famous Robson Street and take in the sunset from English Bay.

Night in Vancouver. Approx. 50 KM.

Day 2 Vancouver

This morning you will visit North Vancouver with a first stop at Capilano Park (included) boasting the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the world. In the afternoon, you will head up to the summit of Grouse Mountain (included), at 1,130 metres, where you have the opportunity to take in the views, visit the various exhibitions on Canadian culture and history, check out the Grizzly Bear Refuge and have something to eat. Returning to the city centre, we recommend a stop in Stanley Park, to watch the sunset.

Night in Vancouver. Approx. 150 KM.

Day 3 Vancouver - Victoria

Visit some of the other highlights of Vancouver's city centre: Gastown and Chinatown and/or Granville Island before heading to the port of Tsawwassen, south of Vancouver. You will board a ferry to Vancouver Island, a scenic crossing of approximately 1 hour through the Gulf Islands. Explore the provincial capital of British Columbia, Victoria, with its distinct British flare: the centre, Government Street, the Parliament building, and the Royal BC Museum. Experience "high tea" at the Fairmont Empress Hotel in the harbour area or head out for a late afternoon whale watching excursion (optional).

Night in Victoria. Approx. 150 KM.

Day 4 Victoria - Kamloops

Taking the ferry back to the mainland this morning, you will start the journey east towards the Rockies. From Vancouver continue to Hope at which point you have two options: (1) take the shorter Coquihalla Highway from Hope to Kamloops (with toll) or (2) take the longer, more scenic route along Highway 1 through the Thompson and Fraser River Valleys, past Cache Creek. We suggest arriving late in Kamloops.

Night in Kamloops. Approx. 450 KM (or 550 KM)

Day 5 Kamloops - Blue River

This morning we suggest 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 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 6 Blue River - Mt. Robson - Jasper

From Blue River, head north where 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). Continue east along the Yellowhead Highway to Jasper National Park and the Jasper town site.

Night in Jasper. Approx. 250 KM.

Day 7 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 8 Jasper - Icefields Parkway - Lake Louise

An impressive day awaits you as you leave Jasper southbound on the spectacular Icefields Parkway through Jasper National Park towards Banff National Park. Stops at Athabasca Falls and Sunwapta Falls are recommended. 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. The route from here 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 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. 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. 250 KM.

Day 9 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. A short canoe paddle or stroll/hike on the lake will compliment your visit.

Night in Lake Louise. Approx. 150 KM.

Day 10 Lake Louise - Johnston Canyon - Banff

Once last chance for photos this morning. Today you will travel from Lake Louise towards the town of Banff. 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. This afternoon 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.

Night in Banff. Approx. 100 - 150 KM.

Day 11 Banff - Departure Calgary

If you have a later flight today, you will have a final opportunity to experience rafting on the Kananaskis or Bow Rivers, take in some helicopter sightseeing or head out on horseback from the one the ranches in the Canmore/Kananaskis area. Return to Calgary with car rental drop-off at the airport. Flight back home. Until next time!

Approx. 150 KM.

Includes

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

Optional

• Rafting (Jasper, Yoho)
• Helicopter flightseeing (Mt.Robson)
• Horseback riding (Wells Gray)
• Whale watching (Victoria)