Route VC3: Rockies, Nortwest Coast & Island

Combining the best of Vancouver Island and the Rockies with the famous ferry journey northbound along the Inside Passage, this route has it all. Travel spectacular roadways highlighting the best of Western Canada. From the cosmopolitan city of Vancouver and the provincial capital of Victoria, Tofino and Pacific Rim National Park on Vancouver Island, travel to the northern tip of Vancouver Island, Port Hardy. The full-day ferry sailing takes you northbound through the Inside Passage to Prince Rupert, where you will have the chance to visit the Grizzly Bears of the Khutzeymateen. From there continue east to the Rockies where you will explore Jasper, Yoho & Banff National Parks, staying in the quaint mountain towns of Banff, Lake Louise & Jasper. Finish your trip in the cowboy city of Calgary

Route - 17 days/16 nights

Vancouver (2 nights) - Victoria (1 night) - Tofino (2 nights) - Parksville (1 night) - Port Hardy (2 nights) - Ferry Inside Passage - Prince Rupert (2 nights) - Smithers (1 night) - Jasper (2 nights) - Lake Louise (2 nights) - Banff (1 night) - Calgary (Airport)

Dates 2012

Departures from Vancouver on alternate days:

• Odd-numbered days in June, July & September
• Even-numbered days in August

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.

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 and take in the sunset from English Bay.

Night in Vancouver. Approx. 150 KM.

Day 3 Vancouver - Victoria

This morning you will have a last opportunity to visit some of the other highlights of Vancouver's city centre: Gastown and Chinatown and/or Granville Island. From 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.

Night in Victoria. Approx. 150 KM.

Day 4 Victoria - Tofino

From Victoria, you will follow the coastal Highway 1 towards Parksville. Then travelling into the interior you will pass 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 some time to explore the town's galleries or enjoy the sunset from one of the national park's wild beaches.

Night in Tofino. Approx. 350 KM.

Day 5 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 6 Tofino - Parksville

Take some time this morning to explore the towns of Ucluelet and Port Alberni on your way back to the eastern coast of the island and the Parksville area. Stops at Little Qualicum Falls and Englishman River Falls Provincial Parks are also recommended. In the late afternoon, you will arrive at your lodging in the Parksville area where you will have a chance to relax and possibly explore take a stroll along one of the beaches of the interior coast.

Night in Parksville. Approx. 150 KM.

Day 7 Parksville - Port Hardy

From Parksville you will head north along the eastern edge of Vancouver Island. The route offers incredible views of the mainland's mountain ranges and often of local marine life. Take your time and enjoy!

Night in Port Hardy. Approx. 350 KM.

Day 8 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 9 Port Hardy - Prince Rupert

Checking out early, you will make your way to the ferry terminal to board the Inside Passage ferry (departure 7:30 am). You will spend the day enjoying views from these remote coastal waters. Plenty of opportunities for observing the aquatic life of the wild western coast. In the evening (10:30 pm) you will arrive at Prince Rupert on the northwest Pacific Coast.

Night in Prince Rupert. Approx. 25 KM.

Day 10 Prince Rupert

Today we highly recommend an unforgettable excursion by seaplane and boat to the remote Khutzeymateen Valley to observe Grizzly bears ion their natural habitat (optional). For the remainder of the day we suggest visiting Port Edward, south of Prince Rupert, and the North Pacific Cannery Historic Site. Enjoy the coastal ambience and have dinner in the harbour of Prince Rupert.

Night in Prince Rupert. Approx. 50 - 100 KM.

Day 11 Prince Rupert - Smithers

Heading east from Prince Rupert, you will have the opportunity to visit to the replica village of the native Gitksan tribe: K'san (admission not included). Continue until you reach the town of Smithers, near beautiful Babine Mountains Provincial Park. Enjoy the tranquil mountain setting of this area. A short hike or walk in the provincial park is a great way to end the day.

Night in Smithers. Approx. 350 KM.

Day 12 Smithers - Mt. Robson - Jasper

A long journey lies ahead today with many kilometres, so start early! Head east from Smithers along the Yellowhead Highway. Continue past Prince George until you reach Mount Robson Provincial Park. 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). Crossing into Alberta and entering Jasper National Park, you will finish your day in the town site of Jasper.

Night in Jasper. Approx. 700 KM.

Day 13 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 14 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 15 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 16 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 17 Banff - Departure Cálgary

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

• 16 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
• Inside Passage ferry (passengers & vehicle)
• Vancouver Island ferry and reservation fee (passengers & vehicle)
• Vehicle rental (various class types), drop-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)
• Panoramic flightseeing (Mt.Robson, Prince Rupert, Victoria)
• Whale watching (Port Hardy, Tofino, Victoria)
• Bear Watching (Prince Rupert, Port Hardy)