Route VC4: 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 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 ferry crossing through the Discovery Coast Passage, the fjords of the remote coast between Port Hardy and Bella Coola, 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. The route visits the land of ranches and cowboys, Tweedsmuir South Provincial Park, before heading to Wells Gray and Mt.Robson Provincial Parks. From there continue 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 - Tofino (2 nights) - Port Hardy (2 nights) - Ferry Discovery Coast - Tweedsmuir/Bella Coola (2 nights) - Riske Creek/Williams Lake (2 nights) - Blue River (1 night) - Jasper (2 nights) - Lake Louise (2 nights) - Banff (1 night) - Calgary (Airport)

Dates 2012

Departures from Vancouver on FRIDAYS between June 8th and August 31st, 2012 (subjetct to change).

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

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 and take in the sunset from English Bay.

Night in Vancouver. Approx. 100 - 150 KM.

Day 3 Vancouver - Victoria - Tofino

From the port of Tsawwassen, south of Vancouver, you will board an early ferry to the port of Swartz Bay, north of Victoria, a scenic crossing of approximately 1 hour through the Gulf Islands. 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. 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. 400 KM.

Day 4 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 5 Tofino - Port Hardy

Making your way back to the interior coast of the island, 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. Enjoy!

Night in Port Hardy. Approx. 500 KM.

Day 6 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 7 Port Hardy - Bella Coola

After an early check-out, you will make your way to the ferry terminal in Port Hardy. 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 Bella Coola, an inlet of the mid-western Pacific Coast. Make your way towards Tweedsmuir South Provincial Park and the historic lodge close to the entrance.

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

Day 8 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 9 Tweedsmuir/Bella Coola - Riske Creek/Williams Lake

Today you will pass through Tweedsmuir South Provincial Park, crossing its volcanic mountain range, making your way up "The Hill", which rises 1,524 metres in fewer than 10 kilometres, and the Heckman Pass. The journey continues eastward 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. End your day at a remote historic lodge in Riske Creek.

Night in Riske Creek/Williams Lake. Approx 350 KM.

Day 10 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 11 Riske Creek/Williams Lake - Blue River

This morning we recommend heading out early. 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 continuing east and then north towards 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 Blue River, a 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. 450 KM.

Day 12 Blue River - Jasper

Today you will head north to 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). Crossing into Alberta and entering Jasper National Park, you will finish your day in the town site of Jasper.

Night in Jasper. Approx. 250 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 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

• 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 Passage ferry (passengers & vehicle)
• Vancouver Island ferryand 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, Tweedsmuir)
• Whale watching (Port Hardy, Tofino)
• Bear Watching (Port Hardy, Tofino)