13-Nights Western Canada With Inside Passage - Undiscovered from $3,793

Western Canada With Inside Passage

Day 1: CALGARY Welcome to Calgary! Your Tour Director is on hand from 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. to answer any questions



Day 2: CALGARY- BANFF NATIONAL PARK This morning, enjoy a city tour of Calgary, home to the world-famous Calgary Stampede. Highlights include downtown, Fort Calgary, Stampede Park, the Saddledome, and Canada Olympic Park. Then travel west through the foothills into Banff National Park for a two-night stay. Enjoy an orientation tour upon arrival.



Day 3: BANFF NATIONAL PARK Enjoy your day exploring Banff National Park, Canada’s first national park. Hike the many trails, stroll through the Banff townsite, or relax at the hot springs. Lift your sights higher on an optional helicopter ride offering spectacular aerial views of the Canadian Rockies. Or if you prefer to stay on the ground, join the Panoramas & Peaks* optional excursion to visit stunning Moraine Lake in the Valley of the Ten Peaks.

*This optional excursion begins operating in early June.



Day 4: BANFF NATIONAL PARK–LAKE LOUISE–COLUMBIA ICEFIELD–JASPER NATIONAL PARK Head north to Lake Louise, where turquoise waters reflect the surrounding mountains and glaciers. Then travel to the Columbia Icefield for a ride aboard the Ice Explorer onto the Athabasca Glacier. Continue along the Icefields Parkway through the heart of the Canadian Rockies, passing rugged peaks, glaciers, and mountain valleys. Later, consider joining an optional float trip on the Athabasca River. Enjoy an orientation tour upon arrival in Jasper.



Day 5: JASPER NATIONAL PARK Today is free to explore Jasper National Park. Consider an optional narrated cruise on Maligne Lake to Spirit Island*. Enjoy hiking the area's scenic trails, browsing the shops, or watching for wildlife. Your Tour Director will have suggestions for additional activities and dining.

*This optional excursion begins operating in late May/early June.



Day 6: JASPER NATIONAL PARK–MOUNT ROBSON–PRINCE GEORGE Depart Jasper and follow the Fraser River to the base of Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. Continue to Prince George, British Columbia’s “northern capital,” for an overnight stay.



Day 7: PRINCE GEORGE–SMITHERS–VIA RAIL THE SKEENA–PRINCE RUPERT Today, board VIA Rail’s Skeena train for an all-daylight rail journey through the Coast Mountains and along the Skeena River, often called the “River of Mists.” Follow historic First Nations trading routes and the paths of early fur traders while watching for bald eagles, black bears, moose, and other wildlife. Disembark in Prince Rupert for a two-night stay.

NOTE:
Train travel is subject to unforeseen delays.



Day 8: PRINCE RUPERT After an orientation of Prince Rupert, visit the North Pacific Cannery National Historic Site for a guided tour of British Columbia’s oldest surviving salmon cannery. Learn about the salmon-canning process and discover what life was like for the people who lived and worked here during the industry’s peak. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure. (CB)



Day 9: PRINCE RUPERT–INSIDE PASSAGE CRUISE–PORT HARDY Early this morning, embark on one of the world’s most beautiful ocean voyages! The scenery is spectacular, with towering mountains, waterfalls, forested islands, and rainforests. Marine life abounds, with sightings of sea lions and porpoises —and perhaps even an orca. Late night arrival into Port Hardy. (CB)

NOTE:
Cruising time through the Inside Passage is approximately 18 hours. Please come prepared with all medications, eyeglasses, and any other items you will need.



Day 10: PORT HARDY-CHEMAINUS–VICTORIA Depart Port Hardy this morning and travel along the eastern coastline of Vancouver Island, passing through Campbell River, known as the “Salmon Capital of the World.” Continue south to Chemainus, where you'll stop to see the town’s famous outdoor murals depicting the region’s history and pioneer heritage. Arrive in Victoria late this afternoon.



Day 11: VICTORIA Morning sightseeing includes the Inner Harbour, Bastion Square, and Thunderbird Park, home to an impressive collection of totem poles. The rest of the day is yours to explore Victoria. Perhaps have afternoon tea at the Fairmont Empress Hotel, visit the Royal BC Museum, or join an optional excursion to Butchart Gardens to enjoy its 55 acres of spectacular floral displays. This evening, consider a stroll along the scenic waterfront.



Day 12: VICTORIA-FERRY CROSSING–VANCOUVER Today, sail across the Strait of Georgia through the Gulf Islands, an archipelago known for its Mediterranean-like climate. Arrive in Vancouver and take a sightseeing tour including beautiful Stanley Park and other city highlights. This evening, perhaps explore Vancouver’s diverse culinary scene for dinner.



Day 13: VANCOUVER Enjoy a free day to experience Vancouver. Consider taking a water taxi to lively Granville Island with its bustling Public Market, street musicians, and waterfront cafés, or visit historic Gastown with its cobblestone streets, antique shops, art galleries, and iconic Gastown Steam Clock. Your Tour Director will have plenty of suggestions.



Day 14: VANCOUVER Your vacation ends this morning. You may choose to extend your vacation with extra nights and explore Vancouver further.