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BEST OF THE WEST

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Experience the Best of Western Canada on this fascinating journey through the spectacular Rockies to the Pacific coast. Travel through the famous regions of Banff and Jasper before heading through the interior of
British Columbia towards Whistler and the scenic coastal cities of
Victoria and Vancouver

Day 1 - Calgary
Arrive Calgary International Airport, collect your car and drive to your downtown hotel. The remainder of the day is free for you to explore this Stampede City. Overnight in Calgary

Day 2 - Calgary to Banff (72 mles)
Today you begin your Rockies adventure. Take the short (2-hour) drive from Calgary to Banff on either the Trans-Canada Highway or the more scenic 1A Highway. Once in Banff proceed to your selected hotel to check in and the remainder of the day is yours to explore at your own leisure. Overnight in Banff.

Day 3 - Banff - Free Day
A full day to explore Banff and area. In town you’ll find lots of excitement - shopping, cafés, nightlife, museums. Check out the Cave and Basin National Historic Site, Banff Gondola (Included) where you will see a panoramic view of the Bow Valley, or take a dip in the hot mineral pools at the Upper Hot Springs. Overnight in Banff..

Day 4 - Banff to Jasper (182 miles)
Take the short drive from Banff to Lake Louise. Choose the Bow Valley Parkway, beside the Bow River before continuing to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. From Lake Louise your scenic drive takes you through the spine of the Canadian Rockies. View a never-ending procession of mammoth mountains, jagged peaks, over 100 glaciers and pristine emerald coloured lakes. Along the way see such sights as Peyto Lake, Bow Lake, with the Bow Glacier providing the backdrop, and Crowfoot Glacier before your arrival at the Columbia Icefield for a snocoach ride out onto the glacier (Included). Leaving the Athabasca Glacier, your camera should be ready to capture the majesty of the Athabasca Falls prior to your arrival into Jasper. Overnight in Jasper.

Day 5 - Jasper (Free Day)
Explore this charming mountain village close to many terrific scenic highlights. Perhaps take a tram ride up Whistlers mountain, or visit Maligne Lake, one of the most photographed lakes in the world, and enjoy a 90 minute cruise heading toward the south end of this postcard setting (Maligne Lake cruise not included). You will marvel at the magnificent shoreline with dense forest and glacial peaks rising abruptly from the water’s edge. Stopping at Spirit Island, you will have the opportunity to take your own version of the world famous photograph of the lake. Overnight in Jasper.

Day 6 - Jasper to Wells Gray Park (197 miles)
Set out for Wells Gray Provincial Park along the scenic Yellowhead Highway and take in the breathtaking vistas of the steep-walled gorges and crashing falls of the North Thompson River. Overnight in Clearwater

Day 7 - Wells Gray Park to Whistler (261 miles)
Begin the day travelling via 100 Mile House to the gold rush town of Cache Creek, where you stop to visit the historic Hat Creek Ranch (included), which literally takes you back to the days of the gold rush. Continue the journey south to Lillooet, known as the land of the Gold Rush Trail and was ‘Mile Zero’ of the Old Caribou Wagon Road during the Gold Rush Years. Now the area is home to the largest Canadian producers of the medicinal plant, Ginseng. Departing Lillooet travel the Duffey Lake Road to Whistler. On the upper elevations of the Duffey Lake Road enjoy breath-taking views of snow capped mountains. Continue on through the mountain village of Whistler for a 2 night stay.

Day 8 - Whistler (Free Day)
This charming alpine resort is nestled between world-renowned Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. Enjoy an extensive range of summer activities from golf on one of the 4 championship designer golf courses, water activities on any of the 5 lakes or numerous rivers, to mountain top dining or just relax and enjoy some of the many fine café’s and restaurants of this European inspired alpine village. A gondola ride is included to the top of Whistler or Blackcomb Mountain. Overnight in Whistler.

Day 9 - Whistler to Nanaimo (67 miles + ferry)
Depart Whistler along the scenic Sea to Sky Highway to Horseshoe Bay. Highlights along the way include the cascading Shannon Falls. At Horseshoe Bay board a ferry to Vancouver Island (ferry costs are included). This scenic cruise takes you through fjord like waters with mountains blanketed with virgin forests and glaciated peaks. Overnight in Nanaimo

Day 10 - Nanaimo to Victoria (72 miles)
From Nanaimo head south to Victoria. En-route stops should be made at the artist community of Chemainus, where you can admire the giant murals which adorn the exterior walls throughout the town and Duncan the “City of Totems”. Here visit the Cowichan Native Village which provides you with an insight into the lives of the northwest coast people (Admission Included). Overnight in Victoria

Day 11 - Victoria (Free Day)
Today is free to explore Victoria, with its turn of the century architecture, British traditions such as high tea and shops full of woollens and china. Admission is included to the Butchart Gardens with it’s 50 acre display of magnificent colour. Overnight in Victoria.

Day 12 - Victoria to Vancouver (43 miles + Ferry)
Leaving Victoria drive north to Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal for a 90 min Ferry ride to the port of Tsawwassen (Ferry costs are included) On board BC ferries enjoy the scenery of the Gulf Islands as you cross the Strait of Georgia. From Tsawwassen continue on to downtown Vancouver. Overnight in Vancouver.

Day 13 - End of Tour
Today, experience Grouse Mountain Skyride (included) and Capilano Canyon and Suspension Bridge (included) at your own leisure. Be sure to see such sights as, Chinatown, Historical Gastown, the markets of Granville Island, and the famous shopping district of Robson Street. Overnight in Vancouver.

Prices per Person

Included in the Cost:

- 14 nights accommodation in standard Hotels (upgraded accommodation available)
- Full Size Rental Car Hirewith Hertz, including LDW (insurance) sales & local taxes. Mileage    limited to 1050 km (656 miles).
- Admission to either Banff Upper Hot Springs or Miette Hot Springs Jasper.
- Ice Explorer ride onto the Athabasca Glacier
- Sulphur Mountain Gondola
- Rocky Mountaineer Train between Jasper & Whistler
- Whistler Mountaineer Train between Whistler & Vancouver
- Vancouver to Victoria Tour with admission to the Butchart Gardens
- Whale Watching in Victoria
- Float Plane Victoria to Vancouver (see note on day 5)
- Comprehensive documentation pack

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ROCKIES & NATIONAL PARKS

 

 

 

 

 

 

As the title suggests this tour takes you from the Rocky Mountain resorts of Banff & Jasper through to rainforests of the Pacific Rim National Park, located on the west coast of Vancouver Island. Highlights are plentiful & with admission to several attractions included, this is the perfect tour is you want to see all of Canada’s western highlights in just 16 days..

Day 1 - Calgary to Banff (75 miles)
Arrive at Calgary Airport, collect your car and take the short (2-hour) drive to Banff on either the Trans-Canada Highway or the more scenic 1A Highway. Once in Banff proceed to your selected hotel to check in and the remainder of the day is yours to explore at your own leisure. Included in your package is the Parks Canada Discovery Pass allowing admission to Banff National Park, Jasper National Park and Pacific Rim National Park. Overnight in Banff.

Day 2 - Banff
A full day to explore Banff and area. In town you’ll find lots of excitement - shopping, cafés, nightlife, museums. Check out the Cave and Basin National Historic Site, Banff Gondola (Included) where you will see a panoramic view of the Bow Valley, and then take a dip in the hot mineral pools at the Upper Hot Springs. Overnight in Banff.

Day 3 - Banff to Jasper (185 miles)
Take the short drive from Banff to Lake Louise. Choose the Bow Valley Parkway, beside the Bow River with an option for you to take a stop at Johnston Canyon and walk along the paved footway to either the lower or upper waterfalls before continuing to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. From Lake Louise your scenic drive takes you through the spine of the Canadian Rockies along the Icefield Parkway. Stop at the Columbia Icefield for an Ice Explorer ride onto the glacier (included). Leaving the Athabasca Glacier, your camera should be ready to capture the majesty of the Athabasca Falls prior to your arrival into Jasper.

Day 4 - Jasper (Free Day)
A free day to explore this charming mountain village close to many terrific scenic highlights. Perhaps take a tram ride up Whistlers mountain, or visit Maligne Lake, one of the most photographed lakes in the world, and enjoy a 90 minute cruise heading toward the south end of this postcard setting (Maligne Lake cruise not included). Overnight in Jasper.

Day 5 - Jasper to Wells Gray Provincial Park (195 miles)
Your drive today takes you to Wells Gray Provincial Park along the scenic Yellowhead Highway with breathtaking vistas of the steep-walled gorges and crashing falls of the North Thompson River. Overnight in Clearwater.

Day 6 - Wells Gray Provincial Park to Whistler (265 miles)
Begin the day travelling via 100 Mile House to the gold rush town of Cache Creek, where you stop to visit the historic Hat Creek Ranch (included), which literally takes you back to the days of the gold rush. Continue the journey south to Lillooet, known as the land of the Gold Rush and along the Duffey Lake Road to Whistler for a 2 night stay

Day 7 - Whistler (Free Day)
The day is free for you to enjoy an extensive range of summer activities from golf on one of the 4 championship designer golf courses, water activities on any of the 5 lakes or numerous rivers, to mountain top dining or just relax and enjoy some of the many fine café’s and restaurants of this European inspired alpine village. A gondola ride is included to the top of Whistler or Blackcomb Mountain. Overnight in Whistler .

Day 8 - Whistler to Parksville (70 miles + ferry)
Depart Whistler along the scenic Sea to Sky Highway to Horseshoe Bay where you will board a ferry for the 1 hr 45 min sailing to Vancouver Island (ferry costs are included). This scenic cruise takes you through fjord like waters with mountains blanketed with virgin forests and glaciated peaks. Overnight in Parksville.

Day 9 - Parksville to Tofino (140 miles)
Depart Parksville for Tofino on the rugged West Coast. En-route, picture stops should be made at Cathedral Grove to enjoy the splendour of 800 year old Douglas Fir and Cedar. Arrive in Tofino for a 2 night stay.

Day 10 -Tofino
The morning is free to explore Tofino and Pacific Rim National Park. You may wish to walk along the famed Long Beach, with its miles of pristine sandy beach and pounding surf, or explore the rain forests on a selection of well groomed trails. Mid afternoon enjoy a 3 hour whale watch cruise (included) through the Clayoquot Sound, revealing sensational scenery and wildlife such as Gray Whales, Sea Lions, Porpoises and Killer Whales. The area is also known for its variety of birds, including tufted puffins and resident bald eagles

Day 11 - Tofino to Victoria (195 miles)
Travel back to the East Coast of Vancouver Island and head south to Victoria. En-route stops should be made at the artist community of Chemainus, where you can admire the giant murals which adorn the exterior walls throughout the town and Duncan the “City of Totems”. Here visit the Cowichan Native Village which provides you with an insight into the lives of the northwest coast people (admission included). Overnight in Victoria.

Day 12 - Parksville
Today is free to explore Victoria, with its turn of the century architecture, British traditions such as high tea and shops full of woolens and china. Admission is included to the Butchart Gardens with it’s 50 acre display of magnificent colour. Overnight in Victora..

Day 13 -Victoria to Vancouver (45 miles + ferry)
Leaving Victoria drive north to Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal for a 90 minute ferry ride (cost included) back to the mainland. On board BC ferries enjoy the scenery of the Gulf Islands as you cross the Strait of Georgia. On arrival at the port of Tsawwassen continue on to downtown Vancouver and check in for your 3 night stay.

Day 14 - Vancouver
Today, experience Grouse Mountain Skyride (included) and Capilano Canyon and Suspension Bridge (included) at your own leisure. Be sure to see such sights as, Chinatown, Historical Gastown, the markets of Granville Island, and the famous shopping district of Robson Street.a.

Day 15 - Vancouver (Free Day)
The day is free to discover the coastal city of Vancouver. Canada’s third largest metropolitan centre, Vancouver is a busy port with a multi-cultural ambiance. The spectacular setting invites you outdoors; explore the restaurants, shopping, galleries and museums, nightlife, entertainment and more.

Day 16 - Vancouver
Your tour ends with the check out of your hotel and the return your car to the Airport rental office.

 

Prices per Person

Departs Daily : 01 May - 31 Oct '10	Twin	Single	Triple
01 May - 08 May	£1389	£1099	£949
09 May - 15 June	£1659	£1279	£1089
16 June - 30 June	£1679	£1289	£1099
01 July - 31 August	£1739	£1339	£1229
01 September - 30 September	£1669	£1289	£1099
01 October - 31 October	£1329	£1059	£919
*Children age 2-10yrs pay £169 when sharing existing beds with two adults All prices are exclusive of airfare

Included in the Cost:

- 15 nights accommodation as selected.
- Thrifty, Midsize car rental for 15 days including unlimited mileage, insurance and taxes
- Admission to Hat Creek Ranch
- Sulphur Mountain Gondola
- Ice Explorer Ride onto the Athabasca Glacier
- Whistler Peaks Adventure Ride
- BC Ferries passenger & Vehicle fare (Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo)
- Whale Watching from Tofino
- Cowichan Native Village Admission
- Butchart Gardens Admission
- BC Ferries passenger & vehicle fare (Victoria to Vancouver)
- Grouse Mountain Admission
- Capilano suspension Bridge Admission
- Comprehensive documentation pack

 

GLACIERS, BEARS & WHALES                                                

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Explore the highlights of Western Canada - from the Rockies to the Pacific Coast. Highlights are aplenty including excursions to view the whales & bears that frequent this area.

Day 1 Arrive Calgary
Arrive at Calgary International Airport, collect your rental car and drive to your downtown hotel. After checking in at your hotel the remainder of the day is at your leisure. Overnight in Calgary.

Day 2 Calgary to Banff (80 miles)
This morning begin your Rockies adventure. Take the short (2-hour) drive from Calgary to Banff on either the Trans-Canada Highway or the more scenic 1A Highway. Once in Banff, the remainder of the day is yours to explore at your own leisure. Overnight in Banff

Day 3 Banff National Park (free day)
A full day to explore Banff and area. Overnight in Banff.

Day 4 Banff to Lake Louise (50 miles)
Today you will be driving through the Bow Valley to get to beautiful Lake Louise, said to be Canada's most photographed lake. Overnight in Lake Louise.

Day 5 Lake Louise to Jasper (145 miles)
From Lake Louise your scenic drive takes you through the spine of the Canadian Rockies. Along the way see such sights as the Sarbach Glacier, Peyto Lake, Bow Lake, with the Bow Glacier providing the backdrop and Crowfoot Glacier before your arrival at the Columbia Icefield for an Ice Explorer ride out onto the glacier (included). Overnight in Jasper.

Day 6 Jasper National Park (free day)
A free day to explore Jasper. Overnight in Jasper.

Day 7 Jasper to Wells Gray Provincial Park & Clearwater (275 miles)
Drive the scenic Yellowhead Highway to Wells Gray Park. Before leaving the Rocky Mountains you will encounter one of its most spectacular sights, the mist-shrouded peak of Mount Robson. Overnight in Clearwater.

Day 8 Wells Gray Provincial Park/Clearwater to Gold Bridge (220 miles)
Follow the Cariboo Highway south, passing towns and villages that echo the past, as this route was travelled by gold seekers and traders during the famous Cariboo Gold Rush of the late 1800s. Departing Lillooet travel for 2 hours along a well maintained gravel road to Tyax Mountain Lake Resort nestled on the shores on Tyaughton Lake. Overnight at Tyax Resort.

Day 9 Gold Bridge (free day)
Tyax offers a wide array of optional activities for all ages. (See page 71 for more information about Tyax Resort) Overnight at Tyax Resort.

Day 10 Gold Bridge to Whistler (80 miles)
Start early today to allow yourself as much time as possible in the premier resort town of Whistler. Once in Whistler, enjoy some of the resort activities or just to relax in the pedestrian village and enjoy the boutiques, restaurants and cafés. Overnight in Whistler.

Day 11 Whistler Exploring (free day)
A free day to explore Whistler. A gondola ride is (Included) to the top of Whistler or Blackcomb Mountain. Overnight in Whistler.

Day 12 Whistler to Tofino/Ucluelet (195 miles)
Travel the Sea-to-Sky Highway, to Horseshoe Bay where you will board a ferry to sail across the Strait of Georgia to Vancouver Island. Your drive to the Pacific Coast will take you through ancient rainforests and provincial parks. Overnight in Tofino or Ucluelet.

Day 13 Tofino/Ucluelet
This morning is free. Mid afternoon enjoy a 3 hour bear viewing cruise (included*) this tour features black bears and explores the fjord inlets of Clayoquot Sound. You can choose an open-air 24' rigid-hulled Zodiac; or a covered 32' vessel with heated cabin and washroom facilities. (*Bear Viewing Excursion included May 01 - Sep 30). Overnight in Tofino or Ucluelet.

Day 14 Tofino to Victoria (200 miles)
This morning's drive will take you back to the east coast of Vancouver Island. The coastal road winds through quaint seaside towns and the murals of Chemainus and the quaint Quw'utsun' Cultural and Conference Centre in Duncan are well worth the visit. Overnight in Victoria.

Day 15 Victoria to Vancouver (45 miles + ferry)
Before leaving Victoria embark on a whale watch cruise (included). This coastal excursion is an exhilarating round trip of 50 to 80 km in search of orcas, minke whales, grey whales, porpoises, harbour seals and other marine wildlife. This afternoon leaving Victoria drive north to Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal for a 90 min Ferry ride (Ferry Toll Included) to Tsawwassen. On board BC ferries enjoy the scenery of the Gulf Islands as you cross the Strait of Georgia. From Tsawwassen continue on to downtown Vancouver. Overnight in Vancouver.

Day 16 Vancouver (free day)
You have the entire day to tour Vancouver and the surrounding area. Situated in a magnificent setting among the sea, the beaches, the harbour and the steep Coast Mountains, Vancouver is considered to be the "Jewel" of North America's Pacific Coast. Overnight in Vancouver.

Day 17 End of Tour
Your tour ends with the return of your car to Vancouver International Airport and the check-in for your departure flight.

Prices per Person

Standard Hotels	Twin	Triple	Quad
01 May - 15 May	£1469	£1139	£979
16 May - 15 June	£1719	£1309	£1109
16 June - 30 June	£1749	£1329	£1129
01 July - 31 August	£1819	£1379	£1159
01 September - 30 September	£1749	£1329	£1129
01 October - 05 October	£1449	£1139	£979
* Surcharge will apply it tour commences Jun 7-10 or Jul 8-17 Children aged 2-10 years pay £149 when sharing with two adults.

Included in the Cost:

• 16 nights accommodation as selected.
• Midsize Sports Utility vehicle for 16 days including unlimited mileage, LDW & taxes.
• Sulphur Mountain Gondola.
• Ice Explorer Ride onto the Athabasca Glacier.
• BC Ferries fare Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo (car & passengers)
• Tofino Bears of Clayoquot Cruise (Operates May 01 - Sep 30)
• BC Ferries fare Swartz Bay to Tsawwassen (car & passengers)
• Victoria Whale watch cruise
• Peak to peak gondola pass (Whistler)

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