Emerald Lake Trail at Yoho National Park

Canada’s Great Western Parks

Canada’s Great Western Park

16 nights from £3,035
Includes flights, car, & choice of handpicked hotels,
transfers, ferries & 6 trips inc. Bear & Whale Watching.
Travelling next year? Book now for an early discount.

Choose from 3 levels of accommodation or mix and match to suit you.
Travel Period : May – October

Day 1 – Arrive Vancouver

Arrive by scheduled non-stop flights from the U.K taking around 9 hours 30 mins.

On arrival at Vancouver Airport you will be met by one of our representative team and assisted to your waiting private car which will take you directly to your chosen hotel in downtown Vancouver.

Vancouver is set in spectacular surroundings, with the majestic Coastal Mountains, evergreen forests and Pacific Ocean as its background. After a long flight and with your body adjusting to the time difference, we suspect you will not want to do much the first evening but if the weather permits do have a walk – Vancouver is a very safe walking town. Overnight Vancouver.

Hotels:
Standard:
Blue Horizon Hotel
Superior: L’Hermitage
Deluxe: Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel


 Day 2  – Vancouver

Today we have included tickets for the hop-on hop-off 1 day dual city and park pass to help you maximise your day of discovery in Vancouver. There’s such a variety of things to see and do in this stunning cosmopolitan city by the ocean – historic Gastown, colourful Chinatown, and the ultra modern financial district to name but a few. Discover the beauty of 1000-acre Stanley Park and English Bay as well as the bustle of Robson Street in the heart of the shopping district and Granville Island oozing character and atmosphere both night and day.

This flexible Dual Pass combination of the City and Park routes offers all the highlights of downtown Vancouver, including major attractions, and scenic points of interest. Choose to hop-off at any of the 28 stops, and hop-on again to continue the tour. Be sure to enjoy the incredible views from the top of the Harbour Centre Tower (Admission to tower included). Highlights include English Bay, Stanley Park, Granville Island, Yaletown, Gastown, Chinatown, Robson Street, and the Entertainment District. Commentary is provided on the clear top convertible Hop-On, Hop-Off busses. There are also San Francisco-style trolleys. Both bus types (clear top and trolley) will be travelling on all routes; there is no designated bus type per route. Overnight Vancouver.

Hotels:
Standard:
Blue Horizon Hotel
Superior: L’Hermitage
Deluxe: Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel


Day 3 – Vancouver – Kelowna
247 miles

Collect your fully inclusive rental car from a convenient downtown location in Vancouver and travel into the Thompson Okanagan region; this region is famous for its orchards and vineyards as well as the wildly varied landscape. To the north of the central wine-and-fruit producing valley are vast boreal forests and to the south the desert of the Great Basin.

Hotels:
Standard: Comfort Suites (1 bedroomed suite inc hot breakfast)
Superior: Best Western Plus (Inc hot breakfast)
Deluxe: Delta Grand Okanagan Resort


Day 4 – Kelowna

If the weather is good this morning it’s well worth considering a walk on Knox Mountain.  Located adjacent to the downtown area, Knox Mountain Park offers a variety of trails with breathtaking views of Okanagan Lake.  For those less interested in hiking you can take the rental car to the viewpoint and simply take a moment to take it all in.

You cannot come to Kelowna without taking a stroll downtown along the waterfront and the new Downtown Kelowna Marina.  Pick up an ice cream or a latte and enjoy the view.

The Okanagan region is famous for it’s wineries so you might like to consider a visit to one for some wine tasting, we can even offer some discounted package, please ask for details.

In the afternoon we have a 1.5 hour lake cruise included for you (operates 29th June – 2nd Sept – a credit will be applied when not available). Sit back and relax, enjoy the experienced crew commentary and views of Bear Creek Park, City Park, Steamboat Bay, Sailview Bay, Lakeview Heights, the W.R. Bennett Bridge, and wineries set in the distance. The areas of Sailview Bay and Lakeview Heights feature spectacular lakefront properties, some belonging to NHL hockey players and Hollywood stars. Guests may also see Osprey diving for fish, Blue Herons perched on log booms at the entrance of the marina, and the occasional Bald Eagle soaring above.

Hotels:
Standard: Comfort Suites (1 bedroomed suite inc hot breakfast)
Superior: Best Western Plus (Inc hot breakfast)
Deluxe: Delta Grand Okanagan Resort


Day 5 – Kelowna to Banff
298 miles

Start your day early, it’s a long full day but an immensely rewarding one. Today drive by spectacular waterfalls, towering peaks and beautiful lakes towards Revelstoke. Just before Revelstoke you will find Craigellachie, where the ‘last spike’ was driven completing the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1885. The mountains that were the curse of railway workers are responsible for the park’s many waterfalls including Laughing Falls, Wapta Falls, Twin Falls and one of Canada’s highest (254 metres / 833 feet), Takakkaw Falls.

Continue on towards Banff stopping briefly for the spectacular views found at Emerald Lake and world famous 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 footpath to either the lower or upper waterfalls before continuing to Banff.

Hotels:
Standard:
Banff Aspen Lodge (Hot breakfast included)
Superior: Moose Hotel
Deluxe: Fairmont Banff Springs


Day 6 – Banff

We’ve included tickets for the Banff Gondola & Sulphur Mountain Boardwalk so this would be a good first stop today. With six stunning mountain ranges and the sweep of the Bow Valley before you, views from the summit are nothing short of breathtaking. Start with a walk along the Sulphur Mountain Boardwalk to learn more about Canada’s first national park? Or perhaps go indoors to sample from three delicious restaurant menus. Then get hands-on in our world-class interpretive centre and theatre. And no matter where you go, the knowledgeable, friendly hosts are standing by to make sure you get the most out of your visit.

In the afternoon you might like to take a short walk, the Hoodoos or Two Jack Lake area offer numerous easy options. In town you’ll find lots of excitement including shopping, cafés, nightlife and museums. Check out the Cave and Basin National Historic Site (not included)

Another great option is a guided driving tour with our partners GyPSy Guides. Simply download the app, pay a few dollars and you will receive a guided tour of the Banff area.

Hotels:
Standard:
Banff Aspen Lodge (Hot breakfast included)
Superior: Moose Hotel
Deluxe: Fairmont Banff Springs


Day 7 – Banff to Jasper
180 miles

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 the Sarbach Glacier, Peyto Lake, Bow Lake, with the Bow Glacier providing the backdrop, and Crowfoot Glacier before your arrival at the Columbia Icefield. If you have purchased the GyPSy Guide App you will really enjoy the benefits today.

At the Columbia Icefield, we have included ticket for the ‘Glacier Adventure’. Discover the power of nature on the Glacier Adventure, the must-do experience in the Canadian Rockies. At the heart of the incredible Icefields Parkway is one of the largest non-polar ice fields in the world. Here, you’ll travel on a massive Ice Explorer to a place where you can walk on, feel and drink from the Athabasca Glacier. Then, take a jaw-dropping walk along the glass-floored Glacier Skywalk at the cliff’s edge. Take in views of the Sunwapta Valley on the 500 metre interpretive experience. Continue after to Jasper.

Hotel:
Standard:
Marmot Lodge
Superior: Crimson Hotel
Deluxe: Jasper Park Lodge


Day 8 – Jasper

By now you will almost certainly have witnessed some of the amazing wildlife in Canada but keep your eyes peeled for bears, moose and the hundreds of elk that roam freely around Jasper. Take the full day to explore Jasper and the surrounding area. Be sure to visit Medicine Lake, Cavell Road, Pyramid Lake Road and the ‘Old Banff/Jasper Highway’. Another must is a visit to Maligne Canyon and Maligne Lake where we recommend you hire a canoe. The gift shops at these two attractions are excellent and also worth a visit. We also recommend a visit to Athabasca Falls and Sunwapta Falls, both of which can be done in the same day from Jasper.

Hotel:
Standard:
Marmot Lodge
Superior: Crimson Hotel
Deluxe: Jasper Park Lodge


Day 9 – Jasper to Clearwater Wells Gray Provincial Park
197 miles

Set out for Wells Gray Provincial Park along the scenic Yellowhead Highway and take in the breath taking vistas of the steep-walled gorges and crashing falls of the North Thompson River. Definitely plan to stop at Mt. Robin Provincial Park. Mount Robson today, the second oldest park in British Columbia’s park system, is truly one of the world’s crown jewels. The mountain for which the park is named guards the park’s western entrance. At 3,954 metres, Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, towers over the lesser surrounding peaks, this is one of the finest views in the Rocky Mountains. Just as the early trappers, hunters and explorers felt in awe at the mountain’s magnificence, today you will experience the same feelings. Be sure whilst in the park to stop and see Overlander Falls and Rearguard Falls. Soon the majestic mountains give way to the rolling hills and forest land as you continue on to Wells Gray Provincial Park and the town of Clearwater.

Hotels:
Standard: Wells Gray Inn
Superior: Clearwater Lodge (Continental breakfast)
Deluxe: Alpine Meadows Resort


Day 10 – Wells Gray Provincial Park

Start early today, covering 5250 square kilometres and with limited road access you have some driving to do, but it is so worth it. This is a place where the Clearwater, Thompson and Murtle Rivers roar and wildlife sightings are as common as sunrise and sunset. Home to 39 named waterfalls this park has become known as ‘Canada’s Waterfall Park’. It’s an alpine wilderness, borne from volcanoes and carved by glaciers. It’s one of the most unique landscapes in all of B.C., featuring tranquil lakes, rushing rivers, lush alpine meadows, majestic forests, dramatic peaks, and amazing wildlife. Your day will hopefully include some lovely walks, wildlife sightings, and a camera full of  amazing waterfall shots.

Hotels:
Standard:
Wells Gray Inn
Superior:  Clearwater Lodge (Continental breakfast)
Deluxe: Alpine Meadows Resort (Continental breakfast)


Day 11 – Wells Gray Provincial Park to Whistler
264 miles

Set out early today, it’s a full day’s drive to Whistler. We recommend you take Highway 24 at Little Fort west until you reach Highway 97, the Caribou Way where you head south. This is generally a quieter and more scenic route than the option via Kamloops. Continue the journey south to Lillooet, known as the land of the Gold Rush Trail and ‘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 Joffre Glacier and snow-capped Mount Currie that rises to a height of 2,596 meters (8,518 feet). Continue on to the mountain village of Whistler for your 2-night stay.

Hotels:
Standard: Pinnacle Hotel
Superior: Delta Whistler Village Suites
Deluxe: Four Seasons Resort Whistler


Day 12 – Whistler

Experience the beauty of Whistler Blackcomb’s alpine environment via the Peak to Peak Adventure. A one-of-a-kind gondola linking Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. Ride the longest continuous lift system in the world, in a glass-bottomed gondola, a mile above the glacial Fitzsimmons Creek. It’s a full day experience with incredible views, hiking trails to explore, free and custom guided tours and places to eat on the mountains. Don’t miss alpine must-sees such as Black Tusk, Overlord Glacier and the Inukshuks which make for an iconic Whistler photo op. Be generous with time and take it all in.

Hotels:
Standard:
Pinnacle Hotel
Superior: Delta Whistler Village Suites
Deluxe: Four Seasons Resort Whistler


Day 13 – Whistler to Pacific Rim National Park
192 miles + Ferry

Travel the Sea-to-Sky Highway through a landscape carved out by glaciers and edged by craggy fjords. After a brief stop at Shannon Falls continue 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 rain forests and provincial parks. You are venturing into true wildlife territory here, and you might even catch a glimpse of bears, deer or wolves. The Pacific Rim National Park is a marvel of ecological and geographical diversity as you will see as you pass through dense rain forests, steep ravines and windswept beaches. We have 2 nights for you in either Tofino or Ucluelet as you bear viewing trip awaits tomorrow.

Hotels:
Standard: Waters Edge Shoreside Suites
Superior: Black Rock Oceanfront Resort
Deluxe: Wickaninnish Inn


Day 14 – Tofino/Ucluelet (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.

However, all this must fit around low tide when you will be taken on a bear viewing trip of a lifetime.

Your experienced tour company will ensure you are fully equipped for the ride before hopping on-board one of the adventurous 12 passenger open boats with full-body flotation suits that are designed to protect you from the cold. We have a large selection of floatation suits and can accommodate passengers of varying ages and size. The tours are 2-3 hours long, and go out once a day, at low-tide.

Every day at low-tide, Black Bears can be seen wandering out of the temperate rainforest and onto the rocky shores of Barkley Sound to forage for food. This natural behaviour provides an excellent opportunity to view Black Bears, often seen with their cubs, turning massive rocks in search of Rock Crabs and clams. Travelling along the stunning shoreline of the Sound provides a chance to see sea lions, seals, herons, eagles and lots of other wildlife in their natural environment. Along the way, the informative and personable skipper will keep you entertained with interesting and fun facts about the area’s diverse ecosystems and unique history.

Return back to the office and warm up with a complimentary coffee, tea or hot chocolate, the perfect opportunity to show off your photos and share your experience!

Hotels:
Standard:
Waters Edge Shoreside Suites
Superior: Black Rock Oceanfront Resort
Deluxe: Wickaninnish Inn


Day 15 – Tofino to Victoria
197 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”. If time permits visit the Quw’utsun’ Heritage Village which provides you with an insight into the lives of the northwest coast people (seasonal hours – admission not included). Continue on to Victoria, capital of British Columbia, Victoria sits at the craggy southern end of Vancouver Island and is rich in colonial history with plenty of impressive Victorian architecture on show.

Hotels:
Standard: Coast Victoria Hotel
Superior: Inn At Laurel Point
Deluxe: The Magnolia Hotel & Spa


Day 16 – Victoria

So by this point in this fabulous package, we hope you will be missing just one of the magical wildlife sightings that a trip to Western Canada should include – Whales!

Victoria, is one of the best places on earth to view whales in the wild. The nearby Juan de Fuca and Haro Straits are home to three resident orca (Killer whale) pods. With over 70 whales belonging to these families, transient orcas, and humpback whales your tour today will provide plenty of opportunities for an encounter with these magnificent creatures. During peak viewing months, the success rate for spotting whales is greater than 95% with our chosen tour partner.

Local marine wildlife also includes Dall’s porpoises, Harbour porpoises, Stellar and California sea lions, harbour and elephant seals, otters and a variety of birds such as cormorants and bald eagles. There is also a very good chance of sighting Humpback, Minke and Gray whales.

Every tour is led by a certified marine naturalist with deep knowledge of Vancouver Island’s marine wildlife. And, every vessel is equipped with a hydrophone to help bring the underwater experience alive.

Tours are available by high speed Zodiac or covered boat and last approximately 3 hours, leaving you a good half day to explore Victoria. Victoria is where you will find the world famous Empress Hotel, Parliament buildings, Provincial Museum, the city centre and the attractions around the city Harbour.

Hotels:
Standard:
Coast Victoria Hotel
Superior: Inn At Laurel Point
Deluxe: The Magnolia Hotel & Spa


Day 17 – Victoria – Vancouver Airport
40 miles + ferry

Flights do not leave Vancouver until the evening so you have plenty of time to enjoy the day. This is just a great way to finish your trip, drive the 20 miles to Swartz Bay (Consider optional stop at Butchart Gardens en-route, admission not included) where you board a ferry back to the mainland. Enjoy the scenic journey as the ferry winds its way through the scenic gulf islands and across the Straights of Georgia. Vancouver International Airport is a straight forward 20 mile drive from here (No need to drive anywhere near Vancouver) where you will return your rental car and check-in for your non-stop flight back to the U.K.

Map

Itinerary Summary

Location Nights
Vancouver 2
Kelowna 2
Banff 2
Jasper 2
Wells Gray NP 2
Whistler 2
Pacific Rim NP 2
Victoria 2

Based on low season travel for 2 people

Factors affecting price:
Availability – early booking, best prices
Seasonal variations
Weekend travel/hotel stays
Special events/conferences
Varying available room types

For all of the above reasons, please speak to our experienced team who can offer relevant advice on seasonal variations and create a personalised itinerary and costing for your specific dates.

Tour inclusions and exclusions

  • Complete financial protection. Fully ATOL protected
  • Scheduled return flights from the U.K. & airport tax
  • Hotel accommodation for 16 nights
  • 15 days Compact car rental based on Avis Canada ‘Fully Inclusive’ Rate
  • Meet, greet and private car transfer Vancouver Airport to hotel
  • Vancouver – 1-day hop-on / hop-off city tour
  • Kelowna Lake Cruise (operates 29th June – 2nd Sept)
  • Banff Gondola & Sulphur Mountain Boardwalk
  • Glacier Adventure – Ice Explorer & Skywalk
  • Whistler – Whistler Blackcomb – Peak to Peak Adventure
  • Scheduled car ferry transfer from Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo
  • Tofino – 2/3-hour bear watching tour by boat
  • Victoria – 3-hour whale watching tour by Zodiac (covered boat available on request)
  • Scheduled car ferry transfer from Swartz Bay to Tsawwassen
  • National Parks Canada Pass
  • Exclusive travel documentation package including personalised maps, itinerary and driver directions along with all applicable tickets and vouchers.

 

  • NOT INCLUDED
    • Transfers to and from airport and / or train stations unless otherwise specified
    • Airport improvement fee
    • Meals and attractions unless otherwise stated

Flights

  • We include special inclusive tour rates with non-stop scheduled operators, British Airways or Air Canada.
  • Scheduled airline reliability is key to ensuring you arrive in good time for the start of your tour
  • Saver fares available with charter airlines on request but pre-tour night at your arrival city is strongly advised.

Optional experiences

You can replace/add a large choice of optional experiences on our holidays. Please
ask for more details of any tours. Prices are per person.

Vancouver

Vancouver Aquarium – £24
Granite Falls Zodiac boat tour – £51
Paddlewheeler sunset dinner cruise – £61
1-hour Vancouver Harbour tour – £27
2-hour Granville Island Market tour – £56
Culinary Gastown Tour inc food/drink – £94
Cycling tours starting from – £40
Kayak & Paddle board tours from – £31
4-hour Rainforest nature walk – £74
Seaplane/floatplane flights from – £80
Speedboat rental from – £96
Various sightseeing tours from – £31

Victoria

Culinary tours from – £78
Cycling tours from – £40
Kayaking from – £49
Seaplane/floatplane sightseeing from – £72
Full day touring & Winery Experience – £138
City tours from – £27

Jasper

Skytram – £28
Rock climbing experience – £81
Foodie tour includes food & wine – £74
Maligne Lake Cruise – £48
Rafting/Float trip – £47
Jasper National Park inc lunch – £72
Sidecar motorcycle tour of Jasper – £80
Wildlife viewing tour  – £43

Banff

Banff Upper Hot Springs Pool – £5
Mount Norquay Sightseeing Chairlift  – £21
Banff Lake Cruise (Lake Minnewanka) – £36
Helicopter flights from – £91
Full day hiking tours from – £59
Horseback Riding tours from – £36
Rafting tours from – £50
Wildlife viewing tours from – £40

Why Book With C.N.A?

  • All holidays ATOL protected.
  • Tailored itinerary to suit you.
  • Choice of airlines & departure points.
  • Deals on flight upgrades.
  • Low booking deposit.
  • Detailed & personalised travel pack – your personally prepared ring-bound travel itinerary booklet is prepared individually.

Complete North America documents

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Call today to discuss your Canada holiday plans: 0115 9610590


“We had the holiday of a lifetime in Canada.

Thanks so much for your meticulous planning and perfect tour of this amazing part of Canada – it was even better than I hoped! Knight Inlet was absolutely stunning and we were so lucky to see grizzly bears, a black bear close up, bald eagles, ospreys, deer and lots of amazing wildlife. The drive from Jasper to Banff with the green lakes and snow covered mountains was drop jaw beautiful! The whole trip was incredible and will remain a lifelong cherished memory for all the family.”

Aitchison Party (Ultimate Canadian Rockies & Coastal Canada)
Canoeing on Lake Louise

We wanted to thank you for arranging such a wonderful holiday.  Everything was organised perfectly, the package which awaited us at our first hotel was very comprehensive and extremely informative.

Daniel Party (Ultimate Canadian Rockies)
Canoeing, Maligne Lake, Jasper National Park

We returned from our Canadian Holiday a few days ago and had a wonderful time.  We wanted to say thank you for all the arrangements, bookings and planned trips etc. which all fell into place at the right time without any problems or worries.

Farmer Party (Western Canada)
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