Day 1
Arrive Vancouver
Depart London Heathrow – 13:05
Arrive Vancouver – 14:30
Journey Time – 9 hours 25 minutes
On arrival at Vancouver airport we have included a meet & greet service and private transfer to your downtown hotel.
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 along the waterside path located right outside your hotel, it’s a lovely walk to Stanley Park.
Overnight – Vancouver
Day 2 & 3
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.
Whilst in Vancouver (on Day 3) we have included a morning tour taking you to Capilano Suspension Bridge & Park, the world’s greatest suspension footbridge set amongst the West Coast Rainforest which offers meandering trails by tranquil trout ponds and towering old growth evergreens. Whilst there be sure to see the colourful Totem Park which displays over 25 authentic totem poles collected since the 1930’s and life-size red cedar statues carved during the Depression. Continue on to Grouse Mountain to experience a spectacular mountain top adventure at the peak of Vancouver. During summer enjoy lumberjack shows, the Grouse Mountain Wildlife Refuge for endangered wildlife including Grizzly Bears and Timber Wolf, birds in motion demonstrations and so much more. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Overnight – Vancouver
Day 4
Vancouver to Victoria
42 miles + ferry
Your destination today is the city of Victoria located on Vancouver Island. Collect car rental & depart Vancouver heading towards the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal for your 90-minute ride to Victoria (ferry toll included). Arriving on Vancouver Island, it is a short and scenic drive to Butchart Gardens (admission included) – fifty acres of wonderful floral display, before arriving into the charming harbour City of Victoria.
Overnight – Victoria
Day 5
Victoria to Quadra Island
168 miles
Travelling north on the Island Highway, pass through 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 North West Coast People (seasonal hours – admission not included). Further north is the artist community of Chemainus, where you can admire giant murals which adorn the exterior walls throughout the town. By late afternoon arrive in Campbell River to board a BC Ferries (ferry tolls included) for a short ride to Quadra Island.
Overnight – Quadra Island
Day 6
Quadra Island Eco Wilderness Cruise
Today cruise through breath taking Desolation Sound and enjoy the majesty of Toba Inlet to seek out Black Bears in their natural habitat.
Overnight – Quadra Island
Day 7
Quadra Island to Port Hardy
150 miles
This morning take the ferry back to Vancouver Island (ferry toll included) and continue your journey north. Near Port McNeil you may wish to take an optional Orca watching cruise into the waters of Johnstone Strait. Your day ends in the fishing community of Port Hardy.
Overnight – Port Hardy
Day 8
Port Hardy to Prince Rupert
Ferry
Embark on a full day of cruising the sheltered waters of Canada’s Inside Passage with BC Ferries (ferry toll included). During the length of the 15 hour crossing, a wonderful array of snow-capped mountains combined with rich forests provides a background for a series of dramatic fjords.
Overnight – Prince Rupert
Day 9
Prince Rupert to Smithers
227 miles
Today, follow the Yellowhead Highway, hugging the Skeena River for most of the way. Pass through the mining town of Terrace and into Smithers.
Overnight – Smithers
Day 10
Smithers to Prince George
232 miles
Depart Smithers today, continuing along the Yellowhead Highway. Passing through Houston – known as the Steelhead Capital and home to the world’s biggest fly rod – over 18 metres in length! Next you will travel through Burns Lake and Vanderhoof into Prince George.
Overnight – Prince George
Day 11
Prince George to Jasper
234 miles
Today is another unforgettable day of scenery. Follow mountain passes and raging rivers as you wind your way to an overnight stop in Jasper – ‘the Jewel of the Rockies’.
Overnight – Jasper
Day 12
Jasper
Explore this charming mountain village close to many terrific scenic highlights. 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 – Jasper
Day 13
Jasper to Banff
164 miles
Your scenic drive today takes you along the Icefields Parkway 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 the Columbia Icefield and take an Ice Explorer ride out onto the glacier (included). Continue on to Lake Louise and Banff.
Overnight – Banff
Day 14
Banff
A full day to explore Banff and the surrounding area. 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 (included).
Overnight – Banff
Day 15
Depart Calgary
Drive 72 miles to Calgary today, along the 1A Highway. En-route, you may wish to stop at the historic Cochrane Ranch (not included) before dropping off your rental car at the Calgary International Airport.
Depart Calgary – 20:35
Arrive London Heathrow – 13:40 (Next Day)
Journey Time – 8 hours 35 minutes
