Canadian Rockies and Vancouver

of 8

From only £2195 per person

15 days from only £2195

With the added attraction of a week-long Alaska Cruise... this tour has it all. This is your opportunity to spot bears, elk and wolves; to walk on a glacier and to realise that the lakes really are that shade of blue!

Calgary, Banff, Jasper, Kamloops, Victoria, Vancouver Island, Vancouver

Tour itinerary

B - Breakfast

L - Lunch

D - Dinner

Day 1  UK - Calgary

Our flight with Air Canada leaves London Heathrow in the afternoon. Relax and enjoy the complimentary meals, drinks and entertainment on our flight to Calgary, which takes approximately nine hours. Upon arrival our coach will transfer us the short distance to the Sandman Hotel for our first two nights in Canada. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy, so why not stretch your legs with a stroll into downtown Calgary or enjoy dinner at Moxie's Classic Grill, the Sandman's own restaurant?  L

Day 2 Calgary

After breakfast we take a sightseeing tour of Calgary. Before the discovery of oil in Alberta in the late 1960's, Calgary was a cattle and cowboy town, better known for rodeos than for business. The discovery of 'black gold' saw a boom in the economy which led to the development of today's modern Calgary, evidenced by the impressive skyscrapers throughout the downtown area. Following an orientation of downtown Calgary, we travel via the Stampede Grounds, home to the annual rodeo extravaganza, the Pengrowth Saddledome, Calgary's entertainment and sports arena, to the Heritage Park Historical Village. This carefully preserved frontier village gives visitors a taste of what life was really like for Western Canada's early settlers over a century ago (September tours will visit Fort Calgary). The rest of the day is at leisure.  B

Day 3  Calgary - Banff

Today we head approximately 80 miles west to Banff National Park, leaving the flat prairie landscape of Calgary behind. We travel through the rolling foothills of the Rockies before we experience a rapid change of scenery as we enter Banff National Park and catch the first sight of snow-capped mountains and opaque emerald green lakes. On arrival into Banff, a sightseeing tour will introduce us to many of the highlights of this pretty mountain resort, including Bow Falls; the Hoodoos (magical limestone spires carved by wind and water); Tunnel Mountain and Lake Minnewanka. We also visit Johnston Canyon for an easy walk along the canyon's winding trails. The Banff Ptarmigan Inn is our home for the next two nights.  B

Day 4  Banff

This is a free day and your opportunity to explore Banff at your own pace or to take an optional excursion. You could take a ride on the Banff Gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain for a spectacular panoramic view of the town and its surrounds. Alternatively, enjoy an alpine aromatherapy massage in the Hot Springs, take an evening wildlife safari in search of the National Park's wildlife, or simply browse Banff’s many boutiques.  B

Day 5  Banff - Jasper

Our journey takes us first to the teal blue Moraine Lake - as seen on the front cover of so many brochures - before arriving at beautiful Lake Louise, known as the jewel of the Rockies for its seemingly ever- changing and sparkling colours. We then continue northwards along the spectacular Icefields Parkway. Stretching for 140 miles between Lake Louise and Jasper, this is a breathtaking journey through the heart of the Canadian Rockies. En route, we make a stop at Peyto Lake - a stunning turquoise lake, which gains its beautiful colour from the melting ice of a glacier. Our next stop at the Columbia Icefields offers an opportunity to take an optional excursion on board a 'snocoach' - one of the more unusual modes of transport you may use during the tour - which rides onto the 1000 ft thick Athabasca Glacier. Athabasca Falls is our final stop before arriving into Jasper, where we stay for two nights.  B

Day 6  Jasper

Jasper National Park is a vast and remote wilderness, and this morning's included tour takes us to many of the outstanding natural landscapes of the area. As we travel from the peaceful Pyramid and Patricia Lakes keep a careful watch, as moose, elk, mountain goats, bear and eagles can often be spotted in the surrounding woodland. One of the highlights of the day is a stop at Maligne Lake, where there will be a chance to take an optional cruise to Spirit Island. The afternoon and evening are at leisure, and Jasper's many shops, restaurants and bars are a short stroll away from our hotel.  B

Day 7  Jasper - Kamloops

Leaving Jasper this morning, the scenery changes dramatically as we head southwest along the Yellowhead Highway and cross into British Columbia. We pass Mount Robson - at 12,972 feet, the highest point in the Canadian Rockies - and travel through the small communities of Blue River and Clearwater. The landscape gradually becomes one of rolling pastures, fertile valleys and fruit orchards as we approach the pleasant town of Kamloops. Our hotel for the night is the Executive Inn, conveniently located in the centre of the town.  B

Day 8  Kamloops - Victoria

After breakfast, we travel through the ranch lands of Merritt and Fraser Valleys towards the Pacific Ocean and Tsawwassen, where we board a British Columbia Ferry bound for Vancouver Island. The ferry crossing isn’t just a way of getting from A to B, as you’ll discover during the spectacular journey across the Strait of Georgia and through the beautiful Gulf Islands. On a sunny day, take a stroll on deck - you may see seals, whales or bald eagles. Upon arrival into Swartz Bay it's just a short drive to picturesque Victoria, the provincial capital of British Columbia and a city proud of its maritime and colonial heritage. We spend three nights at the elegant Queen Victoria Hotel.  B

Day 9  Victoria

This morning we are taken on an orientation tour of Victoria, beginning with the stately Parliament Buildings and the legendary Empress Hotel, both of which overlook the pretty Inner Harbour. The tour continues with a visit to Thunderbird Park - home to a series of totem poles carved by First Nation artists - and finishes at the University of Victoria. Your afternoon has been left free to discover your own favourite part of the city. Perhaps take a look at the acclaimed Royal British Columbia Museum or visit the boutiques and galleries of Bastion Square.  B

Day 10  Victoria

A full day at leisure to take advantage of the many optional excursions and activities available from Victoria. Whale watching tours are very popular, either on board an ocean cruiser or for the more adventurous, the 'Zodiac'. For those seeking a more restful day, Victoria is home to the world famous Butchart Gardens. This former quarry has been lovingly transformed into 55 acres of beautiful gardens, meandering pathways and floral displays.  B

Day 11  Victoria - Vancouver

We say goodbye to Victoria this morning, travelling north on the coastal highway and making a stop at Duncan, known as the 'City of Totems'. The ancient art of totem carving has been handed down through generations of indigenous people as a way of honouring First Nation rituals and sacred spirits. We continue to the small logging village of Chemainus, noted for its life-size outdoor murals depicting the lives of early pioneer settlers in the region. Boarding the BC ferry at Nanaimo, we return to Canada's mainland and make the short trip into Vancouver. Our home for the next three nights is the stylish Century Plaza Hotel, centrally situated in downtown Vancouver.  B

Day 12  Vancouver

Nestled between the sparkling Pacific Ocean and rugged mountains, Vancouver is a great natural outdoor playground, with a thriving culture and activities to suit everyone's taste. This morning our sightseeing tour begins in Stanley Park, one of the world's great city parks. Covering more than 980 acres, the park has formal gardens, a tangled semi-wilderness of forest, beaches and six miles of Pacific seawall offering fantastic views. We also visit Gastown, the district where Vancouver was born, now a rejuvenated area of converted warehouses, craft shops and cafe bars. Other places of interest on the tour include Chinatown (the third largest in North America after New York and San Francisco) and the waterfront complex at Canada Place. The rest of your day is at leisure.  B

Day 13  Vancouver

Your final day in Vancouver is left completely free for you to enjoy as you please. Perhaps take the cable car up Grouse Mountain to enjoy stunning views of Vancouver and its surrounds. Alternatively, head to Granville Island, a formerly derelict area transformed into a fascinating bohemian district full of artists' galleries, museums, wharves, buskers and a superb covered food market. In downtown Vancouver, Robson Street is the main shopping thoroughfare, with specialist and mainstream shops to suit everyone.  B

Day 14  Depart Vancouver

A morning at leisure prior to our transfer to Vancouver Airport for our afternoon flight. During the flight, dinner and drinks will be served with the compliments of Air Canada. B D

For passengers on tours including the Alaska Cruise, Norwegian Sun departs late in the afternoon. See ‘Alaska Cruise extension’ below for further details.

Day 15  Arrive UK

Before landing at London Heathrow, breakfast will be served.  B

Your Hotels

Sandman Hotel - Calgary

Ptarmigan Inn - Banff

Lobstick Lodge - Jasper

Executive Inn - Kamloops

Queen Victoria Hotel - Victoria, Vancouver Island

Century Plaza Hotel - Vancouver

ALASKA CRUISE EXTENSION

Norwegian Sun

NCL's luxurious Norwegian Sun is a contemporary ship, built in 2001 and carrying just under 2,000 guests. With a choice of 12 different dining options, 10 bars and lounges, numerous sporting and leisure activities; pools, gym and spa; library, art gallery and internet cafe; shops, theatre and casino, your days at sea can be as action-packed or laid-back as you want. We offer a range of cabins, from the most affordable inside staterooms, to oceanview staterooms with a porthole for a truly nautical feel, or you could really push the boat out and treat yourself to a stateroom with floor to ceiling glass doors opening onto your own private balcony.

Day 14 continued from Canadian Rockies & Vancouver

We will be transferred from our hotel to the cruise terminal at Canada Place, and board our ship mid-afternoon. Norwegian Sun sails from Vancouver at 5.30 pm, so after settling into your cabin, maybe enjoy a welcome aboard drink and take a stroll on deck to watch Vancouver's skyline recede as we head north. B D

Day 15 Inside Passage

Our first day at sea takes us past Vancouver Island and into the beautiful cruising waters of the Inside Passage. Calm and sheltered from the elements, this scenic route passes fjords, waterfalls and many tiny islands, hugging the coastline. Enjoy finding your sea legs and take your time exploring Norwegian Sun. B L D

Day 16 Ketchikan

An early arrival this morning into Ketchikan, our first port of call. Surrounded by 17 million acres of the Tongass National Forest, without a road or rail connection to the rest of the world, Ketchikan offers a glimpse of what life was like for Alaska's early pioneers. There are several optional shore excursions available, from bear watching to seaplaning over Misty Fjord. Or you could just take a walk along Creek Street, Ketchikan's former red light district, now a wooden boardwalk lined with galleries, gift shops and restaurants. B L D

Day 17 Juneau

Juneau, Alaska's state capital, is our destination today and its city sophistication contrasts with its remote location on the waterfront of the Gastineau Channel. Activities available today include goldpanning, sport fishing for king-size salmon and halibut, and sightseeing by floatplane. This afternoon Norwegian Sun cruises past the icy wilderness of Sawyer Glacier, arguably the bluest and most beautiful of them all. B L D

Day 18 Skagway

A full day ashore in Skagway, described as the country's best preserved gold rush town. More than a century ago, thousands of prospectors flooded through Skagway on their way to the Klondike gold fields, and this small town has kept many of its original buildings and a strong sense of the past. You may wish to take an optional excursion to Skagway's surrounding wilderness areas on a nature tour, with the chance to spot grizzly bears or wolves against the backdrop of the Chilkat Mountains. B L D

Day 19 At sea

Today is a full day at sea and a perfect opportunity to enjoy all the facilities of Norwegian Sun. Enjoy a massage or beauty treatment in the spa, or jog around the running track, 10 storeys above the ocean; lose yourself in a book from the library or keep in touch with home at the internet cafe. In the evening sample a cocktail or a cold beer before taking in a Broadway style show in the cabaret theatre. B L D

Day 20 Inside Passage

Our final day is spent cruising southwards through the islands and coves of the Inside Passage. The scenery was shaped by the Ice Age, when the Inside Passage was blanketed in ice, creating the smoothsided valleys and fjords we see today. Have binoculars at the ready as we may catch sight of sea otters and eagles, or if we are very lucky, humpback whales, moose and bears. B L D

Day 21 Arrive Vancouver & depart Canada

Norwegian Sun arrives back into Vancouver at 7am, and we will disembark mid-morning and transfer to Vancouver Airport for our flight back to London Heathrow. Our Air Canada flight lasts approximately 9 hours 30 minutes and during the flight dinner and drinks will be served with the compliments of Air Canada. B D

Day 22 Arrive UK

Before landing at London Heathrow, breakfast will be served. B

About your holiday

Included in the price

Scheduled flights

From London Heathrow with Air Canada

Transfers

Between overseas airports and hotels

Accommodation

In twin or double rooms with private en-suite facilities

Full breakfast

In every hotel, every day

Tour coach

Modern air-conditioned coach with the services of an experienced coach captain

Local guide

Knowledgeable local tour manager

Ferry

To and from Vancouver Island

Luggage service

For one piece of luggage per person

All local and state taxes

Airport taxes

Including air passenger duty of £40 per person

Included excursions

Sightseeing tours

Calgary

Banff National Park

Jasper National Park

Victoria Vancouver

Entrance fees to

Banff & Jasper National Parks

Heritage Park, Calgary (September tours visit Fort Calgary)

Alaska Cruise

• What’s included

All meals whilst on board (except à la carte restaurants) along with cruise entertainment. All port and handling charges, local and state taxes. Coach transfers to Vancouver airport.

• Not included

Service charge - fixed resort charge of $10 per adult and $5 per child (3 -12 years old) per day. Items of a personal nature - i.e. beverages from bars, shore excursions, laundry and telephone.

Not included in the price

Telephone / laundry, items of a personal nature and meals not indicated. Gratuities to drivers and guides/Tour Managers. The tour price is based on current airfares at October 2007 and exchange rates of CAD $2.03 = £1 and US $2.04 = £1. If taking the Alaska cruise, fixed resort service charge of $10 per adult and $5 per child (3-12 years old) per day is not included. Shore excursions, beverages from the bar, etc are not included.

Extend your holiday

Extended holidays and deviations from the itinerary should be requested with your travel advisor at the time of booking. Holiday extensions and deviations can be arranged at the end of your holiday, subject to flight schedules. Travelling out earlier than the group may be possible, please contact your travel advisor for details. Unless otherwise stated overseas transfers are not included on extended stays and deviations and you must therefore make your own arrangements. We will be happy to help you with making these arrangements. Extended stays and deviations will incur an administration charge of £35 per person plus any extra services required. Please remember – your travel insurance must cover the whole duration of your holiday.