The Canadian Rockies & Vancouver Island

The day has arrived for your tour to Canada to begin. You’ll depart from your selected airport with connecting flights along the way, and later today, you’ll arrive in the city of Calgary, located in the province of Alberta.

Upon arrival, you’ll go through immigration and collect your luggage. In the arrivals hall, follow the signs to your preferred mode of transport to your hotel in downtown Calgary. Expect to pay approximately 40–60 CAD for a taxi, depending on traffic.

Once you’ve arrived at your hotel, you can choose whether to relax after your long journey or head out to explore a bit of the city.

*If you would like to book a private transfer from the airport to your hotel, expect to pay approximately 200 CAD for 2 people.

You’ll probably wake up early, but the promise of fresh mountain air will soon help you shake off your jet lag. Spend a few hours in the morning exploring Calgary before returning to your hotel to join your group for your transfer to Banff.

Between the rushing Bow River, the Rocky Mountains, and the vast prairies lies Calgary, best known for its annual Stampede Festival. A visit to the Calgary Tower is a must. From a height of 191 metres, you’ll enjoy a breathtaking view of the city skyline and the snow-capped peaks of the Rocky Mountains rising majestically on the horizon.

You’ll be picked up from your hotel in Calgary and continue your tour into Banff, the oldest and one of the most iconic national parks in the Canadian Rockies.

After a few hours’ drive, you’ll arrive in the charming mountain town of Banff, in the heart of the national park. The rushing Bow River runs through the town, and along the landscaped trails or by bicycle, you can easily reach the famous Bow Falls.

If you’d like to end the day the Canadian way, a visit to the natural hot springs at Banff Upper Hot Springs comes highly recommended. There’s simply no more relaxing way to round off the day’s adventures than soaking in the 37–40 °C water while taking in the view of Rundle and Cascade Mountains. You can get here using the town’s public Roam transport system. Tickets for the hot springs can be purchased locally at the reception.

You’ll start your day with breakfast at the hotel before heading out with your guide and the other participants on the excursion to explore the town of Banff and its National Park, where countless natural wonders await.

Just when you think you’ve experienced the mountains from the ground, you’ll see them from above on a ride in the famous Banff Gondola. In less than eight minutes, it carries you nearly 700 metres up to the summit of Sulphur Mountain. From the top, you’ll be rewarded with an unforgettable view over Bow Valley, the Banff town, and as many as six mountain ranges.

Your journey will then continue to the largest lake in the Canadian Rockies, Lake Minnewanka. Here, you’ll enjoy a cruise on the vast glacial lake, famous for its mirror-like surface and breathtaking surroundings*.

*The cruise on Lake Minnewanka operates only after the snow has melted – typically from mid-May to mid-October. If you arrive while there’s still snow, the cruise will not be included.

You’ll spend the morning exploring the town of Banff, before being picked up from your hotel around midday. From here, the tour will continue to one of the true highlights of this journey – Lake Louise, one of the country’s most famous glacial lakes. Seeing it in photographs is one thing – but standing right in front of its shimmering emerald-green waters surrounded by majestic mountains is quite another.

Perched on the edge of Lake Louise stands the impressive Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, where you might wish to enjoy dinner this evening at the elegant Lakeview Lounge. (Please note that you’ll need to arrange your own transport to and from the hotel, as well as any table reservations.)

You can experience the area’s breathtaking scenery on foot or hire a kayak or canoe directly in front of the Fairmont Chateau. Simply sitting by the lakeshore for a while, letting time slow down, is an experience in itself. Perhaps take a leisurely walk along the water’s edge and admire Lake Louise from different angles.

If you’re here on a clear evening, look forward to witnessing the mountains aglow in a warm, orange-red sunset, as the sky’s vibrant orange and pink hues are mirrored in the still waters of the lake.

If you’re travelling after 1 June, today’s tour will include a visit to the famous Moraine Lake, which only opens to visitors from this date*. Access is restricted to licensed transport providers, so it never feels overcrowded. Moraine Lake lies in the breathtaking Valley of the Ten Peaks and was once featured on the Canadian 20-dollar bill. Although Moraine Lake is a popular spot, the experience is nothing short of extraordinary – one of those rare moments when words simply fail to capture the beauty of a landscape that makes your photos look like they belong on a postcard.

Later today, you will be driven to your hotel, which is located in the nearby village of Lake Louise Village – part of Banff National Park.

*The excursion to Moraine Lake is included if this travel day falls on or after 1 June, when access to the lake opens.

After breakfast, you’ll be picked up from your hotel and the journey will continue towards Jasper National Park along the famous Icefields Parkway – one of the most stunning scenic drives in the world. This remarkable route features over a hundred visible glaciers, turquoise lakes, cascading waterfalls, and a landscape that transforms with every passing kilometre. The route takes its name from the Columbia Icefield, the largest glacier in the Canadian Rockies.

Through the car windows, the landscape unfolds like a living postcard. Depending on the weather, you may catch sight of natural gems such as Crowfoot Glacier, Bow Lake, Peyto Lake, Columbia Icefield, and the majestic Athabasca Falls.

Amidst these magnificent surroundings awaits perhaps the most memorable experience of the day – a visit to the Athabasca Glacier. Here, you’ll board one of the enormous, specially designed Ice Explorers that take you out onto the glacier itself. Along the way, you’ll hear fascinating insights about the area’s geology and the glacier’s formation, and you’ll even have the chance to step out onto the ice to feel the centuries-old frozen surface beneath your feet. Warm clothing is recommended.

The adventure continues at the Columbia Icefield Skywalk, where a glass platform extends out over the Sunwapta Valley, offering a breathtaking view of the valley some 280 metres below.

After a morning full of incredible experiences, an included buffet lunch is served at the Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre, before your journey continues through spectacular mountain scenery towards Jasper National Park.

Upon arrival in Jasper, you’ll have the rest of the day free to spend as you wish.

You’ll have most of the day to yourself in the charming mountain town of Jasper. You can take advantage of the town’s shuttle buses, which run to popular attractions such as the Jasper SkyTram, or hire a bike and explore the stunning natural surroundings, which are part of the UNESCO world heritage list.

Even though it may feel almost impossible, you won’t lose track of time and place for long – this evening, a guided dusk excursion into Jasper’s wilderness awaits you, together with a small group of fellow travellers*. You’ll be picked up in a minivan from your hotel (or a nearby one), and from there the adventure begins, heading to the areas of the park your guide believes offer the best chance of spotting the evening’s stars: bears, elk, eagles, and mountain goats. As you eagerly search for the park’s wildlife, your knowledgeable local guide will also take you to parts of the park that few travellers ever get to see. While there can never be a guarantee of spotting animals in the wild, you’re certain to return with an unforgettable experience. After roughly three hours, you’ll be dropped off at the meeting point and can make your way back to your hotel.

We recommend that you buy a few snacks today for your early morning transfer to Edmonton Airport tomorrow. You can also check with the hotel to see if it’s possible to order a grab-and-go breakfast bag (this cannot be guaranteed).

*Evening safari excursion in Jasper: Please check your travel documents for the meeting time and location.

It’s time to say goodbye to the Canadian Rocky Mountains. You’ll be picked up early in the morning from your hotel in Jasper and driven towards Edmonton International Airport. The journey takes around 4–4½ hours through Alberta’s forests and prairie landscapes. If you would like water and snacks for the journey, you are responsible for purchasing these yourself before today’s drive.

From Edmonton, you’ll fly onwards to Vancouver, where new experiences await you on Canada’s beautiful west coast. The flight takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Upon arrival at Vancouver Airport, continue independently to your centrally located hotel in downtown Vancouver. The distance is around 13 kilometres, and a typical Uber ride takes 25–35 minutes depending on traffic. The price is usually between 35 and 55 CAD.

After checking in, the rest of the day is yours to spend as you please. Take some time to unwind at your hotel, get settled into your new surroundings, or venture out and explore the many restaurants, cafés, and shops that Vancouver is famous for.

The day in the city is yours to enjoy as you wish.

Not sure where to begin? Don’t worry – we’ve made it easy for you by including a day pass for the popular hop-on hop-off buses, which take you efficiently around the city’s top attractions*.

We recommend a visit to the urban oasis of Stanley Park. Along the park’s coastline winds the Vancouver Seawall, offering scenic views for both walkers and cyclists. Here you’ll experience how city and nature blend seamlessly together, with views of majestic trees, the sea, and Vancouver’s skyline. In Stanley Park, you’ll also find the famous totem poles, their colourful carvings telling the stories of the region’s First Nations people. Several date back to the late 19th century.

In Gastown, Vancouver’s oldest neighbourhood, you’ll find one of the few steam-powered clocks in the world. The Gastown Steam Clock, built in 1977, still releases steam and whistles every hour. The cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and old gas lamps give the area a distinctive charm, and the district is filled with cosy cafés, restaurants, and small shops.

You might also like to stop by Granville Island, where the popular food market tempts visitors with local delicacies from near and far. Here, you’ll also find small shops, galleries, and workshops selling locally produced art and crafts. We recommend visiting during the day when the shops are open, while many of the area’s restaurants and eateries stay open into the evening.

*Included transport with Hop-On Hop-Off bus: You’ll find details on your voucher. The voucher is redeemed for the first time at Canada Place, after which the ticket is valid for 24 hours. You can then hop on and off freely at the various stops.

Today is another day at your own pace, and perhaps you’d like to visit – or revisit – some of the places you passed by yesterday.

If you’re up for a bit of an adventure, the Capilano Suspension Bridge is an ideal choice for an excursion. This iconic suspension bridge is located just outside the city, stretching 137 metres across the Capilano River and soaring 70 metres above the forest floor. With around 1.2 million visitors each year, we recommend booking your ticket in advance (see the optional tour). The ticket also includes free return transport from a central pick-up point in Vancouver.

There are plenty of places to hire bicycles in the city, but the area around English Bay Beach is a great place to start. Here you can rent a bike and head off on a scenic ride through Stanley Park, where you can take a break in the shade with views of the ocean.

Today you’ll travel to the southern part of Vancouver Island and the vibrant city of Victoria. Victoria is the capital of the province of British Columbia, named after England’s Queen Victoria. Founded as a British trading post in 1843, the city’s colonial roots are still evident today – especially in its historic architecture, which defines much of the city centre.

Your day will begin in Vancouver, where you’ll be picked up from your hotel. From the nearby quay, you’ll join the rest of your group on the ferry crossing from the mainland to Vancouver Island*. The journey through the enchanting Gulf Islands is one of the tour’s true highlights. With forest-clad islets on the horizon, spotting the area’s rich wildlife surfacing in the waters around you makes the experience all the more magical. It’s not uncommon to glimpse sea lions, eagles, and whales during the crossing.

Upon arrival in Victoria, you’ll be dropped off in central downtown, within walking distance of your hotel nearby. If your room isn’t yet ready when you arrive, you can leave your luggage safely stored and head out to explore the city’s charming streets.

We warmly recommend visiting the picturesque harbour area, home to the impressive Parliament Building and the grand Fairmont Empress hotel, where you can enjoy a traditional Empress Tea accompanied by a delicious cake selection.

You’ll have the rest of the day at your leisure.

*The ferry crossing is operated by BC Ferries, where food and drinks are available for purchase. The ferry also has bathroom facilities on board.

Victoria isn’t just the capital of British Columbia – it’s affectionately known as Canada’s brunch capital. Brunch capital, you say? That’s right. Head out and begin your day at one of the city’s many brunch spots, and you’ll be perfectly fuelled for the adventures that await.

Getting around the city is easy, whether you’re walking, taking a bus, or catching a taxi – but you can also try a slightly different kind of taxi: the ones that glide across the water. You’ll easily spot the yellow and green mini ferries from the shoreline – the so-called pickle boats, which are just as popular as taxis on land. And if you’re lucky, you might catch them performing their ‘Water Ballet’, a charming tradition that’s been delighting visitors since 1990.

We recommend taking a stroll through the beautiful Beacon Hill Park, where manicured gardens, small lakes, and peacocks create a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city. From here, it’s also an easy walk to several of Victoria’s coastal areas, where you can take in the stunning views of the Juan de Fuca Strait and the majestic Olympic Mountains across the border in the United States.

You can also explore the beautiful Butchart Gardens, a stunning botanical garden located about a 20-minute drive from the city centre. Established in 1904, Butchart Gardens is one of Canada’s most famous flower gardens.

If you’d like to round off your Canadian adventure with a truly special experience, we highly recommend booking a whale-watching tour from Victoria. From May to October, there’s a good chance of spotting humpback whales and orcas. Your centrally located hotel is just a short walk or Uber ride from the starting point of the whale-watching trip, making it easy to get there.

Today, it’s time to bring your Canadian adventure to a close.

You’ll check out from your hotel and take an Uber or taxi to Victoria International Airport, located just under 30 km from the city centre. Allow around an hour for the journey due to traffic. Be sure to check your travel itinerary for departure times and arrive in good time (refer to the indicative times provided in our practical information).

You can also choose to extend your stay in Victoria, or perhaps visit Toronto, Chicago, or New York on your way home?

Today, you’ll return home after an experience-filled tour through western Canada.