Grand Canadian Rockies Tour

Begin your Canadian adventure from London Heathrow with Air Canada. Flights from Manchester are also available at no extra cost, with a changeover in Toronto. Upon arrival in Calgary, we will be greeted by our awaiting coach and embark on a westward journey along the Trans-Canada Highway, traversing the scenic foothills of the Rocky Mountains. The magnificent peaks of the Canadian Rockies will soon come into view as we enter our first stop in Banff National Park. The charming town of Banff is considered one of the most picturesque in North America. You will be transferred to Moose Hotel & Suites for the first three nights of your stay.

Banff is a quaint town located within the breathtaking Banff National Park. This park, one of the first and most renowned in Canada, offers an unparalleled blend of majestic peaks, lush meadows, pristine lakes, and an invigorating mountain breeze. Adding to its allure are the natural sulphur hot springs.

To kick off our day, we embark on a tour of the region, catching sight of iconic landmarks such as the Banff Springs Hotel, Tunnel Mountain and Bow Falls. Get ready for an unforgettable experience as we hop aboard the Banff Gondola, ascending to the summit of Sulphur Mountain. From there, panoramic vistas of the town and Banff National Park will unfold before our eyes.

Today is our first Freedom Day in Canada. Choose to relax and unwind or venture out to discover this impressive region at your leisure. For thrill-seekers, a scenic helicopter flight might be just the ticket. If relaxation is more your style, immerse yourself in Banff’s renowned hot springs surrounded by impressive mountain vistas. You could even enjoy a wildlife safari, where you can catch glimpses of Banff National Park’s prominent wildlife such as bull elk, bighorn sheep, and osprey.

We Recommend – Banff evening wildlife safari
Go in search of some of Banff National Park’s most visible wildlife, including bull elk, bighorn sheep and osprey.

Tour Highlight
Today is one of our tour highlights as we head north into the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Leaving Banff, we’ll travel through the scenic Kicking Horse mountain pass, crossing Canada’s Continental Divide. Our first destination is Yoho National Park, known for its stunning waterfalls and towering peaks. We’ll explore some of the park’s highlights, including the breathtaking Emerald Lake with its mirror-like green waters.

After re-entering Banff National Park, we’ll make our way to Lake Louise. This world-famous lake, named after Queen Victoria’s daughter, is often hailed as one of the most picturesque in the world. Its turquoise waters, surrounded by mountains and the grand Victoria Glacier, create a mesmerising sight. If conditions allow, we’ll also visit Moraine Lake – nestled in the rugged Valley of the Ten Peaks. Our accommodation for the night is the world-renowned Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, perfectly situated at the foot of the lake and a true tour highlight in itself. After checking in, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy the exclusive amenities at this iconic hotel.

After a delightful breakfast amongst our beautiful surroundings, we head north along the Icefields Parkway to immerse ourselves in awe-inspiring scenery. Prepare to be amazed by the crystal blue-green lakes, refreshing mountain streams, dense forests and snow-capped peaks that dominate the landscape. The renowned Athabasca Glacier, one of six primary glaciers fed by the Columbia Icefields, awaits us at the Columbia Icefield. There, we hop on the ‘Snowcoach’, an all-terrain ice explorer vehicle, and venture onto the Athabasca Glacier itself. At an impressive altitude of 2,700 metres, our knowledgeable guide will provide insights about glaciers and the environment, and offer you the incredible opportunity to walk on the ice. Afterwards, our journey continues to Jasper, where home for the next two nights is the magnificent Chateau Jasper.

In the early 1800s, the first Europeans arrived in Jasper seeking a fur trading route over the Continental Divide. The federal government established it as a national park in 1907. Jasper National Park showcases even more majestic peaks, lush valleys, serene lakes, and awe-inspiring icefields and glaciers.

Today, we embark on a full-day sightseeing tour that begins with the exploration of Maligne Canyon. Next, we’ll reach Maligne Lake, the largest lake in the Canadian Rockies that’s popular with photographers across the world. Weather permitting, we’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a cruise to Spirit Island, a tiny gem on the lake. Returning to our hotel in the peaceful surroundings, we have the rest of the afternoon and evening at our leisure. Consider enjoying a cocktail at the hotel bar while sharing your favourite highlights of the day with your fellow travellers.

Tour Highlight
Get ready for more incredible adventures today as we enjoy a truly memorable tour highlight. We begin by climbing aboard the iconic Rocky Mountaineer as we depart from Jasper, continuing our exploration of the stunning Canadian Rockies by rail. As Distant Journeys’ guests, you’ll enjoy the SilverLeaf service with impeccable hospitality. Witness unforgettable vistas through the oversized windows of the glass-domed carriage. Relax in your comfortable reclining chair, savour the breathtaking scenery and enjoy a delectable meal paired with exceptional wines. Upgrade options to the GoldLeaf service are also available.

We find ourselves surrounded by the majestic backdrop of the Continental Divide, with scenic river valleys of the Monashee and Cariboo Mountains. Keep an eye out for magnificent bald eagles and towering elk along the way. Our journey highlights include Mount Robson, the tallest peak in the Canadian Rockies, and the impressive Pyramid Falls, one of the region’s prominent waterfalls. As the Rocky Mountaineer ascends over the renowned Yellowhead Pass, make your way to the outdoor viewing area to get an even closer look. We’ll continue alongside the North Thompson River until we reach Kamloops, where we’ll transfer to our hotel for the night, chosen by Rocky Mountaineer.

Tour Highlight
Following a delicious early breakfast, we once again board the Rocky Mountaineer for our journey westward toward the vibrant city of Vancouver. Prepare to be captivated by the remarkable transformations in scenery, as we pass through otherworldly desert landscapes, pristine forests, and picturesque river canyons. Keep an eye out for the Fraser River, renowned for hosting Canada’s largest salmon run, and be awe-struck by the breathtaking rush of Hell’s Gate in the Fraser Canyon. As we arrive in Vancouver, we disembark and transfer to our overnight accommodation at the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre.

We kick off our day with a cruise through the picturesque Gulf Islands, making our way to Vancouver Island. Upon arrival, our first stop is the renowned Butchart Gardens, a world-class botanical paradise. Take your time to explore the impressive displays and immerse yourself in the beauty of the gardens. Afterwards, we continue our journey to Victoria — the provincial capital of British Columbia and a town with a rich gold rush history. You’ll have the opportunity to discover the city’s pioneering heritage through its museums, art galleries, pioneer homes, and grand mansions. Our accommodation for the next two nights will be at the Inn at Laurel Point located with scenic views overlooking Victoria’s charming harbour.

This morning, we invite you to join a sightseeing tour of Victoria, where you’ll visit notable attractions such as Beacon Hill Park, Thunderbird Park, and Oak Bay.

Victoria, also known as the ‘Sunshine City of Gardens,’ boasts an abundance of lush green spaces and stunning floral gardens. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the hanging flower baskets, listen to the talented buskers along the Inner Harbour, and take in the beautiful ocean vistas. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure, or you may opt for an unforgettable whale-watching cruise.

Today we return to Vancouver. Our journey back includes a pleasant cruise through the scenic Gulf Islands resort region, a popular summer retreat for residents of British Columbia and Washington State. We enjoy a sightseeing tour that covers the city’s major highlights, beginning at the iconic Stanley Park, a vast green oasis with stunning views along the famous Seawall. We explore the park’s landmarks, monuments, and beautiful gardens, including a remarkable collection of totem poles representing the rich heritage of the First Nations.

Continuing our exploration, we visit the lively neighbourhood of English Bay, known for its beaches, shopping, and dining options. We also stop by Canada Place, a notable national landmark that warmly welcomes residents, visitors, and ships arriving on the west coast. Our tour takes us to Gastown, a trendy downtown area, and Chinatown, where we immerse ourselves in the vibrant local culture.

We arrive at our hotel for the next two nights, the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre. Unwind and enjoy the comfort of this excellent hotel as you reflect on today’s adventures.

Today is another Freedom Day. Explore the stunning city of Vancouver as you please, from its high-rise buildings to its impressive harbours and inlets. Head north and you’ll find inviting mountain peaks like Grouse Mountain, while to the south and east lie the fertile farmlands of the Fraser River Valley.

You might wish to enjoy a tour of Grouse Mountain and Capilano Suspension Bridge. This exciting excursion includes scenic chair rides and guided eco-walks, offering an unforgettable experience. Another option is to take a cruise of Vancouver’s inner harbour.

For London Heathrow departures, your Air Canada flight is scheduled for the early evening. Before heading to the airport in the late afternoon, take advantage of your remaining hours to explore Vancouver. For those travelling to Manchester, enjoy breakfast and a relaxed morning before transferring to the airport for an afternoon flight. Manchester-bound guests will connect via Toronto.

Today our flights arrive in the UK following our unforgettable Canadian adventure.