Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on G Adventures 12 Day Discover the Canadian Rockies - Eastbound. Discover the awe-inspiring scenery and legendary wildlife of western Canada on a voyage across the craggy Rocky Mountains. Explore historic Banff and Whistler, marvel at the astonishing natural beauty of Lake Louise and the Victoria Glacier, take the ferry to Vancouver Island, and breathe in fresh mountain air while soaking in hot mineral springs and hiking in Jasper National Park. Along the way, gain fascinating insights from knowledgeable local experts and First Nations people.
Itinerary
Please make your own way to the joining hotel. Stay: Hotel Belmont Vancouver MGallery
Take a stroll around the city with your CEO to get familiar with your surroundings before you can enjoy the evening on your own. Stay: Huntingdon Manor Hotel (B)
Today is free to explore the charming city of Victoria. Wander along the waterfront and choose among an array of optional activities. Discover the stunning floral displays at the famous Butchart Gardens, peruse the Royal British Columbia Museum, or enjoy high tea at a historic hotel. Or opt to cruise the sea in a Zodiac boat in search of gray whales, sea lions, seals, orcas, and other marine creatures. Stay: Huntingdon Manor Hotel (B)
Catch the ferry back to the mainland and drive the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway to the village of Whistler, host of some of the events of the 2010 Winter Olympics. Enjoy a G for Good experience at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, a showcase for First Nations customs, art, and music. Join an indigenous guide on an interpretive walk through the forest, hear how First Nations people lived off this land, and learn about local flora used for food and medicine. Then take part in a traditional tea ceremony to sample teas and bannock while listening to ancestral stories and legends. Continue to the mountain resort of Whistler, co-host to the 2010 Winter Olympics. Stay: Aava Whistler Hotel (B)
Whistler and its surrounding provincial parks are places you must discover. It is also a great place to try one of the many optional mountain activities. Stay: Aava Whistler Hotel (B)
Following this extraordinary route, once marked by the gold prospectors, we leave the Coastal Mountain Range and set foot into the arid and dry land of the Thompson Okanagan region. Aboriginal peoples led a semi-nomadic life moving between hunting and fishing grounds in the summer and settling into pit houses for the winter. Europeans came at first for fur trading and later on to establish cattle ranches, farms, and mining operations. The scenery changes dramatically and could even make you feel as if you were in a western movie. Stay: Mike Wiegele Heliskiing Resort (B/D)
Cross the Rockies into Jasper National Park and follow in the historic path of fur traders on a scenic float trip down the tranquil Athabasca River, encountering a few gentle rapids along the way. Look out for wildlife, which can include bears, moose, eagles, ospreys, and mountain sheep. Later, gaze up at the highest peak, Mount Robson, during a stop at the visitor centre. Stay: Jasper Inn (B)
Jasper's friendly mountain hospitality, peaceful atmosphere, and the promise of real adventure make any visit unforgettable. Stay: Jasper Inn (B)
Along the 300km (186.4 mi) ride, a spectacle unfolds before our eyes: lush coniferous forests, immense mountains, turquoise lakes, high-falling cascades, and humbling glaciers. Numerous stops will be planned along the way for photos, observation, and wildlife encounters. Stay: Lake Louise Inn (B)
Enjoy the morning at Lake Louise, taking in the scenery of the Victoria Glacier. Opt to join a hike to the historic Lake Agnes Tea House, following a forested trail past Mirror Lake and cascading waterfalls to the shores of Lake Agnes, where a remote tea house built in 1901 serves loose-leaf teas and other refreshments. Continue to Banff. Go on a walk back in time through this historic resort town alongside an expert from the Whyte Museum, dedicated to the history and culture of the Canadian Rockies. As you explore local landmarks on foot, discover how the construction of the Canadian Pacific railroad served as a stepping stone towards opening up western Canada. Stay: Charltons Banff (B)
Famed for its entrepreneurial spirit and youthful population, Calgary prides itself on being the heart of the new west while honouring its cowboy heritage. Stay: Calgary Marriott Downtown Hotel (B)
If you are interested in exploring the city and its nearby attractions, it is recommended you book additional pre-trip accommodation nights. (B)
Trip Inclusions
Explore the popular resort town of Whistler.
Enjoy a historical tour through Banff with an expert from the Whyte Museum.
Search for moose and black bears on a float trip along the Athabasca river.
Soak in natural hot springs.
Take an ice walk on an active glacier.
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Indigenous Cultural Experience, Whistler
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Banff Historical Walking Tour, Banff
Your G for Good Moment: Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre Visit, Whistler
Your Discover Moment: Whistler
Your Wellness Moment: Miette Hot Springs Visit, Jasper National Park
All park fees in Jasper and Banff National Parks
Scenic ferry to Vancouver Island
Vancouver, Calgary, Victoria, Whistler, and Banff orientation walks
Stops at Seton Lake and Kamloops Lake
Athabasca river wildlife float
Mount Robson Visitor Centre stop
Excursion to the Columbia Icefields and ice walk on the Athabasca Glacier
All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Hotels/lodges (11 Nights)
This trip uses comfortable 3 star hotels, lodges and inns, well located in cities or near park entrances. Our chosen hotels vary in size, character, and amenities, but are of a very good standard, and the rooms are double occupancy with a private bathroom.
CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides
11 breakfasts, 1 dinner
Private vehicle, hiking, walking, ferry, boat
Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
Brochure
G Adventures National Geographic (2023-24)
Combining National Geographic’s more than 130 years of global exploration, science, and storytelling, with the fun, responsible, and culturally immersive travel experiences for which G Adventures is a global leader. Support global initiatives, community projects, and enjoy access to exclusive ventures. Dive into a blend of comfort and discovery, just...more as the renowned National Geographic explorers did.
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