Iconic Rockies and Western Canada

Iconic Rockies and Western Canada


(10 reviews)

From:

CAD $9650

13 Days

Best Rate: Guarantee

Trip Type: Group Tour

Activity Level: Easy

Explore the traditions of the First Nations, behold the icy fingers of the Columbia Icefield and meet a retired Mountie. Relax onboard the Rocky Mountaineer for two days of all-daylight rail travel through Canada's West and the Canadian Rockies.

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 03 May 2027

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Experience Overview

Explore the traditions of the First Nations, behold the icy fingers of the Columbia Icefield and meet a retired Mountie. Relax onboard the Rocky Mountaineer for two days of all-daylight rail travel through Canada's West and the Canadian Rockies.

Highlights

Dining Summary

  • 4 Dinner (D)
  • 12 Breakfast (B)
  • 3 Lunch (L)

Must-see Highlights

  • Chat with a local retired Canadian Mountie to learn about their rich history and traditions, enjoy the Columbia Icefield Adventure
  • Discover Vancouver, Victoria
  • Visit Local Vancouver Island Ciderhouse, Butchart Gardens in Victoria, Sea-to-Sky Gondola in Squamish, Golden Skybridge, Banff National Park, Jasper National Park, Kamloops, Mount Robson Visitor Center
  • View Stanley Park Totem Poles in Vancouver, Murals of Chemainus, Seton Lake, Bow Falls and Surprise Corner in Banff, Lake Louise, Athabasca Glacier, Athabasca Falls, Mount Robson
  • Cruise across Maligne Lake to Spirit Island
  • See Glacier National Park of Canada, Yoho National Park, Section Lake

How You'll Travel

  • Deluxe coach travel
  • Selected hotel dinners plus a locally hosted meal
  • Standard regional accommodation and overnight train stays

Iconic Experience

  • Vancouver Island: Taste local cider at a familly-owned ciderhouse before continuing to Victoria.
  • Vancouver: Vancouver's historic neighborhoods spring to life on a tour with your Travel Director. Admire the Victorian facades, cobblestone streets and charming lighting of Gastown as you make your way to the leafy sanctuary of Stanley Park.
  • Vancouver: Go beyond Stanley Park’s iconic seawall with a trip to the famous totem pole display at Brockton Point. Delve into history starting in 1920 when four totem poles from the Alert Region on Vancouver Island were created. Originally located on Lumbermen's arch and Prospect Point, they were moved to their current location at Brockton Point in 1962, with thee display growing over the decades with totem poles from Haida Gwaii and Rivers Inlet.
  • Victoria: Victoria. A waterfront city of historic sites known for its gardens and British influence. View the Parliament Buildings erected in 1897 with beautiful gardens. Then explore on your own, strolling along the Inner Harbor where you will have the chance to watch street buskers perform or venturing to Victoria's unique shopping areas in Market Square.
  • Victoria: Buchart Gardens’ lush and expansive garden is a must-see oasis which has been growing in Victoria, BC for over 100 years. With over a million visitors per year, you will love this morning's visit to the gardens before opening hours. Starting with a breakfast on the grounds, you will get to explore the 55-acre garden rich with ever-changing colors and blooms before the crowds arrive. 
  • Squamish: Enjoy a drive along the 300 kilometers long Sea to Sky Highway and bask in the variety of landscapes on offer.
  • Squamish: Enjoy a ride on the Sea to Sky Gondola and bask in the stunning views of the coastal mountains and panoramic views.
  • Sun Peaks: Spend some time seeing Seton Lake and the beautiful snow capped mountains surrounding it.
  • Sun Peaks: Take a drive through the Glacier National Park of Canada and enjoy the landscape of mountains along the way.
  • Sun Peaks: Drive through Yoho National Park and marvel over the spectacular landscape of massive ice fields and mountain peaks.
  • Sun Peaks: Enjoy a visit to Golden Skybridge and take in the views of the Rocky and Purcell mountain ranges as well as the tumbling waterfall. 
  • Banff: Uncover how Banff is in a league of its own. Stroll through the downtown lined with historic buildings as majestic mountains stand tall in the distance. This is your chance to visit the iconic sites and the local spots on a guided tour around town. Stop at Bow Falls for great sightseeing opportunities of the river and the falls. At Surprise Corner, named for its spectacular, surprising views from Buffalo Street, capture a photo of another unique vantage point. 
  • Lake Louise: Get ready for a showstopper. Walk down a forest path before coming up upon the unreal turquoise color of Lake Louise popping through the trees for the first time. After this stunning first-time glance, admire the turquoise waters of Lake Louise and the Victoria Glacier with its scenic mountain backdrop. Be amazed by the glacier-fed waters fringed by high peaks, deep forests and overlooked by Victoria Glacier and palatial hotel.
  • Columbia Icefield: Gear up for a Columbia Icefield Adventure. Board a massive, specially designed ‘Ice Explorer’ to view one of the largest non-polar ice fields in the world, the Athabasca Glacier. Stop at the best spot to walk on, feel and drink from the Glacier. What better way to appreciate this natural wonder? You’ll even enhance your visit learning about the Columbia Icefield, how the glacier has changed and the thrill of driving up the moraine deposits to reach the glacier.
  • Icefields Parkway: Unlock the Canadian Rockies' pristine wilderness on one of the most scenic drives in North America – the Icefield Parkway. This stretch of double-lane highway from Jasper to Lake Louise winds along the Continental Divide through rocky mountain peaks, rock spires, waterfalls, icefields, valleys and more than 100 ancient glaciers. Snap a pic at a viewpoint to capture the beauty.
  • Maligne Lake: See how Maligne Lake is in a league of its own on a scenic cruise. Discover world-famous Spirit Island and get great photo opportunities with beautiful views of the mountains, its three glaciers and Spirit Island - significant to the Indigenous Stoney Nation. Learn about the geology, wildlife and history of this spectacular alpine destination and how, because visitors cannot walk on the island, it remains an enclave of evergreens. And since you can only see Spirit Island from a cruise, you’ll love being one of the few who get to see it.

Trafalgar Difference

  • Victoria: Located in Victoria, British Columbia’s picturesque Inner Harbor, the Hotel Grand Pacific brings you spectacular views of the harbor and easy access to sightseeing in Victoria. Stroll along the Inner Harbor or join a yoga class at the hotel's on-site athletic club. You'll also feel good knowing that the Hotel Grand Pacific is helping replenish vital ecosystems by partnering with Veritree to plant two trees for every night you stay and decline a stayover room clean.

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®

  • Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre: Enjoy an insightful visit at the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Center. Learn about the First Nations cultures as you delve into the history of the region. 

Be My Guest

  • Jasper: Join your host Matricia on a foraging walk around Jasper and enjoy a drumming performance. Learn about the local flora through the lens of the Indigenous Peoples and the importance of each foraged ingredient in drink bitters. Enjoy storytelling during dinner.

Trip Details

Product CodeProduct Code: 35283

Tour TypeTour Type: Group Tour

AccommodationAccommodation: Deluxe

TransportTransport: Private

Guide LanguageGuide Language: English

Travel StylesTravel Styles: Adventure, Budget

Tour OperatorTour Operator: Trafalgar (CA)

Supplier CodeSupplier Code: 109.702A

StartStarts: Vancouver (BC), Canada

FinishFinishes: Vancouver (BC), Canada

DurationDuration: 13 days

DeparturesDepartures: Not Guaranteed

Physical RatingPhysical Rating: Easy

Includes

Whats Included

  • An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
  • Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
  • All porterage and restaurant gratuities
  • All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
  • Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
  • Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
  • Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
  • All transport and transfers shown
  • Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
  • Optional Experiences and free time
  • On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized

Price

Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $9650 ($742 /day)

Itinerary

1
Day 1: Voyage To Vancouver

Tackle the ‘Great Outdoors’ on this effortlessly delivered adventure through Western Canada. Discover why Vancouver consistently ranks as one of the world’s most livable cities. Then, join your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a dinner.

Accommodation: Holiday Inn & Suites Vancouver Downtown
Meals: Dinner

2
Day 2: Sample Cider On Vancouver Island

This morning, delve into the historic neighborhood of Gastown before boarding a ferry to Vancouver Island. Tour a family-owned ciderhouse and taste local ciders while enjoying views overlooking the orchard, before continuing to Victoria.

Accommodation: Grand Pacific
Meals: Breakfast

3
Day 3: Explore Butchart Gardens In Victoria

Today on your Canadian Rockies tour, the Garden City comes to life as you greet the day before opening hours with breakfast at Butchart Gardens, a 55-acre showcase of gorgeous floral gardens that have colorfully transformed a once unused quarry. After breakfast, enjoy time in the garden before the crowds. Spend the rest of the day exploring the walkable capital of British Columbia perhaps treating yourself to high tea or tucking into local fish and chips. Or, join an optional Victoria whale-watching cruise and keep your eyes peeled for orca and humpback whales, bald eagles, porpoises and seals.

Accommodation: Grand Pacific
Meals: Breakfast

4
Day 4: Take In The Sights Of Chemainus, Squamish and Whistler

See the vivid murals of Chemainus, which started in 1981 and have since become the world's leading community-driven art experience. Board a ferry and then take the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway. Ascend to Summit Lodge, admiring the views from the Sea-to-Sky Gondola.

Accommodation: Hilton Whistler Resort and Spa
Meals: Breakfast

5
Day 5: Explore Whistler

Enjoy an insightful MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience and learn about the First Nations at the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Center. Get a first-hand look into the traditional way of life of the original inhabitants of the area and their collection of artifacts and contemporary pieces led by Aboriginal Ambassadors who share their own stories and first-hand cultural experiences. After lunch at the center, enjoy your time at leisure.

Accommodation: Hilton Whistler Resort and Spa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

6
Day 6: Travel To Sun Peaks

We continue towards Sun Peaks where we’ll enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Accommodation: Sun Peaks Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

7
Day 7: Explore The Rocky Mountain National Parks

Drive through Glacier & Yoho National Park en route to Banff. Sample the best of the UNESCO-listed Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks. The excitement of Canada’s highest suspension bridges awaits at the Golden Skybridge! Explore canyon ridge walking trails with sweeping views of the Columbia Valley and the Rocky and Purcell mountain ranges. We then overnight in beautiful Banff National Park.

Accommodation: Banff Park Lodge
Meals: Breakfast

8
Day 8: Wander Beautiful Banff

Your morning is at leisure, perhaps opt in for a gondola ride or explore on your own terms. Later in the morning enjoy a scenic orientation tour of Banff. This evening, meet a Mountie dressed in traditional red serge uniform and hear about their exciting history before enjoying dinner.

Accommodation: Banff Park Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

9
Day 9: Cross The Athabasca Glacier

Enjoy a lakeside walk at Lake Louise, then board an Ice Explorer and drive over the Athabasca Glacier. Continue your drive along the Icefields Parkway to your overnight in Jasper.

Accommodation: Lobstick Lodge
Meals: Breakfast

10
Day 10: Walk Through the Wilderness in Jasper

Board a narrated cruise on Maligne Lake (seasonal) stopping at Spirit Island. Travel on to Jasper and this evening join Matricia Bauer for a Be My Guest experience, on traditional First Nations land. Learn about the significance of curated drink bitters from foraged ingredients and listen to stories over dinner.

Accommodation: Lobstick Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

11
Day 11: All Aboard The Rocky Mountaineer

Embark on a two-day journey on the luxury Rocky Mountaineer with a night in Kamloops.

Accommodation: Assigned by Rocky Mountaineer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

12
Day 12: Take a Rustic Railway to Vancouver

Discover the elegance of yesteryear, continuing your journey through the clouds by rail until you reach Vancouver. An included transfer is offered from Vancouver train station to your hotel.

Accommodation: Pinnacle Harbourfront
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

13
Day 13: Farewell From Vancouver

Your dazzling encounter with the Canadian Rockies has come to an end. Depart at leisure as you head to Vancouver International Airport.

Meals: Breakfast

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Tour Operator

Trafalgar (CA)

Family owned and run since 1920, The Travel Corporation (TTC) is the world leader in immersive travel experiences across an extensive range of travel categories. Each year TTC's 40 award winning hospitality and travel brands connect over 1 million happy travellers to the world. We give you access to the 12 DMC’s behind these brands, so you can build your business by capitalizing on the extensive experience, local expertise, and financial assurance of TTC. LOCAL EXPERTISE The world leaders in travel for over 100 years, we offer unparalleled local expertise with a global footprint. Our 12 DMCs, led by experienced in-destination teams, deliver experience rich travel solutions in more than 80 countries. Additionally, our market based teams are on hand to support across our 40 offices worldwide

In Business Since 1931

Reviews

 

Trusted Customer   -  Traveled, September 2024

Disappointing!! The bus driver and tour director were excellent. The trip was disappointing. This was the most disappointing Trafalgar tour that I have taken. The tour was too long for what was seen. Due to the fires in Jasper, we stayed two extra days in Banff. We were put up in a hotel with a 20 minute walk to the city. The breakfasts and dinner were held in another building. One of the Highlight Experiences were held in a huge dining area also being used by patrons of the hotel. We could not hear the speaker. I would definitely not recommend this Trafalgar tour.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 10/21/2024

 

Trusted Customer   -  Traveled, September 2024

Had a great driver in zed and Daniele was also good tried her best. Disappointed with the Squamish lilwat cultral centre was excellent but you couldn’t hear the talker they need a microphone. The Minnetonka cruise was terrible that was instead of being in jasper Dinner with the indigenous lady was the worst as sitting in dining room with so many other not in group felt sorry for the girl as couldn’t hear a thing Daniele tried to get it moved but to no avail very dissapionted as was looking forward to it we were unlucky in that every extra we tried getting on was cancelled.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 10/20/2024

 

Ronald Martini   -  Traveled, September 2024

Good itinerary but unfortunately for us Jasper closed due to bad fires and spent 2 more nights in Banff.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 10/25/2024

 

Trusted Customer   -  Traveled, November 2024

Bucket list ticked off in grand style. Well organised and Corey our travel director was amazing and a top coach driver Zed. Long hold ups on train lines not getting back to hotel until very late in evening Otherwise all excellent on the train Some Ports in Alaska were to crowed and site seeing rushed tram ride and glacier/waterfall/tracks closed for Bear spoting.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 10/18/2024

 

Trusted Customer   -  Traveled, October 2024

Everything worked! The itinerary was great but had to be changed because of the fires in the Jasper Park. This lead to some duplication of areas and to the final two days of the trip being rather uneventful. Suggestions: 1. Continue the trip from Banff ending in Calgary instead of going back to Vancouver. OR 2. Allow more time for tour director lead activities in the city of Vancouver at the end of the tour.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 10/26/2024

 

Craig Bartholomew   -  Traveled, July 2024

Excellent review for Iconic Rockies bus tour. Excellent, helpful and very accommodating. Excellent! The adjustments made mid-stream due to the fire in Jasper were fantastic. The itinerary had a great combination of rest stops and tourist stops that were very scenic and interesting.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 08/23/2024

 

Trusted Customer   -  Traveled, July 2024

Itinerary good but tiring also.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 08/25/2024

 

Lisa Kovar   -  Traveled, July 2024

Wonderful experience in every way. The crew, the comfort, the food, everything was excellent. I would recommend to anyone thinking of taking such a trip.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 08/20/2024

 

Shane Butcher   -  Traveled, July 2024

Excellent tour scenery is outstanding and the tour guide was born in BC so she knew a lot about the places we visited.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 08/17/2024

 

Trusted Customer   -  Traveled, July 2024

Thoughtful logistics each day.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 08/21/2024