Compare Grand Western Canada Self-Drive by Audley Travel vs Canadian Rockies by Train by Tours of Distinction
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 22 days | 7 days |
| Price From | $ 6,521 | $ 3,700 |
| Price Per Day | $ 296 | $ 529 |
| Highlights |
N/A
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| Trip Style | Private guided tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
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| Countries Visited | ||
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
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| Meals Included | N/A |
6 Breakfasts, 5 Dinners |
| Description |
Bear watching in coastal rainforests, glacier-strewn mountains, chasing the northern lights… On a tailor-made holiday to Canada with Audley, you’ll see the highlights — and much more — your way. We’ll design your ideal trip with you, paying close attention to your interests, your travel style and your budget. Our Canada specialists know the country inside out and can lead you to experiences you won’t find in a guidebook. |
A leisurely journey that traverses the dramatic beauty of the Canadian Rockies – tour snow covered mountain peaks glisten amid glacier blue lakes where ever present wildlife roams free. Ride a “snow coach” to a glacier, cruise on a crystal clear lake, and take a quiet water raft trip to watch the pristine landscape glide by. Alpine villages, ice-fields, pounding waterfalls, and the great outdoors… await. |
Day 1 : Vancouver
Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Vancouver. On arrival in Vancouver make your own way to your accommodation and relax for the remainder of the day.
Day 2 : Vancouver
Spend a day at leisure in Vancouver. There are plenty of sights to see in this cosmopolitan city including Stanley Park, Chinatown, historic Gastown, and the shops of Robson Street.
Day 3 : Vancouver
You have most of the day to explore under your own steam, before taking a thrilling seaplane flight from Vancouver's seaplane terminal over the Gulf Islands to Bowen Island, where you'll take in sunset views and enjoy a delicious three course meal. You'll then be transferred by ferry to Horseshoe Bay, where a car will be waiting to take you back into downtown Vancouver.
Day 4 : Victoria
Today you take a coach transfer, via the Tsawwassen ferry, to Vancouver Island. Once in Swartz Bay it is just a short distance by coach to Victoria, capital of British Columbia.
Day 5 : Victoria
This morning enjoy a three hour whale watching trip. The afternoon is free to discover this lovely city with its harbour, grand Victorian buildings and nearby Butchart Gardens.
Day 6 : Tofino
Collect your hire car and drive north from Victoria, through spectacular mountain scenery to Tofino on Vancouver Island's west coast.
Day 7 : Tofino
Spend the morning watching for black bears along the coast. The afternoon is free to explore this pretty little town with its fishing boats and art galleries.
Day 8 : Tofino
Spend a day at leisure in Tofino. You may wish to visit nearby Pacific Rim National Park, go whale watching or take a trip to the hot springs on Meares Island.
Day 9 : Campbell River
This morning drive from Tofino to Campbell River on the east coast of Vancouver Island. The afternoon is free to explore the area.
Day 10 : Port Hardy
Travel north from Campbell River to Port Hardy. You may wish to visit Telegraph Cove en route which offers excellent whale watching. Drop off your hire car upon arrival in Port Hardy.
Day 11 : Prince Rupert
Board the Inside Passage ferry for this full day journey to Prince Rupert. This 15 hour journey is on board a modern, comfortable ferry with a wide range of facilities. Entry to the Aurora Lounge is also included in your ticket, allowing additional comfort on this trip. The scenery is renowned and dolphins, whales and eagles are frequently seen.
Day 12 : Prince Rupert
The Khutzeymateen region is reknowed for its thriving population of grizzly bears - and today you'll embark on a full day guided tour to view this majestic creatures. Your expert guide will take you to the best viewing areas, and explain more about the bear's habitat and behaviours. You'll then return to Prince Rupert late this afternoon.
Day 13 : Prince George
This morning make your own way to the railway station in time for the departure of the Skeena train. Spend a full day on board enjoying the lovely scenery along the route. Make your own way to your hotel in Prince George on arrival.
Day 14 : Jasper
Make your own way back to the station for the departure of the Skeena to Jasper. Spend a second full day on board the train. On arrival in Jasper your hotel is just a short walk from the station.
Day 15 : Jasper
Collect your hire car from downtown Jasper. The day is yours to explore Jasper town and its surrounding national park.
Day 16 : Jasper
Explore Jasper National Park from a different perspective today - in the sidecar of a Harley Davidson motorcycle! On this two hour private tour you will see some of the national park's highlights, such as Medicine Lake and Maligne Canyon, stopping at the best viewpoints along the way. You are also likely to encounter plenty of wildlife so keep your camera close to hand!
Day 17 : Lake Louise
Drive for four hours (excluding stops) south along the spectacular Icefields Parkway from Jasper to Lake Louise. You may see ptarmigans, wolves, mountain goats and bighorn sheep en route, and there are lots of viewing points to stop at for photographs. En route you'll stop at the Athabasca Glacier, don crampons and join a guided walk out onto the glacier itself. This is a fantastic opportunity to escape the crowds and learn more about the geography of this dramatic, frozen landscape from your expert guide.
Day 18 : Lake Louise
Spend a day enjoying the glorious scenery around Lake Louise. Nearby Moraine Lake is also well worth exploring and the area offers lots of opportunities for seeing wildlife.
Day 19 : Banff
Drive from Lake Louise to Banff where you have the afternoon free to explore this bustling town.
Day 20 : Banff
Join a small group guided hike to one of Banff's scenic highlights - Sunshine Vistas. Consistently rated as one of Canada's best hikes, you'll pass through wildflower meadows and alpine lakes on this four hour hike. Returning to Banff this afternoon, you'll have time at leisure to continue exploring the area. You may wish to visit the Cave and Basin National Historic Site, take a horseback ride through the forests or take the gondola to the stunning summit of Sulphur Mountain.
Day 21 : International return flight
This morning drive to Calgary Airport to drop off your hire car prior to boarding your onward flight.
Day 22 : International return flight
Arrive home today to complete your journey.
Day 1 - Arrive Vancouver, Canada
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Vancouver. Upon arrival, we check into our hotel for an overnight stay, then enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. (D)
Day 2 - Vancouver - Kamloops, BC
We begin our day with a city tour of Vancouver which includes the beautiful Stanley Park, Chinatown, Gastown including the world famous steam-powered clock, the 2010 Olympic torch and village. In the Afternoon we journey to Kamloops, BC and check into our hotel for the night. (B, D)
Day 3 - Rocky Mountains
This morning its all-aboard VIA Rail Canada as we depart Kamloops bound for Jasper. Our relaxing daytime journey will take us past snowcapped mountains, glacial lakes, rushing rivers, and perfectly pristine Canadian wilderness, “oh what a journey!” Our train arrives in Jasper late afternoon, we check in our hotel for a two night stay. (B, D)
Day 4 - Jasper
Oh! What a day we have today! To start- we begin with a very mild float/rafting tour on the Athabasca River, the same route once used by “Fur Traders” years ago. Our adventure continues, this afternoon as we take a walk into Maligne Canyon to enjoy its natural beauty. Then it’s on to Maligne Lake for a relaxing cruise and a brief stop at “Sprite Island”. This evening after dinner we embark on a wildlife safari in search of Moose, Bear and Caribou. (B,D)
Day 5 - Jasper - Banff, AB
Our journey today will take us south on the Columbia Icefields Parkway…with snowcapped mountains and rushing rivers, impressive cliffs – this is truly one of Canada’s most scenic motorways. We stop at Athabasca Falls to wonder at the sheer beauty and power. Then we to board our special “snowcoach” for a ride onto the glacier where you will be able to get out and walk around atop a glacier. After our snow coach ride we continue on the Icefields Parkway always being on the lookout for wildlife as we make our way to visit Bow Falls and Peyto Lake. Today’s journey ends as we check into our hotel for a 2-night stay. (B)
Day 6 - Banff
Banff and the best of Yoho National Park . Today we will visit Moraine and Emerald Lakes both beautiful and different. We take a walk to the Lower Johnson Canyon Waterfall - what a sight! No visit would be complete without a stop at Lake Louise where we will have the opportunity to walk the paved path along the edge of the lake, relax on one of the many benches and savior the peaceful beauty. Return to Banff by mid-afternoon remainder of the day to explore on your own. This evening we gather for our farewell dinner. (B, D)
Day 7 - Depart Banff
Our adventure comes to a close this morning as we transfer to Calgary Airport for our homebound flight. The tour is over but the memories are yours to keep! (B)
