Compare Grand Canadian Rockies by Intrepid Travel vs Wonders of Western Canada by train by Audley Travel
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
4.5 | Great
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 10 days | 11 days |
| Price From | $ 3,976 | $ 4,074 |
| Price Per Day | $ 398 | $ 370 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Private guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description |
Canada’s Rocky Mountains provide a stunning landscape of craggy, towering rock faces, snow-capped mountains, thick forests and picturesque lakes. Wander the streets of Vancouver and admire the views each direction you turn. Hike or bike the breathtaking trails of Whistler, Sun Peaks, Jasper, and Banff. Experience the renowned expanse of Lake Louise, or wrap your hands around a mug of hot chocolate while admiring the superb alpine scenery of the Rockies. Ready for a grand adventure? Jump aboard and witness the sheer beauty of this exceptional part of the world. |
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. |
Day 1 Vancouver
Welcome to Canada! Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you do arrive early, perhaps explore the happening neighbourhood of Yaletown, or head to Granville Island to visit the colourful markets full of fresh produce and handcrafts. Vancouver’s coastal setting is beautiful, bordered by an ocean harbour to the north and a river to the south. The majestic Coastal Mountains, often snow-capped, provide the eastern horizon, making it a picturesque place to spend a few days before the tour begins. After your welcome meeting, perhaps wander around downtown Vancouver or grab a craft beer in the Gastown neighbourhood.
Day 2 Whistler
On your way out of Vancouver today, check out Stanley Park’s carved totem poles, representing the historical crests of First Nations families and their clans. During the drive to Whistler you’ll stop at the beautiful Shannon Falls, then learn more about First Nations art, history and culture at Squamish Lil'Wat Cultural Centre. Refuel with a late lunch at the onsite cafe, serving a modern take on traditional First Nations food. In Whistler Village, enjoy free time to wander the bustling hub of shops and award-winning restaurants, all surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery. Later, you may like to join in on the Whistler nightlife by sampling one of the town’s lively bars.
Day 3 Whistler
Stunning Whistler is ready to be explored, up the mountain or back down in the village. Perhaps buy yourself a ticket to ride the PEAK 2 PEAK gondola to enjoy unparalleled views of towering volcanic peaks and surrounding forest on the world’s longest and highest lift. Once at the top, check out the nearby scenic walking trails, mountaintop restaurants and indoor interpretive displays. Otherwise, you could hire a bike and ride along the Valley Trail to Lost Lake, or go wildlife or wildflower spotting. If you're after something a little more cultured, perhaps hit the Audain Art Museum to see a selection of First Nations and British Columbian artwork.
Day 4 Sun Peaks
Drive through the mountains to Sun Peaks (approximately 4–5 hours). Sun Peaks township is set on one of many peaks along the mountain range and the views from the top are incredible. On arrival you may have time to explore the area on foot. This evening, rejoin your group for dinner together.
Day 5 Jasper
Head to Jasper, one of the most photographed places in Canada. Jasper is the largest of Canada's Rocky Mountain parks, famous for wildlife such as elk, moose, deer, coyotes, grizzly bears and mountain lions, as well as smaller mammals and birds. During your free time in Jasper you’ll have options to explore including hiking in the Valley of Five Lakes and riding the Jasper SkyTram – the highest and longest aerial tramway in Canada. Climbing to 2300 metres, the SkyTram provides spectacular views of the Rocky Mountains.
Day 6 Jasper
Today is a free day in Jasper. Join the group on a visit to Maligne Lake for some hiking, and perhaps book yourself a cruise on the lake’s shimmering blue waters past the much-photographed Spirit Island. Alternatively, a ride on the Jasper SkyTram is highly recommended if you didn’t do it yesterday, as it provides stunning views over the township and surrounding mountains. For adventure seekers, Jasper is an excellent destination to hire a mountain bike and explore the surrounding trails which weave through dense forest and pass stunning lookouts.
Day 7 Banff National Park
Buckle up for Banff. Today is a long day, with many scenic stops and visits along the way (in total, up to 12 hours). In the morning, travel towards Banff, stopping off at the Columbia Icefields Centre, Athabasca Falls and Sunwapta Falls. You'll have the chance to join an optional glacier hike with a professional guide (at own expense). Then head into Banff National Park in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Banff is considered the oldest national park in Canada, showcasing the Rockies’ valleys and mountain chains which began forming up to 75 million years ago.
Day 8 Lake Louise / Banff National Park
Today pay a visit to Lake Louise with the group. Take a walk around the turquoise lake (season depending) or check out the interior of the luxury mountain resort, Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. This afternoon, don an old-fashioned swimsuit and soak in the hot mineral waters of the Banff Upper Hot Springs. If there is extra time today, you may like to take part in one of the many adventure activities available within the park. With its coniferous forests, alpine meadows, icefields and glaciers, the park is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise. There are opportunities for canoeing, mountain biking, hiking or riding the gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain.
Day 9 Calgary
Complete your crossing of the Rockies today on a drive to Calgary. Along the way, make a stop in the cosy little town of Canmore, the perfect place to grab some lunch and soak in some final mountain views. Say goodbye to the Rockies and continue to Calgary, arriving in the afternoon. Home to the famous Calgary Stampede, the city is growing at a rapid rate, largely thanks to oil and mining. While it may not be the most picturesque of cities, Calgary makes up for it with a budding dining and nightlife scene. In the evening perhaps head for dinner at one of the city's great restaurants.
Day 10 Calgary
There are no activities planned for today and you can depart the accommodation at any time, though please be sure to comply with any hotel check-out times.
Day 1 : Edmonton
Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Edmonton. On arrival in Edmonton, make your own way to your hotel. You'll have the rest of the day to relax after your flight and explore the city.
Day 2 : Jasper
Make your own way to the station for your early morning train journey to Jasper. You'll travel through Alberta's flat prairies and into the magnificent Rocky Mountains, weaving your way around snowy peaks to Jasper National Park. We've booked a private cabin for you, which also includes access to the train's glass-domed observation carriage.On arrival in Jasper this afternoon, make your own way to your hotel, where you'll have the rest of the day at leisure to start explore Jasper and its surrounds.
Day 3 : Jasper
Meet your guide this morning in Jasper and enjoy a guided interpretive hike to beautiful Maligne Canyon. You'll learn about the region's flora, fauna and geology as you walk along the canyon rim with your guide. Transport to and from Jasper is included and there is often ample opportunity to spot elk, moose and bears on this scenic drive. Returning to Jasper, you'll have the afternoon to continue exploring under your own steam.
Day 4 : Jasper
You'll be collected from your hotel this morning as you embark on a full day guided tour along the Icefields Parkway: one of the world's most spectacular scenic highways. On this trip you will stop at Athabasca and Sunapta Falls, and plenty of other scenic viewpoints along the way. At the Columbia Icefield you will have time, if you wish, to take the Ice Explorer bus onto the glacier (not included), before returning to Jasper at the end of the day.
Day 5 : Jasper
Enjoy a full day at leisure in Jasper: you might like to explore one of the scenic walking trails that cross the park, take in spectacular alpine vistas on the Jasper Sky Tram, or float along the Athabasca River by raft or canoe.
Day 6 : Jasper
After a morning at leisure in Jasper, make your own way to the train station for your onward journey to Vancouver. You'll spend the night on the train, and for your comfort we've included a private berth for you, which also allows access to the train's glass-domed observation car.
Day 7 : Vancouver
You'll arrive in Vancouver this morning; after making your own way to your hotel, enjoy a full afternoon at leisure in this cosmopolitan city. You might like to visit Stanley Park and see its impressive collection of totem poles, or wander through the vibrant Granville Island Market.
Day 8 : Vancouver
Vancouver's burgeoning foodie culture is renowned across Canada and today you'll sample some of the best of the city's cuisine on a gourmet food tasting tour. Your guide will explain more about Vancouver's history and culture as you stop at five of the city's award-winning restaurants. You'll have the rest of the day at leisure to continue exploring Vancouver under your own steam.
Day 9 : Vancouver
You'll be met at your hotel this morning and transferred to Vancouver's seaplane terminal, where you'll enjoy a spectacular half hour flight over the city and Gulf Islands to Victoria, the provincial capital of British Columbia. Once in Victoria, you'll be taken to beautiful Butchart Gardens and have some free time to explore Victoria's quaint Inner Harbour, before returning to Vancouver at the end of the day.
Day 10 : International return flight
Make your own way to the airport in time for your onward flight.
Day 11 : International return flight
Arrive home today to complete your journey.
