Compare Empire Builder Epic by Bicycle Adventures vs Canadian Rockies & Pacific Coast 2023 End Seattle Classic Group by Insight Vacations

DAY 1: Meet in Seattle. Ride from Snohomish to Arlington to Marblemount, on the fringe of the Cascade Range.

Meet us in Seattle (or at Bicycle Adventures' World Headquarters). We'll skip the traffic and shuttle north to a bakery in Snohomish, head to the railroad town of Arlington, then bicycle a relatively flat route through northern Washington to tiny Marblemount, at the base of the Cascade Mountains.

DAY 2: Up and over the Cascades.

Today's ride features 5,000 feet of climbing, over gorgeous Washington Pass and into Washington's Wild West - the Mazama / Winthrop area. You'll do a 50-mile gradual climb on the North Cascades Scenic Loop and cruise through Ross Lake National Recreation Area. Finish off with a 25-mile descent into Mazama.

DAY 3: Ride into the heartland - from Mazama to Omak, through the oldest wildlife area in Washington State.

Today's route has about half the elevation gain - 2,500 feet - and lands in Omak, nestled just below the Canadian border on the Okanagan River. From Mazama, ride through part of the Okanagan National Forest and skirt the Sinlahekin Wildlife Area, a nearly 19,000-acre park that was originally a mule deer preserve. Cedar and fir give way way to scattered pine, sagebrush and wide open prairie.

DAY 4: Omak, Washington to Colville: 4,000 feet of climbing

As you head toward the Selkirks, you'll begin to leave the prairie behind and pedal up into stands of Ponderosa pine and aspen. Watch for white-tailed deer, moose and blue grouse! Today's route winds through the Sherman Creek Wildlife Area and across Lake Roosevelt, formed by the Grand Coulee Dam.  Ride through Kettle Falls, a former rendezvous point and fishing grounds for the Yakama, Nez Perce, Flathead and Blackfeet tribes (to name a few), whose seasonal salmon catches would net up to 3,000 fish per day! Spend tonight in Colville, a one-time trading center for the Upper Columbia region.

DAY 5: Ride from Colville to gorgeous Sand Point, Idaho, on the shores of Lake Pend Oreille

DAY 6: Stay put in Sand Point: ride, hike, fly-fish, golf, go rock-climbing…you get the idea.

...or take a 10-mile ride (climb) up to Schweitzer Ski Resort, Idaho's second largest. Surrounded by the Selkirk, Cabinet and Bitterroot ranges, Sandpoint is a fun-loving mountain town hugging the shores of sparkling Lake Pend Oreille. Ride, hike, play golf, go fly-fishing or rock-climbing - take your pick.

DAY 7: Back on the road - 104 miles across the panhandle to Libby, Montana.

DAY 8: Libby to Whitefish, Montana, gateway to Glacier National Park.

DAY 9: East Glacier National Park: Going-to-the-Sun Road is the perfect finale ride. And oh, yeah, you've got a train to catch.

Today, ride 83 miles over the Continental Divide - the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road, Logan Pass - into East Glacier. If you haven't ridden Logan Pass, highest point in Glacier National Park, you're in for a treat. From its beginnings at Lake McDonald, the road gently climbs higher and higher as the views unfold: alpine meadows and lakes, peaks skirted by fields of wildflowers and washed by waterfalls, the occasional bighorn sheep or mountain goat. Utterly spectacular. You've got a 6:00 pm train to catch, though, so sorry...no dawdling!

DAY 10: Wake up on the train. Watch the scenery spin past as you head back to Seattle. We'll miss you! 

Having caught the train on Sunday evening, you'll have spent the evening in the dining car, reminiscing and relaxing, and retire to your private sleeper car. Wake up on Monday morning, have breakfast (still on the train) and arrive in Seattle at about 10:30 am for your return trip home.

Day 1: Welcome to Vancouver

Arrive in Vancouver, a haven for sports enthusiasts and keen history buffs alike. This unique city offers something for everyone. From its striking mountains to the bustle of the city’s art and music scene, this British Columbia seaport does not disappoint. On arrival, your airport transfer will take you to your luxury hotel before you join your Travel Director at 18:00 for a Welcome Dinner and an opportunity to mingle with fellow guests over wine.

Day 2: Cruise the Gulf Islands to Victoria

Embark on a tour of Vancouver, exploring Gastown and the famous totem poles in Stanley Park followed by a visit to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. You'll have free time to enjoy lunch on your own. This afternoon, board a ferry and sail through the beautiful Gulf Islands to Vancouver Island, an idyllic place known for its fishing and art communities. You'll end your day here, in British Columbia's stunning capital city, Victoria. Your hotel will be the Inn at Laurel Point, a modern waterfront venue with harbour views.

Day 3: Butchart Gardens

Start your day wandering through world renowned Butchart Gardens, a beautiful National Historic Site of Canada featuring groups of floral displays. Enjoy an immersive day exploring Canada's oldest Chinatown, the bustling Inner Harbour and stately Legislative Buildings. At night, choose from a selection of restaurants for your Dine-Around Evening, where you’ll sit down and enjoy a hearty meal with striking views.

Day 4: Victoria to Chase, British Columbia

This morning, cruise back to the mainland and continue on your scenic journey through British Columbia to the Secwepemc Territory at Little Shuswap Lake close to Chase. Upon arrival, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you witness and partake in a Smudging Ceremony, a traditional spiritual ritual conducted by a member of the local Indigenous community. As you settle in at your lakeside lodge this evening, you'll enjoy a Dinner with Wine, featuring authentic regional flavours.

Day 5: The Alpine Wonderland of Jasper National Park

After breakfast this morning, your journey takes you along the legendary Yellowhead Highway towards Jasper National Park, part of the Canadian Rocky Mountains Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. En route, a stop will be made at the Mount Robson Visitor Center in Mount Robson Provincial Park, the second oldest park in British Columbia’s park system and truly one of the world’s crown jewels. Enjoy the best views of Mount Robson, which at 12,972 ft (3,954 metres) is the most prominent mountain in North America's Rocky Mountain range and also the highest point in the Canadian Rockies. Arrive in the wonderland of Jasper National Park with its soothing mineral hot springs, rugged glaciers, colourful meadows, and majestic mountains.

Day 6: Exploring Jasper and the Columbia Icefield

Start the day with an informative walk on the trails of Maligne Canyon, one of the most beautiful gorges in the Canadian Rockies. Then, embark on a narrated cruise across the serene waters of iconic Maligne Lake, one of the jewels of the Canadian Rockies (please note that this activity is seasonal and subject to closure as the lake may be frozen). Stop at Spirit Island, one of the most photographed sites in the Canadian Rockies. Start your journey along the majestic Icefields Parkway, one of the world's most stunning mountain drives. Travel along the majestic Icefields Parkway and arrive at the Columbia Icefield for your stay at the just opened Glacier View Lodge, the first and only glacier-view resort in Canada. After a welcome reception in the Moraine Lounge,venture onto the amazing Glacier Skywalk where you will be treated to an after-hours, private guided tour of the cliff-edged, glass-floored walkway.After enjoying a gourmet dinner with wine, you can step out onto the Viewing Deck, stargaze marveling at the dark night sky, relax with a drink in the library, or hang out inside the Moraine Lounge with games and live entertainment.

Day 7: Icefields, Glaciers and Lakes to Banff National Park

Following a hearty breakfast, your Local Expert will escort you to a special before-hours glacier tour. Venture out onto Athabasca Glacier in a massive Ice Explorer. Then, join your guide for a stroll atop the ice and discover the beauty and immensity of the glacier. Learn about the history and geology of the region, and enjoy a warm beverage out on the glacier itself. After this morning's icy adventure, continue south to Lake Louise and admire it's blue waters and Victoria Glacier. Journey on to the resort town of Banff, your home for the next two nights. This evening, dine in town and unwind in your stunning natural surroundings.

Day 8: The Unspoiled Wilderness of Banff National Park Relaxed Start

Today is yours to spend exploring the rugged charms of the park. Choose from several optional experiences, including a once in a lifetime helicopter flight over the magnificent Canadian Rockies, or a ride onboard the Banff Gondola, a scenic cableway that can take you to the summit of Sulphur Mountain.

Day 9: Buffalo and Glacier National Park

From craggy plains to mountainous landscapes, you’ll cross the U.S. border into Montana and end your day at Many Glacier Hotel, a charming property situated in the heart of Glacier National Park. Glacier National Park is an American national park located in northwestern Montana, on the Canada–United States border, adjacent to the Canadian provinces of Alberta and British Columbia. The park encompasses over 1 million acres and includes parts of two mountain ranges, over 130 named lakes, more than 1,000 different species of plants, and hundreds of species of animals. This vast pristine ecosystem is the centerpiece of what has been referred to as the "Crown of the Continent Ecosystem," a region of protected land encompassing 16,000 square miles.

Day 10: Going-to-the-Sun and Glacier National Park

Today, board a private Red Jammer bus to cruise along the Going-to-the-Sun Road in style. During your narrated trip you'll witness stunning views from Logan Pass and the marvels of the park's wild interior. Disembark and end your day at Lake McDonald, the largest lake in Glacier National Park. Rest up in a classic Swiss-chalet-style lodge with spectacular mountain views.

Day 11: Lake Coeur d'Alene and Spokane

Today you'll continue on to the beautiful shores of Lake Coeur d'Alene, one of America's most beautiful lakes, and arrive in Spokane to stay at The Historic Davenport, Autograph Collection hotel.This is Washington State's grandest hotel, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It has welcomed a number of famous faces including Amelia Earhart and Clark Gable.

Day 12: Wonderful Wines en route to Seattle

Wine connoisseurs rejoice. Today you'll head through the wide, endless horizons of the wine-producing area of Washington State. This afternoon, enjoy a tasting of local wines at your Highlight Lunch, focusing on fresh, local and artisanal ingredients. Then it's on to Seattle for an evening at leisure at your hotel.

Day 13: The Soaring Sights of Seattle

Enjoy an Insight Choice today. Either head to the Space Needle, with its jaw-dropping panoramic views of the unique skyline or the Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibit. You'll also see Puget Sound, Pioneer Square and Pike Place Market, where you should watch out for flying fish. The afternoon is yours at leisure and you'll find activities, restaurants and shops aplenty. In the evening, join your Travel Director and fellow guests for a Celebration Dinner with wine at Ivar's Acres of Clams. Here you'll find the Northwest's best dining, as you take in the views on Seattle's waterfront.

Day 14: Depart Seattle

It’s time to say goodbye to the Emerald City as your trip comes to an end. An included transfer will take you to Seattle SeaTac International Airport.