Compare Rockies Explorer 4 Days by Discover Canada Tours vs Canadian Rockies & Pacific Coast 2022 End Seattle Classic Group by Insight Vacations

Day 1: Vancouver to Valemount

It’s an early start this morning, but as they say, the early bird catches the worm! You will need to arrive at Canada Place at 7:00 am for a 7:15 am departure. Please don’t be late as we will not wait for you to arrive. As you leave Metro Vancouver and travel through the Fraser Valley, you will be greeted with some of the most beautiful sights of our coastal rainforest. The area is steeped in history; the history of Simon Fraser, the famous annual salmon runs up the Fraser River and the importance of the river and valley to the logging industry. Along the way, about two hours from Vancouver is the tiny town of Hope. You will then cross from the coastal mountain range, up the Coquihalla Highway and into the Okanagan Valley, Canada’s desert region, famous for its wine and fruit farms. You will stop for lunch in downtown Kamloops. Your last sightseeing stop of the day is at Spahats Falls in Clearwater. This waterfall is an idyllic venue for a photo opportunity. The cut in the mountain that the water has created over millennia is the funnel point for this gushing waterfall as it cascades down into the bowl below. The adventure then carries onto Valemount, where you will be spending the night. You will have free time for dinner, and then we can organize some Hockey in the Rockies, or you can enjoy a scenic nature walk along the nearby river.

Day 2: Valemount to Banff

Day two begins with a continental breakfast at your hotel before we head towards the Rockies. You will get the opportunity to stop at Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, topping out at an altitude of 3,954m. On a clear day, this is one of the more impressive sights of the tour. That being said, even if there is some cloud around, it makes that photograph all the more mysterious. As you cross into Alberta, you will then carry onto the town of Jasper, where you will stop for lunch. The second part of the day is possibly the highlight of the tour. You will travel down the Icefields Parkway with some of the most beautiful landscapes of the Rocky Mountains. Upon leaving the Icefields, you will have a stop at Bow Lake, the first of many glacial lakes in the region. There is the famous Polar Bear Swim if you are brave enough! You will then carry onto the stunning Town of Banff, deep in the heart of the Rockies. You will be centrally located in Banff. There is an option this evening taking the famous Banff Gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain, where you will be greeted by a 360° view of the Rocky Mountains in all their glory. If you time it right, you will arrive just as golden hour arrives, transforming the region into a magical haven of beauty. You will be able to take the Banff Gondola back down free of charge. You will have time for dinner in town, and then you can join your guide for a few drinks at one of the many local bars in town.

Day 3: Banff to Golden

So much to do, so little time. Today you will be having breakfast on the go. That is because today is lake day! We will do a drive through the highlights of the Town of Banff before heading to our first lake of the day, Lake Louise. It’s probably one of the most famous glacial lakes in the world, and for a good reason. Here you will have roughly four-hours to explore the area. There are several hikes in the area for adventurers of any skill. If you don’t want to hike, you also have the option to go to Lake Louise Mountain Resort and take the chairlift up with a lunch at the top. This carries an extra fee. Once you have taken in the beauty of the area, you will be taken through to Moraine Lake, possibly the deepest turquoise of all the lakes in the region. Framed by steep, imposing cliffs, Moraine Lake is one of the most beautiful places in Canada. Your overnight accommodation is in Golden tonight, an interesting roadside town. We will have our group dinner here, a Canadian BBQ, burgers, hotdogs and salads. After dinner, there will be a bonfire, and you will learn the art of making the perfect s’more, a Canadian classic.

Day 4: Golden to Vancouver

It’s the last day, but that doesn’t mean that we are going to leave you wanting. Start the day with a continental breakfast in your hotel. Then it is time for the final hike of this adventure; the stunning Cedar Trails Boardwalk. After the trek, it is the last leg of the trip as we head back to Vancouver. We will pass through the historic Roger’s Pass, a region steeped in history. Our first stop will be at Craigellachie and the Last Spike. This is the historic landmark of the Canadian Pacific Railway, where the east and west lines joined. After leaving Craigellachie, we will take a scenic drive along the shores of Shuswap Lake and through the Coquihalla Valley. We will have you safely back in Vancouver by 7:30 pm a little richer in experience from the memories you have of your exploration of the Rocky Mountains.

Optional Extras

Banff Gondola

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.