Compare Best of Canada by Geckos Adventures
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 12 days |
| Price From | $ 1,245 |
| Price Per Day | $ 104 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | |
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | No |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included | N/A |
| Description |
Ready to take a hike? Of course you are – after all, Canada’s home to some of the best hiking trails and epic mountain scenery since, well, forever! Check out inland rainforests, a park full of glaciers and the tallest peak in the Canadian Rockies, along with wildlife, maple-flavoured biscuits and a few Celine Dion sing-alongs on this incredible adventure through Canada’s beautiful West Coast. |
Day 1 Vancouver
Welcome to Canada, home of ice-hockey, Drake and maple-flavoured everything. Perhaps pick up a donut from Tim Hortons, then head to the hotel for an important welcome meeting at 6pm. Look for a sign in the lobby. We’ll be collecting your insurance details and next of info, so make sure you’ve got all these details on hand to give to your leader. Please ensure you download and review the latest trip notes prior to your trip as we make improvements and changes to our itineraries. This will ensure you have the most up to date information about your trip. Check the 'visa' section of these trip notes for any information about visa requirements on this trip.
Day 2 Kelowna
We’ve got a long drive ahead of us today (approximately seven hours) but it’s a scenic one. We’ll head through some pretty incredible landscapes so make sure your camera’s charged. Situated on Okanagan Lake and surrounded by parks, forests and wineries, Kelowna is equal parts relaxed country and bustling urban.
Day 3 Golden
Visit Mt Revelstoke National Park, which contains one of the world’s only inland temperate rainforests. The park is home to a small herd of woodland caribou, grizzly bears and moose, along with a population of banana slugs. Then travel over Rogers Pass to Glacier National Park. Stop at the visitor centre and panoramic lookouts along the way for incredible views of the park’s many glaciers, valleys and lakes. Continue on to Golden, where we’ll spend the night. Today’s drive covers about 360 kilometres, and takes 5.5 hours.
Day 4 Banff National Park
Drive through the stunning mountainous terrain of Yoho National Park, where we have the option to river raft on some of the best white water in Canada. The combination of wild water, amazing scenery and abundant wildlife makes rafting the Kicking Horse River an unforgettable, adrenalin-packed adventure. Your guide will point you in the direction of some great hiking trails if you’d prefer to stay on dry land; there’s also the option of kicking back on the river bank and watching the world float by. Afterwards, stop at Takkakaw Falls, then continue on to Banff. Established in 1885, it’s the oldest national park in the country, and contains over 1,600 kilometres of hiking trails. The drive today covers 130 kilometres; spend the night near Banff.
Day 5 Banff National Park
Today's your chance to to explore Banff in your own time. Maybe go shopping on Banff Avenue or Bear Street, unwind in Banff Hot Springs’ steamy waters or feel the rush on a dog-sledding expedition. There’s tonnes of stuff to do so if it all feels overwhelming, just ask your local leader for some handy pointers.Your guide can also show you where some great walking trails are, along with scenic viewpoints and the best places to spot wildlife.
Day 6 Banff National Park
Sitting between two blue mountains is lovely Lake Louise, a pristine patch of water that you can literally skate across once it freezes over in winter. If you're crazy for the outdoors, this place will be the love of your life. Spend today exploring the lake and the surrounding area.
Day 7 Jasper National Park
Ready for some spectacular scenery? Today’s drive (just under 300 kilometres) takes us on the famous Icefields Parkway past the Rocky Mountains, and the views are breathtaking. We’ll stop at a few lookouts, lakes and waterfalls along the way, so there will be plenty of photo opportunities. Stop at Athabasca Glacier for a chilly stroll before continuing on to Jasper National Park.
Day 8 Jasper National Park
The largest national park in the Canadian Rockies is famous for its wildlife, such as elk, moose, deer, bears and mountain lions. We’ll have plenty of time to explore on a free day – perhaps take an optional gondola ride to Whistler Mountain, go mountain biking in the Valley of Five Lakes, or enjoy the park’s many hiking trails.
Day 9 Wells Gray Provincial Park
Travel to Mt Robson Provincial Park (around two hours, depending on how many stops we make, covering 125 kilometres). At 3,954 metres, Mt Robson is the tallest peak in the Canadian Rockies. Continue through the beautiful Cariboo Mountains to Wells Gray Provincial Park (around four hours). In the afternoon, there’s time for a hike or optional canoe ride in the park.
Day 10 Whistler
We’ve got a long day of driving ahead of us today, as we take the 400 kilometre drive to Whistler (around nine hours). Named after the unusual call of the equally unusual hoary marmot, which live in the area, Whistler is a mecca for lovers of all things outdoors.
Day 11 Whistler
Enjoy a free day checking out the best Whistler has to offer. Your leader can help you find hiking trail or cosy cafe to chill out in.
Day 12 Vancouver
Famous for its scenic coast-meets-mountains setting, Vancouver is the largest city in western Canada. After a short drive (around two hours), arrive in the city, which is bordered by a harbour, a wide river, and snow-capped mountain peaks. Your leader will take you on an orientation tour when we arrive into town, before your trip comes to an end.
