Compare Mountains of Western Canada on Foot by Great Canadian Trails vs Canadian Rockies & Pacific Coast 2022 End Seattle Classic Group by Insight Vacations
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
|
5 | Excellent
|
| Duration | 14 days | 14 days |
| Price From | $ 4,190 | $ 7,155 |
| Price Per Day | $ 299 | $ 511 |
| Highlights |
|
|
| Trip Style | Self-guided tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Basic | Premium |
| Physical Level |
|
|
| Travel Themes |
|
|
| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
|
|
| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
| Activities |
|
|
| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description | Discover each of Western Canada's mountain chains from the Vancouver to Calgary, with spectacular day hikes through some of the country's finest provincial and national parks. | This two-week guided tour traverses the most majestic terrain of Canada before dipping into the U.S. Start in Vancouver, where the famous totem poles in the lush Stanley Park are worth of a photo — or 10. Cruise across the serene, mirror-like waters of Maligne Lake, watching as the reflection of the Canadian Rockies wave in the vessel’s wake. Enjoy a private guided tour of Glacier Skywalk, a glass walkway above the Sunwapta Valley, where you will see waterfalls and wildlife. Explore the rugged wonder of Banff National Park on a helicopter or gondola ride. In Washington, visit the award-winning winery Cave B Estate and indulge in an artisanal lunch paired with its finest wines. And look for flying fish at Seattle’s Pike Place Market, where fishmongers at the world-famous farmers market are apt to toss fresh filets from stand to stand. |
Day 1 Arrive Vancouver
Arrive on your own in Vancouver. In the evening you’ll meet your guide and go through a short group briefing where you’ll meet other participants and details of the itinerary will be discussed. Overnight Vancouver.
Day 2 Walking the North Shore Mountains of Vancouver
One of the most amazing things about Vancouver is its superb location between the Coast Mountains, Fraser River, and the Pacific Ocean. Just beyond the city limits, you can very quickly enter a stunning wilderness of old growth forest - of towering Douglas Firs, huge ferns, and hanging mosses. We'll explore part of this today as we make our way up Hollyburn Mountain for an outstanding view of the city, the Strait of Georgia, and Vancouver Island. Return to Vancouver for overnight. Walking: 9 kms. Elev. gain: +/-350m.
meals : B,L
Day 3 Explore Vancouver and transfer to Manning Provincial Park
We’ll explore the city this morning with visits to Stanley Park and Lions Gate Bridge, Chinatown, and Gastown. From Vancouver, we drive up the Fraser Valley and into the Cascade Mountains crossing Allison Pass. Overnight Manning Provincial Park. Walking: 2-3 kms
meals : B,L
Day 4 Cascade Mountains, Manning Park
The Skyline loop trail in Manning Park begins at Lightning Lake with a gradual ascent to the ridge. The rewards of this climb come with a spectacular view of the Cascade Mountains whose meadows are adorned with an amazing display of wildflowers. From Despair Pass we hike down to Strawberry Flats, to the trailhead, and then return to our hotel. Walking: 19 kms. Elev. gain: +/-700 m
meals : B,L
Day 5 Cascade Mountains and to BC's Interior
We head northwards towards the northern tip of the American Great Basin Desert, which extends as far south as Mexico. On the way, we cross over the Coquihalla Summit, one of the highest points in the Cascade ranges, where we will stop for a hike to the summit of Zoa Peak. This area is very well known for its rugged granite peaks and open ridgelines. After our hike, we will continue to BC's hot and dry interior, a climate perfect for growing apple, apricots, peaches, cherries, and grapes. We'll spend the night in the historic town of Merritt, BC. Walking: 11 kms. Elev. gain: +/-635 m.
meals : B,L
Day 6 Enderby Cliffs Hike and on to Revelstoke
We continue our travels across the changing landscape of British Columbia towards Revelstoke. In order to really appreciate how the landscape has changed, we will stop halfway and hike along the summit of the Enderby Cliffs, giving us expansive views south into the Okanagan and north to the Monashee Mountains. In the afternoon, we continue to the quaint mountain town of Revelstoke for overnight at a comfortable lodge. Walking: Approx 7 kms. Elev gain: +/-450 m
meals : B,L
Day 7 Hiking in Mt. Revelstoke National Park
Mt. Revelstoke National Park is best known for its 'Meadows in the Sky Parkway' and the mountain top trails at the end of the road. The road gains 1000m in elevation from the town of Revelstoke and passes through a variety of different forest zones until it ends at treeline. From here, we can begin our mountain top hike through beautiful flower filled meadows to Eva Lake, Miller Lake, and Jade Lake Pass. We return to Revelstoke for overnight. Walking: 16 kms. Elev gain: +/-450 m.
meals : B,L
Day 8 Trail of Giant Cedars and Glacier National Park
As we head east we are now traveling into the heart of the Selkirk Mountains, some of the most daunting and rugged mountains in Canada (part of the Columbia Mts). We follow the route to Rogers Pass, famous for the difficulties it presented in the construction of Canada's first railway. We will stop first for a very brief visit to the Trail of the Giant Cedars to see a section of inland temperate rainforest with truly 'giant' trees. Then, once we are in Glacier National Park, we will begin a rewarding hike up to Balu Pass that quickly leaves the forest and leads to views of the park's signature mountain, Mt Sir Donald, on the opposite side of the valley. We continue to our comfortable lodge just east of the park in Golden, BC for the next two nights. Walking: 13 kms. Elev gain: +/-780m.
meals : B,L
Day 9 Purcell Mountain Hike
After the previous days' (and next day's) big elevation, today we will take it a little bit easier and enjoy a spectacular ride to the top of the mountain at Kicking Horse Resort. From the gondola we then have a few options to walk ridge lines or to hike to the summit of Terminator Peak. To the east and across the valley we will have fantastic views of the Rocky Mountains stretching to the south and north as far as the eye can see. Walking: 4-7 km. Elev Gain: ~300 m.
meals : B,L
Day 10 Yoho National Park's Iceline Trail
We follow the Kicking Horse River into the heart of the Rocky Mountains. Our hike today is in the Yoho Valley, starting at 302m high Takakkaw Falls. We'll hike to the top of the Iceline Trail for extreme close up views of the Emerald Glacier and views across the Yoho Valley to the Wapta Icefield. After our hike, we make our way into the province of Alberta, to our home for the next two nights in Lake Louise. Walking: 12-17 kms. Elev gain: +/-700 m.
meals : B,L
Day 11 Icefields Parkway
We have a casual day today exploring some of the easy short walks along the Icefields Parkway in Banff and Jasper National Parks. The highlight walk will be to Parker Ridge with expansive views of the Saskatchewan Glacier. The parkway also has some of the trip's best opportunities for spotting wildlife such as bears, bighorn sheep, and mountain goats. Walking: 5 kms. Elev gain: +/-250 m.
meals : B,L
Day 12 Kootenay National Park
Today, we'll hop back over the provincial border some great hiking in Kootenay National Park, BC - just west of Banff National Park. Our route today is the Stanley Glacier Trail which takes us quickly into a hanging valley and through the remnants of two forest fires, one occurring in 1968 and the other more recently in 2003. It is aptly known as the 'Fire and Ice' trail because, once we are through the burnt forest, we suddenly see looming above us Stanley Glacier. The trail continues for some time and finally ends at an alpine plateau just a few hundred metres below the hanging ice. Returning to Alberta this evening to stay overnight in Canmore (2 nights). Walking: 12 kms. Elev gain: +/-400 m.
meals : B,L
Day 13 Hiking in Kananaskis Country
Our final day of hiking in the Rockies brings us to the eastern edge of the Rockies for a great view of the prairies and the city of Calgary, 60 kms to the east. We'll choose either the Heart Mountain Loop or walk up to the Yamnuska Ridge. We can now truly say that we have seen all of the mountain chains in Western Canada, from the Pacific Ocean to the Prairies. After our hike, we will enjoy a farewell dinner together in Canmore. Walking: 11 kms. Elev gain: +/-1000 m.
meals : B,L,D
Day 14 To Calgary
Our trip concludes with a transfer to Calgary, which will depart after breakfast. Should you plan on staying longer or don't want to leave in the morning, there are scheduled airporter shuttles that leave every few hours from Canmore (approx $60 per person).
meals : B
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.
