Compare Choose Your Pace: Sea-to-Sky Hiking in Vancouver & Whistler by Road Scholar vs Spectacular Rockies and Glaciers of Alberta with Rocky Mountaineer Silverleaf Option, Classic Group With Rocky Mountaineer Silverleaf Service Classic Group by Insight Vacations

Day 1 Check-in, Registration, Welcome Dinner, Orientation Vancouver, BC

Hotel check-in begins at 4:00 pm.

Program Registration: 4:00-5:00 p.m. After you have your room assignment, join us in the lobby to register with the program staff and get your welcome packet containing the up-to-date schedule that reflects any changes, other important information, and to confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please ask for your packet when you check in.

Orientation: 7:30-8:30 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

Enjoy dinner at the hotel with coffee, tea, water included; other beverages available for purchase.

Day 2 Hiking Stanley Park, Free Time Vancouver, BC

Hiking up to 2 miles in the morning with stops for interpretation; pavement and groomed park trails; no elevation gain. The extent and duration of elective walking and other free time activities depend on personal choice.

Hike through Stanley Park while listening to a lecture conducted by one of the park’s Ecology Society members. Learn about this National Historic Site, including the parks variety of hemlock, cedar, and fir trees, and explore the encircling stone seawall while marveling at the ocean and mountain vistas.

Free time. This period of time has been set aside for your personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions, or you can consult the list of Free Time Opportunities for other suggestions. Hike to Beaver Lake via Lover's Walk, one of the many trails that wind through the park's forested interior. Discover Granville Island, once an industrial hub and now renowned for its bustling market, or simply return to the hotel to relax.

Enjoy the evening at your leisure.

Enjoy breakfast with juice, coffee, tea, water included; other beverages available for purchase.

We'll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Coffee, tea, and water included; other beverages available for purchase.

This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Day 3 Sea to Sky, Hiking Stawamus Chief, Whistler Overview Whistler, BC

Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 75 miles, approximately 2 hours. Two levels of hiking options available. Moderate (2-3 miles, 3 hours; starting at the summit elevation of approximately 3,000 feet with slight elevation gain and loss; groomed trails and boardwalks); Motivated (5-6 miles, 3 hours; starting at the summit elevation of approximately 3,000 feet with net gain of approximately 1,500 feet and loss of 950 feet; groomed trails).

Travel by motorcoach along the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway to Squamish, a railway and First Nations community at the northern tip of Howe Sound. Climb to the summit of Stawamus Chief, the second-largest granite monolith in the world while in the comfort of a gondola. Learn about the region’s ecology, geology, and human history from a local expert while we walk nearby trails and rest at several breathtaking look-out points overlooking Howe Sound.

Hike through alpine meadows, and stands of Douglas Fir, Western Red Cedar, Sitka Spruce, and Alder trees while listening to experts who will enrich our day’s experience. Learn about the history of settlement and development in the region at the Whistler Museum. Hear about the trappers, pioneers, and Indigenous peoples who shaped Whistler.

At your leisure.

At the hotel.

We will enjoy a trailside boxed lunch. Choice of sandwich, yogurt cup, house-made granola power bar, apple, and bottled water. Gluten free options available.

Enjoy a plated meal made from locally sourced seasonal ingredients at the hotel. Coffee, tea, and water included; other beverages available for purchase.

Day 4 Hiking Cheakamus River Valley, Squamish Lil'Wat Centre Whistler, BC

Getting on/off a motorcoach. Two levels of hiking options available today. Moderate (2-3 miles, 4 hours; slight elevation gain and loss; moderately smooth trails with some roots, rocks, and muddy patches); Motivated (3-4 miles, 4 hours; slight elevation gain and loss; moderately smooth trails with some roots, rocks and muddy patches).

Enhance your knowledge while listening to a local expert discuss the spiritual significance of the Cheakamus River Valley to the First Nations Peoples, beginning with the name Cheakamus derived from the Squamish name for “people of the fish weir.” Walk beneath the towering canopy of cedars and Douglas fir trees which comprise this rainforest while hearing about the ecology of the region.

Explore the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre after returning to Whistler. Learn about Frist Nation’s history, customs, and traditions through dance, storytelling, and material artifacts with an Indigenous educator.

At your leisure.

At the hotel, we'll enjoy breakfast with juice, coffee, tea, water included; other beverages available for purchase.

We will enjoy a trailside boxed lunch of modern First Nations cuisine.

We'll enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 5 Black Bears, Whistler & Blackcomb Mountain Hikes, Free Time Whistler, BC

Two levels of hiking options available today. Moderate (2-3 miles, 2.5 hours; starting at an elevation of approximately 6,070 feet with elevation changes of approximately 215 feet; groomed trails); Motivated (2-3 miles, 2.5 hours; starting at an elevation of 6,070 feet with elevation changes of 400 feet; groomed trails). Some walking on pavement to get to trailheads. Getting on/off a gondola; standing while in transit.

Learn about the local black bears that roam these mountains, and gain insight into their behavior, biology, and population ecology from a resident bear researcher. Hike through the surrounding mountain peaks and valley views while learning about the geological diversity of the region. See the Black Tusk, recognizable for its pinnacle of jet-black volcanic rock. Enjoy a ride on the Peak 2 Peak Express gondola connecting Whistler to the Blackcomb Mountains. Seasonal attractions on this hike include walking through snow walls in May and June, across glaciers from June to September, and among wildflowers in July and August.

Free time. Stay on the mountain for a more challenging hike, or those looking for a more relaxing afternoon can walk through Whistler Village.

At your leisure.

At the hotel.

We will enjoy lunch at one of the mountaintop restaurants.

On your own to enjoy local fare. Whistler has a variety of culinary experiences close at hand.

Day 6 Hiking Whistler, Vancouver Exploration Vancouver, BC

Two levels of hiking options available today. Moderate (7-8 miles, 3 hours; slight elevation change; paved and groomed trails); Motivated (9-10 miles, 3 hours; slight elevation change; paved and groomed trails). Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 90 miles, approximately 4 hours.

Hike the Valley Trail, a network of paved and boardwalk trails that connect Whistler's neighborhoods to the shoreside of Alta Lake. Alta Lake connects to the River of Golden Dreams which leads to the stunning waters of Green Lake. Bike, canoe, and kayak rentals are available at an additional cost.

Travel by motorcoach along the Sea-to-Sky Corridor to Vancouver. This afternoon’s field trip will consist of exploring the central neighborhoods of this multicultural city with an historian. We’ll stroll through CRAB Park and get a close look at Vancouver's working port, experience the hustle and bustle of Robson Street, discover the charms of historic Gastown, and travel to the Fraser River where we'll walk the gravel paths and boardwalks.

At your leisure.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.

We will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

Enjoy a farewell meal of locally sourced west coast cuisine at the hotel restaurant overlooking the Fraser River.

Day 7 Program Concludes Vancouver, BC

Hotel check-out is at 11 a.m.

If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don't forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!

At the hotel, we'll enjoy a hot and cold buffet breakfast with juice, coffee, tea, water included; other beverages available for purchase. This concludes our program.

Day 1: Welcome to Banff

After your arrival at Calgary Airport, you are transferred to the Castle in the Rockies, your historic mountain resort in Banff. Built in the distinctive Canadian Château style, it is one of the earliest examples of the country’s grand railway hotels. Tonight, join your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a Welcome Dinner.

Day 2: Exploring Banff

Connect with nature as you join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience with your First Nations Cree Iroquois Local Expert. Embark on a guided walk in the Boreal forest and discover the Indigenous world of plant medicines. Learn about the historical and modern day uses of plants and listen to fascinating stories about the First Nations culture.Explore Banff with a few fun optionals. Choose to play nine holes of golf. Alternatively, take the Banff gondola up Sulphur Mountain and go on a hike. Another option is to take a guided horseback ride.

Day 3: A Trip to Lake Louise Relaxed Start

Explore Lake Louise with Insight Choice. Choose a journey on the sightseeing gondola and look out for local wildlife as you enjoy a hike surrounded by panoramic views. Alternatively, join your Travel Director for a relaxed stroll along iconic Lake Louise and put paint to canvas to create your own masterpiece. Indulge in a delicious lunch before returning to Banff and enjoying the rest of your day at leisure.

Day 4: Lakes, Mountains and Glaciers Relaxed Start

Start your day with a visit to the glacier-fed Moraine Lake in the Valley of the Ten Peaks. Take a moment to absorb the view of the stunning turquoise lake hidden among steep mountains, waterfalls, and rock piles. Your journey continues on the Icefields Parkway, one of the most beautiful drives on the planet. Admire the dramatic scenery of the Rockies with plenty of photo opportunities. Later, a warm welcome greets you at the country’s first and only glacier-view resort where you will savour a Canadian inspired, locally sourced dinner. After your meal take advantage of the long daylight hours and set out for a private visit to the Columbia Icefield Skywalk, a glass-floored walkway above the Sunwapta Valley. Once night falls, step out on your hotel’s viewing deck and take your chances at stargazing undisturbed by light pollution.

Day 5: Glacier Adventure

Before other travellers arrive, venture onto the Athabasca Glacier in a massive Ice Explorer for your special visit. Join your Local Expert and walk on the frozen flow of ice. Discover the beauty and immensity of the glacier as you learn about the history and geology of the region. Continue along the magnificent Icefields Parkway and arrive at Jasper National Park with its soothing mineral hot springs, colourful meadows and majestic mountains.

Day 6: Exploring Jasper

Join your Travel Director for an informative walk on the trails of Maligne Canyon, the deepest gorge in the Jasper National Park. Weather permitting, embark on a narrated cruise across the serene waters of Maligne Lake and stop at Spirit Island, one of the most photographed sites in the Canadian Rockies.

Day 7: Relaxing in Kananaskis Relaxed Start

Enjoy your scenic drive to Kananaskis and your upscale hotel nestled in the wilderness. Relax at the resort surrounded by mountainous beauty and modern comforts. Tonight, come together with your fellow travellers for a festive Celebration Dinner and toast to your wonderful trip in the Canadian Rockies.

Day 8: Board the Rocky Mountaineer

This morning, start your spectacular Rocky Mountaineer Journey and get transferred back to Banff from Kananaskis to board the Rocky Mountaineer. Your journey on this luxurious train begins westward bound through the mighty Canadian Rockies and the province of Alberta. With more than three decades experience, Rocky Mountaineer has perfected the art of comfort and service. Prepare for spectacular views and flavourful food as you indulge in this unforgettable experience. You will see a spectacular array of scenery as you travel across ranchlands, along rocky lakeshores, over high mountain passes and through the remarkable tunnels that make up the rich rail history of the Canadian Rockies. Today's highlights include Craigellachie, where the last spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway was driven, the climb over Rogers Pass, Kicking Horse Canyon, the Spiral Tunnels and, of course, the glaciers and snow-capped peaks of the Rockies. This evening you will disembark in Kamloops where you will overnight at your inviting hotel.

Day 9: Continue Your Rocky Mountaineer Journey

Depart Kamloops this morning and continue your journey on the Rocky Mountaineer to the coastal city of Vancouver, in the heart of British Columbia's interior. As you travel along you will see dramatic changes in scenery, from the desert-like environment of the British Columbia interior, the lush green fields of the Fraser Valley, and forests and winding river canyons surrounded by the peaks of the Coast and Cascade Mountains. Highlights include the rushing waters of Hell's Gate in the Fraser Canyon and the steep slopes and rock sheds along the Thompson River. On arrival in Vancouver you will bid farewell to this incredible experience and transfer to the airport for your flight home, or alternatively choose to extend your stay in this exciting city. Airport arrival time is between 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm.