Compare Western Canada by Train & Ferry: Grizzlies, Orcas & Totems by Road Scholar

Day 1 Arrival and Check-in, Welcome Dinner, Orientation Calgary, Alberta

Hotel check-in is available at 3:00 pm.

Arrive in Calgary and check-in to the hotel. Program registration begins at 4:00 pm. After you have your room assignment, join us at the Road Scholar table 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. 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.

The welcome dinner will be served at 6:00 pm at the hotel.

Day 2 Banff National Park, Cave & Basin Site, Emerald Lake Banff, Alberta

Walking up to 2 miles (3.2 km) on pavement and well-maintained trails. There are some stairs and uneven terrain at the historic site. Driving approximately 140 miles (225.3 km) for about 3 hours.

We will travel to explore Yoho National Park, including Emerald Lake. Learn about the interesting local plant species at the Burgess Shale quarries along Fossil Ridge with a local expert. Visit the Burgess Shale, rich in fossils, it has preserved marine ecosystems dating back 500 million years. Observe the diverse landscape at the Great Divide in Yoho National Park, offering a view of huge avalanche paths, the interior rainforest, and lakeside riparian zones.

This afternoon a lecture focuses on the history and geology of the Canadian Rockies. You’ll explore the Cave and Basin National Historic Site and gain insight into the origin and development of Canada’s national parks and historic sites during an expert-led excursion to the hot spring which became the centerpiece of Canada’s first (and the world’s third) national park.

Enjoy the evening at your leisure.

Breakfast at the hotel,

Enjoy a boxed lunch in a scenic area.

Dinner will be served at the hotel.

Day 3 Sharing Land with the Grizzlies, Lake Louise, High Tea Banff, Alberta

Walking up to 1.5 miles (2.4 km) for approximately 2 hours on well-maintained trails. Driving for 80 miles (128.8 km) for 1.5 hours.

Meet a wildlife expert and conservationist at Lake Louise who will explain how to share the land with grizzly bears and how Parks Canada is conducting land use and management for conservation areas. Board the Lake Louise Gondola and enjoy views of Lake Louise, and Moraine Lake within the Valley of the Ten Peaks.

Enjoy a visit to Moraine Lake while returning to Banff. Moraine Lake’s turquoise waters increase in intensity during the summer while the glaciers melt. Nestled in the Valley of the Ten Peaks, the lake is surrounded by waterfalls, mountains, and rock piles.

Enjoy the evening at your leisure. Prepare for check out and transfer in the morning.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.

We’ll be served afternoon tea with assorted pastries and traditional finger sandwiches at Château Lake Louise.

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 4 Icefields Parkway, Athabasca Glacier, Ice Explorer Jasper, Alberta

Getting on and off a motorcoach. Driving approximately 160 miles (290 km), or 5 hours, with stops along the way. Stairs lead to the entrance of the Columbia Icefields Interpretive Centre. The Ice Explorer drive to the Athabasca Glacier is approximately 3 miles (5 km), or 90 minutes round trip.

Travel along the famed scenic Icefields Parkway, one of the most impressive stretches of scenic driving in Canada. The highway follows a lake-lined valley between the Eastern Main Ranges which make-up the Continental Divide. The Group Leader will divulge interesting facts about the geological history and glaciology of the Athabasca Glacier as you travel by motor coach.

Explore the Columbia Icefields Interpretive Centre before travelling on an Ice Explorer to the Athabasca Glacier on a 3-mile (5 km) roundtrip journey. While traversing the glacier, hear about how glaciers are formed, and notice interesting geological features along the way before stepping out onto ice formed from snow that has fallen approximately 200 years ago. We’ll travel past beautiful mountain lakes and more than 100 glaciers as we make our way to Jasper National Park.

Enjoy Jasper at your leisure.

Breakfast will be served at the hotel.

A boxed lunch will be enjoyed at a scenic spot along the parkway.

Enjoy dinner at the hotel.

Day 5 Maligne Canyon, Pyramid Lake, Jasper Nat'l Park Jasper, Alberta

Walking up to 2 miles (3.2 km) throughout the day on paved or maintained trails. Driving for approximately 60 miles (96.6 km) for 2.5 hours total aboard the coach, with stops along the way.

Our local expert naturalist will meet us at the hotel and accompany us in our explorations of Jasper National Park, Maligne Canyon and Pyramid Lake by motorcoach. We’ll make a stop for a walk along the Maligne Canyon Trail, which is rich in natural history, impressive geologic features and wildlife. On our walk, we’ll search for fossils and find out how this deep canyon formed during glacial ages. The forests of these wilderness areas are home to mountain goats, elk, moose, and bears as well as a variety of birds, including bald eagles. These scenic trails will allow us to explore the spectacular vantage points, flower meadows, and sapphire blue mountain lakes.

We’ll continue our expert-led exploration in Jasper National Park by motorcoach, making some stops for expert interpretation. Canada's largest and most northerly Rocky Mountain park, Jasper encompasses over 4,200 square miles and boasts healthy wildlife populations, including grizzly bears and wolves, which live among its grand peaks and emerald-green lakes. The combination of these startling blue-green mountain lakes, soaring peaks and broad, forested valleys makes this one of the world's premiere national parks.

Enjoy the evening at your leisure.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Enjoy a boxed lunch at a scenic spot along our journey.

On your own to enjoy local fare.

Day 6 Skeena Train - Jasper to Prince George Prince George, British Columbia

Train schedules are subject to change and delays are possible due to rail traffic or other conditions. Bring only a carry-on bag, larger luggage will be delivered to the hotel in Prince Rupert. Travelling by train for approximately 235 miles (378 km) for about 6.5 hours or more, depending on rail conditions. Walking up to 1 mile (1.6 km) for about 30 minutes.

This morning's presentation at the hotel given by a local expert will examine Jasper from a historical perspective giving us the opportunity to learn about some of the early settlers and the First Nations. Free time in the morning. Meet at the hotel lobby at 11:45 am for a coach transfer to the Jasper Train Station before embarking on a two-day train journey aboard Via Rail’s Skeena Train from Jasper, AB to Prince Rupert, BC, with an overnight stop in Prince George, BC. Enjoy the haunting splendor and the rugged beauty of the Canadian wilderness from the comfort of the train. We’ll be travelling past Jasper National Park, the Canadian Rockies, northern rural communities, and the gorgeous Pacific Coast.

Continue your journey through the Canadian Rocky Mountains towards Prince George, BC. Prince George is situated at the confluence of the Fraser and Nechako Rivers. The origin of Prince George can be traced to the fur trading post of Fort George, established in 1807 by Simon Fraser.

Arrival in Prince George will occur around 7:00 pm. Train schedules are subject to change and delays are possible due to rail traffic or other conditions. Your patience is appreciated. The hotel is a short distance from the train station and leisure time may be enjoyed for the remainder of the evening.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Lunch will be served aboard the train.

Dinner will be served aboard the train.

Day 7 Skeena Train - Prince George to Prince Rupert Prince Rupert, British Columbia

Travelling by train for approximately 450 miles (724 km) for about 13.5 hours or more. Train schedule are subject to change and delays are possible due to rail traffic or other conditions. Your patience is appreciated.

Experience the magnificent scenery as we journey from Prince George to Prince Rupert along the Yellowhead Pass, and across BC’s interior plateau astride the Skeena River. Glimpse northern rural communities where industries such as forestry, agriculture, mining, fishing and tourism are essential.

The train ride continues as we pass the coastal mountains of northwestern BC, at the edge of the Spacsizi Plateau, where the Skeena River begins its 354-mile (570 km) trek to the Pacific Ocean. The Skeena is the second largest river in the province, and one of the longest undammed rivers in the world.

We’ll arrive in Prince Rupert at approximately 8:25 pm (depending on rail conditions), where we’ll transfer to the hotel. The remainder of the evening may be enjoyed at your leisure.

Enjoy breakfast aboard the train.

Enjoy lunch aboard the train.

Enjoy dinner aboard the train.

Day 8 Museum of Northern B.C., Pacific Northwest Cannery Prince Rupert, British Columbia

Walking up to 2 miles (3.2 km) during field trips throughout the day. Time spent on the motor coach will be less than an hour.

Ruminate over the splendor of the Museum of Northern British Columbia, housed in a magnificent Northwest Coast longhouse overlooking Prince Rupert Harbour. Here, you’ll discover the natural and cultural heritage of the Northwest Coast through exhibitions and interpretation, and learn about the history of the Tsimshian, Haida, Tlingit, and Kwakwakawakw peoples. Observe the beauty of this region, with its fjords, inlets, rainforests, lagoons, sandy beaches, and haunting abandoned villages.

The Pacific Northwest Cannery Historic Site offers insight into life at remote salmon canneries and elucidates on how the industry shaped the economy and culture of the province. This field trip includes walking along historic boardwalks, and exploring the industrial buildings, residences, and wilderness surroundings of the salmon canning industry. You’ll hear about the people, living conditions, workspaces, and the functions of a remote cannery. Witness live demonstrations of cannery machinery and meditate on what it must have been like for workers. This excursion will explore canning practices from its earliest days to modern methods.

Relax this evening or explore the local area to your leisure.

Breakfast will be served at the hotel.

Enjoy local cuisine at the North Pacific Cannery Historic Site.

Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 9 Khutzeymateen Grizzly Bear Sanctuary Full Day Field Trip Prince Rupert, British Columbia

Walking about 1 mile (1.6 km) throughout the day on paved streets. The field trip is about 6 hours aboard all-weather 60-72-foot (18.3-22 m) vessels with a maximum capacity of 100 passengers. Vessels are equipped with onboard washrooms, comfortable seating, viewing from the cabin and outside deck.

This morning’s field trip takes place aboard the Prince Rupert Adventure Tours boats, experts will discuss the diverse marine life within the Khutzeymateen Inlet. Keep an eye-out for porpoises, seals, sea lions, bald eagles, and blue herons while basking in the inlet peaks which are over 6,500 feet (1,981.2 m) high. Within the Khutzeymateen Valley lies an ancient spruce forest and the Grizzly Bear Sanctuary. Khutzeymateen Valley is home to one of the highest concentrations of grizzly bears in North America. Wander the Khutzeymateen (K’tsim-a-deen) Grizzly Bear Sanctuary and glimpse these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

Continue to enjoy the Khutzeymateen Provincial Park, the first area in Canada to be protected specifically for grizzly bears. This is the first undisturbed estuary of its size to be protected along the northern coast of BC. An abundance of wildlife shares this area of rugged peaks towering up to 19,685 feet (6000 m) above a valley of wetlands, and old growth temperate rainforests.

Enjoy the wonders of Prince Rupert at your leisure. Prepare for early check out and transfer in the morning.

Breakfast will be provided at the hotel.

Lunch will be served aboard the vessel.

On your own to enjoy local fare in Prince Rupert.

Day 10 BC Ferry to Port Hardy, Canada's Inside Passage Port Hardy, British Columbia

Early hotel check-out at 5:45 am for transfer to the ferry dock. There will be a 15 minutes bus ride and a 16-hour ferry ride of approximately 274 nautical miles. Participants will have onboard cabins.

The ferry ride will take us along the awe-inspiring Inside Passage route. This 16- hour journey will take us past spectacular coastal rainforests and majestic coastal mountains. Learn about the ecological issues of this area while passing noted villages, first-contact sites, and possibly some friendly sea mammals.

We’ll continue cruising through Canada’s Inside Passage, forged by glaciers millions of years ago, the fjords of the Inside Passage provide vistas of spectacular coastal rainforests, beaches, waterfalls, and mountains.

We’ll arrive in Port Hardy on Vancouver Island around 11:30 pm. Port Hardy is the terminus for the Inside Passage Ferry and nestled on the edge of the Queen Charlotte Strait in Hardy Bay. Prepare for check out and transfer in the morning.

Enjoy breakfast aboard the ferry.

On your own to enjoy aboard the ferry.

Enjoy dinner aboard the ferry.

Day 11 Telegraph Cove: Whale Museum, Orca Whale Watching Nanaimo, British Columbia

Driving from Port Hardy to Telegraph Cove is approximately 40 miles (64.4 km) takes about one hour. Driving from Telegraph Cove to Nanaimo will be approximately 220 miles (354 km) and will take about four hours. Vessels carry up to 74 passengers and include a heated indoor cabin, two open air decks, onboard washrooms, and a snack bar (available at participants expense). Jackets and rain gear are recommended. Hats, gloves, and jackets are available for passengers upon request.

Ruminate at the Whale Interpretive Centre with a docent from the museum. This facility was established in order to provide public awareness of the biology, habitat needs, and existing threats to local marine mammals. This area is home to a variety of marine wildlife, including humpback whales, sea lions, dolphins, porpoises, bald eagles, and much more. Explore collections of marine mammal skeletons housed at the museum.

Discover one of the best locations to observe orca (killer) whales while whale watching. Hopefully, we’ll see orcas, humpback whales, Dall’s porpoises, Pacific white-sided dolphins, harbor seals, and Stellar sea lions. Vessels are equipped with underwater microphones (hydrophones) enabling us to listen to the squeaks and whistles characteristic of echolocation used by orcas and dolphins to locate food.

We’ll check-in to the hotel in Nanaimo at approximately 10:30 pm. Prepare for check out and transfer in the morning.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Boxed lunches will be provided.

Enjoy a meal at a scenic waterside restaurant, known for its yellow cedar post-and-beam style, and beautiful copper tables, surrounded by stained-glass windows.

Day 12 Ferry to Vancouver, Coach Exploration, Farewell Dinner Vancouver, British Columbia

Driving approximately 5 miles for about 15 minutes to Departure Bay Ferry Terminal, Nanaimo. The ferry crossing from Nanaimo to Vancouver is about 30 nautical miles and will take around 1.5 hours. There will be minimal walking. Driving approximately 40 miles (64.4 km) in Vancouver for about two hours.

After check-out, we’ll travel to the ferry terminal in Nanaimo for the journey to Vancouver.

Enjoy insightful commentary about Stanley Park and Vancouver highlights while travelling aboard a motor coach from Horseshoe Bay and through the city of Vancouver.

The evening is yours to enjoy at your leisure. Reminisce with your fellow travelers about your favorite memories.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Lunch may be purchased aboard the ferry.

Partake in a farewell dinner served at the hotel restaurant.

Day 13 Program Concludes, Departure Vancouver, British Columbia

Hotel check-out is by noon.

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!

Breakfast will be served at the hotel. This concludes our program.