Compare Whales & Bears of British Columbia by Exodus Travels vs Vancouver & the Rockies by Rocky Mountaineer 2022 by Tauck

Day 1 Start Vancouver

The adventure begins in Vancouver on Canada's west coast. If you have time, we recommend a stroll around this cosmopolitan city to get a feel for it. Treat yourself to moreish maple cookies in Stanley Park, a 990-acre (400ha) green wonderland where you can see authentic totem poles put up in the 1920s or sit in one of the cafes and enjoy a spot of people watching. A welcome briefing may be held this evening or tomorrow morning, in which we gather as a group and meet our tour leader. Accommodation: Holiday Inn & Suites Vancouver Downtown (or similar)

Day 2 Morning ferry to Vancouver Island

In the morning, we head to the port for a ferry to Nanaimo on Vancouver Island, a 1hr 30min journey across the Strait of Georgia. On arrival in Nanaimo, we continue by road, stopping for a walk and picnic lunch at Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park. Rathtrevor is known for its majestic old-growth woodland, beautiful ocean sunsets and a wide, sandy beach with picnic areas nestled amongst the trees. We then continue our drive to Ucluelet, our base for the next three nights. Today's travel time is approximately six hours. Accommodation: Canadian Princess Lodge & Marina (or similar)

Day 3 Pacific Rim National Park Reserve; boat excursion to observe grey and humpback whales

Pacific Rim National Park Reserve is nestled between the mountains of the Vancouver Island range and the Pacific coastline. We walk inside the park this morning to admire the rich natural heritage of the west coast of Canada. The reserve has almost 10mi (16km) of sand and a huge collection of driftwood, while the next stop is Japan! We usually take the Nuu-Chah-Nulth trail to the beach and visit during low tide to explore some of the intertidal pools and rocky islands. You may see lime-green anemones and purple, brown and orange starfish. In the afternoon, we board Zodiacs with a naturalist guide who leads a 2hr 30min to three hour whale-observation excursion (depending on the low-tide schedule, this activity may take place earlier in the day). Our goal is to see humpback and grey whales, but it is also common to come across orcas, seals and sea lions among the rocky headlands. Today’s driving time should not exceed two hours. Accommodation: Canadian Princess Lodge & Marina (or similar)

Day 4 Rainforest Figure Eight trail; boat excursion to observe black bears

Today our leader will take us on an easy hike on the Rainforest Figure Eight trail, an hour-long walk along wooden boardwalks through the majestic forest. This is a peaceful trail and we will be surrounded by a dense foliage of ferns, Western Red Cedar and Western Hemlock trees. Keep your eyes peeled for birdlife - our tour leaders have reported sightings of Steller's jays and Rufous hummingbirds! Late this afternoon, we board Zodiacs for a 2hr 30min expedition to observe black bears and bald eagles (depending on the low-tide schedule, this activity may take place earlier in the day). In the wilderness of Clayoquot Sound, black bears search for crabs and clams on the rocky beaches. We travel the fjord inlet by Zodiac, looking in sheltered bays and stopping to see any black bears we find from the comfort of our vessel. Accommodation: Canadian Princess Lodge & Marina (or similar)

Day 5 To Campbell River and Cathedral Grove Provincial Park

Depart Ucluelet and drive for four hours to Campbell River on the north shore of Vancouver Island. Campbell River is known as the salmon capital of the world for its hugely impressive salmon runs, where five species of Pacific salmon swim the river. It has been designated a Heritage River for its importance in British Columbia; following the fish are bears, seals, kingfishers and eagles. This afternoon, we stop at Cathedral Grove Provincial Park to see the last remains of the temperate rainforest that covered the island more than a 1,000 years ago. This is one of the most accessible areas of giant Douglas fir trees in the province and there are many trails enabling us to meander through Douglas fir, western hemlock, grand fir and western red cedar trees. Accommodation: Painter’s Lodge (or similar)

Day 6 Boat excursion to Orford River to observe grizzly bears

Board a covered boat for a full-day excursion to the Orford River area (on the mainland of British Columbia) to observe grizzly bears in their natural habitat. Conservative estimates suggest there are 10,000 grizzly (brown) bears in British Columbia, with 92 percent of the original habitat of grizzlies still occupied. The abundance of spawning salmon in the Orford River at this time of year brings grizzlies down to feast. A two-hour journey by boat with a spectacular backdrop of mountainous scenery brings us to the mouth of the Orford River. From here, we take a short bus journey inland, where there are five viewing platforms from which to spot the bears. We visit one or sometimes two of these platforms, where we hope to observe the bears catching and feeding on salmon, sometimes with cubs in tow. On the boat journey to and from the Orford River, we may also see black bears, orcas, humpback and grey whales, dolphins, porpoises and sea lions. Accommodation: Painter’s Lodge (or similar)

Day 7 Quadra Island for hiking or optional sea kayaking

Board a ferry for a 10-minute journey across the Discovery Passage to Quadra Island, where we spend the day exploring the island trails and beaches by foot. Our leader will determine the best trail based on the group's preference and ability, but options include the Shallaligan Pass Trail along Quadra Island's coastline, which offers panoramic ocean views, or the Heriot Ridge Trail that passes through the bush and out onto a ridge for coastal views galore. There is also an optional three-hour sea kayaking excursion from Quadra Island. Accompanied by kayak and marine life observation guides, there is never a dull moment as we paddle by kayak around Quadra Island – we could see soaring eagles, oystercatchers, herons, cormorants, gulls and, if lucky, seals, sea lions, dolphins and porpoises. The mountain views offer a stunning backdrop to this excursion, which is suitable for beginners. Accommodation: Painter’s Lodge (or similar)

Day 8 Transfer to Victoria; whale-watching in the Salish Sea

We drive for around four hours to Victoria, capital of British Columbia. Victoria is well-known for its colourful gardens, British architecture and arts scene. In the afternoon, we have one final wildlife-viewing opportunity as we embark on a whale-watching excursion from Victoria, where orcas, humpback whales and sea lions are often spotted in the waters of the Salish Sea. A certified marine naturalist will accompany us in the Zodiac boat, helping to spot wildlife and providing background information on the species we observe. Accommodation: Huntingdon Manor (or similar)

Day 9 Ferry to Vancouver; orientation tour and end Vancouver

It's an early start on our final day in British Columbia as we take the ferry (approximately 1.5 hours) across the Strait of Georgia to Vancouver. Our leader will take us on a guided orientation tour of the city then there's free time to explore Vancouver at your leisure. Those on Land Only arrangements may choose stay longer in the vibrant city of Victoria. Please speak to your sales representative if you'd like to add post-tour nights in Victoria or Vancouver.

Day 1 Arrive Vancouver

Tour begins: 6:00 PM, Fairmont Waterfront, Vancouver. A transfer is included upon arrival from the Vancouver Airport to the Fairmont Waterfront. One of the most beautifully sited cities in North America, cosmopolitan Vancouver dazzles the eye wherever you look with views of the water, the mountains, and a glittering skyline. Your hotel is perfectly located to enjoy it all. Join us for our welcome reception followed by dinner.

MEALS : D

LODGING : Fairmont Waterfront

PORTOFCALL : Vancouver, Canada

Day 2 Discovering Vancouver By Land & Air

Home to an active cultural scene and abundant natural resources, Vancouver is a city steeped in pleasures. This morning, a floatplane ride from Coal Harbour takes you flightseeing for a completely different perspective on this city by the sea – and it's just as scenic from the air. Continue on to Stanley Park, a stunning green oasis in the midst of the city, and enjoy lunch on your own at your choice of Granville Island's tempting eateries. On a sightseeing tour this afternoon, enjoy a docent-led tour of the Bill Reid Gallery, a showcase for contemporary Aboriginal art of the Northwest Coast. One of Canada's greatest artists, Bill Reid was an acclaimed Haida master goldsmith, carver, sculptor and writer, whose work is on display here. Enjoy dinner this evening at a local restaurant.

MEALS : B, D

LODGING : Fairmont Waterfront

PORTOFCALL : Vancouver, Canada

Day 3 All Aboard Rocky Mountaineer

Your awe-inspiring journey to the Canadian Rockies begins! Travel to the railway station for an early-morning send-off onboard Rocky Mountaineer. Relaxing in your GoldLeaf Service glass-dome coach, you will witness dramatic changes in scenery from the lush green fields of the Fraser Valley, through forests and winding river canyons surrounded by the peaks of the Coast and Cascade Mountains, to British Columbia's desert-like interior. One highlight of this leg of your trip is Hell's Gate – rushing waters squeezing through an abrupt narrowing of the mighty Fraser River. In 1808, the explorer Simon Fraser described this whitewater chute as "a place where no human being should venture." Your train rolls on to another highlight – and it's quite a contrast: the landscape of steep slopes, rock sheds, and arid bluffs along the Thompson River. At the end of the day, Rocky Mountaineer glides along the shores of Kamloops Lake into Kamloops. Spend the night at Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Kamloops.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Kamloops

Day 4 Over the Continental Divide by Rail

Your journey onboard Rocky Mountaineer continues to the breathtaking Canadian Rockies in Alberta. Prepare to be surrounded by dramatic scenery as your train follows the North Thompson River through the Monashee and Cariboo Mountains, climbing ever nearer to the high peaks of the Continental Divide. Take in Mount Robson, at 12,972 feet (3,954 m.) the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. See Pyramid Falls and climb over Yellowhead Pass. Your rail trip ends in the town of Jasper. Travel to Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, your resort in the heart of the Jasper National Park, for a two-night stay.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge

PORTOFCALL : Jasper National Park, Canada

Day 5 A Free Day in Jasper National Park

Wake up on the shore of Lac Beauvert in the remote wilderness of Jasper National Park, where you have the whole day to enjoy the activities and amenities offered at your lodge resort. You can go kayaking, canoeing, horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking... take a wildlife tour, play a round of golf, or relax in the spa (some activities are at additional cost).

MEALS : B, D

LODGING : Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge

PORTOFCALL : Jasper National Park, Canada

Day 6 The Spectacular Icefields Parkway

The Icefields Parkway from Jasper to Lake Louise is among North America's most stunning drives. Travel this roadway as it winds through snow-domed peaks past hanging glaciers – and make sure to keep watch for wandering elk, deer, bighorn sheep, and bears. At the Athabasca Glacier, board a specially designed Ice Explorer for a smooth, slow ride up this 7,200-ft.-high part of the Columbia Icefield. Your final destination today is Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, set on the lake within Banff National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; you'll stay in a lake-view room tonight. Set your alarm to be sure to catch the sunrise from your window tomorrow morning!

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

PORTOFCALL : Banff, Canada

Day 7 A Morning at Lake Louise as you please

Watching the sun rise over the mountains and Lake Louise is truly a sight to behold – and an inspiring way to begin the day. The color of the lake is a turquoise blue that hardly seems real; the water contains light rock flour, made by the grinding of glaciers, which reflects the sunlight creating a color so beautiful you won't want to look away. Spend the morning at leisure exploring your resort and the area's walking and hiking trails. Canoeing is available (at an extra cost). This afternoon, enjoy a change of scenery and pace when you travel to your next accommodations, another historic Canadian Pacific Railway Hotel in Banff National Park; known as Canada's "Castle in the Rockies," Fairmont Banff Springs is a grand resort built in the style of a Scottish castle. Set on the Bow River, this landmark has welcomed nature lovers in style for 125+ years.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Fairmont Banff Springs

PORTOFCALL : Banff, Canada

Day 8 A Bow River Valley Float Trip

Begin the day with a morning float trip* along the Bow River, a perfect way to take in the grandeur of the Rockies. Then spend the rest of the day as you wish. You can go into the town of Banff and discover that the town itself is filled with unique galleries to explore. For some amazing views, ride up into the mountains aboard the Banff Gondola. Your resort offers many activities (some available at additional cost); take a guided nature walk, book a treatment at the Willow Stream Spa, go horseback riding, play a round of golf, and more. Join us for a farewell reception and dinner tonight.

MEALS : B, D

LODGING : Fairmont Banff Springs

PORTOFCALL : Banff, Canada

Day 9 Journey home

Tour ends: Calgary. Travel through the Canadian Rockies to Calgary International Airport this morning (approx. 80 miles) for your journey home. Fly home anytime after 12:00 noon. Direct flights to the US will clear US customs in Calgary. Allow two hours for flight check-in at the airport.

MEALS : B

PORTOFCALL : Calgary, Canada