Canadian Parks West
Trip Details
- Duration: 21 day(s) days
- Visited Areas: Canada
The name pretty much sums it up. Five National and Provincial Parks all dazzle with the mind-blowing good looks you'd expect from the Canadian Rockies and the rugged coastal beauty of Vancouver Island Add in river rafting, hot springs and an optional whale watching adventure for a whole bunch of larger-than-life experiences.
Itinerary
Day 1-2, Seattle, Cascades & Okanagan Valley
Heading straight out from Seattle, alpine meadows, tall pines and huge hunks of rock topped with a hefty dollop of snow welcomes you to the Cascades on your first day. Next up is the rich Okanagan valley packing orchards, vineyards and nigh on every outdoor pursuit going. Welcome to Canada! Accommodation: Camping included
Day 3, Yoho National Park
View the alpine meadows of Mt. Revelstoke en route to the wonder of Yoho National Park and the Canadian Rockies. Hike among the mirrored lakes, grizzled peaks and some of Canada's highest waterfalls. Or, for the truly adventurous, raft the aptly named Kicking Horse River. Accommodation: Camping included
Day 4-6, Banff National Park
Explore show-stopping trails in the footfalls or horse tracks of the pioneers who came before you. Mountain bike across the bumpy terrain or hover above by helicopter for a bird's-eye view. One dunk in the hot springs and a drink or two later, you'll be sleeping like a log. Accommodation: Camping included
Day 7, Calgary
This one-time Mountie outpost sure mixes it up. Socialise with the student contingent, embrace the frontier feel in spit-and-sawdust saloons or hang out at the world's biggest public skate park. Accommodation: Camping included
Day 8, Lake Louise
A nickname like the "gem of the Rockies" is a lot to live up to, but it's no sweat for Lake Louise. The imposing chateau looks on as mountains cluster round the turquoise surface. As for you, well, you could always hike out to the Plain-of-Six-Glaciers or inspect the scene by paddle power on an optional canoe trip. Accommodation: Camping included
Day 9-10, Jasper National Park
The widescreen scenery keeps on coming. The Icefields Parkway provides a peach of a drive through panoramic views of endless valleys, sheer ridges, glaciers and spruce forests - truly one of the world's ultimate drives. Jasper's wildlife puts up a fight for your attention too; the sharp-eyed may glimpse grizzlies, wolves or caribou. This sprawling natural expanse offers bike trails, helicopter flights and ice-walks through the most spectacular scenery that the Canadian Rockies offers. Accommodation: Camping included
Day 11-12, Wells Grey Provinvial Park
Life jacket, paddle, sense of adventure? Check. Drive through secluded Wells Gray to the end of the road and our awaiting canoes, where we overnight on the shores of Clearwater Lake. Nature surely never felt closer than on your included outback canoe trip. A unique and unforgettable experience! Accommodation: Camping included
Day 13-14, British Columbia & Whistler
Off the lake and on to the Fraser River Valley - British Columbia's gold country. Get on your bike, fl y through the air on a zipline, hit the hiking paths or even bungee; Whistler's got way more to offer than just snow! Accommodation: Camping included
Day 15-16, Vancouver
Along the 'Sea to Sky' highway, prime vistas escort you right into Vancouver. With its stunning combination of mountains and coastline, the city boasts outstanding views. Take to Stanley Park on two wheels, then regain your inner city slicker around A-grade museums and galleries or bustling Granville Market. Why not check out the city nightlife in Gas Town or the eclectic "Robsonstrasse" tonight. Accommodation: Camping included
Day 17-19, Pacific Rim National Park
After a gentle ferry ride to Vancouver Island, we head to Pacific Rim National Park for a true wilderness experience. Have your cameras at the ready on our optional whale watching cruise, take advantage of an upgrade to soak in some steamy natural hot springs, take in a hike or maybe try sea kayaking between secluded coves. Accommodation: Camping included
Day 20, Victoria
Founded in 1843 as a Hudson Bay Company trading post, Victoria is one of the prettiest cities in Western Canada and its historic sites, shopping, museums and pubs are perfect for a relaxing night. Try and catch the Parliament building lit up at night, you can never bring back too many photos. Accommodation: Camping included
Day 21, Seattle
We head back to Seattle via the ferry to enjoy every last drop of your holiday time. Explore the waterfront, hang out in funky coffee houses, shop at Pike Place Market or indulge in America's best micro-brews - whatever you pick, it'll be an impressive end to a truly great tour! Tour ends at approx 17:00 hrs in Seattle on day 21.