Vancouver, Banff and the Rockies!

Jasper, Lake Louise and the Icefields Parkway

With their soaring peaks, clear blue lakes, natural springs, lush green valleys carpeted with millions of evergreens and the crispest of crisp mountain air, the Rocky Mountains are one of nature's greatest paradises. Combine them with time in Vancouver, a city recently voted the best place in the world to live, and you have a holiday to remember.

Day One

Fly to Vancouver, which lies on the western edge of Canada between the Georgia Strait and the snow-capped Coast Mountains, and transfer to your hotel.

Day Two

Join today's optional guided city tour, and get to know this delightful place. Highlights will include restored Gastown, hectic, colourful Chinatown, the spectacular Capilano Suspension Bridge and the glass and steel wonders of the Burrard Inlet waterfront. In addition, we'll take North America's largest cable car to the summit of Grouse Mountain.

Day Three

Spend today exploring Vancouver, or join our optional full-day excursion to beautiful Vancouver Island, and to the unashamedly 'British' capital of British Columbia - Victoria. See the Royal B.C. Museum, the vast Parliament Buildings and the grand Empress Hotel in this city appropriately steeped in Victoriana. Our day also includes a visit to the world famous Butchart Gardens, a 50-acre horticultural Mecca.

Day Four

Taking your leave of Vancouver, today you'll head east through some stunning mountain scenery to spend the night in Sun Peaks Resort, a modern alpine village high in the 'B.C.' interior.

Day Five

This morning you'll head to the magnificent National Park of Jasper for a one-night stay amid yet more breathtaking scenery.

Day Six

Today may prove to be the highlight of the holiday as you travel along the renowned Icefields Parkway, one of the world's most scenic drives, heading deep into the Rockies and to beautiful Lake Louise. Marvel at the lake's frozen waters, spectacularly set against the awesome backdrop of Victoria Glacier, before continuing your scenic odyssey to equally stunning Banff for a two-night stay.

Day Seven

Explore the delightful, bustling capital of the Rockies. Join our optional sightseeing tour, which begins with an exhilarating cable-car ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain and ends with a flourish at Surprise Corner, famous for the truly spectacular views across the Bow River to the Banff Springs Hotel.

You may also like to enjoy our optional helicopter ride and discover the high mountain peaks, alpine meadows and pristine lakes of your spectacular surroundings from the air.

Day Eight

This morning we head to the oil-and-cowboy town of Calgary, home to the legendary 'Stampede', before making our way to the airport in time to check in for the flight home.

Day Nine

Arrive back home, after an overnight flight.

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted on any coach forming part of your holiday; regular stops will be made though for your comfort en route. The majority of hotels in North America are non-smoking throughout including in all bedrooms. In general smoking outside is acceptable, but do look out for signs prohibiting this close to public entrances or bus stops.

Tipping

Gratuities are a way of life in North America, and it is generally accepted that they form part of a person's earnings. Customary gratuity to a coach driver or tour manager is about $3 per person per day; in a taxi or a restaurant leave 12-15 per cent of the bill and, in the bar, leave a dollar or so per drink.

Hotel information

Western Canada Touring Hotels

Introduction

You will be staying in a series of well-located hotels, all of which will be of at least European three-star standard.

Best Western Downtown, Vancouver (nights 1-3)

This hotel has a bar and restaurant on site, and each guest room has private facilities, a telephone, TV, and tea- and coffee-making facilities with a kettle.

Nancy Greene's Cahilty Lodge, Sun Peaks Resort (nights 4)

Run by former Canadian Olympic skier Nancy Greene, this welcoming hotel has a bar, a restaurant, indoor and outdoor hot tubs and a well-equipped fitness room. Each guest room has private facilities, a telephone, tea- and coffee-making facilities and TV.

Whistler's Inn, Jasper (night 5)

This hotel has a bar, restaurant and whirlpool. Each guest room has private facilities, a telephone and TV.

Banff High-Country Inn (nights 6-7)

This hotel has a bar and restaurant and swimming pool. Each guest room has private facilities, a coffee-maker, a telephone and TV.

 

Should circumstances require, we reserve the right to accommodate you in conveniently located, alternative hotels of a similar standard.