Western Canada Wilderness from Vancouver

Prices are per person listed in Canadian dollars. Subject to applicable taxes. Prices listed do not include discounts or promotions - please inquire. Package prices and itinerary are not finalized until confirmed by a Vacations Canada travel planner.  Contact your travel professional or a Vacations Canada travel planner to customize or build your own vacation package. View Terms and Conditions.

VACATION FEATURES:

Accommodations
- 12 nights hotel accommodation

Meals
- 4 Breakfasts
- 4 Lunches
- 1 Dinner

Sightseeing Excursions and Tours
- Victoria City and Butchart Gardens Tour
- Victoria Whale Watching Tour
- BC Ferries "Northern Expedition" from Port Hardy to Prince Rupert
- Whale Watching or Grizzly Bear viewing in Prince Rupert
- VIA Rail from Prince Rupert to Jasper
- Columbia Icefield Tour
- Discover Jasper Tour
- Rocky Mountaineer "Redleaf" from Jasper to Vancouver

Admissions
- Butchart Gardens
- Columbia Icefield Glacier Adventure

Transfers
- Taxi transfer in Victoria
- Transfer from Victoria to Port Hardy
- 2 taxi transfers in Port Hardy
- Taxi transfer in Prince Rupert
- 2 taxi transfer in Prince George
- Transfer from Jasper Train Station to hotel
- Taxi transfer in Vancouver

Documentation
- Icefield Photograph
- Itinerary, brochures, maps and vouchers
- National Park entrance fees
- Hotel luggage handling

ITINERARY:

DAY 1 - Arriving in Vancouver

Upon arrival at the Vancouver International Airport, transfer independently, by scheduled airporter service, limousine or taxi to downtown Vancouver (transfer not included).

DAY 2 - Vancouver to Victoria Sightseeing

Today, enjoy a full-day sightseeing excursion to Victoria, the capital city of British Columbia. Travel through the rich farmland of the Fraser River delta, arriving at Tsawwassen, and board a B.C. Ferry for a ninety-minute journey through the Gulf islands to Vancouver Island. Leaving the ferry at Swartz Bay, drive south on Saanich Peninsula to the world-renowned Butchart Gardens (admission included). This 20-hectare (50-acre) botanical showcase is famous for its skillful blending of rare and exotic plants and trees mixed with native flora in a colourful and authentic series of formal gardens joined by several paths. Additional sightseeing highlights include the University of Victoria, Royal Victorian Yacht Club, Beacon Hill Park and the attractions of Victoria’s Inner Harbour. Upon completion of this excursion in the afternoon, the remainder of the day is at leisure.

DAY 3 - Exploring Victoria

Today, enjoy a whale watching trip. This excursion will be a round trip out of Victoria’s Inner Harbour in search of killer whales, porpoises, harbour seals, and other marine wildlife. The boat will slow or stop allowing passengers to observe wildlife, take photographs, and ask questions. Remember to dress warmly (layers is best) and don't forget to bring your camera and binoculars.

DAY 4 - Victoria to Port Hardy

Today take a scheduled transfer motor coach Northbound along Vancouver Island. Along the way you will pass by many famous towns and villages that hold the West Coast ambience of British Columbia. At the end of the day, you will arrive into Port Hardy and take a taxi to your overnight accommodation.

DAY 5 - Port Hardy to Prince Rupert Cruise

This morning, embark on a full day of cruising the sheltered waters of the Inside Passage. During the length of this 16 hour journey, a wonderful array of snow-capped mountains combined with rich forests provide a background for a series of dramatic fjords. Killer whales, sea lions and playful porpoise often appear in these waters, so keep your camera close at hand. Arrive at the seaport of Prince Rupert and transfer by taxi to your hotel.

DAY 6 - Prince Rupert Sightseeing

Enjoy either a Whale Watching Cruise or Grizzly Bear Viewing while in Prince Rupert. Depending on the time of year, one of these magnificent animals will be in the area for you to visit.

DAY 7 - VIA Rail from Prince Rupert to Prince George

Early this morning, transfer to the Prince Rupert train station and board VIA Rail. The railroad travels up the stunning Skeena River valley, passing jagged mountain peaks, canyons, native totem poles and bald eagles. Towns such as Terrace, New Hazelton and Smithers are also en route. Along with the scenery and fascinating regional history, enjoy first-class service in “Touring Class” (including breakfast, lunch and dinner) and exclusive use of the dome car and lounge. Upon arrival at the Prince George train station, transfer to your selected hotel. Note: For departures starting in May, early June and end of September, "Touring Class" onboard VIA Rail is not available. Passengers will travel in "Economy" that does not offer included meals.

DAY 8 - VIA Rail from Prince George to Jasper

This morning, return to the Prince George train station and re-board VIA Rail for the continuing journey to Jasper. The route today follows the famous Fraser River. Enjoy breakfast and lunch onboard (included but seasonal). Keep your eyes open for grizzly bear, moose, beaver and osprey! Pass the historic settlements of McBride and Tete Jaune Cache on the way to the Yellowhead Pass, and then pass Mount Robson, (3,954 meters/12,970 feet), the Rockies’ highest peak. Crossing into the Province of Alberta, arrive by late afternoon in the peaceful alpine town of Jasper. A transfer to your selected hotel is provided upon arrival.

DAY 9 - Jasper to the Columbia Icefield Sightseeing

Today, take a trip to the world famous, Columbia Icefield. This full day excursion follows the famous Icefields Parkway to the Columbia Icefield Centre. View scenic rocky mountain vistas and local wildlife along the way, with a photo stop at Athabasca Falls. Upon arrival at the Columbia Icefield, ride a Brewster Ice Explorer onto the Athabasca glacier. Time is provided for lunch before you travel into Banff National Park. Scenic stops are made at glacier-fed Peyto Lake and the Crowfoot Glacier before arriving at the incomparable Lake Louise mid-afternoon. Return to Jasper late afternoon.

DAY 10 - Discovering Jasper

Experience Jasper National Park through the travels of the early explorers and view the unspoiled grandeur! This morning excursion will begin along the mighty Athabasca Canadian Heritage River, learning about David Thompson and the valley ecosystem. Travel above Maligne Canyon, with its narrow gorge and limestone walls created by 10,000 years of water flow. Visit a place of mystery and Indian legend as you continue to Medicine Lake, where sometimes it actually disappears! On this adventure to Maligne Lake, the largest natural lake in the Canadian Rockies and one of the most photographed sites in the world, you are sure to see a variety of mountain wildlife.

DAY 11 - Rocky Mountaineer's 'Redleaf' Service from Jasper to Kamloops

This morning, return the rental car to the Jasper train station and board the Rocky Mountaineer daylight train for a two-day journey the Rockies. Complimentary breakfast and lunch are served at your seat. Complimentary snacks and non-alcoholic beverages are also provided. Some of today’s highlights include Pyramid Falls, the Albreda Icefield, located in the majestic Premier Mountain Range and Mount Robson, the tallest mountain in the Canadian Rockies at nearly 3,954 metres (12,970 feet). A wide array of wildlife can often be seen within close proximity of the railway tracks. Upon arrival in Kamloops, you will be transferred to your hotel.

DAY 12 - Rocky Mountaineer's 'Redleaf' Service from Kamloops to Vancouver

Early this morning, transfer (included) to the Kamloops train station and re-board the Rocky Mountaineer daylight train for the journey to Vancouver. Breakfast and