Western Canada with Inside Passage

Western Canada with Inside Passage

1,231 Views
14 Days From

$3682

$3293

Western Canada with Inside Passage

14 Days Starting in Calgary, Canada and ending in Vancouver, Canada

Visiting: Calgary, Banff National Park, Jasper National Park, Prince George, Prince Rupert, Victoria, Vancouver, North America

Tour operator:

Cosmos

Tour code:

8980-2025

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Medium

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Adventure Tours

From: $3682 $3293 Operator discount: -$389 -11%

NB: Prices correct on 05-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Have a fantastic adventure on this affordable vacation in Canada. You’ll begin in Calgary taking a city tour before traveling to the majestic Canadian Rockies and beautiful Banff National Park where you’ll spend two nights. Explore the park by hiking or horseback riding, shop in the townsite or take a once-in-a-lifetime optional helicopter tour over the magnificent Canadian Rockies! Stop at gorgeous Lake Louise, its turquoise waters perfectly mirroring the surrounding mountains and glaciers, then continue to the Columbia Icefield to experience a ride on the Ice Explorer that travels on ice measuring 750 feet thick! Journey through breathtaking wilderness before arriving in Jasper National Park for two nights. There you can join the optional excursion to see Maligne Lake and the much-photographed Spirit Island. Then have time to explore this amazing park with its abundant wildlife. As you travel to Prince George, visit Mount Robson Provincial Park. Mount Robson is the highest of Canada’s Rockies at nearly 13,000 feet. Next board VIA Rail’s Skeena train for a memorable all-daylight journey through the rugged Coast Mountains. Retrace the steps of the ancient First Nations trading routes and follow the paths of the earliest fur traders before arriving in Prince Rupert for a two-night stay. Here, visit the North Pacific Historic Fishing Village, a national Historic Site and take a guided tour of British Columbia’s oldest cannery village. Then it’s time for an unforgettable voyage! You’ll cruise on the Inside Passage seeing some of the world’s most spectacular scenery. Along the way, be sure to watch for whales, sea lions, porpoise, eagles, and other wildlife. Overnight in Port Hardy and then make your way south to charming Victoria where sightseeing includes Bastion Square, the Inner Harbour, and Thunderbird Park with its interesting collection of totems poles. You’ll have free time to shop, have high tea at the Empress Hotel or perhaps take an optional excursion to Butchart Gardens with its stunning 55-acres of floral displays. Then set sail across the picturesque Strait of Georgia and Gulf Islands for an arrival in Vancouver. Here you’ll see city highlights like Stanley Park, Chinatown, and more. This amazing value tour is jam-packed with beauty and adventures that are not to be missed!

Highlights

  • City tour of Calgary, including Fort Calgary and Canada Olympic Park

  • Exploring Banff National Park with activities like hiking, boating, and horseback riding

  • Visit to Lake Louise with its turquoise waters and surrounding glaciers

  • Ride on the Ice Explorer at the Columbia Icefield

  • Optional narrated cruise on Maligne Lake to see Spirit Island

  • Journey through the Coast Mountains and along the Skeena River on VIA Rail's Skeena train

  • Guided tour of the North Pacific Historic Fishing Village in Prince Rupert

  • Inside Passage Cruise with sightings of sea lions, porpoises, and possibly killer whales

Places You'll See

Rundlestone Lodge

Irwin's Mountain Inn

Sandman Signature Calgary Downtown Hotel

Tonquin Inn

Ramada Plaza Prince George

Kwa'lilas Hotel

Crest Hotel

Royal Scot Hotel & Suites

Sandman Signature Vancouver Airport

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Calgary

Location: Calgary

Accommodation Name: Sandman Signature Calgary Downtown Hotel

Welcome to Calgary! Your Tour Director is on hand late this afternoon to answer any questions.
CALGARY Welcome to Calgary! Your Tour Director is on hand late this afternoon to answer any questions.

Day 2: Calgary,Banff National Park

Location: Banff National Park

Accommodation Name: Rundlestone Lodge

This morning, take a city tour of Calgary, home to the world-famous Calgary Stampede. Highlights include downtown, Fort Calgary, Stampede Park, the Saddledome, and Canada Olympic Park. Then travel west into the majestic Canadian Rockies and beautiful Banff National Park where you’ll spend the next two nights. Have an orientation tour upon arrival.
CALGARY–BANFF NATIONAL PARK This morning, take a city tour of Calgary, home to the world-famous Calgary Stampede. Highlights include downtown, Fort Calgary, Stampede Park, the Saddledome, and Canada Olympic Park. Then travel west into the majestic Canadian Rockies and beautiful Banff National Park where you’ll spend the next two nights. Have an orientation tour upon arrival.

Day 3: Banff National Park

Location: Banff National Park

Accommodation Name: Irwin's Mountain Inn

Enjoy your day exploring Banff, one of Canada’s favorite year-round resorts, with summer activities including hiking, boating, horseback riding, and fishing. Your Tour Director will have lots of suggestions. Lift your sights higher on an exhilarating optional helicopter ride with spectacular views over the Canadian Rockies.
BANFF NATIONAL PARK Enjoy your day exploring Banff, one of Canada’s favorite year-round resorts, with summer activities including hiking, boating, horseback riding, and fishing. Your Tour Director will have lots of suggestions. Lift your sights higher on an exhilarating optional helicopter ride with spectacular views over the Canadian Rockies.

Day 4: Banff National Park,Columbia Icefield,Lake Louise,Jasper National Park

Location: Banff National Park

Accommodation Name: Tonquin Inn

As we journey north, view precipitous gorges, snowcapped mountain ranges, and lakes of exquisite blues and greens. Stop at Lake Louise, its turquoise waters perfectly mirroring the surrounding mountains and glaciers. Continue to the Columbia Icefield to experience a ride on the Ice Explorer, an all-terrain vehicle that travels on ice measuring 750 feet thick! Winding our way up the western fringe of Alberta, our journey takes us through some of the Canadian Rockies’ most breathtaking wilderness. Later, drift through natural wonders on an optional float trip down the Athabasca River. In Jasper, an orientation tour showcases the area’s unspoiled beauty.
BANFF NATIONAL PARK–COLUMBIA ICEFIELD–LAKE LOUISE–JASPER NATIONAL PARK As we journey north, view precipitous gorges, snowcapped mountain ranges, and lakes of exquisite blues and greens. Stop at Lake Louise, its turquoise waters perfectly mirroring the surrounding mountains and glaciers. Continue to the Columbia Icefield to experience a ride on the Ice Explorer, an all-terrain vehicle that travels on ice measuring 750 feet thick! Winding our way up the western fringe of Alberta, our journey takes us through some of the Canadian Rockies’ most breathtaking wilderness. Later, drift through natural wonders on an optional float trip down the Athabasca River. In Jasper, an orientation tour showcases the area’s unspoiled beauty.

Day 5: Jasper National Park

Location: Jasper National Park

Accommodation Name: Tonquin Inn

Make your day magical with an optional narrated cruise on Maligne Lake and see much-photographed Spirit Island*. The balance of the day is free to enjoy everything Jasper has to offer, from guided hikes and quaint shops to meandering wildlife.*This optional excursion begins operating in late May/early June.
JASPER NATIONAL PARK Make your day magical with an optional narrated cruise on Maligne Lake and see much-photographed Spirit Island*. The balance of the day is free to enjoy everything Jasper has to offer, from guided hikes and quaint shops to meandering wildlife.

*This optional excursion begins operating in late May/early June.

Day 6: Jasper National Park,Mount Robson,Prince George

Location: Prince George

Accommodation Name: Ramada Plaza Prince George

Depart Jasper and follow the Fraser River to the base of Mount Robson, the highest of Canada’s Rockies at almost 13,000 feet. Continue to Prince George, the province’s “northern capital” for an overnight stay.
JASPER NATIONAL PARK–MOUNT ROBSON–PRINCE GEORGE Depart Jasper and follow the Fraser River to the base of Mount Robson, the highest of Canada’s Rockies at almost 13,000 feet. Continue to Prince George, the province’s “northern capital” for an overnight stay.

Day 7: Prince George,Smithers,Via Rail The Skeena,Prince Rupert

Location: Prince Rupert

Accommodation Name: Crest Hotel

Today board VIA Rail’s Skeena train for the trip of a lifetime. Sit back and enjoy an all-daylight journey that winds its way through the majestic Coast Mountains, follows the mighty Skeena River—often referred to as the “River of Mists.” Retrace the steps of the ancient First Nations trading routes and follow the paths of the earliest fur traders. Soaring bald eagles, inquisitive black bears, browsing moose, and other wildlife may be spotted. Disembark in Prince Rupert for a two-night stay.NOTE:Train travel is subject to unforeseen delays.
PRINCE GEORGE–SMITHERS–VIA RAIL THE SKEENA–PRINCE RUPERT Today board VIA Rail’s Skeena train for the trip of a lifetime. Sit back and enjoy an all-daylight journey that winds its way through the majestic Coast Mountains, follows the mighty Skeena River—often referred to as the “River of Mists.” Retrace the steps of the ancient First Nations trading routes and follow the paths of the earliest fur traders. Soaring bald eagles, inquisitive black bears, browsing moose, and other wildlife may be spotted. Disembark in Prince Rupert for a two-night stay.

NOTE:
Train travel is subject to unforeseen delays.

Day 8: Prince Rupert

Location: Prince Rupert

Accommodation Name: Crest Hotel

Enjoy an orientation tour of Prince Rupert. Then visit the North Pacific Historic Fishing Village, a National Historic Site, for a guided tour of British Columbia’s oldest cannery village. Learn of the canning process and what life was like in the village in the last century during peak production. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure.
PRINCE RUPERT Enjoy an orientation tour of Prince Rupert. Then visit the North Pacific Historic Fishing Village, a National Historic Site, for a guided tour of British Columbia’s oldest cannery village. Learn of the canning process and what life was like in the village in the last century during peak production. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure.

Day 9: Prince Rupert,Inside Passage Cruise,Port Hardy

Location: Prince Rupert

Accommodation Name: Kwa'lilas Hotel

Early this morning, embark on one of the world’s most beautiful ocean voyages! The scenery is spectacular, with towering mountains, roaring waterfalls, endless islands, and virgin rainforests. Marine life abounds, often with sightings of sea lions and porpoises—you may even spot a killer whale! Late-evening arrival into Port Hardy.NOTE:Cruising time through the Inside Passage is approximately 16 hours. Please come prepared with all medications, eyeglasses, and any other items you will need.
PRINCE RUPERT–INSIDE PASSAGE CRUISE–PORT HARDY Early this morning, embark on one of the world’s most beautiful ocean voyages! The scenery is spectacular, with towering mountains, roaring waterfalls, endless islands, and virgin rainforests. Marine life abounds, often with sightings of sea lions and porpoises—you may even spot a killer whale! Late-evening arrival into Port Hardy.

NOTE:
Cruising time through the Inside Passage is approximately 16 hours. Please come prepared with all medications, eyeglasses, and any other items you will need.

Day 10: Port Hardy-Chemainus,Victoria

Location: Victoria

Accommodation Name: Royal Scot Hotel & Suites

An early departure from Port Hardy follows the eastern coastline of Vancouver Island, through the port of Campbell River, the “Salmon Capital of the World.” Continue south with a stop in Chemainus, a unique village with more than 30 murals depicting pioneer settlement of the area. Late afternoon arrival into Victoria.
PORT HARDY-CHEMAINUS–VICTORIA An early departure from Port Hardy follows the eastern coastline of Vancouver Island, through the port of Campbell River, the “Salmon Capital of the World.” Continue south with a stop in Chemainus, a unique village with more than 30 murals depicting pioneer settlement of the area. Late afternoon arrival into Victoria.

Day 11: Victoria

Location: Victoria

Accommodation Name: Royal Scot Hotel & Suites

Morning sightseeing includes the Inner Harbour, Bastion Square, and Thunderbird Park with its unusual collection of totem poles. The rest of the day is yours to explore this charming city. Perhaps have high tea at the Empress Hotel, visit the Royal British Columbia Museum, or stop to smell the roses and countless other gorgeous blooms on an optional excursion to Butchart Gardens with its 55-acres of magnificent floral displays. This evening, consider taking a relaxing stroll along the lovely Waterfront Promenade.
VICTORIA Morning sightseeing includes the Inner Harbour, Bastion Square, and Thunderbird Park with its unusual collection of totem poles. The rest of the day is yours to explore this charming city. Perhaps have high tea at the Empress Hotel, visit the Royal British Columbia Museum, or stop to smell the roses and countless other gorgeous blooms on an optional excursion to Butchart Gardens with its 55-acres of magnificent floral displays. This evening, consider taking a relaxing stroll along the lovely Waterfront Promenade.

Day 12: Victoria-Ferry Crossing,Vancouver Area

Location: Vancouver

Accommodation Name: Sandman Signature Vancouver Airport

Today we set sail across the Strait of Georgia through the spectacular Gulf Islands, an area known for its Mediterranean-like climate. Late afternoon arrival in Vancouver.
VICTORIA-FERRY CROSSING–VANCOUVER AREA Today we set sail across the Strait of Georgia through the spectacular Gulf Islands, an area known for its Mediterranean-like climate. Late afternoon arrival in Vancouver.

Day 13: Vancouver Area

Location: Vancouver

Accommodation Name: Sandman Signature Vancouver Airport

This morning, an included city tour highlights Stanley Park, Chinatown, the harbour, beaches, and more. The rest of the day is at leisure, and your Tour Director will have suggestions for your further exploration of the city. Maybe take a water taxi to lively Granville Island with its outdoor markets, street musicians, and waterfront cafés, or visit historic Gastown with its steam-powered clock, antique shops, art galleries, and street vendors.
VANCOUVER AREA This morning, an included city tour highlights Stanley Park, Chinatown, the harbour, beaches, and more. The rest of the day is at leisure, and your Tour Director will have suggestions for your further exploration of the city. Maybe take a water taxi to lively Granville Island with its outdoor markets, street musicians, and waterfront cafés, or visit historic Gastown with its steam-powered clock, antique shops, art galleries, and street vendors.

Day 14: Vancouver Area

Location: Vancouver

Your vacation ends this morning. You may choose to extend your vacation with extra nights and explore Vancouver further.
VANCOUVER AREA Your vacation ends this morning. You may choose to extend your vacation with extra nights and explore Vancouver further.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation is provided at various hotels including Sandman Signature Calgary Downtown Hotel, Rundlestone Lodge, Irwin's Mountain Inn, Tonquin Inn, Ramada Plaza Prince George, Crest Hotel, Kwa'lilas Hotel, Royal Scot Hotel & Suites, and Sandman Signature Vancouver Airport.

  • City Tours

    City tours are included in Calgary, Banff National Park, Jasper National Park, Prince Rupert, Victoria, and Vancouver.

  • Inside Passage Cruise

    An Inside Passage Cruise is included, offering spectacular views of mountains, waterfalls, islands, and marine life.

  • VIA Rail's Skeena Train

    A journey on VIA Rail's Skeena train from Prince George to Prince Rupert is included.

  • Columbia Icefield Experience

    A ride on the Ice Explorer at the Columbia Icefield is included.

  • Orientation Tours

    Orientation tours are provided in Banff National Park, Jasper National Park, and Prince Rupert.

  • Ferry Crossing

    A ferry crossing from Victoria to Vancouver is included.

What's Not Included

  • Optional Excursions

    Optional excursions such as a helicopter ride over the Canadian Rockies, a float trip down the Athabasca River, a narrated cruise on Maligne Lake, and a visit to Butchart Gardens are not included.

  • Meals

    Meals are not included unless specified otherwise.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional activities, and other incidentals are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.

  • Gratuities

    Gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff are not included.

Notes

Early departures may not be able to visit Columbia Icefield, which opens in early May, or take the Maligne Lake & Spirit Island optional excursion, which opens in mid to late May. Visiting and participating in other activities in this region may be subject to favorable weather conditions and vendor dates of operation.

Maximum elevation on tour: 7,500 ft.

UNESCO Sites

Banff National Park|Jasper National Park

Accommodation

Calgary:Sandman Signature Calgary Downtown Hotel
Banff National Park:Rundlestone Lodge
Banff National Park:Irwin's Mountain Inn
Jasper National Park:Tonquin Inn
Prince George:Ramada Plaza Prince George
Prince Rupert:Crest Hotel
Port Hardy:Kwa'lilas Hotel
Victoria:Royal Scot Hotel & Suites
Vancouver:Sandman Signature Vancouver Airport

Mode of Transport

Travel includes a city tour of Calgary, a journey through the Canadian Rockies, a ride on the Ice Explorer, an all-daylight train journey on VIA Rail's Skeena, and an ocean voyage through the Inside Passage.

Check out our Q&As

  • What activities are available in Banff National Park?

    In Banff National Park, you can enjoy a variety of summer activities including hiking, boating, horseback riding, and fishing. Additionally, there is an optional helicopter ride offering spectacular views over the Canadian Rockies.

  • What can I expect during the Inside Passage Cruise?

    During the Inside Passage Cruise, you will experience one of the world's most beautiful ocean voyages with spectacular scenery including towering mountains, roaring waterfalls, endless islands, and virgin rainforests. Marine life such as sea lions, porpoises, and possibly killer whales can often be spotted. The cruise lasts approximately 16 hours.

  • What is included in the city tour of Calgary?

    The city tour of Calgary includes highlights such as downtown, Fort Calgary, Stampede Park, the Saddledome, and Canada Olympic Park.

  • What optional activities are available in Jasper National Park?

    In Jasper National Park, you can opt for a narrated cruise on Maligne Lake to see Spirit Island, or take a float trip down the Athabasca River. The park also offers guided hikes, quaint shops, and opportunities to see meandering wildlife.

  • What can I do during my free time in Victoria?

    During your free time in Victoria, you can explore the city, have high tea at the Empress Hotel, visit the Royal British Columbia Museum, or take an optional excursion to Butchart Gardens. You might also enjoy a relaxing stroll along the Waterfront Promenade.

  • What will I see on the VIA Rail Skeena train journey?

    On the VIA Rail Skeena train journey, you will travel through the majestic Coast Mountains and follow the Skeena River, often referred to as the 'River of Mists.' You may spot wildlife such as bald eagles, black bears, and moose. The journey retraces ancient First Nations trading routes and the paths of early fur traders.

  • What is the significance of the North Pacific Historic Fishing Village in Prince Rupert?

    The North Pacific Historic Fishing Village in Prince Rupert is a National Historic Site and British Columbia's oldest cannery village. During the guided tour, you will learn about the canning process and what life was like in the village during peak production in the last century.

  • What are some highlights of the city tour in Vancouver?

    The city tour in Vancouver includes highlights such as Stanley Park, Chinatown, the harbour, and beaches. You can also explore further by taking a water taxi to Granville Island or visiting historic Gastown.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1961

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Cosmos is committed to minimizing our impact on the environment and to reducing dependence on non-renewable resources. In this endeavor, we have implemented policies to support this mission and are working carefully to enhance our products with this mission and our values combined. We are committed to complying with all relevant legislation and/or regulations.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    All guests are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for travel through February, 2023. Beginning March 1, 2023, while we highly recommend vaccination, we will no longer require it. We ask all guests to comply with airline and destination requirements, which still may apply. To check your destination requirements for your travel dates, view the Latest Travel & Health Restrictions for Travel.

Reviews of this operator

Mrs Susan Hyland  

We have just returned from a Cosmos…

28-Sep-2022

We have just returned from a Cosmos tour- Gourmet Tuscany. We stayed in Montecatini Terme and traveled from there to many wonderful places, in towns and the fabulous Tuscan countryside. We visit Vineyards for wine tastings, farms for cooking lessons and lunches and dinners in authentic Italian restaurants. All assisted by a friendly, informative tour director. First class holiday

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Rick  

Excellent in every respect

08-Dec-2022

I recently did a 2-week "best of Italy" tour with this company. Our guide, Daniella, was fantastic, the itinerary was excellent and they catered for my rather difficult dietary requirements really well. Really happy and will certainly book with them again

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John Lomanno  

A wonderrful experience

09-Nov-2022

WE saw so much. The tour director Mladin was very knowledgeable and made the experience so enjoyable. The bus driver Paul was so nice and helpful. A couple of the hotels had no refrigerators to keep the water cold. We had to carry our own luggage to and from the rooms. There should have been porters to help us. Over all we had a great time.

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Bruce  

Old South &Florida tour

27-Oct-2022

Great organisation, tour guide(Kris) and driver(Tony) who went extra mile and good group of people from all over world. The hotels were excellent in New Orleans and Nashville and very good in other cities. The itinerary was well thought out with visits to Gracelands and Grande ole Oprey topping the bill. We added 3extra nights in New Orleans (giving us 6nights) which was absolutely fab and would advise anyone doing this tour that they consider some extra nights to see and do as much as you can

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Francine Ramos  

The tour director expertise and…

18-Dec-2022

The tour director expertise and personality made the trip all the more pleasant. No stress. The local guides as well added to the beauty of this trip. They were knowledgeable and personable. I also have to mention the travelers (the group of 21). The people were friendly an accommodating. This is my third trip with this tour company and I will continue to travel with this company due to excellent planning and customer service. Thank you

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Jun 08, 2025 - Jun 21, 2025
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Operator discount: -$389

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Operator discount: -$454

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Operator discount: -$454

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Operator discount: -$454

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Operator discount: -$454

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Operator discount: -$454

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Operator discount: -$454

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Cosmos requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of cosmos charges.

    Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.

    At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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