Canadian Rockies and Pacific Coast

Canadian Rockies and Pacific Coast

10K Views
15 Days From

$6330

Canadian Rockies and Pacific Coast

15 Days Starting in Calgary and ending in Vancouver

Visiting: Vancouver, Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, Nanaimo, Whistler, Clearwater, Wells Gray Provincial Park, Jasper National Park Of Canada, Canmore, Banff National Park, Kananaskis, Calgary

Tour operator:

Explore!

Tour code:

RK

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

4 - 12

Physical rating:

Moderate

Age range:

16-

Special diets catered:

Vegans, Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Adventure Tours

From: $6330

NB: Prices correct on 23-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

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

Tour Overview

Journey across the rugged Rockies and along the wild Pacific Coast, soaking up majestic scenery, towering mountains, and glacial lakes. From the flora and fauna of Banff National Park to the lush rainforests of Vancouver Island, this tour whisks you through Canada's most iconic landscapes. Along the way, get closer to Canadian culture, stopping in quaint resort towns and bustling cities.

Vancouver Island - Experience a new way of island living by exploring Vancouver Island's verdant rainforest.

Banff National Park - Soak up the postcard-perfect vistas of this bucket-list National Park, including the unreal blue hue of Lake Louise.

Icefields Parkway - Take in the scenery along the famous Parkway, spotting the mighty Athabasca Glacier (and possibly moose, elk and bear) as we go.

Highlights

  • Discover the majesty of Canada's great outdoors, travelling between Vancouver and Calgary

  • Walk trails in Banff and Jasper National Parks and look for grizzly and black bear

  • Explore the wildly beautiful Vancouver Island and the Pacific Coast

Places You'll See

Niagara Falls

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Join Tour In Calgary

Location: Vancouver

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Ramada Plaza Calgary Downtown

Our tour of the Rockies and Pacific Coast starts in Calgary. This dynamic city is a rich fusion of modern architecture and traditional heritage, where the pioneering history of the Canadian West is woven into everyday life.



Due to the number of flights arriving into Calgary late in the day, our tour leader - who for the duration of the tour will also be our driver - will meet you in the hotel reception on the morning of day two. A message will be left at reception with details of timings as well as anything else you'll need for the day. There are no activities planned today, so you're free to arrive at any time. If you'd like an airport transfer, you'll need to arrive into Calgary International Airport (YYC), which is a 20-minute drive from the hostel.



If your flight arrives earlier in the day, you might like to explore the city and soak up the friendly ambience. Filled with museums, shops and cafes, the centre of the city is a great place to meander and take in Calgary's culture, as well as the ever-present mountains that provide an awe-inspiring backdrop.

Day 2: Visit Calgary, Drive To Canmore, Explore Kananaskis Country

Location: Vancouver

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Quality Resort Chateau Canmore

We'll waste no time this morning, taking a quick drive through the centre of Calgary as we head west into the Rockies, their peaks rearing up in the background like a distant tidal wave. To the west of Calgary lie the stunning landscapes of Kananaskis Country, Alberta's breathtaking mountain playground. Driving out of the city, we'll head along the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) towards the Peter Lougheed Provincial Park. This landscape is home to bears, elk, moose, and mountain lions.



Our base for the next three nights will be the small town of Canmore, situated in the picturesque Bow Valley. Described as the gateway to the Rockies, it's the perfect starting point for exploring the nearby Kananaskis Country and Banff National Park.



This afternoon, we'll head into Kananaskis country and the valleys of this region on foot. We'll look to take a hike on either the Ptarmigan Cirque Trail or the Grassi Lakes Trail - each one a well-marked path approximately four kilometres (2.5 miles) in length. Each hike involves a steady climb from the outset with a steady descent to return, with an average of 250 metres accumulated ascent and descent. We expect these trails to take between 1.5 - 2 hours.

Day 3: Full Day Visit To Lake Louise And Moraine Lake

Location: Pacific Rim National Park Reserve

Accommodation: Resort

Accommodation Name: Quality Resort Chateau Canmore

Over the next two days, we'll explore the majestic peaks and glacial lakes of Banff National Park. We'll be following well-marked trails to uncover stunning vistas and perfumed pine forests. We'll take the hour-long drive this morning to postcard-perfect Lake Louise and its next-door neighbour, Moraine Lake. Tom Wilson, the first white Canadian to see Lake Louise, when he was led there by a local native in 1882, wrote 'I never, in all my explorations of these five chains of mountains throughout western Canada, saw such a matchless scene… I felt puny in body but glorified in spirit and soul'. Despite the increasing number of visitors to the lake, it's still possible to experience the awe Wilson had when he first laid eyes on it.



At Lake Louise we plan to head out on foot along the Lake Agnes trail. This hike is steep, so be prepared for an initial ascent through dense forest. When the trees start to thin, we'll keep our eyes peeled for the dazzle of the lake below, as the path slows into switchbacks that lead us more gently to the summit. We're rewarded for our efforts with the promise of refreshments at the Lake Agnes Tea House, before returning the same way that we came up. The total length of the trail is seven kilometres (4.5 miles) and may take approximately 3 hours. If you'd prefer a less active option, enjoying a drink on the terrace of the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise or taking a stroll around the perimeter of the lake offer a more leisurely way to soak up the views. During the summer months, once the lake is fully defrosted, canoes are also available for hire.

Day 4: Walk On The Medecine Trail With An Indigenous Guide; Optional Aerial Tram Ride Up Sulphur Mountain

Location: Pacific Rim National Park Reserve

Accommodation: Resort

Accommodation Name: Quality Resort Chateau Canmore

We'll drive from Canmore to Banff this morning, towards the beautiful meadows of Cascade Ponds. Here, we set out on foot with a local and knowledgeable indigenous guide from the Cree Iroquois community, to explore the Medecine Trail, an easy walk of around 1.5km (one mile). Working with a female-owned indigenous organisation, this walk aims to connect travellers with the land, as the guide shares their traditions and knowledge of the plants and wildlife around them.



We're free this afternoon to discover Banff, a quaint resort town that exudes Canadian spirit. For those who want to explore further, there'll be an optional excursion by aerial tram to the top of Sulphur Mountain - if the weather is clear, the views across the Rockies are breathtaking. History fans might like to take a trip to the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies, a small but fascinating collection of art and heritage materials that preserves and showcases the history and ideas of mountain cultures, For the more active amongst us, there's also the chance to hike up Tunnel Mountain, a popular self-guided hike that starts in the town itself and rewards walkers for their uphill efforts with spectacular views of the town and forest below.

Day 5: Drive To Jasper National Park Via Icefields Parkway

Location: Nanaimo

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Beckers Chalet

Today, we'll drive along one of the world's top scenic highways, the Icefield Parkway. Spectacular scenery unfolds at every turn, and we'll likely encounter wildlife along the road too.



We'll continue northwards and pass alongside the Columbia Icefield where we'll stop to marvel at the Athabasca Glacier. For those feeling adventurous, there'll be the option to take a guided hike onto the glacial ice - this should be booked at the start of your trip, our tour leader will give you more information.



Afterwards, we'll continue up the scenic highway towards Jasper, making more stops en route. If you're hoping to spot a grizzly, our eagle-eyed tour leader will keep an eye out for bears while we travel.



Our journey today may take up to 10 hours as we'll make a variety of stops along the route.

Day 6: Search For Wildlife In Jasper National Park

Location: Whistler

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Beckers Chalet

We'll start today with a short hike (approximately four kilometres) on an easy boardwalk in Maligne Canyon, taking in the stunning views over the water that leaps and pummels its way through the narrow canyon.



After our visit to the canyon, we'll drive to the enormous Maligne Lake where there is the option to take a boat trip, or to take an easy walk on one of the trails surrounding the lake. The rest of the day is free to explore the town of Jasper and the surrounding area. Keep your eyes peeled for the wildlife that roams freely here, including wapiti, elk, moose, and bear. There'll be the option to white water raft on the Athabasca River, or you might like to take the Jasper Tramway to the high alpine terrain of Whistlers Mountain - so named thanks to the whistling sounds made by the marmots that live there.

Day 7: Head To Clearwater Via Mount Robson

Location: Clearwater

Accommodation: Lodge

Accommodation Name: Best Western Plus Gateway to the Falls

This morning, we'll head northwest along Highway 16, through Mount Robson Provincial Park. Along the way, we'll get to see Mount Robson itself, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies (3954m). It's so tall that it has its own weather patterns and, if we're lucky, we'll be able to view it from top to bottom. From here, we'll enjoy a hike along Fraser Canyon to Overlander Falls (a one-kilometre/45-minute walk) before continuing to Clearwater.

Day 8: Visit The Wells Gray Provincial Park

Location: Wells Gray Provincial Park

Accommodation: Lodge

Accommodation Name: Best Western Plus Gateway to the Falls

This morning, we'll head out to the nearby Wells Gray Provincial Park, home to Helmcken Falls, which (at 127 metres) is higher than Niagara Falls. There are unexpectedly spectacular views from all along the park entrance road and great opportunities for wildlife spotting.



We'll spend the day here travelling along the park road and making stops at the many waterfalls and lakes along the way, taking walks and exploring the area on foot. As well as Helmcken Falls, we'll visit Spahats Creek, from where we can take an easy walk to the 61-metre high Spahats Falls. These impressive falls cascade down through layers of pinky-red volcanic rock, and from the observation point we should also have a great view down the Clearwater Valley. The rest of our itinerary for the day will rely on our Tour Leader; we might visit the spectacular Dawson Falls, walking to its two viewpoints and feeling its mighty spray. We may also visit Shadow Lake, a peaceful wilderness that has some great birding opportunities, or Clearwater Lake, with its lakeshore trail and peaceful atmosphere. While our Tour Leader will make decisions on the spot, we can expect to be outdoors for much of the day with a variety of short walks on offer.

Day 9: Journey To Whistler

Location: Jasper National Park Of Canada

Accommodation: Miette Mountain Cabins (or similar)

Accommodation Name: Aava Hotel

We'll have a long drive, around six hours, ahead of us today, as we travel south to Whistler. En route, we'll make various stops to soak up the scenery. We'll travel through the mountains of interior British Colombia, the landscape changing with the shifting climate, stopping at several viewpoints such as Seton or Kalamalka Lake to stretch our legs.



This evening, we'll enjoy a meal in one of Whistler's many restaurants and, for those who wish, follow it up with a night on the town.

Day 10: Free Day In Whistler, Walk Or Take Cable Car Ride

Location: Jasper National Park Of Canada

Accommodation: Miette Mountain Cabins (or similar)

Accommodation Name: Aava Hotel

Today is free to enjoy Whistler and the variety of activities on offer here. You might like to take a cable car up one of the nearby peaks and hike a trail. There are plenty of trails in and around Whistler, taking in either the rugged mountains or the peaceful shores. Alternatively, a visit to the Lil'wat Cultural Center in nearby Squamish provides rich insight into the indigenous heritage of the Squamish and Lil'wat Nations.

Day 11: Ferry To Nanaimo, Drive To Pacific Rim National Park

Location: Canmore

Accommodation: Resort

Accommodation Name: Canadian Princess Resort

This morning, we'll follow Route 99 (more famously known as the Sea to Sky Highway) toward the Pacific Coast and Vancouver. We'll continue to Horseshoe Bay from where we'll catch the ferry across to Nanaimo on Vancouver Island. Although the island stretches almost 500 kilometres from north to south, it has a population of just 500,000 and, with its numerous provincial parks, it's easy to escape into the wilderness.



En route to Pacific Rim National Park, we'll stop in MacMillan Provincial Park where we'll take a short walk to the famous Cathedral Grove, a striking group of huge Douglas Firs. Some of these incredible trees reach up to 70 metres high, are two metres thick and are estimated to be up to 1000 years old.



We'll then continue to the National Park which stretches for 130 kilometres and is teeming with mountains, coastal rainforest, wild beaches, and unkempt marine landscapes. We'll spend tonight in Ucluelet near Tofino.



Including time spent on the ferry, our journey today may take approximately eight or nine hours.

Day 12: Free Day For Optional Whale Watching Or Sea Kayaking

Location: Banff National Park

Accommodation: Resort

Accommodation Name: Canadian Princess Resort

Today we're free to choose from a variety of activities. The two most popular excursions are both out to sea. The more energetic amongst us might like to explore the wild coastline and hidden coves by kayak. Alternatively, there'll be the chance to go whale watching from one of the coastal villages in the park. There'll also be the opportunity to go black bear watching from a zodiac boat or take an optional walk along one of the park's many trails. For a chance to interact further with the island's First Nations peoples, there is the option to take a water taxi to Meares Island, and be guided by a local from the Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations group along the Big Tree Trail, through old growth forest and past some of the largest trees in British Columbia.



Our local guide will be on hand to organise these trips.

Day 13: Drive To Victoria, Free Time To Explore

Location: Banff National Park

Accommodation: Resort

Accommodation Name: Huntingdon Manor Hotel

We'll head south today, away from the wilderness of the Pacific Rim National Park and towards the much gentler scenery of Victoria. On the way, we'll make stops to view the totem poles carved by the First Nations of the North West Coast. In 1884 the Federal Government outlawed 'pot latching' and this unique art form nearly died out. Fortunately, in recent times, there has been a revived interest in this proud tradition and the totems that can be found along this stretch of coast are strong reminders of the island's native people.



This afternoon, we'll have free time to explore Victoria. We highly recommend visiting the Royal British Columbia Museum or grabbing a seat at one of the pavement cafes to watch the world pass by.

Day 14: Ferry To Vancouver And Orientation Tour

Location: Kananaskis

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Century Plaza

Vancouver (the Jewel of North America) beckons us today. As cosmopolitan as the city is, reaching to the Pacific Ocean and surrounded by Mount Seymour and Grouse Mountain, it's impossible to forget Canada's abundant natural beauty.



During the afternoon, we'll have a brief orientation tour, as well as the opportunity to discover Stanley Park (optional). Later this evening, we recommend a visit to Gastown, an upbeat neighbourhood with plenty of local restaurants and bars.

Day 15: Trip Ends In Vancouver

Location: Calgary

Our tour of the Rockies and Pacific Coast ends at our hotel in Vancouver.



There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you'd like an airport transfer, you need to depart from Vancouver International Airport (YVR), around a 40-minute drive from the hotel.

What's Included

  • Meals
    None

  • Accommodation

    2 nights comfortable cabins

    10 nights comfortable hotel

    2 nights comfortable lodge

  • Airport Transfers at Destination

  • Fully Guided

  • No meals included

What's Not Included

  • 1 bottle of Mineral Water per person per day

  • Country Entry Visas

  • meals

  • Tipping and Gratuities

Why Book this Tour

This adventure is designed for people who enjoy walking and being in the outdoors. The itinerary captures some of Canada's most beautiful landscapes, taking in the mountain-flanked lakes, glaciers and rivers of the Rockies, through to the rainforest found on Vancouver Island. Walks vary in difficulty but the tour leader will always suggest easier route options if necessary. Wildlife fans will not be disappointed, with the opportunitiy to spot bear, moose, elk and even whales on this varied journey through Western Canada.

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Check out our Q&As

  • What is the fitness level required to do this tour?

    Moderate

  • Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?

    Yes

  • What is the maximum group size?

    12

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    Yes

  • What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?

    2 nights comfortable cabins

    10 nights comfortable hotel

    2 nights comfortable lodge

  • Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?

    Yes

  • I'm going on a walking/cycling trip-do I need to train?

    It will depend on the grade and how fit you already are. Check the trip page for details of the walking or cycling grade and how far you’ll be walking/cycling each day. For moderate or challenging trips in particular we’d recommend doing some walks or cycles before you leave to build up your fitness and prepare you for the distances being covered.

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    We have a wide range of ages nationalities on our small group trips and they come from all walks of life.

  • Should I get travel insurance?

    Yes–it is a condition of booking that you are fully insured when travelling with us

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    At Explore, we're the experts in adventure travel. Our small group adventure holidays have been running since 1981. Today, Explore is one of the most trusted travel companies in the UK with over 500 trips to more than 120 countries.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    Yes, but there are no concessions for doing so, and we must have a record in your booking advising as such before the trip departs.

  • Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?

    Being a responsible company is a large statement, something that has to be entwined within the very fibre of a company. Discover the charities and partnerships we support as part of this at https://www.explore.co.uk/about/sustainability/charities-and-partners

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

    We want to be as clear as and as honest as possible about what happens if you decide to that you no longer wish to travel on your trip. Our booking conditions have details of the costs you’ll incur when you cancel-these charges depend on how long it is before your planned departure.

  • What is the accommodation like?

    We choose comfortable accommodation in the best locations possible. We opt for small, local and family-run accommodation where we can, as opposed to large chain hotels. We typically use hotels that are the equivalent of European 3-star, and you’ll usually have an en suite room. Occasionally, where we want to get off the beaten trail we may stay in more basic accommodation.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Sustainability is embedded within the fibre of Explore, it emanates from the inside out. But as we enter a new decade it is clearer than ever that our world needs help, and Explore has created a sustainability strategy based on the 2015 UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Our flexible booking and safety policies mean you're protected before and during your travels with us. Receive a full refund if your trip is cancelled, transfer your trip free of charge up to 10 days before departure minus any irrocoverable costs.

  • Do I need to be very fit to book with you?

    All our trips require some level of active participation. This could be on a cultural trip, trek, safari, expedition or voyage. It is in the interests of all members of the group that everyone should be capable of fully participating in the activities of their chosen trip.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Final documents will include a comprehensive trip itinerary, climate and country information, budgeting and packing advice visa and passport information and details on optional activities available.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Yes on most of our trips. Most trips are based on customers sharing twin-bedded rooms. If you book a group trip as an individual, you will share a room with someone of the same sex. However, on many trips we offer the opportunity to pay a supplement to pre-book a single room, known as our single room option. On some trips a single room will be provided every night, on others it will be provided o

  • Do we have to be vaccinated against Covid-19 to travel

    It’s now a condition of booking a trip with us that customers should have one of the following before they travel - — Be vaccinated against COVID, having received the full recommended course, and allowing enough time for immunity to take effect. Full vaccination includes any booster required to keep the vaccine valid. — Have taken a negative test (rapid antigen or PCR) within 72hrs of departure.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Explore will only offer hotels that have specific COVID-19 protocols in place and comply with local government guidelines. We will ensure these measures include; enhanced room cleaning, ventilation, social distancing, regular cleaning and disinfection of high frequency touch points in public areas, food safety, staff re-training and minimising contact within the properties.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

Janice  

Rocky Mountains and the Pacific Coast

It was an amazing trip. There were so many wonderf

It was an amazing trip. There were so many wonderful sights and we covered a large area, giving us an impressive insight into life in British Columbia, the Rockies and the Pacific Coast. I would highly recommend it.

Ewen  

Rocky Mountains and the Pacific Coast

Magnificent scenery and wildlife, great itinerary,

Magnificent scenery and wildlife, great itinerary, excellent tour leader.

Russell  

Rocky Mountains and the Pacific Coast

Excellent route and itinerary and with a few fine

Excellent route and itinerary and with a few fine tweaks to the location of hotels (to trim mileage when doing daily excursions eg Canmore) and importance of decent walks to break long journeys, this would move up from 'good' overall to 'excellent'

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Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Explore! allows you to make 1 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 70 days before the start of the tour.

  • Low Deposit

    Explore! requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

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

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.

    At 41 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.

    At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.

    At 13 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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