An itinerary that will take you to the remote north of the region, incorporating a ferry ride along the Inside Passage, sightings of grizzly bear from Prince Rupert, a journey across the top of British Columbia, a scenic drive along the Icefields Parkway and the option to enjoy the remarkable Skeena railroad.

Days 1 and 2 VANCOUVER

Lying between the Coast Mountain Range and the Pacific Ocean, Vancouver is one of the most scenic cities in the world. With quick and easy access to the Canadian Rockies and Vancouver Island, Vancouver makes a good start or end to your holiday. The city is the home port for Alaskan cruises, which operate between May and October. It also offers its visitors a wealth of activities, ranging from whale watching trips to seaplane rides.
Your boutique of a base will be the 60 room, Chicago inspired, contemporarily-flaired L’Hermitage on Robson Street, in the heart of Vancouver’s hottest shopping destination. 

Day 3 VICTORIA

Hop on a seaplane to Vancouver Island, comparable in size to England, stepping off in the charming, mild mannered Victoria, capital of British Columbia which has the ambience of an earlier England. Stroll along the waterfront, enjoy the gardens, visit the excellent Royal British Columbian Museum and maybe go whale watching. Stay at the Inn at Laurel Point.

Days 4 and 5 TOFINO

 Located on Vancouver Island’s West Coast, Tofino is a unique, temperate rainforest experience. With wild Pacific surf pounding the wide and sandy beaches, trees that seem to reach up forever and the beautiful mountains that frame the waters of Clayoquot Sound, Tofino is one of British Columbia’s ‘must see’ places. Wildlife viewing is also on the Tofino agenda. Specific trips we recommend include a tour featuring black bears and exploring the fjord inlets of Clayoquot Sound and whale watching by zodiac, the latter easily combined with a visit to nearby hot springs.
Your nights will be spent at Pacific Sands Beach Resort, located on the ocean and backed by towering trees. 

Days 6 and 7 QUADRA ISLAND

You’ll drive to the sheltered east coast for two nights at the April Point Resort. Facing the Inside Passage, there’s a wide range of activities on offer, an Aveda spa and a choice of room types. There’s no danger of boredom. The resort can arrange salmon fishing, whale watching, sunset cruises, trips across the water to its sister hotel Painter’s Lodge, kayaking, golf and wildlife tours.

Day 8 PORT HARDY

Stay overnight, for convenience rather than memorable luxury, at the Quarterdeck Inn and Marina Resort. Since there’s no rush to get to your final stop you might want to factor in a whale watching trip from Telegraph Cove.

Days 9 and 10 PRINCE RUPERT

 Catch the ‘Queen of the North’ ferry for a long day’s glorious cruise along the fabled Inside Passage. The stretch of protected waterways, carved by Ice Age glaciers a million years ago, is the most spectacular coastal cruising area on the planet. You’ll spend two nights at the Crest Hotel, leaving you time to visit Khutzeymateen, home to one of the world’s largest populations of grizzly bears.

Day 11 SMITHERS

 Drive from Prince Rupert to Smithers, the road following the highly scenic route carved by the Skeena River and hugging the track of the railway. You’ll spend the night at Hudson Bay Lodge.  If you'd prefer to travel from Prince Rupert to Jasper by the scenic Skeena railway, please ask one of our consultants for details.

Day 12 PRINCE GEORGE

 Continue on to Prince George where you’ll stay at the Coast Hotel.

Days 13 and 14 JASPER

There need never be an idle moment, especially if you are an active outdoor type.Take your pick from river rafting, wildlife viewing, a cruise on Lake Maligne, hiking, and a breathtaking ride on the country’s highest tramway, all of which we can book.
You’ll stay at the Pyramid Lake Resort, the only one in Jasper with exclusive access to the lake. All 62 rooms have views of the lake and the mountains as well as gas fireplaces. 

Day 15 LAKE LOUISE

Follow the super-scenic Icefields Parkway which parallels the Rockies’ highest, most rugged, saw-toothed peaks following a valley studded with lakes like spillages of brilliant paint. Stop at Lake Louise, where a sheer amphitheatre of mountains cradles a massive glacier, the entire scene perfectly mirrored in the still, pale waters of the lake, then press on to Moraine Lake, a turquoise milky medallion set at the foot of ten peaks each named after an Indian. You’ll stay at the Moraine Lake Lodge where, if you get up at first light, you’ll be able to watch the colours cast by the rising sun striking the wall of mountains. 

Day 16 BANFF

Follow the Bow Valley Parkway, which offers a fair chance of spotting elk, bighorn sheep, bears and deer, especially if you set off early in the morning. The town of Banff is the liveliest in any national park in North America and a hub for an extensive range of activities, from grizzly bear watching to horse riding, river rafting to a scenic helicopter tour. You should visit the Luxton Museum, which tells the story of the Plains Indians and their pursuit of the great buffalo herds, and take the Gondola ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain for an eagle’s perspective on the Rockies. You should also have time for a soak in the Cave and Basin hot springs, the font of Canada’s National Park system, and a visit to the Banff Springs hotel, an awesome, huge hybrid of Scottish castle and French chateau, with a touch of the Bavarian baronials. You’ll stay, however, at the nearby, more intimate Buffalo Mountain Lodge. 

Day 17: Fly Home from Calgary
Alternatively, if you want to extend your trip by two or three days, you could take the Rocky Mountaineer back to Vancouver or drive, a spectacular journey through the Yoho and Glacier National Parks and the vineyards and orchards of the Okanagan Valley.