The Best of British Columbia and Alberta

Overview

This 2 week itinerary encompasses the scenic highlights of Western Canada combining the Pacific Coast with the soaring peaks of the Rockies.

Day 1: Victoria

Upon arrival into Victoria you will be transferred to your hotel. Victoria is British Columbia's capital city, and is known worldwide for its temperate climate, stunning coastal setting and awe-inspiring visitor attractions. The rest of the day is at your leisure.. Your next 2 nights will be at the Fairmont Empress located on the Inner Harbour.

Day 2: Victoria

Today is free to explore Victoria, with its turn of the century architecture, British traditions such as high tea and shops full of woollens and china. Admission is included to the Butchart Gardens with its 50 acre display of magnificent colour. You may also wish to consider a whale watching trip on a zodiac in search of orcas, minke whales, grey whales, porpoises, harbour seals and other marine wildlife.

Day 3: Whistler

This morning collect your car and drive north to Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal for a 90 min Ferry ride (Ferry Toll Included) to Tsawwassen. On board BC ferries enjoy the scenery of the Gulf Islands as you cross the Strait of Georgia. From Tsawwassen continue through Vancouver to the Sea to Sky Highway to Whistler. Highlights along the way include the cascading Shannon Falls and the Stawamus Chief Rock where climbers from all over the world migrate to climb the granite cliffs.

Arrive into Whistler by early afternoon and spend your next 2 nights at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler located at the base of Blackcomb Mountain.

Day 4: Whistler

This charming alpine resort is nestled between world-renowned Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. Enjoy an extensive range of summer activities from golf on one of the 4 championship designer golf courses, water activities on any of the 5 lakes or numerous rivers, to mountain top dining or just relax and enjoy some of the many fine cafes, and restaurants if this European inspired alpine village. Experience the beauty of Whistler Blackcomb’s alpine environment via the newly opened Peak Adventure on Whistler Mountain. Take the Whistler Gondola (included May to September) to Whistler Mountain’s sub-alpine and then rise to over 7,000 feet via Whistler’s premier open chairlift. At the top of the Peak Chair, guests will be treated to unbelievable views of glaciers, extinct volcanoes, snow-capped peaks and more.

Day 5: Vancouver

Follow the Sea to Sky Highway back to Vancouver and drop off your car. Vancouver is one of the most scenic cities in the world. Vancouver's mild temperatures and bounty of rain are also owed to its location, making even the most urban of areas lush year round. Stanley Park—occupying 400 hectares (1000 acres) just north of downtown—is a flourishing example of how Vancouver balances nature with its urban identity. A quintessential west coast city, Vancouver appeals to millions of visitors who bask in all it offers, from its soothing beaches to its bustling streets. Its cosmopolitan character is reflected in areas like the very urban Robson Street—Canada's version of Rodeo Drive—contrasted by trendy Granville Island with its mix of cobblestone streets, artisan studios and eclectic market. The Greater Vancouver area will play host to the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. The rest of the day is at your leisure to explore this cosmopolitan city. Your next 2 nights will be at the Fairmont Waterfront offering spectacular water views.

Day 6: Vancouver

The day is yours to discover the coastal city of Vancouver. Canada’s third-largest metropolitan centre, Vancouver is a busy port with a multi-cultural ambiance. The spectacular setting invites you outdoors; explore the restaurants, shopping, galleries and museums, nightlife, entertainment and more.

Day 7: Rocky Mountaineer

At the Rocky Mountaineer station board the Rocky Mountaineer train on the First Passage to the West journey to Banff. Pass through the rich fields of the Fraser River valley and the towering peaks of the Coastal Mountains before entering the Fraser Canyon. Follow the Thompson River through spectacular landscapes to historic Kamloops. Breakfast and lunch is included onboard the train. Tonight overnight at a moderate hotel in Kamloops.

Day 8: Rocky Mountaineer

This morning depart Kamloops and follow the South Thompson River to Shuswap Lake with its thousands miles of shoreline. Pass Craigellachie where the ‘last spike’ was driven, completing the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1885. Enter Rogers Pass with its tunnels, snow-sheds and glistening glaciers. The Kicking Horse River leads you to Kicking Horse Pas, the Spiral Tunnels, then over the Continental Divide to Banff and Banff National Park. Breakfast and lunch is included onboard the train.

Your next 2 nights will be at the Fairmont Banff Springs, a hotel that has stood since 1888 as a statement to the grandeur of the Canadian Rockies. Modelled after a Scottish Baronial Castle the unmistakable air of timeless elegance is well complemented by contemporary service and facilities.

Day 9: Banff

This morning a half day whitewater tour that offers rating thrill and excitement has been included. The Bow River Horseshoe Canyon section has spectacular scenery, big waves and grade 3 to 4 whitewater. Located in the front ranges of the Rockies he Horseshoe offers some of the best scenery in the area. The Bow River gives a sense of remoteness complete with shale canyons and excellent opportunities to view large birds of prey. The rest of the afternoon is free to explore Banff and the surrounding area. In town you’ll find lots of excitement - shopping, cafés, nightlife, museums. Visit out the Cave and Basin National Historic Site, Banff Gondola where you will be greeted with a panoramic view of the Bow Valley, and then take a dip in the hot mineral pools at the Upper Hot Springs.

Day 10: Lake Louise

Drive the short journey from Banff to Lake Louise, Choose the Bow Valley Parkway, beside the Bow River with an option for you to take a stop at Johnston Canyon and walk along the paved footway to either the lower or upper waterfalls before continuing onto Lake Louise, the ‘Jewel of the Rockies’. Your next 2 nights will be spent at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise on the shore of the lake offering fantastic views.

Day 11: Lake Louise

Today is a free day at your leisure. Walk around Lake Louise or visit the nearby Moraine Lake.

Day 12: Jasper

Today travel through the spine of the Canadian Rockies along the amazing Icefield Parkway. You’ll be enthralled by the scenery, wildlife, incredible blue lakes and sparkling waterfalls en route. A stop at Peyto Lake along the way is a must. Don’t miss the Columbia Icefield for a ride onto the Athabasca Glacier onboard the Ice Explorer (included) before continuing your journey to Jasper. Your next 2 nights are at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge.

Day 13: Jasper

Explore this charming mountain village close to terrific scenic highlights. Take a tram up Whistlers mountain, or visit Maligne Lake, one of the most photographed lakes in the world, and enjoy a 90 minute cruise heading toward the south end of this postcard setting cruise not included). You will marvel at the magnificent shoreline with dense forest and glacial peaks rising abruptly from the water’s edge. Stopping at Spirit Island, you will have the opportunity to take your own version of the world famous photograph of the lake.

Day 14: Edmonton

Today continue on your final leg of the journey to Edmonton, the capital city of Alberta, well known for its scenic river valley and a thriving music and art community. Edmonton is home to North America's largest shopping and entertainment complex, West Edmonton Mall. More than just a shopping centre, West Edmonton Mall also has a giant water park, a man-made lake, a skating rink, two mini-golf courses, 21 movie theatres, a Vegas-style casino and an amusement park with 25 rides and attractions. Your overnight is at the Fairmont Hotel Macdonald located in the heart of the city.

Day 15: Homeward Bound

Your self drive terminates when you drop your car off at Edmonton airport.