Rockies Grandeur

Welcome to Canada! You will be met at Victoria International Airport and transferred to your hotel. This evening, meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers for a welcome dinner. (D)

This morning, visit the world-famous Butchart Gardens, a 22 hectare showplace of magnificent, colourful gardens. Learn about the history and flora while exploring the gardens. Afterwards, enjoy an orientation tour of Victoria’s Inner Harbour, Bastion Square, Beacon Hill and residential areas. There is free time to explore Victoria or allow Emerald to assist you in discovering more about this historic region. (B)

• DiscoverMORE Go whale watching, take a horse and carriage ride, Eat like a Canadian food tour, or enjoy a scenic float plane flight (extra expense)

After breakfast, drive north along Vancouver Island to Nanaimo. Board the BC Ferry and travel through the Georgia Strait to Horseshoe Bay. Journey inland along the Sea to Sky Highway as the road follows the rugged coastline with views of Horseshoe Bay on your left and forested parks and mountains on your right. You will have the chance to stop at the awesome Shannon Falls before arriving at the charming alpine resort of Whistler Village. This evening, you are free to explore the village’s cobbled pathways and plazas. (B)

Travel along the scenic Duffy Lake Road lined with thick forest, into the town of Lillooet. In the afternoon, head into the mountains to the picturesque village of Kamloops where the North and South Thompson rivers meet. (B/D)

Today, you will be rewarded with astounding views as you reach the grandeur of the Canadian Rockies. Travel through British Columbia and into Alberta, enjoying glimpses of the soaring mountains as you make your way through the three spectacular national parks of Mount Revelstoke, Glacier and Yoho. Travel from primeval forests to Ice Age glaciers, waterfalls and mountain peaks. Late this afternoon, we arrive into Banff National Park. (B)

A full day at leisure for you to enjoy Banff and its many sights and attractions. (B)

• DiscoverMORE Take a breathtaking helicopter flight, ride the Banff Gondola or relax on a float trip along the river (extra expense)

Start the day with a tour of Banff including the Bow River and Bow Falls. Continue along the Trans-Canada Highway past Castle Mountain and Mount Temple to Lake Louise, the “Diamond in the Wilderness”. Enjoy some free time taking in the spectacular scenery. Your destination today is Emerald Lake, so named because of the vibrant colour of its glacier fed waters. Overnight stay at Emerald Lake Lodge, which sits right on the shores of the lake surrounded by towering peaks and forests. (B/D)

This morning, we travel north along the Icefields Parkway, acclaimed as one of the most spectacular journeys in the world. Enjoy breathtaking mountain scenery as you pass rugged peaks and glaciers fringed by thick forest and shimmering lakes. We make a stop at the Columbia Icefield, North America’s largest sub-polar ice pack, where you’ll climb aboard the ‘Ice Explorer’ for a once-in-a-lifetime journey onto the mighty 300 metre thick Athabasca Glacier.

The day’s end finds us in Jasper National Park, an alpine wonderland of pristine wilderness and abundant wildlife. Enjoy a leisurely walk along the Flower Trail, which offers stunning views of the Athabasca River, surrounding mountains, and vibrant wildflowers. Wander through peaceful forests and open meadows while taking in the cool, calming atmosphere by the river before enjoying the Horns and Antlers presentation. (B/D)

Set off on a two day rail experience on “The Most Spectacular Train Journey in the World”. Settle back in your SilverLeaf carriage (upgrade to GoldLeaf at additional expense). Enjoy incredible views of the soaring mountains including Canada’s highest peak, the awesome 3954 metre Mount Robson as you journey towards Kamloops. (B/L)

Continue your journey on board the Rocky Mountaineer following the Thompson River and passing through the magnificent Fraser Valley. Late afternoon, we arrive into Vancouver. (B/L/D)

Today, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Vancouver including Stanley Park, famous for its totem poles, the waterfront, Gastown and Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. Make your way across this spectacular suspension bridge, 70 metres above the Capilano River, and join the award winning Treetops Adventure along a series of elevated walkways. This afternoon, transfer to Vancouver Airport to board your homeward flight (book flight after 3pm), or consider taking in more of Vancouver with some post tour accommodation.

The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Emerald Tours cannot guarantee the tour will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information. (B)