Overview
Devour the majestic scenery of four national parks – Glacier, Yoho, Banff, and Jasper – get a taste of resort life in renowned Whistler, sip your way through the vineyards of charming lakeside Kelowna, and clink your glasses to mountains of fun. Make a grand holiday even grander by adding a leisurely Alaska cruise to your tour of Western Canada. While your ship will sail through the glacial beauty of the Inside Passage, Tracy Arm, and Glacier Bay National Park, you’ll personally cruise through several exciting ports of call, including the capital city of Juneau, the gold rush town of Skagway, and totem-pole-dotted Ketchikan.
Itinerary
Welcome to Vancouver!
At 6 pm, meet your travel companions for a welcome drink. Your Tour Director will prepare you for your upcoming adventure.
Bountiful Beauty
Depart Vancouver and travel into the agricultural region of the Okanagan Valley to the thriving lakefront resort community of Kelowna. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant tonight. (B/D)
Breathtaking Banff
Drive east and enjoy the panoramic vistas of peaks exceeding 10,000 feet on Rogers Pass at the summit in Canada's Glacier National Park. Continue over the Continental Divide into Alberta before descending Kicking Horse Pass into Banff National Park. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - PICTURE PERFECT: Get ready for a spectacular adventure to explore the beauty of Rocky Mountain peaks, turquoise glacial lakes in Banff National Park - Canada's first national park. This awe-inspiring natural wonder, where soaring peaks and sapphire lakes meet the heavens for a breathtaking experience like no other on Earth!
Heavenly Heights
Breakfast this morning is served on top of Sulphur Mountain. Take a scenic ride on the Banff Gondola to the top of the mountain and then enjoy spectacular views of the valley below as you savour a flavourful meal. Additional sightseeing in Banff includes a visit to Bow Falls. The balance of the day is at leisure. Consider an optional helicopter flightseeing trip for a bird's-eye view of the Rockies. (B)
LOCAL FAVOURITE - EPIC RIDE: Soar to the top of the world on the Banff Gondola ride to the summit of Sulphur Mountain. Enjoy breakfast and be in awe of the magnificent, natural beauty of the Canadian Rockies with breathtaking views you'll never forget.
Rocky Mountain Majesty
Visit Lake Louise, whose blue-green waters form a perfect mirror reflection of Mount Victoria. Continue on the awe-inspiring Icefields Parkway past towering peaks and immense hanging glaciers to the Columbia Icefield for a thrilling ride on the Ice Explorer. Discover the power of nature as you drive on the Athabasca Glacier. Continue along the Icefields Parkway to Jasper National Park. Tonight, enjoy a special fireside chat with drumming, singing, and indigenous stories shared by the legendary Warrior Women. (B/D)
LOCAL FAVOURITE - CULTURE & TRADITIONS: "Tell me the facts and I'll learn. Tell me the truth and I'll believe. But tell me a story and it will live in my heart forever." So goes the powerful heartbeat of Mother Earth relayed in the stories and songs of Jasper's Warrior Women. Gather ‘round the fire to hear unforgettable indigenous stories and moving music performed with a passion for sharing tradition and culture.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - EPIC RIDE: Be moved by an expedition across the Athabasca Glacier. Traverse this massive glacier aboard the all-terrain Columbia Ice Explorer and walk on the surface where the Earth's geology is changing beneath your feet. Feel the force of nature's strength on an ancient glacier that still carves the face of the Rocky Mountains today.
Spectacular Jasper National Park
Enjoy a short orientation tour to see Jasper's unspoiled beauty, followed by an excursion to glacial Maligne Lake for a narrated cruise to Spirit Island. Cruise on clear azure waters amid lofty snow-capped peaks and learn the history of Spirit Island. On the return journey, stop to view Maligne Canyon. Balance of the day is at leisure to explore Jasper on your own. Perhaps take an optional float trip down the historic Athabasca River, where your experienced guide will navigate as you absorb the splendour of Jasper National Park. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - NATURAL WONDERS: Spanning nearly 4,250 square miles of spectacular natural beauty, Jasper is the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies. Its vast wilderness, majestic peaks, abundant wildlife, and breathtaking panoramic sights lie below an incredible Dark Sky to thrill stargazers as well. A cruise to Spirit Island on the turquoise waters of Maligne Lake is a spectacular sight to behold as one of the most photographed locations in the world for its jaw-dropping beauty.
Historic British Columbia
Scenic drive on Yellowhead Highway past Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, en route to Kamloops. (B)
FREE TIME TIPS - EXPLORE MORE: in Kamloops with a stroll through downtown to find a wealth of shops, cafes, and eateries amid a vibrant local art and cultural scene in this outdoor mecca for hikers, skiers, and nature lovers. Take a walk through picturesque Riverside Park along the Thompson River for a touch of natural beauty in the heart of this modern city with its roots in 10,000 years of its Native Peoples and early 19th-century fur trading and gold prospecting. Check with your Tour Director for the best way to explore Kamloops or get the maps and tips you need on your handy GlobusGO mobile app!
Alpine Adventures
Travel to the alpine resort of Whistler, nestled at the base of breathtaking Blackcomb Mountain, for a 2-night stay at the luxury basecamp, the Fairmont Chateau. The evening is free with time to explore. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - ACCOMMODATION SPOTLIGHT: The luxurious Fairmont Chateau Whistler resort is located at the base of Blackcomb Mountain where you'll enjoy spectacular mountain setting in this stunning architecture that blends with the natural alpine views. Relax in the spa, by the pool, or with a stroll through the Olympic village. Your Tour Director and GlobusGO mobile app have plenty of expert tips, maps, and more.
Alpine Adventures
Full free day to explore all that Whistler has to offer. (B)
FREE TIME TIPS - EXPLORE MORE: in Whistler. You might enjoy a trip on Whistler's Peak2Peak Gondola, connecting Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. Enjoy spectacular scenery and incredible photo opportunities as you travel via the longest unsupported gondola span in the world. Other options include a walk in the treetops, a sightseeing excursion by air, shopping in the village, or just relaxing at your resort.
Ancient Traditions
Enjoy a visit and private breakfast at the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre, dedicated to the history and culture of the First Nations people. Then travel west to catch a BC Ferry to Vancouver Island for Victoria, said to be the most British city outside of Britain. See major attractions on your city orientation tour, including the Fairmont Empress Hotel, Bastion Square, and Thunderbird Park. (B)
LOCAL FAVOURITE - CULTURAL GEMS: Visit the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre before opening hours where you will be greeted with a First Nations welcome followed by breakfast. The centre is a spectacular setting, which brings to life the history of Native peoples whose traditions and beautiful culture still resonate today.
The Grandest of Gardens
This morning and afternoon are free to explore on your own; your Tour Director may recommend an optional wildlife and whale-watching trip. For shoppers, Government Street's elegant shops and Market Square's collection of specialty stores are good places to start. Later, visit world-famous Butchart Gardens, followed by a special dinner in the former greenhouse, renovated to the Blue Poppy Restaurant. (B/D)
LOCAL FAVOURITE - PICTURE PERFECT: Butchart Gardens, named for the woman who founded this botanical oasis of blooming shades and horticultural design, is a National Historic site for its legacy and lush treasure of millions of flowering beds and over 900 varieties of plants in exquisitely landscaped gardens bring fairytales to life.
British Columbia Treasures
Board a BC Ferry and cross the Strait of Georgia through the spectacular Gulf Islands, an archipelago known for its Mediterranean-type climate. Tour Vancouver, including the waterfront, Chinatown, and Stanley Park with its old-growth evergreen forests and totem poles. In the evening, join your Tour Director and fellow travel companions for a festive farewell dinner tonight. (B/D)
Safe travels until we meet again!
The tour ends today with guests departing on individual schedules. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- 12 Breakfasts
- 4 Dinners
- Vancouver Georgian Court Hotel (Superior First-Class)
- Kelowna Delta Grand Okanagan Resort (Superior First-Class)
- Banff Banff Park Lodge (First-Class)
- Jasper Forest Park Hotel (First-Class)
- Kamloops Sandman Signature Hotel (First-Class)
- Whistler Fairmont Chateau Whistler Resort (Deluxe)
- Victoria Marriott Victoria Inner Harbour (Superior First-Class)
- Airport transfers at your arrival and departure destination are not included in the price of the tour.
- Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.
- Visiting and participating in activities in this region may be subject to favourable weather conditions.
Globus includes all must-see sites, with special VIP access that lets you skip to the front of the queue. Read more
Globus has the recipe for a great holiday. Savour the flavours of Canada & Alaska through its regional cuisine. Read more
Travel with expert Tour Directors and Local Guides who share their vast knowledge of Canada & Alaska. Read more
Globus' selection of hotels in unforgettable places ensure you stay right in the heart of each destination. Read more
Globus' coaches offer one of the most comfortable, stress-free and eco-friendly ways to travel. Read more
Do as the locals do and enjoy unique experiences that you wouldn't find touring on your own. Read more
Trip Reviews (12) View All Most Recent 'Grand Western Canada Vacation' Reviews
Shelley our tour guide was very experienced and gave excellent ...read more commentary on the sights were visited. She provided a great selection of music by Canadian singers on the coach during the long driving sections. Our coach driver Neil was a very safe driver and at no stage did we feel unsafe.
The accommodation was a mix of 5 and 4 star hotels providing great room facilities and excellent breakfast choices.
The 4 dinner restaurants chosen by Globus were excellent. Especially the backup restaurant at Jasper when the hotel restaurant we were booked in for had lost power due to powerlines being damaged in the strong winds. The first dinner restaurant was in Kelowna at King Taps. Wow what a meal. The food provided was a mixed selection from the menu supplied in a family meal format for the 3 tables. Quality and quantity was excellent.
The tour started on the 10 June 2024 and finished on 22 Jun. This was an ideal time to travel as Lake Louise and other lakes such as Maligne Lake had all melted.
The Globus itinerary and the optional excursions provided a great scenic tour of the Canadian Rockies, Whistler and Victoria and Vancouver. This tour is very highly recommended for mature aged travelers who wish to go on a fully escorted small group tour.
The tour director, Brad Noyes, was exceptional. His commentaries on Canada's history, the country's current issues and his love of the Rockies kept the group informed, but he added an extra that was also welcome. As we came into a town where we were to spend a night or two, he took the coach around the town, pointing out likely places of interest, eating places and even the ubiquitous Irish Pub. Those travelling from Australia in Canada's 'summer' should acquaint themselves with what the Canadians call 'layers'. The mornings in the Rockies can drop to close to 0C, the days to a top of 15C: 28C is described as 'hot'. Pack a jumper and other warm clothing before you go, especially for Maligne Lake. As for Global Journeys, and Jemma who organised the trip, thank you for the professional way you handled it all.
I chose this tour for the photo opportunities with ...read more the beautiful Canadian Rockies and the wildlife and I wasn't disappointed. Great tour overall and I would recommend it to others.
Only downside was that the last 2 days was a hurry to get back to Vancouver which we found to be more tiring and not enjoyable. Maybe it is different to go on the anti-clockwise ...read more direction tour.
Availability
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Globus. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Globus. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
