11 days (CVGJ)

Itinerary

Day 1Calgary 

Welcome to Calgary! This evening, mix and mingle with your traveling companions at the 6 p.m. WELCOME RECEPTION. Your Tour Director will prepare you for your upcoming adventure. (WR)

Day 2Calgary–Banff

Begin your morning with a journey to the top of CALGARY TOWER for a special breakfast and beautiful 360-degree views of Calgary and the Rocky Mountains. Continue on a morning tour to see Calgary’s major sights, including Stampede Park and Saddledome Stadium, and visit FORT CALGARY. Then enter the scenic heart of the Canadian Rockies—BANFF NATIONAL PARK, Canada’s oldest national park. Afternoon sightseeing includes a ride on the BANFF GONDOLA up Sulphur Mountain, with stops at the Hoodoos along the Bow River and at Bow Falls. (B,D)

Day 3At Leisure in Banff National Park

A free day at leisure to enjoy the tranquil setting of this resort renowned for its majestic mountains. You may wish to sign up for the float trip down the Bow River, play golf, shop, hike the wilderness trails, or explore some of the local historic attractions and museums. (B)

Day 4Banff–Lake Louise

Fabulous scenery with lots of photo stops en route to Lake Louise. See the Natural Bridge spanning the Kicking Horse River, Emerald Lake, and Moraine Lake. Overnight accommodations are at the famous Chateau Lake Louise, which is located on the shoreline of the lake. (B,D)

Day 5Lake Louise–Columbia Icefield–Jasper

Follow the Icefields Parkway and head for JASPER NATIONAL PARK. Then climb Sunwapta Pass for stunning vistas of alpine meadows, waterfalls, and glaciers. Next is the highlight of the day: stop at the 1,000-foot-thick Columbia Icefield for a thrilling ICE EXPLORER RIDE. See Athabasca Falls before reaching the resort village of Jasper by mid afternoon. Time this afternoon for an optional float trip down the historic Athabasca River. (B,D)

Day 6Jasper–Mount Robson–108 Mile Ranch

This morning, enjoy an excursion to Maligne Lake with a fully narrated cruise of the glacial lake. Head back into British Columbia by way of the base of soaring Mount Robson. Then descend the Yellowhead Highway hugging the North Thompson River—a route pioneered by fur trappers a century ago. On to 108 Mile Ranch, the historic boom town in the Cariboo gold fields. (B,D)

Day 7108 Mile Ranch–Whistler

Journey south today through the heart of the Gold Rush Trail and magnificent Cariboo region. Spectacular scenery abounds as you pass by rolling hills, deeply incised rivers, and sparkling lakes. Arrive at Canada’s premier alpine resort of Whistler, nestled at the base of breathtaking Blackcomb Mountain. Balance of the day at leisure, or you may join an optional flightseeing tour highlighting the surrounding icecaps. (B)

Day 8Whistler–Victoria

Head for Horseshoe Bay to catch the ferry over to Vancouver Island. After disembarking at Nanaimo, take a scenic drive south to Victoria. Major attractions on your orientation tour include the gardens of Beacon Hill Park, the Empress Hotel, Bastion Square, and Thunderbird Park. (B)

Day 9Victoria

Full day is free for independent sightseeing and shopping. Your Tour Director suggests an optional wildlife and whale-watching trip. For shoppers, Government Street’s elegant shops and Market Square, with its collection of specialty stores, would be good places to start. History buffs should be sure to visit the Royal British Columbia Museum. (B)

Day 10Victoria–Gulf Islands–Vancouver

This morning, visit world-famous BUTCHART GARDENSrow waterways of the Gulf Islands back to the Canadian mainland. Upon arrival, enjoy a city tour of Vancouver, including Stanley Park and its famous totem poles. This evening, your Tour Director hosts a special GLOBUS FAREWELL CELEBRATION DINNER at CAPILANO SUSPENSION BRIDGE, the perfect finale for your vacation. (B,D)

Day 11Vancouver

The vacation ends after breakfast this morning with guests departing on individual schedules. Airport transfers are provided. (B)