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A-Z of Tours - Gallery

Our Own Egypt Tours

A-Z Tours International.......for all your travel needs
BEST OF CANADA'S WEST
11 DAYS FROM $2,250 US  
Details below or click here for more information INQUIRY FORM
Phone: 1-888-682-6449/1-303-670-5640
Fax: (425) 984-7676


Rocky Mountain DiscoveryThe eclectic sights of Vancouver and Victoria combine with the unspoiled beauty of Banff, Icefields Parkway and Jasper in this exploration of western Canada.

Day 1 - Arrive Vancouver
Welcome to Vancouver! A complimentary transfer is provided to the tour hotel. Your Tour Director is at the hotel this afternoon to welcome you and answer your questions. Join us at 6:00pm for a Welcome Drink at the hotel.

Hotel: Vancouver Marriott Pinnacle Downtown Hotel

Day 2 - Vancouver – Strait of Georgia – Victoria (2 nights)
Our tour of Vancouver takes us to Stanley Park where we view the totem poles and learn of their significance to the aboriginal community, English Bay, Chinatown – the second largest Chinese district after San Francisco’s, and historic Gastown with its charming cobblestone streets, courtyards and mews. We then board a ferry and cross the Strait of Georgia, cruising through the beautiful Gulf Islands to Vancouver Island. We journey on by coach to the quaint city of Victoria, a little bit of England on the Pacific coast. Here, an orientation tour introduces us to Bastion Square, the Inner Harbour and the Parliament Buildings. Later, perhaps explore the city further with an optional horse-drawn carriage ride. This evening we enjoy a Highlight Dinner at a local restaurant. (Full breakfast / Highlight dinner)

Hotel: Inn at Laurel Point

Day 3 - Victoria sightseeing & at leisure
We start the day with breakfast served in the flower-ladden conservatory at the famous Butchart Gardens. A representative from Butchart Gardens will give us a brief talk on the history of the Butchart Family and the gardens’ exhibits. Later, there is time to explore this 55-acre showcase of extraordinary floral displays. Back in Victoria, the rest of the day is at leisure. Stroll through the flower-filled streets and browse the stores for some early souvernir shopping, or perhaps partake in one of our popular optional activities including a whale watching excursion and an evening walking tour of Chinatown, complete with Chinese banquet. (Full breakfast)

Day 4 - Victoria – Sea to Sky Highway – Whistler
We travel north to Chemainus, a seaside town known for its beautiful murals. We then journey across the Strait of Georgia, back to the mainland and along the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway. After a stop at the 1,105-feet Shannon Falls, we continue the climb over the Coast Mountains to arrive at Whistler, where we are taken on a guided walking tour of this quaint alpine village and learn about this 2010 Olympic venue. (Full breakfast)

Hotel: Hilton Whistler Resort & Spa


Day 5 - Whistler – Cache Creek – Kamloops
This morning we travel across the fertile Pemberton Valley and along the scenic Duffy Lake Road, often referred to as “one of the best drives in Canada.” We stop at Historic Hat Creek Ranch, where we visit the historic buildings and learn about this early trading post. We also visit a native village and learn about the Shuswap Nation’s fascinating history and culture before continuing on through the high desert of interior British Columbia, renowned for its natural resources, including agriculture and timber. We then arrive in Kamloops, or “Meeting of the Waters” in Shuswap language as it is here that the two branches of the Thompson River join. This evening we enjoy a Highlight Dinner at a local restaurant. (Full breakfast / Highlight dinner)

Hotel: The Thompson HotelMap

Day 6 - Kamloops – Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks – Banff (2 nights)

Today we head for the great Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks, a UNESCO World Heritage area. We first visit Mount Revelstoke National Park, where we travel from dense old-growth rainforest of giant cedar and pine, to sub-alpine forest leading to alpine meadows and tundra with spectacular views of the ice-clad peaks of the Monashee Mountains. At Giant Cedars, weather permitting, we’ll enjoy a walk through a stand of 1000-year old cedars. Next, we enter Glacier National Park and climb over Rogers Pass. After crossing the Columbia River, we enter the Rocky Mountain trench. Our next national park is Yoho, where we view the Natural Bridge spanning the Kicking Horse River and the famous Spiral Tunnels, constructed so that freight trains - typically up to a mile long - can safely climb the narrow valley. Crossing the Continental Divide, we enter Banff National Park, Canada’s oldest national park, and arrive at the quintessential alpine resort of Banff. (Full breakfast / Dinner)

Hotel: Banff Park Lodge

Day 7- Banff sightseeing & at leisure
Our tour of Banff features the classic viewpoint of Surprise Corner along Tunnel Mountain Drive, Bow Falls and the wind-shaped rock formations known as hoodoos. We then board the Banff Gondola for a ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain to experience a bird’s eye view of six mountain ranges from the upper terminal. The rest of the day is yours to do as you please; explore the shops along Banff Avenue, or join one of the many optional activities, including a scenic helicopter flight over Mount Assiniboine, a river float trip down the Bow River, or a guided nature walk. Later, why not partake in a fun and entertaining celebration of Canada at an awardwinning dinner show? (Full breakfast)

Day 8 - Banff – Lake Louise – Icefields Parkway – Jasper (2 nights)
Our first stop is at beautiful Lake Louise where we are taken on an interpretive walk along the lakeshore. We learn about the history and geography of the area and soak in the stunning landscape combining azure glacial waters, deep green forests, jagged snow-covered mountains and the mighty Victoria Glacier. We then head north along the stunning Icefields Parkway, driving beneath snowcapped peaks, thundering waterfalls and glistening glaciers. Keep an eye out for wildlife including elk, black bear and mountain goat. We continue onto the Columbia Icefield where we board an Ice Explorer for a unique journey onto the massive Athabasca Glacier. We then head for Jasper in the heart of Jasper National Park. After dinner, we learn about Rocky Mountain wildlife at a fun and informative presentation by a local expert. (Full breakfast / Buffet dinner)

Hotel: Chateau Jasper

Day 9 - Jasper National Park sightseeing & at leisure
This morning we enjoy an interpretive walk at Maligne Canyon, one of the most beautiful gorges in the Rockies. We learn about the underground river system - one of the longest in Canada – while strolling along the canyon’s trail, past beautiful waterfalls and spectacular rock formations. The rest of the day is at leisure in Jasper to enjoy the superb vistas, stroll the quaint streets, or join one of the optional activities which include a lake cruise on beautiful Maligne Lake, a gentle float trip down the Athabasca River, a guided alpine excursion to Mount Edith Cavell, and an evening of wildlife spotting followed by a relaxing soak in natural hot springs. (Full breakfast)

Day 10 - Jasper – Mount Robson – Lac Le Jeune
Today our Tour Director will reveal a Hidden Treasure. We head west over Yellowhead Pass and arrive at Mount Robson, the Rockies’ tallest peak at 12,989 ft. We then follow the Thompson River as it winds its way down through the Columbia Mountains to arrive at our resort, beautifully located on the shores of Lac Le Jeune. Here we join a local expert on a nature walk to the beaver dam at the end of the lake, and learn about the resident beaver colony. This evening join us for a hearty Farewell Dinner with newfound friends. (Full breakfast / Farewell dinner)

Hotel: Lac Le Jeune Resort

Day 11 - Lac Le Jeune – Depart Vancouver
Heading for the Pacific coast, we arrive back in Vancouver. A complimentary transfer is provided to Vancouver International Airport and the tour hotel in Vancouver for passengers extending their stay. (Full breakfast)

Please do not schedule any flights before 6.00pm.


Highlights:

Vancouver
Victoria
Butchart Gardens
Jasper National Park
Columbia Icefield
Banff National Park
Kamloops
Whistler
 
Sightseeing Highlights

Vancouver - Discover Chinatown, Gastown, English Bay and Stanley Park.
Victoria - See the city’s landmarks; explore the Butchart Gardens.
Whistler - Join a walking tour of this 2010 Olympic venue.
Cache Creek - Visit the Historic Hat Creek Ranch and a native village.
Banff National Park - Explore this UNESCO World Heritage area.
Banff - Tour the township; enjoy a scenic gondola ride.
Lake Louise - Join an interpretive walk along the lake.
Icefields Parkway - Motor along this spectacular alpine drive.
Columbia Icefield - Ride an Ice Explorer onto the Athabasca Glacier.
Jasper National Park -  Walk Maligne Canyon; learn about local wildlife.
Mount Robson - View the tallest peak in the Canadian Rockies.
Lac Le Jeune - Walk along the lake; learn about the resident beaver colony.

Dining Highlights

10 full breakfasts
1 three-course dinner
1 buffet dinner
2 local highlight restaurant dinners in Victoria and Kamloops
Farewell Dinner with wine at Lac Le Jeune
15 included meals in total (see day by day itinerary)

First Class Travel Highlights

First Class hotel accommodation includes two-bedded rooms with private facilities, all hotel service charges and tips, baggage handling fees and local taxes.
Touring by luxury air-conditioned motorcoach with reclining seats and onboard restroom.
The services of one top professional Tour Directors on the Land-only portion of the tour.
Ferry across the Strait of Georgia from Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay and from Departure Bay to Horseshoe Bay.
A stylish wallet, travel documents and Welcome on Tour book with map.
Complimentary airport transfers are provided on Day 1 and Day 11.
Optional 7-night Inside Passage Cruise
Why not extend your vacation with a 7-night Alaskan Inside Passage Cruise? Contact  your Travel Agent for further details.


Best of Canada's West 2010 Optional Excursions

YJA-3 - Jasper Rafting
Enjoy a unique perspective of Jasper National Park on the Athabasca River. This safe, comfortable ride along 16 kilometers (10 miles) of river passes through small sets of rapids and calm stretches for a ride that any first time rafter will enjoy. Your journey through this route will be narrated by a licensed National Park guide who will point out the natural and human history of Jasper and the famous route that was used by fur traders many years ago. (Minimum: 6 Passengers) Child: $21.00
58 (C$)

YJA-4 - Mount Edith Cavell Guided Walk
Join your guide on the “Path of the Glaciers” with Mount Edith Cavell’s snow-capped peak towering a mile overhead. See the emerald green of the “Lake of Forgiveness” and experience incredible glacial formations: icebergs, snow and ice avalanches. This is a soft adventure which requires good walking shoes. The walk is a 90 minute moderate walk with plenty of stops for picture taking, enjoying the scenery and learning about the local history and geography. During the 40 minute drive to and from this area there is the possibility of viewing local wildlife. (Seasonal) (Minimum: 10 Passengers) Child: $34.00
68 (C$)

YJA-5 - Cottonwood Nature Walk
Enjoy an interpretive walk through the cottonwood slough. This trail circles around wetland habitat while crossing through forests containing aspen, conifer and grasslands. Watch for beavers, birds and other wildlife and view the Maligne, Trident and Colin Mountain ranges. Your guide will intoriduce you to a variety of ecosystems in this moderately flat walk. This walk covers between 4.1 and 2 km depending on the ability of the group and there is less than one story of elevation gain. Transportation provided. Round trip including driving time: 3 hours. (Seasonal) (Minimum: 10 Passengers) Child: $29.00
58 (C$)

YJA-6 - Miette Hot Springs & Wildlife Spotting
Travel southeast from Jasper through to the Fiddle Valley, an area known for elk, sheep, deer, moose, bears, wolves and mountain goats. Your guide will safely transport you through the area while providing commentary relevant to the ecology and heritage of this region. Upon reaching the Miette Hot Springs, you will have time to soak in the therapeutic mineral waters of the hot pools, have a bite to eat in the café (food and drink is extra) and/or join the guide for a leisurely walk to the hot spring source. On the return, continue to look for wildlife or sit back and enjoy the Jasper scenery. Round-trip: 3.5-4 hours. (Seasonal) (Minimum: 10 Passengers) Child: $37.00
76 (C$)

YNF-1 - Banff Float Trip - One hour
Grab your camera and join us for a marvelously scenic raft ride down Banff’s Bow River. Our friendly, experienced oarsmen will guide us gently downstream along the scenic curves and beneath the majestic Rockies for about an hour. Don’t worry, we won’t get wet! In the past, we’ve spotted elk, deer and even an occasional bear along the banks. The tranquility of the river makes this one of the best opportunities for an intimate experience with nature at her most magnificent. Tour Duration: One Hour; Seasonal (Minimum: 10 Passengers) Child: $21.00
42 (C$)

YNF-2 - Banff Scenic Helicopter 30 minute Flight - Mt. Assiniboine
"This sensational flight will transport you to “The Matterhorn” of the Canadian Rockies, which rises majestically to 3,611 meters (11,870 feet) along the Great Divide. The surrounding glaciers and icefalls will astound you and capture your imagination. This is a photographer’s dream come true. An experience you will never forget! (Flight subject to weather conditions) Please note: The Mt. Assiniboine Helicopter Flight may be unavailable due to weather conditions. When it is unavailable, an alternative helicopter flight excursion may be offered. Please check with your Tour Director for more details. (Minimum: 2 Passengers) Child: $262.00
262 (C$)

YNF-4 - Oh Canada, Eh?!
A short drive takes us from Banff to the popular dinner theatre show “Oh Canada, Eh?!” Classic Canadian stereotypes in songs and jokes entertain us before, during and after our bountiful family-style dinner. Our wait staff are also the entertainers, dressed in period and stereotypical costumes of Canada. (Minimum: 15 Passengers) Child: $46.00
78 (C$)

YYJ-1 - Old Chinatown and Beyond with Chinese Dinner
Travel back in time to Canada’s oldest Chinatown. On this three-hour tour, enjoy a great Chinese Meal and up close sightseeing and hands on interaction. The tour guide will meet the coach and provide insightful information about the journey. The tour will stop in Old Chinatown and you will have the opportunity to smell the rich teas, herbs and medicines used even today. Explore Fan Tan Alley, Canada’s narrowest street and named after a Chinese gambling game. (There are only 18 stairs, so the walk is generally suitable for all.) Along the way, visit a Chinese Doctor, enjoy Chinese candy and receive a parting memento upon conclusion of the tour. This is a great way to enjoy the little known history of the Chinese in Canada. (Minimum: 3 Passengers / Maximum: 30 Passengers) Child: $55.00
81 (C$)

YYJ-3 - Tally-Ho Sightseeing Carriage Ride
Tour in comfort and style aboard Victoria's original horse drawn carriages and escape the noise and traffic of downtown. Pass by the totem poles of Thunderbird Park, as well as historical buildings including St Ann's Academy, a magnificent 1871 Catholic school, as you make your way up into Beacon Hill Park. Relax in 155 acres of breathtaking land with natural, wild areas, as well as manicured, stunning floral gardens and elegant fountains. On the way back into town, ride through historic James Bay, passing heritage homes dating back to the 1800's. Finish the tour with a spectacular view of the British Columbia Legislature. One-hour tour. (Minimum: 10 Passengers) Child: $59.00
59 (C$)

YYJ-4 - Victoria Whale Watching Excursion
Board your vessel to enjoy a whale-watching expedition in the waters off Victoria. You may see magnificent bald eagles, porpoises or seals gliding and diving in the breeze, as every trip is a new and exciting adventure. We never know in advance which of the abundant marine wildlife we will see on a given day. Spring and summer are the best times of the year to see the resident Orca whales in all their glory, so there’s a good chance that you might see those wonderful giants on your comfortable excursion. (Maximum: 45 Passengers) Child: $62.00
100 (C$)

YJA-1 - Maligne Lake Boat Cruise
Maligne Lake is Jasper’s oldest attraction and one of the most photographed lakes in the world. It is the largest lake in the Canadian Rockies and was known to the Stoney Indians as Chaba Imne-Great Beaver Lake. Our one and a half hour boat cruise will take you past glacier studded mountain peaks to world famous Spirit Island. Unsurpassed for the scenery it affords, this cruise is also known for its interpretive quality. Bring your cameras and binoculars, this is a true photographers delight! (This excursion operates June through September and is subject to weather condition; Minimum: 20 Passengers) Child: $55.00
75 (C$)
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Child Prices: Apply to children 11 years of age and under.


DEPARTURE DATES
April - September

PRICES
From approx $2,250 US per person double occupancy  


More Tours and Cruises Available
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A-Z Tours International - Company Profile

Phone:1-888-682-6449/1-303-670-5640
Fax: (425) 984-7676