This unforgettable 11-day vacation is a perfect balance of scenic wonders and cosmopolitan cities, and is a Traveler’s Favorite. Begin in Calgary and see the major sights, including Calgary Tower and Fort Calgary. Then enter the heart of the Canadian Rockies and Banff National Park. After a day at leisure, travel to Yoho National Park and spectacular Lake Louise, where you stay at world-renowned Chateau Lake Louise. Then follow the Icefield Parkway to Jasper National Park with a stop at the Columbia Icefield. Descend the Yellowhead Highway and stay at 108 Mile Ranch, a historic boomtown in the Cariboo Gold Fields. Stay in the alpine resort of Whistler before catching a ferry to Vancouver Island. See Butchart Gardens and enjoy independent time in charming Victoria. End your trip by sailing through the Gulf Island to Vancouver.

Day 1 Calgary

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 2 Calgary–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 3 At 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 4 Banff–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, Yoho National Park, and Moraine Lake. Overnight accommodations are at the famous Chateau Lake Louise, which is located on the shoreline of the lake. (B,D)

Day 5 Lake Louise–Columbia Icefield–Jasper

Follow the Icefields Parkway and head for JASPER NATIONAL PARK. Scale Bow Pass with splendid views of Peyto Lake. 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 6 Jasper–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 7 108 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 8 Whistler–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 9 Victoria

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 10 Victoria–Gulf Islands–Vancouver

This morning, visit world-famous BUTCHART GARDENS. Then board your ferry for a cruise though the narrow 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 FAREWELL CELEBRATION DINNER at CAPILANO SUSPENSION BRIDGE, the perfect finale for your vacation. (B,D)

Day 11 Vancouver

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

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INCLUDED FEATURES

CALGARY: Welcome reception; breakfast atop Calgary Tower; sightseeing tour; visit Fort Calgary
BANFF NATIONAL PARK: Sightseeing tour and gondola ride up Sulphur Mountain
LAKE LOUISE–JASPER: Ice Explorer ride on the Columbia Icefield
JASPER NATIONAL PARK: Cruise Maligne Lake
VANCOUVER–VICTORIA: Ferry ride through Gulf Islands
VICTORIA: Orientation tour; Butchart Gardens
VANCOUVER: Sightseeing tour; Farewell Celebration Dinner at Capilano Suspension Bridge

INSIDE VISITS

Inside visits and special features are shown in the description, including admission charges when applicable.

MEALS

Welcome reception (WR); American breakfast daily (B); 5 three-course dinners with choice of entrees (D), including a Farewell Celebration Dinner at Capilano Suspension Bridge.

SUPERIOR HOTELS

CALGARY Delta Bow Valley (SF), BANFF Banff Park Lodge (F), LAKE LOUISE Chateau Lake Louise (D), JASPER Sawridge Hotel (F), 108 MILE RANCH 108 Resort (SF), WHISTLER Delta Whistler Village Suites (F), VICTORIA Chateau Victoria (F), VANCOUVER Georgian Court (SF)

PRICES
From $2,599 US per person based on double occupancy land only