This afternoon arrive at YYC, Calgary’s International Airport.  After collecting your bags, proceed to the shuttle desk at the airport for your pre-booked transfer to the mountain resort of Banff, AB. The drive to Banff takes approximately 2 hours and as you leave the pains, you will get your first glimpse of the Candian Rockies. 

With Mt. Rundle and Mt. Cascade, part of the Rocky Mountains, dominating its skyline, the resort town of Banff is by far the largest town in the Rockies. Banff features chateau style hotels, plenty of shops and dining options and a range of sightseeing and soft adventure options.

On arrival in Banff, check into your hotel.  Rest of the day free to explore Banff Avenue with its many shops and restaurants on your own.

Overnight in Banff, AB.

You will go on a three-hour tour of the town of Banff that will help you discover the story of this picturesque town.  With our local tour guide leading the way, you will be witness to stunning views and visit Banff’s major landmarks. The tour will include some of the most scenic and historically significant highlights of Banff including Banff such as the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, Bow Falls, Surprise Corner Lookout, Hoodoos Viewpoint and Lake Minnewanka.  It’s a complete orientation to Banff and a great tour for seeing wildlife in the morning!  

Your tour package includes the Banff Gondola, one of the most popular attractions in the Canadian Rockies. Sitting over 4000 feet above sea level, this state-of-the-art cable car offers travelers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The ride up to the top is an exciting experience, as passengers pass through lush forests, steep cliffs, and alpine meadows on their way to the summit. Once there, visitors can enjoy a few different activities including hiking trails, restaurants, gift shops, an interpretive center, and much more. Whether you are looking for a unique adventure or simply want to take in the stunning beauty of this majestic place, the Banff Gondola is not to be missed!

Afternoon free.

Overnight in Banff, AB.

The Mountain Lakes and Waterfalls Tour from Banff is the perfect way to see some of the most scenic landscapes in the Canadian Rockies. This 9 ½ hour tour takes you on a scenic drive through the mountains, past turquoise lakes and rushing waterfalls. The tour includes visits to Moraine Lake, Lower Spiral Tunnels Viewpoint, Emerald Lake and the towering Takakkaw Falls and a hot lunch.

Overnight in Banff, AB.

This morning you will depart on this 10-hpour Icefield Parkway Tour, which will start in Banff and end in Jasper.  Post breakfast, check out of your hotel and load your bags into your tour coach.  Departing Banff, you will travel through the Banff National Park to Lake Louise where your tour coach will make a photo stop.  Leaving Lake Louise behind, you will then travel north on the world famous Icefield Parkway.  Travel with your guide through the rugged wilderness of Banff and Jasper National Parks. Take in top regional photostops such as Bow Lake, Crowfoot Glacier, Athabasca Falls, Lake Louise, and the Weeping Wall. At the Columbia Icefield, you will ride the famous Ice Explorer to the Athabasca Glacier and take the Glacier Skywalk over Sunwapta Valley.  Learn about the region’s geology at the Columbia Icefield Centre or enjoy a guided walk to a scenic viewpoint.

Overnight in Jasper, AB.

The day is free for you to take anyone of the several optional tours offered.

Overnight in Jasper, AB.

This morning transfer by shuttle from your hotel in Jasper to Edmonton Airport. Departing Jasper at 7 AM, the shuttle will drop you off at YEG Airport around 12:35 PM.  Fly from Edmonton to Vancouver a 1 ½ hours flight.

On arrival in Vancouver, transfer on own to your hotel in downtown Vancouver.

Rest of the day free.

Overnight in Vancouver, BC.

Start your full day tour with a ride on board a coach from downtown Vancouver to the ferry terminal in Tsawwassen. You will then board the ferry for a 90-minute crossing to Vancouver Island.  Spend time to walk around the deck while enjoying the scenery and look out for orcas, seals, and other marine life.  The ferry also features many amenities including restaurants and children’s arcade as well as limited shopping.

On arrival on Vancouver Island, your ferry will dock at the Ferry terminal at Swartz Bay. Leaving the ferry your coach will drive to the Butchart Gardens for a self guided tour of Butchart Gardens (admissions included). The garden spans over 22 breathtaking hectares (55 acres) of meticulously manicured beauty.  Then, off to the majestic Victoria Inner Harbour to take in the historic sights of our capital city, named after British monarch Queen Victoria.

This is a 13-hour tour.

Overnight in Vancouver, BC.

Vancouver fascinating past and present comes together in this engaging tour that traverses through urban cityscapes, seaside parks, and ancient rain forests. Begin with the highlights of downtown, including Canada Place, home of the 2010 Olympic Cauldron. Wind through impressive modern and historic architecture, past the Arts and Financial Districts, and the fashion hub of Robson Street. Enter the 1,000-acre urban rainforest, Stanley Park, for a unique perspective of the city from a quiet forest setting. Visit the First Nations Totem Poles before whisking off to North Vancouver.

Continue across the Lions Gate Bridge to Vancouver’s scenic North Shore, and the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. Do not miss the impressive collection of First Nations artwork and the historic Story Centre. From the spectacular Cliffwalk, gaze out over towering cedars, and the Capilano River winding through the valley far below. Take an exhilarating walk across the Capilano Suspension Bridge to the other side where many unique and informative experiences await, including the Treetops Adventure.

Overnight in Vancouver, BC.

This is the end of your Essential Rockies Tour.  Check-out of hotel is posted for 11 AM.  Transfer on own to YVR International Airport for your flight home.

End of your Essential Rockies Tour.