fbpx

Grand Canadian Rockies

Sale!

Grand Canadian Rockies

Was From $ 6,775 AUD
Now From $ 6,098 AUD
Sale!

Description

Canada’s Rocky Mountains provide a stunning landscape of craggy, towering rock faces, snow-capped mountains, thick forests and picturesque lakes. Wander the streets of Vancouver and admire the views each direction you turn. Hike or bike the breathtaking trails of Whistler, Sun Peaks, Jasper, and Banff. Experience the renowned expanse of Lake Louise, or wrap your hands around a mug of hot chocolate while admiring the superb alpine scenery of the Rockies. Ready for a grand adventure? Jump aboard and witness the sheer beauty of this exceptional part of the world.

Trip Name
Grand Canadian Rockies
Last Updated
2024-08-20
Days
10
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Sit back and enjoy the Icefields Parkway between Jasper and Banff, one of the most scenic drives on earth, without the hassle of driving.
  • Head to Whistler to learn more about First Nations history at the Squamish Lil'Wat Cultural Centre – the first of its kind in Canada.
  • Experience the seasonal moods and beauty of Lake Louise for yourself and cross off one of those must-see bucket list experiences.
  • Keep your eye on the roadside for extraordinary wildlife like elk, black bears, grizzly bears, eagles, Rocky Mountain goats, and – if you're lucky – beavers, wolves and moose.
  • Head out on a walk and talk with a guide from Yellowstone to Yukon, an initiative to create wildlife corridors spanning from the US to Canada.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - Vancouver
Welcome to Canada! Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you do arrive early, perhaps explore the happening neighbourhood of Yaletown, or head to Granville Island to visit the colourful markets full of fresh produce and handcrafts. Vancouver’s coastal setting is beautiful, bordered by an ocean harbour to the north and a river to the south. The majestic Coastal Mountains, often snow-capped, provide the eastern horizon, making it a picturesque place to spend a few days before the tour begins. After your welcome meeting, perhaps wander around downtown Vancouver or grab a craft beer in the Gastown neighbourhood.
Day 2 - Whistler
On your way out of Vancouver today, check out Stanley Park’s carved totem poles, representing the historical crests of First Nations families and their clans. During the drive to Whistler you’ll stop at the beautiful Shannon Falls, then learn more about First Nations art, history and culture at Squamish Lil'Wat Cultural Centre. Refuel with a late lunch at the onsite cafe, serving a modern take on traditional First Nations food. Once you arrive in Whistler Village, your leader will take you on an orientation walk through the bustling hub of shops and award-winning restaurants, all surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery. Later, you may like to join in on the Whistler nightlife by sampling one of the town’s lively bars.
Day 3 - Whistler
Stunning Whistler is ready to be explored, up the mountain or back down in the village. Perhaps buy yourself a ticket to ride the PEAK 2 PEAK gondola to enjoy unparalleled views of towering volcanic peaks and surrounding forest on the world’s longest and highest lift. Once at the top, check out the nearby scenic walking trails, mountaintop restaurants and indoor interpretive displays. Otherwise, you could hire a bike and ride along the Valley Trail to Lost Lake, or go for an easy hike along the Lost Lake Nature Trail. If you're after something a little more cultured, perhaps hit the Audain Art Museum to see a selection of First Nations and British Columbian artwork.
Day 4 - Sun Peaks
Say goodbye to Whistler and drive through the mountains to Sun Peaks. The Sun Peaks township is set on one of many peaks along the mountain range and the views from the top are incredible. On arrival you’ll have the choice to see those views for yourself by doing a hike along the Sunburst Loop. Or, you might like to take a shorter walk along the Shuswap Medicine Trail and learn about local flora, fauna and traditional First Nations medicines. This evening, rejoin your group for dinner together.
Day 5 - Jasper
This morning head to Jasper National Park, one of the most photographed places in Canada. Jasper is the largest of Canada's Rocky Mountain parks, famous for wildlife such as elk, moose, deer, coyotes, grizzly bears and mountain lions, as well as smaller mammals and birds. Along the way you’ll stop in at Mt Robson Provincial Park, stretching your legs on a short walk through the picturesque wildflower meadows. Once you arrive in Jasper, you’ll have options to explore including hiking in the Valley of Five Lakes and riding the Jasper SkyTram – the highest and longest aerial tramway in Canada. Climbing to 2300 metres, the SkyTram provides spectacular views of the Rocky Mountains.
Day 6 - Jasper
Today is a free day in Jasper. Join the group on a visit to Maligne Lake for some hiking, and perhaps book yourself a cruise on the lake’s shimmering blue waters past the much-photographed Spirit Island. If the lake cruise isn’t your thing, you might like to spend your time seeing the area while hiking either the Mary Schaeffer or the Moose Lake trails. There’s also the option hike or bike around Beauvert Lake, or a ride on the Jasper SkyTram is highly recommended if you didn’t do it yesterday!
Day 7 - Banff National Park
Buckle up for Banff. Today is a long day, with many scenic stops and visits along the way. In the morning, travel towards Banff, stopping off at the Columbia Icefields Centre, Athabasca Falls and Sunwapta Falls. You'll have the chance to join an optional glacier hike with a professional guide (at own expense). Then head into Banff National Park in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Banff is considered the oldest national park in Canada, showcasing the Rockies’ valleys and mountain chains which began forming up to 75 million years ago.
Day 8 - Lake Louise / Banff National Park
Today, pay a visit to Lake Louise. You can get your bearings on optional walks along the easy Waterfront Trail, or take the steeper trail to the Fairview Lookout for some incredible views from above. After, you might like to check out the interior of the luxury mountain resort, Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. This afternoon, don an old-fashioned swimsuit and soak in the hot mineral waters of the Banff Upper Hot Springs. If there is extra time today, you may like to take part in one of the many adventure activities available within the park. With its coniferous forests, alpine meadows, icefields and glaciers, the park is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise. There are opportunities for canoeing, mountain biking, hiking or riding the gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain.
Day 9 - Calgary
Before leaving Banff this morning, join a guide from Yellowstone to Yukon (Y2Y). Y2Y is an initiative to create wildlife corridors spanning from Yellowstone to Yukon, and you’ll learn about how the US and Canada have come together to support the animals whose habitats span both countries. Then, complete your crossing of the Rockies today on a drive to Calgary. Along the way, make a stop in the cosy little town of Canmore, the perfect place to grab some lunch and soak in some final mountain views. Arriving in Calgary the afternoon. Home to the famous Calgary Stampede, the city is growing at a rapid rate, largely thanks to oil and mining. While it may not be the most picturesque of cities, Calgary makes up for it with a budding dining and nightlife scene. In the evening perhaps head for dinner at one of the city's great restaurants.
Day 10 - Calgary
There are no activities planned for today and you can depart the accommodation at any time, though please be sure to comply with any hotel check-out times.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
18-05-202527-05-2025AUD $ 6,098-
25-05-202503-06-2025AUD $ 6,340-
01-06-202510-06-2025AUD $ 6,651-
08-06-202517-06-2025AUD $ 6,584-
15-06-202524-06-2025AUD $ 6,584-
29-06-202508-07-2025AUD $ 6,844-
06-07-202515-07-2025AUD $ 6,584-
13-07-202522-07-2025AUD $ 6,340-
27-07-202505-08-2025AUD $ 6,340-
10-08-202519-08-2025AUD $ 6,340-
17-08-202526-08-2025AUD $ 6,340-
24-08-202502-09-2025AUD $ 6,098-
07-09-202516-09-2025AUD $ 6,098-
14-09-202523-09-2025AUD $ 6,098-
17-05-202626-05-2026AUD $ 7,450-
24-05-202602-06-2026AUD $ 7,450-
31-05-202609-06-2026AUD $ 7,450-
07-06-202616-06-2026AUD $ 7,450-
14-06-202623-06-2026AUD $ 7,450-
28-06-202607-07-2026AUD $ 7,450-
05-07-202614-07-2026AUD $ 7,450-
12-07-202621-07-2026AUD $ 7,450-
26-07-202604-08-2026AUD $ 7,450-
09-08-202618-08-2026AUD $ 7,450-
16-08-202625-08-2026AUD $ 7,450-
23-08-202601-09-2026AUD $ 7,450-
03-09-202612-09-2026AUD $ 7,450-
06-09-202615-09-2026AUD $ 7,450-

Accommodation

Hotel (4 nights),Lodge (3 nights),Inn (2 nights)

Transport

Private Vehicle

Map