Tour Code RRIP 12 Day Spectacular British Columbia & Alberta
12 days Created on: 2 Oct, 2021
Day 1: Arrive in Vancouver, BC
Vancouver, located on Canada's Pacific coast is spectacular by nature! Surrounded by ocean and a backdrop of lush rainforest, snow-capped mountains and fjords, this "city of nature" is an ethnically diverse, modern and laid-back metropolis renowned for its mix of urban, outdoor and wildlife adventures. There is no easy way to describe Vancouver, rated as one of the world's topmost live-able cities; you'll just have to see for yourself.
Overnight: Vancouver
Included Meal(s): Dinner
Day 2: Vancouver, BC
Today we embark on a full day of sightseeing in Vancouver as we explore the culture, art and history that comes together to define the city. Our city tour includes the neighbourhoods of Gastown, Chinatown, English Bay, Robson Street and Stanley Park, a National Historic Site of Canada featuring 400 hectares of coastal rainforest in the heart of Vancouver.Capilano Suspension Park, most well known for the famed Capilano Suspension Bridge also features history and culture of the Salish First Nation. Take a walk across the famed Capilano Suspension Bridge, surrounded by towering forest hanging high above the Capilano River; the bridge was originally built in 1889.Next we take in Granville Island at the Granville Island Public Market featuring an incredible assortment of food and produce, unique gifts and handcrafted gifts that has all been locally sourced and produced.Enjoy the remainder of the evening at leisure to explore Vancouver how you choose.
Overnight: Vancouver
Included Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 3: Vancouver - Kelowna, BC
Leaving behind the urban metropolis of Vancouver, we travel north to Kelowna. Travelling through the Fraser Valley, a valley created during the last ice age, it was once consumed with glacier stretching across the valley between the surrounding mountains.This afternoon we arrive in Kelowna, located on the shores of Okanagan Lake, in the heart of the Okanagan region of British Columbia. Kelowna is surrounded not only by forest and mountains, but also numerous orchards and vineyards that produce the fresh fruit and wine that makes the region so famous.Indulge tonight as we take in a tour and wine tasting followed by a locally sourced dinner at winery.
Overnight: Kelowna
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 4: Kelowna - Banff, AB
Today our journey continues west today as we venture in to the Great Canadian Rockies. Along the way we make a stop at "The Last Spike", where the ceremonial last spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway train line was driven in, in 1885. The Railway line joining British Columbia to the rest of Canada was a necessity in order to get British Columbia to join the Canadian Confederation as a province of Canada.Early this afternoon we arrive in Yoho National Park and explore Takkakaw Falls, the pristine nature and beauty of emerald lake and the Spiral Tunnels, another piece of Canadian Railway history. The Kicking Horse Pass, where the rail line was
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Page 1/4 intended to travel through was far too steep for trains of the time to safely navigate. In 1909, the Spiral Tunnels were completed and have successfully allowed trains to ascend and descend Kicking Horse Pass safely.Late this afternoon, we arrive in the town of Banff, the heartbeat of Banff National Park. Banff National Park was established in 1885 and is Canada's oldest National Park earning a UNESCO World Heritage designation is 1984.
Overnight: Banff
Included Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 5: Banff, AB
Banff is a resort town and one of Canada's most popular tourist destinations. Known for its mountainous surroundings and hot springs, it is a destination for outdoor sports. We begin our tour of Banff today with a Gondola ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain offering a spectacular view of the surrounding Bow Valley. Our tour continues to Bow Falls, Cascade Gardens, the Mysterious hoodoos and Lake Minnewanka.Lake Minnewanka is a glacial lake fed by the Castle River located just outside of Banff town. Indigenous people inhabited areas surrounding the lake as far back as 10 000 years ago according to archaeologists who have discovered tools and speaks around the lake. We join an interpretive cruise of Lake Minnewanka and delve deeper in to the history of this beautiful lake.
Overnight: Banff
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 6: Banff - Jasper, AB
Departing Banff today, we travel the historic Bow Valley Parkway to Lake Louise, the Jewell of the Rockies. Spend some time at leisure to enjoy the view and explore the area around this iconic lake.We continue to the Icefield Parkway, one of the most scenic highways in the world and the main highway connecting the resort towns of Banff and Jasper. Rich with wildlife, ancient glaciers and pristine lakes, keep your cameras handy as there is a photo opportunity at along every curve in the road.This afternoon we arrive at the Columbia Icefields Discovery Centre where we board the Ice Explorer, a specially designed vehicle which travels right on to the Athabasca Glacier, the largest non-polar icefield in the world. You can walk, feel and even drink from the Athabasca Glacier, it is truly the opportunity of a lifetime!At the conclusion of our spectacular day on the Icefield Parkway, we arrive in Jasper National Park and the quaint mountain town of Jasper.
Overnight: Jasper
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch
Day 7: Jasper - Prince George, BC
This morning we discover Jasper and the Maligne Valley, a journey abundant in wildlife viewing opportunities and history of the surrounding natural landscapes. A short walk in to Maligne canyon allows for fantastic views of waterfalls carving in to the ancient limestone. Next up is Medicine Lake, a mysterious disappearing lake whose waters change seasonally as flow rates from surrounding glaciers fill the empty lake basin.This afternoon we board the VIA Rail train and begin our journey along the Skeena line to Prince Rupert. Sit back, relax and enjoy the panoramic view afforded by the glass domes car in touring class. The departure from Jasper takes the train past Moose Lake, before traversing Mount Robson Provincial Park with a view of Mount Robson. Take a moment to contemplate a landscape dotted with sparkling lakes, rustic hamlets along the way.Tonight we disembark the train in Prince George for a comfortable overnight in a local hotel.
Overnight: Prince George
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
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Page 2/4 Day 8: Prince George - Prince Rupert, BC
Early this morning we once again board the VIA Rail train and continue our journey along the famed Skeena Rail line. The section between Smithers and Terrace is said to be the most picturesque part of the journey along with the approach into Prince Rupert.This evening we arrive in Prince Rupert, a remote port town in Northwest British Columbia, with a rich history and culture surrounded by dense forest that offers a gateway to the Inside Passage.
Overnight: Prince Rupert
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch
Day 9: Prince Rupert, BC
Today we discover this beautiful coastal city and the rich history it possesses. We visit the North Pacific Cannery, the longest running cannery in British Columbia's history for an in depth guided tour.The North Pacific Cannery was formed in 1889 and operated as a premier salmon production and canning facility for almost 90 years until the late 1970's. No operating as a museum to preserve the history of the Cannery, we will explore the site with a guided tour and finish with a historically inspired lunch at the Cannery.This afternoon enjoy some time at leisure to explore Cow Bay and the many shops and restaurants along Prince Rupert's pristine waterfront.
Overnight: Prince Rupert
Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 10: Prince Rupert - Port Hardy, BC
This morning we board a BC Ferries vessel to begin our journey through the Inside Passage. The Inside Passage is a heavily used route for all types of sea faring vessels - container ships, cruise ships and fishing craft. This Inside Passage spans the distance from southeastern Alaska through Western British Columbia and in addition to being a scenic route for passenger vessels, offers a calmer sailing and protection to large freight vessels from the often rough and unpredictable waters of the open ocean.The full day sailing allows for unobstructed views of British Columbia's spectacular coast rainforest, mountains, beaches and waterfalls that dot the islands and mainland coast.
Overnight: Port Hardy
Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 11: Port Hardy - Nanaimo, BC
Our Inside Passage cruise comes to an end this morning as we disembark in Port Hardy, a small town located on the northern tip of Vancouver Island.Vancouver Island is a paradise on the pacific coast, known for spectacular scenery, a thriving arts community, pristine wilderness and is home to Victoria, the capital city of British Columbia.Early this afternoon we arrive at Horne Lakes Provincial Park, home to over 1000 protected caves, filled with crystal formations and fossils to explore. We'll go in to the caves with a park interpreter that will expertly guide us through these spectacular caves.Early this evening we arrive in Nanaimo, a wonderful harbour-side town that is a gateway to natural adventure on Vancouver Island and famous of a specialty cake aptly named Nanaimo Bar.
Overnight: Nanaimo
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
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Page 3/4 Day 12: Nanaimo - Vancouver, BC
We take a relatively short, but scenic cruise to Vancouver where your journey comes to an end.
Overnight:
Included Meal(s): Breakfast
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