The West is as much a state of mind as it is a geographical destination.
Travelling from the cosmopolitan excitement of Vancouver, you will journey through Canada’s lush Pacific playground, before swinging back to the mainland for an invigorating trek through authentic Gold Rush territory. Moving higher into the Rocky Mountains, you will relish the clean air, sparkling water and breathtaking scenery of Whistler, Jasper and Banff. You will thrilled by energetic mountain safari through Kootenay National Park and the fertile Okanagan Valley.
DAY 01: ARRIVAL IN VANCOUVER
Fly from London to Vancouver International Airport and pick up your car and drive to your downtown hotel. Pick-up your Jonview Canada Roadbook at the front desk and check-in. Take the rest of the day to create your own urban adventure amid the stores, parks, restaurants, theatres and other attractions in downtown Vancouver. Overnight in Vancouver.
DAY 02: VANCOUVER
You have the entire day at leisure to explore Vancouver and surroundings. You may want to visit Stanley Park, the MacMillan Planetarium, Chinatown, Gastown, the Capilano Suspension Bridge, Granville Island and Grouse Mountain. Overnight in Vancouver.
Activity
COASTAL RAINFOREST ADVENTURE ( at additional cost )
The Pacific salmon begin their journey to the inlands of the Pacific Coastal Rainforest hundreds of miles out to sea, braving predators, powerful currents and tiered ladders to arrive at the glades of this pristine area of the British Columbia coast. Luckily, with the Rainforest Adventure Tour, your travels won’t be so arduous. An experienced guide will lead you from the doorstep of your hotel to the natural cathedrals, pillared by 500- year-old trees and translucent canopies hundreds of feet above you. Marvel at the dizzying heights of the Capilano Canyon.
DAY 03: VANCOUVER TO VICTORIA ( 70 KM )
The BC Ferries cruise across the Strait of Georgia will transport you to Vancouver Island, passing the rugged coastline and tranquil beaches of the Gulf Islands. Make your way to Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, with its maritime heritage and colonial charm. You may end your day with a visit to the Empress Hotel for traditional High Tea. Overnight in Victoria.
DAY 04: VICTORIA TO PARKSVILLE ( 145 KM )
Back on the road, you’ll savour scenic ocean vistas as you explore the coast via gently winding Malahat Drive. The coastline is strewn with charming villages and offers breathtaking vistas and nature reserves with abundant wildlife. En route, you may detour to visit the murals of Chemainus, the Forest Museum, Cowichan Bay area and the quaint Quw’utsun’ Cultural and Conference Centre in Duncan. Overnight in Parksville.
Activity
VICTORIA WHALEWATCHING BY ZODIAC ( at additional cost )
This coastal excursion is an exhilarating round trip of 50 to 80 kilometres in search of orcas, minke whales, grey whales, porpoises, harbour seals and other marine wildlife. You will ride aboard a 14 metre ocean cruiser or a custom-built Zodiac boat that offers high speed with extraordinary stability giving you an exhilarating, safe and intimate whalewatching experience. Comments by a certified marine biologist and naturalist are provided.
DAY 05: PARKSVILLE
A glorious beach, three nearby provincial parks and excellent fishing opportunities have made Parksville a popular resort. You will enjoy angling for trout or salmon against the backdrop of fir forests, waterfalls and lush rainforests. The Parksville area resort tempts active visitors with tennis, volleyball, mountain biking, horseback riding, kayaking and hiking trails. Overnight in Parksville.
DAY 06: PARKSVILLE TO WHISTLER ( 150 KM )
The day begins with a scenic BC Ferries ride back through the Strait of Georgia to the mainland. From there, you’ll follow the spectacular Sea-to-Sky Highway to Whistler Resort, located at the foot of Whistler and Blackcomb Mountain. En route, you will admire Shannon Falls and explore the dramatic canyons, ravines and lofty peaks of Garibaldi Provincial Park. Overnight in Whistler.
DAY 07: WHISTLER
Trade the freedom of the road for the adventure of the wilderness. Play a championship golf course in the shadow of towering mountain ranges, hike along endless trails and high alpine meadows, ride on horseback past spectacular glaciers or whitewater raft down one of the turbulent rivers. You may wish to just relax in the enchanting setting of the pedestrian village and enjoy the boutiques, restaurants and cafés. Overnight in Whistler.
DAY 08: WHISTLER TO 100 MILE HOUSE ( 335 KM )
‘Smile, you’re in 100 Mile!’ is the catchphrase welcoming visitors to this 1862 Gold Rush ‘truck stop’. Located exactly 100 miles from Lillooet on the “Old Cariboo Gold Rush Trail”, this small community has been welcoming travellers since the early pioneer days. A gateway to over 100 recreational and fishing lakes, the 100 Mile region is home to some of the best lake trout and kokanee salmon in North America. Overnight in 100 Mile House.
DAY 09: 100 MILE HOUSE TO QUESNEL ( 215 KM )
Following in the footsteps of pioneering adventure seekers, you’ll travel further down the “Old Cariboo Gold Rush Trail” today. Passing through soaring mountain canyons, you’ll encounter innumerable logging villages and gold ghost towns on your way to the wilderness town of Quesnel. En route, don’t miss a visit to Barkerville, a restored 19th-century settlement. Overnight in Quesnel.
DAY 10: QUESNEL TO MCBRIDE ( 325 KM )
Continuing your journey through history, you’ll visit the turn-of-the-century railway boom town of McBride. Situated on the fertile land around the Fraser River, this bustling market town offers visitors a rare glimpse of a true Canadian rustic lifestyle. If you have time, drive just 1.5 km outside McBride to Koeneman Regional Park. Named after an early homesteading family, this Park is home to Rainbow Falls and Dear Mountain which offer spectacular views of Robson Valley and the Cariboo Mountains. Overnight in McBride.
DAY 11: MCBRIDE TO LAKE LOUSIE ( 396 KM )
Today you’ll traverse the Rocky Mountains along the spectacular Icefields Parkway. Flanked by snowcovered mountain ridges, cascading waterfalls and sparkling glaciers you’ll see the spectacular Athabasca Glacier, where you can take an Ice Explorer ride. Overnight in Lake Louise.
DAY 12: LAKE LOUSIE TO BANFF ( 60 KM )
The Trans-Canada Highway leads you to Banff, a year-round resort region that boasts true wilderness scenery, numerous outdoor activities and modern accommodation facilities. An internationally renowned national park, Banff offers a world of sightseeing opportunities. Prepare for a full day of spectacular scenery tomorrow. Overnight in Banff.
DAY 13: BANFF NATIONAL PARK
The day is at leisure to explore Banff and its environs. You may want to go on a discovery tour of the famous resort town, visit the Cave and Basin and Bow Falls, and take a thrilling gondola ride to the summit of Sulphur Mountain. Overnight in Banff.
DAY 14: BANFF TO PANORAMA MOUNTAIN VILLAGE ( 175 KM )
Today you will drive through Kootenay National Park, a landscape dominated by lofty peaks, glaciers, deep valleys and crystal-blue lakes. A visit to the park’s hot springs or the Radium Hot Springs Resort offers numerous activities and sights. Wildflowers decorate the alpine meadows, while grizzly bears, moose and mountain goats roam the park. Overnight in Panorama Mountain Village.
DAY 15: PANORAMA MOUNTAIN VILLAGE
Spend a full day in Invermere, a summer paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Enjoy a myriad of activities, such as hiking, fishing, bird watching, boating and windsurfing on Lake Windermere. You can also visit Invermere’s museum housing pioneer artifacts and local archives. Overnight in Panorama Mountain Village.
DAY 16: PANORAMA MOUNTAIN VILLAGE TO ROSSLAND ( 365 KM )
Driving high above the valley today you’ll arrive at Rossland, one of Canada’s more unusual townships. Nestled within the crater of a long-extinct volcano, Rossland was the largest town in British Columbia at the height of the Gold Rush. Today, this charming alpine village is home to two Canadian Olympic Champion skiers, world-class mountain-biking facilities, two museums, scenic lakes and hiking trials that conveniently begin in the heart of the town. Overnight in Rossland.
DAY 17: ROSSLAND TO PENTICTON ( 320 KM )
A leisurely drive down the mountain today will carry you to Penticton, situated between the Skaha and Okanagan lakes. A native word meaning ‘place to live forever’, Penticton today is the thriving fruit capital of British Columbia. Every spring, the city blooms as thousands of fruit trees cast an unforgettable fragrance and wash of colour across the city limits. Overnight in Penticton.
DAY 18: PENTICTON
You’ll have more time today to further explore this fertile region. Don’t miss the Okanagan River Channel - a man-made canal running between the Skaha and Okanagan lakes. Another local highlight is the beached SS Sicamous, a 72 m lake sternwheeler currently being restored. Overnight in Penticton.
DAY 19: PENTICTON TO HOPE ( 225 KM )
Adventure comes naturally in Hope. Its ruggedly spectacular scenery has attracted many Hollywood action movies to be filmed here. You’ll find Hope in the mountain-ringed valley at the entrance of the Fraser River Canyon. The nearby Manning Provincial Park is a favourite destination because of its deep valleys, Blackwall Peak alpine meadows, Cascade Lookout and azure-blue lakes. Overnight in Hope.
DAY 20: HOPE TO VANCOUVER ( 140 KM )
All trails lead to Vancouver - Canada’s fastest growing and most exciting coastal city. But before you dive into the nightlife, you’ll arrive in Vancouver through the lush Fraser Valley. You’ll follow the gushing Fraser River, shadowed by soaring peaks out of the foothills of the Coast Mountains and down to the coastline. Overnight in Vancouver.
DAY 21: END OF TOUR
Return to Vancouver International Airport in time for check-in for your return flight.
We are delighted to let you know about a number of excursions that we can offer which will not only save you up to 50% off the local ticket prices, but save you valuable time during your stay.
You can call us free of charge on 01737 646416 to book any of these trips & tours.
Vancouver
Vancouver Harbour Cruise, £25 per person - This relaxing 75 minute cruise takes you on a circular tour through Canada’s ‘Gateway to the Pacific’- the Burrard Inlet. The informative narration will ensure you do not miss any of the sights and you will enjoy close-up views of Stanley Park, the Lookout tower, Lions Gate Bridge, the striking Downtown skyline, historic Gastown and the magnificent North Shore Mountains.
Vancouver Trolley Hop-on/Hop-off, £26 per person - Explore the captivating city of Vancouver with a Vancouver Trolley Hop-on Hop-off ticket. The classic turn-of-the-century trolleys loop round the city past all the major sights, attractions, parks and gardens. There are 23 stops along the loop including downtown Vancouver, Stanley Park, Chinatown, Gastown, Granville Island and more! The trolley tour is fully narrated by an expert guide and the entire loop takes around two hours, although you can get off at any of the stops to visit attractions, shop or dine before re-boarding the next trolley to continue with your tour.
Capilano Suspension Bridge, £30 per person - Capilano Suspension Bridge and Park invites you to venture across Vancouver’s oldest visitor attraction. There is something for everyone – facts and fiction at the Story Centre, exhibits at the Living Forest, guided nature walks through the West Coast Rain Forest, shopping at the Trading Post, colourful totem poles and native carving. Experience a thrilling “tree tops adventure” and discover seven acres of West Coast Rainforest through a maze of suspended footbridges swaying between towering Hemlocks, immense Red Cedars and colossal Douglas firs. More thrills await you at the “cliff-hanger walk” which takes you out over the canyon’s cliff edge.
Deluxe Vancouver City Tour, £49 per person - This is the perfect introduction to a wonderful city where it's possible to ski in the morning and sunbathe in the afternoon. Visit all the major sites on this informative city tour. See Canada Place Cruise Ship Terminal, the Queen Elizabeth Theatre and Public Library, Chinatown, the two major sporting arenas and Historic Gastown. You will be given some free time to shop or enjoy a bite to eat at bustling Robson Street before continuing into the heart of Stanley Park – 1000 acres of forest and gardens surrounded by beaches – where you will again have time to explore on foot.
Grouse Mountain Skyride, £39 per person - Experience a spectacular mountain top adventure 365 days of the year at the peak of Vancouver. During summer enjoy helicopter tours, lumberjack shows, the Grouse Mountain Wildlife Refuge for endangered wildlife, birds in motion demonstrations and so much more. In winter, discover the snowy wonderland renowned for skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, ice skating and sleigh rides. Throughout the year, relax and savour great tastes at any of the superb restaurants from casual to elegant dining.
Grouse Mountain Sunset Tour, £49 per person - A wonderful alternative to the daytime Vancouver tours. Your tour starts with a scenic journey aboard a trolley bus through renowned Stanley Park before heading over spectacular Lions Gate Bridge. From here you will be taken to the base of Grouse Mountain where you will board a gondola to whisk you to her peak. The one mile journey will take you high above the forests and between mountain peaks, affording stunning views of the city skyline, harbour and far-off Vancouver Island. At the summit, you have around two hours to explore, dine or simply enjoy the wonderful sunset views. There are a host of restaurants that cater for all tastes and reservations can be made aboard your trolley bus. Other attractions include Grouse Mountain's Mile High Theatre in the Sky where you can view Canada's first high definition video presentation "Born to Fly" or the grizzly bear cub orphanage where Grinder and Coola romp and play in a protected natural habitat. After two hours exploring the mountain, return to the base and re-board the Trolley for the return trip to your point of embarkation.
Vancouver Panorama Seaplane Tour, £93 per person - Enjoy unforgettable aerial views of Downtown Vancouver and her surrounds as you take a thrilling over this wonderful city and close to the surrounding mountains. This is the ideal introduction to seaplane aviation. Take off on the sea on this 20-minute flight over beautiful Vancouver. You will see all the major downtown sights and also experience spectacular views of Grouse Mountain before the tour concludes with a thrilling landingback on the water.
Whistler & Shannon Falls, £94 per person - Journey along the Sea-to-Sky Highway to Whistler through a spectacular mountain paradise where you will discover cascading waterfalls, pristine virgin forest, breathtaking mountain views and snow covered peaks. Your journey starts with wonderful views of majestic Howe Sound as you follow the scenic highway that winds along this glacial fjord past picturesque seascapes and old growth rainforest. Circling bald eagles can often been seen as will as a host of other migratory birds. Continue along the Sea-to-Sky highway into the Canadian Rockies past mountain scenes and snowcapped peaks. Various photogenic stops will be made en route to Whistler including the 335-metre high Shannon Falls, the third highest waterfall in British Columbia and Brandywine Falls. On arrival in Whistler you will enjoy plenty of free time to explore this bustling mountain resort, dine and shop. During the summer you will have the chance to ride the gondola to the Peak of Whistler Mountain (gondola ticket payable locally) for stunning views across the Rockies. The leisurely journey back to Vancouver includes further scenic stops and points of interest.
Whale Watching Safari, £108 per person - If you're in Vancouver between April and October, you must take this 'once in a lifetime' tour to witness these magnificent and intelligent animals who are at the very top of the ocean's food chain. The Orca or Killer whales visit the North West Pacific coast around Vancouver regularly between April and October in search of salmon. Sighting chances are 85 per cent and you are also likely to encounter other marine wild life such as Dall's Porpoises, seals, sea lions, and bald eagles. On rare occasions Minke whales and sea elephants have been encountered. You travel protected from the elements in covered, comfortable, high-speed boats equipped with washroom facilities.
Victoria & Tofino
Victoria City Tour, £21 per person - Join this 90 minute, fully narrated Victoria City Tour. A sightseeing tour is a must for any new visitor! This narrated tour shows you the famous landmarks of the city and explains the fasinating history behind them. Discover Victoria’s lovley homes, gardens, the Legislative Buildings, Bea-con Hill Park, Mile Zero, the residental areas of the Uplands and Oak Bay and other historical points such as China Town and Antique row. A great way to see the sights in a short time.
Butchart Gardens Shuttle, £47 per person - Don't miss the opportunity to visit the magnificent Butchart Gardens, Victoria's most famous attraction. You're sure to see an amazing floral display at Butchart Gardens, whatever the time of year you visit from the emerging green leaves and bulbs of spring to summertime's perfumed flowers and fall's brilliant red and gold colors. This is an unescorted tour. On arrival at Butchart Gardens, you are free to explore the gardens at your leisure and return to Downtown Victoria at a time that is convenient for you. You are free to join on any of the return shuttles to Victoria.
Whale Watching from Victoria, £56 per person - A must for anyone visiting between May and October, view Orcas in all their glory plus a host of other marine species that are so abundant in this area. Board a 50- foot certified vessel with two elevated outdoor decks offering 360 degree panoramic views to ride across the waters on search of marine wildlife. You will ride aboard the Orca Spirit, a comfortable 50-foot covered vessel or a custom-built Zodiac boat that offers high speed giving you an exhilarating, safe and intimate whale watching experience. Your experience will be enhanced by a certified Marine biologist who will provide an overview on the different species that you find and also help direct the vessel to the best viewing areas.
Whale Watching in Tofino, £70 per person - Head out on the pristine waters of Clayoquot Sound in search of Gray and Humpback Whales. You will definitely see whales on this excursion! They are in such abundance on this strip of Pacific coastline that whales are spotted everyday. In addition to the gray whales and humpback whales, you should see bald eagles, seals, puffins, sea otters and porpoises. Whale watching cruises are aboard 12-seater zodiac speedboats and all passengers are kitted out in full-length Mustang floater suit (with 'built in' life jacket) for comfort and safety at sea. Hats, gloves, and other gear are provided as needed.Coastal
Bear Watching in Tofino, £70 per person - It is rare, even in the wilderness of Canada to see bears in their natural habitat. However black bears are tempted to the shores of Tofino by their favourite food - the rock crab. This fascinating nature excursion will take you along the beautiful fjord inlets and past sheltered bays in search of the reclusive black bear. The peaceful cruise aboard a comfortable zodiac vessel lasts around 2.5 hours and covers many of the favourite feeding locations. At low tide, the black bears should emerge from the rainforest to forage for crab, clams and barnacles rare affording a rare sight of these magnificent beasts in their natural environment. Your experience will be enhanced by the enthusiastic commentary of your knowledgeable guide. Although viewing black bears is not guaranteed, success rate is very high and you are also likely to see bald eagles, harbour seals, porpoises, blue herons and sea eagles.