The Great Western Canadian Tour

Let the adventure begin! You have many transportation options for your trip, ranging from guided private transfers, driving on your own with a rental car, or sitting back as you accompany your group in a motorcoach. Whatever you choose, you can rest assured that Canadian Travel Partners will be there with you every step of the way.

After arrival at Calgary Airport, you travel to your downtown hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you have this day to explore Calgary, a city where contemporary meets historic western roots, and is filled with dynamic experiences and must-see attractions.

Distance: 130 km

We recommend taking a morning private city tour of Calgary with a local guide before you leave on your journey to the Rockies. Feel the energy of this dynamic city with a personal guide and learn the in’s and out’s of the city that makes it special. Some bookable highlights include the Calgary Tower, where you can enjoy an impressive view over Alberta’s Prairie, or Calgary’s Heritage Park, where the Old West comes back to Life. If you want to witness the magical and unique western cowboy atmosphere of the Calgary Stampede then make sure to book this trip while it takes place each year in July.

In the afternoon you begin your drive West with the incredible Rocky Mountains looming in the distance. As you near Banff, make sure to check out the Kananaskis region and the town of Canmore.

A full day to explore Banff and Yoho National Parks. Both parks are world-famous for their towering peaks, emerald lakes and wildlife including grizzly and black bears, moose and deer. Enjoy a walk in Johnston Canyon or take the Banff Gondola up to Sulphur Mountain for a spectacular view over the majestic Rockies. The turquoise-green Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park is also a special and very scenic sight to see.

Distance: 290 km

Today’s journey will undoubtedly count among the highlights of your trip as you travel along the spectacular Icefields Parkway.  First, drive to Lake Louise where the impressive Chateau Lake Louise sits against the backdrop of Victoria Glacier. Discover the picturesque Moraine Lake with its stunning mountain view of the Wenkchemna peaks.  Stop at Peyto Lake and at the Columbia Icefield to travel on the massive glacier and walk on the thousand-year old ice field. Here you have the option to go on the world famous Icefield Explorer as it takes you far up the glacier. At Athabasca Falls, take a short walk to view the magnificent falls, before reaching the small town of Jasper, scenically located in the heart of Jasper National Park.

Today, explore Jasper National Park with its many pristine wilderness areas. Take a scenic 90-minute boat cruise on Maligne Lake or enjoy a walk in the spectacular Maligne Canyon. Other options are a scenic drive to the Angel Glacier at Mount Edith Cavell with beautiful and easy hiking trails. Or enjoy an exciting river raft tour floating down the Athabasca River. If you are a hiking enthusiast and want to see some stunning views from above, then a trip up the Jasper Skytram to the top of the Whistlers Mountain might interest you as there are many trails and viewpoints to explore.

Distance: 375 km

Today we bid farewell to the Rockies and dive into the rich green forests of interior BC. Drive along the famous Yellowhead Highway with stunning views of 3953-metre high Mount Robson, the highest mountain in the Canadian Rockies. Enjoy a nice break at the Mount Robson Visitor Center. Take a look at Overlander Falls and Rear Guard Falls which both have walking trails to stretch your legs.

Distance: 371 km

Travel west across the Yellowhead Highway traversing a gentle rolling plateau with countless lakes. Learn some BC history with a recommended visit to the historic Fort St. James, an important fur trading post set up by explorer and fur trader Simon Fraser.

Distance: 330 km

Discover the rich indigenous heritage of this region and stop at Witset Canyon in Moricetown, where in summer you can observe first nation’s fishermen practice their art of salmon fishing.  Visit the Ksan Historical Village in Hazelton, a reconstruction of a typical Gitxsan first nations village. After that visit the community of Gitanyow, a historic village, home to some of the oldest-known and largest collection of totem poles in British Columbia. As you travel to Stewart/ Hyder, a small town at the southern tip of Alaska, you will witness lush green mountainsides, towering waterfalls rushing down the cliffs, and behold such deep vibrant colours and views that makes the drive feel otherworldly.

Stewart and Hyder are well known for their grizzly bear sightings during the summer. The bears follow the spawning salmon and can often be watched from a viewing platform at Fish Creek. Nature enthusiasts and photographers travel from around the world to capture some of the most sensational wildlife pictures. An impressive experience is a drive along an old mining road up the mountainside to marvel at the awe-inspiring Salmon Glacier below. Canada’s 5^th largest glacier.

Distance: 455 km

Leaving Stewart, stop and gaze at the beautiful Bear Glacier, an impressive sight as the glacier reaches all the way to the road. Traverse the Nisga’a’s first nations territory on your way to Terrace on the Skeena River.

In Prince Rupert, a visit to the North Pacific Cannery Museum, the oldest cannery on the West Coast, lets you discover the fishing history of the Skeena River.

Distance: 16 Hour Ferry

Today, you are in for a special experience as you embark on a scenic 16-hour long ferry cruise south through the spectacular Inside Passage. Take in the beautiful coastal scenery and watch for whales, bald eagles and even dolphins. You’ll arrive in Port Hardy at the northern tip of Vancouver Island. On this journey we suggest that you upgrade your seats and travel in extra comfort by allowing us to book you special lounge chairs or a private cabin.

Distance: 261 km

Travel south on Vancouver Island, a region full of coastal wilderness and lush rainforests. Visit the remote village of Telegraph Cove, once an important salmon saltery. In Telegraph Cove, you have the option to go on a 3-hour whale watching tour and see orca and humpback whales in their natural environment. Afterwards you take a take the short ferry ride to Quadra Island from Campbell River, known as the “Salmon Capital of BC”.

Explore the rich cultural indigenous heritage on Quadra Island and enjoy the scenic location of your first nations resort Tsa Kwa Luten Lodge. Go on a guided sea kayaking tour, go beach combing, or charter a Boston whaler boat for salmon fishing adventure with a professional guide.

In September and October, Quadra Island and Campbell River offer a once-in-a-lifetime adventure: A full-day Grizzly-Bear Watching expedition to Bute Inlet. First, take a scenic boat ride deep into the Desolation Sound before enjoying a stunning bear-watching experience from special viewing platforms.

Distance: 299 km

Today`s journey leads you to the wild West Coast of Vancouver Island. Near Parksville, stop at Cathedral Grove for a short walk through an ancient rainforest with giant, towering, old-growth Douglas firs. The oldest trees are about 800 years old with tree-trunks the size of cars. Afterwards, traverse the Vancouver Island Mountain range to the West Coast for your two-day stay in Pacific Rim National Park.

Entering the park, be sure to stop at the Kwisitis Visitor Center at the south end of Wickaninnish Beach. Large timber logs, witnesses of the powerful winter storms, create a special atmosphere on the beaches.  The Visitor Centre is home to an impressive gallery telling the story of life on the West Coast.

A stay in Tofino is a special experience that lets you capture the rugged wilderness of the Pacific coast like no other place. Take a deep breath and inhale the fresh misty air of the Pacific, feel the power of the ocean waves, explore the abundant rainforest trails and be amazed by the colourful tidal pools. Enjoy the many water activities from sea kayaking and surfing to whale watching tours. For an unforgettable adventure, try to catch your own salmon with a professional fishing guide.

Distance: 320 km

Today, continue your journey across Vancouver Island heading south to Victoria. Enroute, stop in Chemainus, the city of murals and marvel at the picturesque village walls. Upon arrival in Victoria, take a scenic walk along the Inner Harbour and feel the British charm and elegance of BC’s capital city.

Distance: 115 km

In the morning, you have the chance to visit the stunning Royal BC Museum located at the Inner Harbour. If you haven’t gone Whale Watching earlier in the trip, then here is your last best chance to see what marine life the Pacific Ocean has to offer. Enroute to the ferry terminal, discover the botanical beauty of the famous Butchart Gardens before taking a 90-minute BC Ferries cruise through the scenic Gulf Islands to Vancouver. The Pearl of the Pacific, how Vancouver is amicable called, welcomes you with its stunning mountain-ocean flair.

Vancouver is yours to explore. There are countless amazing activities to experience. We recommend starting with a guided city tour, either privately with a local guide or on a public hop-on hop-off tour. Stanley Park is a must see highlight with its magnificent totem poles, and spectacular city and ocean views. For a bit more of an adventure, rent bicycles or E-Bikes to truly live the Vancouver experience and pedal along the Vancouver’s famous seawall. Explore Canada Place and Gastown. No visit to Vancouver is complete without a visit to Granville Island. If you have more time, cross Lions Gate Bridge for a visit to the North Shore, and walk across the Capilano Suspension Bridge or take a gondola up to visit Grouse Mountain for a unique view of the city from above. Vancouver has an abundance of delicious and unique restaurants to choose from, so treat yourself to a memorable night out. If you want to dine with spectacular views, then we can make reservations for you with a Sunset Dinner Cruise, or at the Top of Vancouver Revolving Restaurant.

Unfortunately, your trip has come to an end. Let us know how we can assist you in your travels back home. We thank you for trusting us to plan your vacation, and hope we get the chance to show you more of Canada again soon!