Rocky Roundup, 13 nights

Tour Itinerary

Vancouver

2 nights at Empire Landmark Hotel 

On arrival in Vancouver, transfer to your hotel, located in the heart of the city. After check-in at reception, there’s time to explore your local surrounds before enjoying a peaceful evening, ready for a jam-packed day of sightseeing! The next morning starts with an orientation tour, showcasing city highlights such as Stanley Park, English Bay, Gastown, Chinatown and the Capilano Suspension Bridge. The afternoon is free to explore at your own pace, revisiting some of the sights you’ve seen earlier perhaps or indulging in some world-class shopping at Granville Street.

Vancouver – Vernon

1 night at Sandman Inn & Suites Vernon

After breakfast, hop on-board the comfortable, air-conditioned tour bus for the journey east towards the Okanagan Valley, world famous for its abundant fruit orchards and vineyards. Marvel en-route at great maritime plains, set against a dramatic backdrop of mountains and stop for photos at beautiful Kalamalka Lake. Arrive in Vernon during the afternoon, a charming BC township and home to over 100 lakes, world-class golf, some great beaches plus hiking and biking trails galore. 

Vernon – Banff

2 nights at Spruce Grove Inn

Continue further east today along the Okanagan Valley, stopping at Craigellachie, to view the monument marking the spot where the famous ‘Last Spike’ was driven into place in 1885 linking Canada by rail from sea to sea. During the afternoon, reach the majestic Canadian Rocky Mountains, first crossing the mighty Rogers Pass and then the narrow Kicking Horse Canyon. Arrive at the bustling town of Banff late afternoon, ready to soak up its bustling atmosphere. The following day, it’s a tour of Banff, with the option of a helicopter sightseeing tour or a gondola ride to spectacular Sulphur Mountain, famous for its panoramic views. The rest of the day is yours to spend your way, strolling along Banff Avenue perhaps or heading into the wilderness to explore. 

Banff – Jasper

1 night at Marmot Lodge

From one National Park to another, we leave Banff this morning, stopping en-route at beautiful Lake Louise, one of the most photographed lakes in Canada. It’s then onto the famed Icefield Parkway through some of the country’s most rugged scenery. At the Columbia Icefield, get ready for the ride of a lifetime, boarding a specially constructed Ice Explorer to skim the surface of the ancient Athabasca Glacier. There’s also the opportunity to enjoy an optional raft trip on the Athabasca River, another unforgettable experience. Arrive in Jasper late afternoon, ready to rest! 

Jasper – Prince George

1 night at Sandman Inn & Suites Prince George

Before leaving Jasper, enjoy an optional Spirit Island Cruise on Maligne Lake, its haunting beauty is breathtaking. Afterwards, travel westward back to the coast, stopping at Mount Robson Viewpoint en-route. The highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, it is often shrouded by mist, but today may be your lucky day! Leave the mountains behind and drive towards Prince George, located at the tip of British Columbia’s Cariboo Region to enjoy another relaxing evening.

Prince George – Smithers

1 night at Hudson Bay Lodge

Head further west this morning, along the Yellowhead Highway, marvelling at some of Canada’s most forested and rugged terrain as you go. There’s also a stop at Fort St James National Historic Park to learn all about the days of the fur trade. At the end of the day, settle into Smithers, a characteristic frontier town with a hugely welcoming atmosphere and bags of charm.

Smithers – Prince Rupert

1 night at Coast Prince Rupert Hotel

Today is the last segment of your journey back to the Pacific Ocean. Follow the beautiful Skeen River Valley to Prince Rupert, stopping en-route for a tour of ‘Ksan Indian Village – a fascinating recreation of an ancient traditional community of the Gitxsan First Nation peoples. Arriving at Prince Rupert, there’s a handy orientation tour with the rest of the day free to spend at leisure. An area where eagles, bears and whales outnumber humans, keep your binoculars handy at all times!

Prince Rupert – Port Hardy

1 night at Port Hardy Inn

Binoculars and cameras again at the ready this morning as you embark on a full day cruise south along the coast of British Columbia to Vancouver Island. Known as the ‘Inside Passage’, this is one of the most spectacular waterways in Canada with views to astound at every turn! Spend the evening in Port Hardy, the last bastion of civilisation in the remote and wild north end of Vancouver Island.

Port Hardy – Victoria

2 nights at Harbour Towers Hotel & Suites

Back on the coach today, travel south to Victoria, passing unhurried little towns and villages, whose main industry is logging and fishing. A brief stop is made at Chemainus – regarded as more of an outdoor art gallery than a town with over 33 murals depicting the history and culture of the area to admire. Arrive in Victoria late afternoon, the capital of British Columbia, to stay for two nights in a centrally-located hotel. The next day is entirely yours to see the sights or enjoy an optional Floatplane Sightseeing Tour over downtown Victoria and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. There’s also an optional whalewatching excursion aboard a high-speed Zodiac. If you’ve chosen the independent option, highlights include the old world charm of downtown, flower gardens galore, Chinatown and Inner Harbour, home to the Royal BC Museum and Thunderbird Park.

Victoria – Vancouver

1 night at Coast Plaza Hotel & Suites

Before returning to Vancouver, visit the most famous flower garden of them all, Butchart Gardens, with plenty of time allowed for wandering its regal and colourful paths. Afterwards, enjoy a pleasant cruise through the Gulf Islands resort region back to the city. There’s an optional ‘Farewell Dinner’ later, again on-board a cruise vessel, providing the perfect opportunity to swap favourite memories with fellow guests. After a good night’s rest, squeeze in some last minute shopping before transferring to the airport for the return journey home.