Canada’s Pacific Coast Wildlife and the Rockies

Touch down in Alberta, meet your friendly local tour manager at the airport and head to nearby Banff, the gateway to the Canadian Rockies. Once you’ve checked into your first hotel, you’ll have the rest of the evening to settle in and spend at your leisure, perhaps heading out to find dinner locally. 

Wake up to views of the striking Rocky Mountains ahead of a full day at leisure. If you’d prefer a more active day’s exploration, you can opt to join a guided tour of Banff’s impressive natural landmarks.  

This scenic tour begins with a breathtaking cable-car ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain, a landmark known for its panoramic overlooks. You’ll have time for a coffee before returning to Banff, for a tour of the town’s renowned thermal spas and picturesque alpine architecture. Marvel at charming Banff Avenue, set in the shadow of vast Cascade Mountain, before finishing the day’s tour with Surprise Corner’s spectacular views. 

After another night in Banff, head west through the heart of the Rocky Mountains, soaking up some truly spectacular vistas as you go. This vast alpine region stretches from Alberta to British Columbia and is home to thousands of species.  

Your first stop today will be idyllic Lake Louise, a vast expanse of turquoise water which remains frozen for much of the year. Set against the backdrop of the imposing Victoria Glacier, these serene lakeside vistas are amongst the most memorable sights in all of the Rockies. You’ll also stop at the famous Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise for panoramic views over the water.  

Continuing into British Columbia, you’ll stop in the town of Golden, a popular resort surrounded by white-water rapids, dense forests and six national parks. It’s here that you’ll find your day’s next highlight, the Golden Skybridge, Canada’s highest suspension bridge. Take a walk amongst the peaks and clouds of the Rockies, with unobstructed views of the magnificent landscapes below.  

You’ll then continue to the mountain resort of Sun Peaks, an alpine village high in the BC interior, where you’ll enjoy an overnight stay in yet more delightful surroundings. 

Hit the road this morning as you head to Whistler. This exquisite alpine village is home to one of North America’s largest ski resort and offers magnificent mountain views. 

On your journey today, you’ll also pass Kamloops, another popular Rocky Mountains town. Set in the semi-arid Thompson Valley, this extraordinary town sets itself apart with its sprawling clay hoodoos and winding river canyons, and you’ll be well-placed to soak up its unique vistas from the comfort of your seat. 

After a few hours on the road, you’ll arrive in Whistler for your check-in at your next hotel.

Watch the sun rise over the mountains this morning and enjoy a leisurely start ahead of a full day under your own steam. For the very best views, today’s optional excursion is a must-book and will take you high, above the peaks on a scenic seaplane flight.  

Head north to nearby Green Lake, where you’ll embark on this roughly 40-minute flight. As you reach altitude, marvel at the striking array of glacial valleys, alpine meadows and sprawling ranges that are characteristic of the Canadian Rockies before catching your breath on the icy blue expanse of Garibaldi Lake. You’ll also see Whistler, with its bustling ski slopes and elegant alpine vistas from above before landing back on the waters of Green Lake.  

Afterwards, the rest of the day will be at leisure in Whistler.

Bring your time in the mountains to a close this morning as you drive south to Horseshoe Bay for your mid-afternoon ferry crossing to Vancouver Island, mooring in the delightful port town of Nanaimo. This foodies’ haven overlooks the Strait of Georgia and offers the ideal introduction to life on Canada’s West Coast. 

After checking into your next hotel, your base for the night, you’ll be free to spend the rest of the day at your own pace. If you’re keen to explore, be sure to take in the Old City Quarter, a colourful sprawl of renovated heritage buildings, boutique stores and traditional Canadian eateries.

The next leg of your journey will take you along the Pacific Rim Highway to Tofino, a charming hub on the Pacific Coast. As you drive across Vancouver Island, you’ll enjoy exquisite views of the local scenery, with waterfalls, evergreen fir forests and rugged hills lining your way. You’ll also pass Kennedy Lake Provincial Park, home to the island’s largest freshwater lake and a premier summer retreat for holidaymakers across North America. 

Make a stop in Port Alberni, the ‘Salmon capital of the world’, before continuing onto Tofino, where you’ll have the rest of the day free to settle in.

Today, one of your tour’s undeniable highlights awaits with a fascinating animal-spotting cruise around the wildlife-rich inlets of Clayoquot Sound.  

Board a zodiac, a smaller and more manoeuvrable boat, accompanied by an expert local guide and trace a path along the rocky shores of Vancouver Island’s west coast. Along the way, you’ll hopefully have the chance to see the island’s resident black bears as they forage for food along the shoreline, and your guide will outline their typical activities and behaviours. Throughout your cruise, you might also spot the island’s elusive wolves or perhaps the local porpoises and seals moving beneath the waves.  

With life-long memories and perhaps a few well-timed photographs, head back to shore at the end of the excursion and spend the rest of the evening at leisure. 

Head back across Vancouver Island this morning, soaking up a few more memorable sights of the local panorama. Your destination today will be Victoria, the provincial capital of British Columbia and the island’s largest city.  

Upon arrival, you’ll be free to explore the historic Inner Harbour, watched over by the historic Fairmont Empress Hotel and the magnificent Legislative Assembly. Also of interest are the colourful floating markets and food stalls of Fisherman’s Wharf, and the neighbouring Downtown area, where you’ll find a number of boutique stores and restaurants.  

Embark on the second wildlife-spotting cruise of your holiday, and head further out in search of the Salish Sea’s spectacular local marine life.  

Known across the world for its impressive biodiversity, this collection of straits is home to more than 250 types of fish and 157 sea-faring bird species. Amongst the most impressive of the creatures that dwell beneath the waves are the region’s magnificent whales, and your expert captain will take you to some of the best spots for sightings.  

Watch the strait’s resident orcas, seals, and porpoises break the surface of the water and perhaps spot migratory humpback and grey whales as they flock to the region in search of food. As you sail, your local guide will be on hand to offer intriguing insights into the behaviour of the species beneath the waves and answer any questions.  

This afternoon, return to shore and spend the rest of the day at leisure in Victoria. 

This morning, you’ll visit the world-famous Butchart Gardens, where over a million plants and several hundred floral species are displayed. You’ll have a couple of hours to explore and soak up the striking local plant life before continuing to Swartz Bay. 

From here, you’ll embark on a scenic sailing across the Strait of Georgia to the Canadian mainland. Once you’re on the open water, you’ll enjoy a panoramic sailing past the Gulf Islands’ National Park Reserve to coastal Tsawwassen, before continuing by coach to Vancouver’s downtown area. Once you’ve checked into your final hotel, you’ll be free to relax or find dinner locally.  

Enjoy an optional guided tour this morning for an introduction to Vancouver’s major highlights. Start at Stanley Park, where you can admire its array of colourful totem poles and long sea wall. Continue to lively Gastown, with its trendy art galleries and cocktail bars, before visiting colourful Chinatown, and the glass and steel wonders of the Burrard Inlet waterfront.  

Next, cross Lion’s Gate Bridge into the leafy suburbs of North Vancouver and the wilderness beyond to brave the famous Capilano Suspension Bridge. Surrounded by ancient Douglas fir trees and teetering above the Capilano River, this historic bridge and park offers magnificent views of Vancouver’s wild green spaces. Keep an eye out as you cross, and you might also find a few of the park’s traditional native American totem poles. 

You’ll have a few more hours this morning to spend as you see fit, perhaps venturing into downtown Vancouver for lunch, last minute shopping or revisiting your favourite spots from the previous day’s sightseeing.  

This afternoon, head to the airport for your return overnight flight. 

Arrive back in the UK this morning at the end of a remarkable Canadian escape.