Day 1: Arrive in Vancouver
Arrive Vancouver and make your way to the hotel. Pick up your travel documents and tour manual from the front desk/hosts.
Overnight Vancouver |
Day 2: Vancouver to the Okanagan
Pick up car rental if you already did not do so. Depart for Kelowna along Highway 1; Fraser Valley; Bridal Veil Falls; continue on towards Hope and the Crowsnest Highway. This highway takes you past the site of the massive Hope Slide and allows you a chance to tour Manning Park. Once outside Manning Park, the scenery changes from high mountains to a reveal soft, rolling valleys. Welcome to the Okanagan Valley known as the "Land of Plenty". Other highlights include the history of Keremeos and the restored Grist Mill as well as the many fruit stands that line the road. Arrive late afternoon at your Kelowna accommodation.
2 nights Kelowna |
Day 3: Kelowna and the Okanagan Valley
Kelowna is one of Canada's most delightful cities. Orchards and wineries dot the landscape and make for many touring options. Spend the day touring the many local wineries that have achieved international attention. Later in the day take one of the options in the area such as the cruise on Lake Okanagan aboard the paddle wheeler, Fintry Queen or visit the heritage site of the Father Pandosy Settlement, which features many of the original buildings. Other options include relaxing on the shores of Lake Okanagan, walking through Bear Creek Provincial Park or visit the new wine museum. |
Day 4: Kelowna to New Denver
Continue north through the Okanagan Valley to the quiet town of Vernon, which is home to the impressive O'Keefe Historic Ranch. Most of the buildings and artefacts are still intact and offer a very personal glimpse into the life of the pioneers, the O'Keefe family. Tour the old general store, walk through the oldest Roman Catholic church in the province or visit the family home which is fascinating for history buffs as the home still features original furnishings and details. Follow Highway 6 east to the town of Needles to catch a small ferry across Lower Arrow Lake to Fauquier and then north to Nakusp. Just outside of Nakusp is a lovely natural hot spring site. Arrive in New Denver in the late afternoon, which rests on the shores of Slocan Lake, which divide Valhalla Park and Kokanee Glacier Park.
Overnight New Denver or similar |
Day 5: Valhalla Park and Kokanee Glacier Park
Today we can explore an area that has been shaped by gold seekers who developed the area in the late 1800's. There are museums, abandoned mines and several ghost towns to be discovered. For those that prefer, rent a canoe and paddle the beauty of Slocan Lake or visit Valhalla Park, which is only accessed, by boat. Hikers and walkers will thoroughly enjoy the stunning view from Idaho Peaks.
Overnight Slocan New Denver area or similar |
Day 6: New Denver to Revelstoke
Travel the shores of Upper Arrow Lake to Galena Bay where you take the longest free ferry in North America to Shelter Bay. From Shelter Bay continue to the mountain town of Revelstoke. Arrive early afternoon and head up to Revelstoke National Park for an incredible view of the Selkirk Mountains. Other enjoyable attractions include a touring the Revelstoke Dam, the Revelstoke Railway Museum or just enjoying a pleasant walk through the town.
Overnight Revelstoke |
Day 7: Revelstoke to Banff
Leave Revelstoke and travel to the Rockies; Emerald Lake, Takkakaw Falls, the Spiral Tunnels, the Columbia Mountains and the fascinating journey through the historic Rogers Pass.
2 nights in Banff |
Day 8: Banff
Today the world of the Canadian Rockies unfolds before your eyes!
This morning enjoy the beauty of Lake Louise and Moraine Lake; take a morning stroll along the lake. For those who crave that cup of tea, walk to the Lake Agnes Tea House. |
Day 9: Banff to Jasper
Today you travel the famous Ice Fields Parkway stopping along the way to capture the sights and sounds of placid lakes, rushing glacier water and the indigenous wildlife! The Parkway affords views of the Athabasca and Dome Glaciers as well as Peyto and Bow Lakes.
2 nights in Jasper |
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Day 10: Jasper
Enjoy a tour of Jasper including Maligne Canyon, Mount Edith Cavell (time of year permitting), Athabasca Falls, Pyramid and Patricia Lakes, Maligne Lake and cruise. |
Day 11: Jasper to Clearwater
Enjoy the majesty of Mount Robson and be captivated by the endless views and vistas! There is nothing to compare with the Rockies! Enjoy a tour of Jasper including Maligne Canyon, Mount Edith Cavell (time of year permitting), Athabasca Falls, Pyramid and Patricia Lakes.
Overnight in Clearwater |
Day 12: Clearwater to 100 mile
Take Highway 24 through the Interlakes District. This is the land of lakes, rolling hills, wildlife, great fishing and ranching! Miles of well marked scenic trails traverse the area over gentle hills of the central plateau and are ideal for hikers and walkers. 100 Mile House takes its name from gold rush days. North of 100 108 Mile which is a heritage site and nearby are restored ranch buildings, including one of the largest log barns in Canada; the 105 Mile roadhouse; the 108 Mile telegraph office and store (1867) and the 108 Mile hotel (1876) |
Day 13: 100 mile house to Vancouver
Today, follow the gold rush trail; pass through the town of Clinton which was known as 47 Mile House or Cut-Off Valley or stop at the Hat Creek Ranch which is another famous BC history landmark. The Hat Creek Ranch was once a roadhouse stopping place for the B.X. Stage. Today it features historical buildings, wagon rides and touring.
Overnight in Whistler |
Day 14: Victoria
Today we travel to Victoria by BC Ferry from Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo. Travel south to Victoria along the Island Highway. Victoria has been the capital of British Columbia since 1871 and still retains its old fashioned charm, hospitality and graceful architecture. Victoria also boasts some of the most splendid gardens in Western Canada, the most famous being Butchart Gardens. Other highlights of this delightful city include the stately Victorian-era Parliament Buildings, the Royal British Columbian Museum and Thunderbird Park, which has a wonderful display of modern day native carvers hard at work.
Overnight Victoria |
Day 15: Tuesday - Seattle
After breakfast; finish what there was not time for yesterday; after lunch head out to the Schwartz Bay ferry and head back to Vancouver.
Overnight Vancouver |
| Day 16: Depart Vancouver |
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