Canadian Rockies: National Parks Westbound

Arrive at any time. What better way to kick off your travels than by getting to know your CEO and group over a few drinks? Hit up one of the local pubs in downtown Calgary where you’ll enjoy live music, great entertainment, local ales, and some pretty tasty grub. So grab a beer, sit on the patio or at the bar, admire this mountain town, and swap travel stories with your group as the night unfolds.

Included Experiences

• Meet Your CEO and Group: Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
• Connect With New Friends: Connect with new friends on your first night out in a new destination. Only available on 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours.

Optional Experiences

• Welcome Dinner: You've arrived! Why not share a meal and a drink with your new travel mates?

As the day begins spend some of your time discovering the quiet beauty of Banff, a resort town located within Banff National Park. Take some pictures of the wildlife, stroll the shop-lined streets, or hike up a mountain for some spectacular views of the town below. Finish the day off with a dip into a natural hot spring or treat yourself to some pampering at one of the many spas in town.

Included Experiences

• Orientation With CEO: Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.
• Free Time: Enjoy some free time to do as much or as little as you'd like.
• Banff National Park Visit: Magnificent Banff—Canada’s first and most famous National Park. Rocky Mountain peaks, turquoise glacial lakes, scenic drives, and a quaint mountain town. First, gaze in wonder, then immerse yourself in a park that has it all! Hike alongside picture-perfect mountains, glaciers, lakes, ice fields, canyons, and even hoodoos. Keep an eye out for wolves, grizzly bears, elk, and mountain lions. Banff’s blend of towering peaks and flower-strewn meadows make it a dream location to enjoy the great outdoors and mountain scenery.

Optional Experiences

• Tunnel Mountain Hike: Hike up the well marked trail for a central view of the town of Banff and the surrounding mountains.
• Banff Gondola Ride to Sulphur Mountain: Take a gondola to the famous Sulphur Mountain and enjoy the spectacular view of the whole mountain range and the village below. (75-90 CAD per person)
• Cycling: Rent a bicycle to see a bit more of Banff. Be sure to be on the lookout for elk and deer on the trails. (36.75-93.45 CAD per person)
• Canoeing: Rent a canoe and leisurely enjoy the scenery on Vermillion Lakes.
• Hot Springs Soak: Take a dip in Banff's world famous hot spring mineral pools, which have brought weary travellers to this place since the 1800's. There's no better way to unwind after a long day of exploring than to simmer in these water's with an epic mountain view.
• Johnston Canyon Hike: Johnston Canyon is certainly an area that shows the power of nature and time; rushing water carves a path through the limestone canyon and potholes form over the years from plunging waterfalls.

Grab a fellow tour mates' hand and gaze in wonder at the beauty of Lake Louise. Hike with a group to the Agnes Lake Tea House, or lose your sense of time along the Plain of Six Glaciers Trail.

Included Experiences

• Banff National Park Visit: Magnificent Banff—Canada’s first and most famous National Park. Rocky Mountain peaks, turquoise glacial lakes, scenic drives, and a quaint mountain town. First, gaze in wonder, then immerse yourself in a park that has it all! Hike alongside picture-perfect mountains, glaciers, lakes, ice fields, canyons, and even hoodoos. Keep an eye out for wolves, grizzly bears, elk, and mountain lions. Banff’s blend of towering peaks and flower-strewn meadows make it a dream location to enjoy the great outdoors and mountain scenery.
• Lake Agnes Tea House Hike: Originally built in 1901 by the Canadian Pacific Railway, the Lake Agnes Tea House has been serving fine loose-leaf teas to visitors for over one hundred years. Hike along a forested trail as you make your way past Mirror Lake and cascading waterfalls, to the shores of Lake Agnes. This lovely log building serves up a great cup (over 100 loose-leaf teas!) as well as finger food. The hike to the Tea House is free, but it costs between 5-10 CAD if visitors wish to buy loose-leaf tea while there.

Optional Experiences

• Plain of Six Glacier Hike: This historic trail follows the shores of Lake Louise, eventually pushing out into a scenic assembly of peaks and glaciers. Stop and enjoy a cup of tea at the cozy, remote Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House.

You’ll be skipping with joy into the beauty that is Yoho NP. Visit Emerald Lake, whose vibrant waters rival those of famed Lake Louise and Takkakaw Falls – the second highest waterfall in Canada. Opt to go whitewater rafting in the afternoon along the Kicking Horse River. Skip the crowds, sip a cold beer by the aquamarine waters, and simply enjoy the untamed beauty of this lesser-known Canadian park.

Included Experiences

• Takkakaw Falls Visit: Get ready for an awesome sight: Takkakaw Falls is one of the highest waterfalls in Canada, with a free fall of 254m (833 ft)!
• Emerald Lake Hike: Discover the beautiful wilderness setting of Emerald Lake and its surroundings, popular for sightseeing, canoeing, and hiking. Skirt around the lake and enjoy the incredible scenery.

Optional Experiences

• Kicking Horse River White Water Rafting: Raft on one of the most famous rivers in Canada. The Kicking Horse River is the ultimate whitewater rafting destination in the Rocky Mountains and is guaranteed to provide the thrill of a lifetime. (110-135 CAD per person)
• The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise Visit: Visit one of the most iconic hotels in Canada. This beautiful hotel was rebuilt after a fire in 1924 and stands looking out at the breathtaking Lake Louise and the Victoria Glacier.
• Grizzly Bear Refuge Visit: Visitors are given the opportunity, as part of a one-of-a-kind interpretive tour, to watch a grizzly bear interacting much as it would in the wild: foraging, hunting, playing, swimming, and, of course, snoozing.

Make your way to stunning Jasper via the Icefield Parkway. The beauty is so spectacular you may find yourself holding your breath as you drive one of the most scenic mountain landscapes on Earth. The parkway offers an unforgettable journey through a vast wilderness of magnificent peaks, pristine mountain lakes, and broad sweeping valleys. Along the way you will stop at Bow Lake and the Columbia Icefield Centre, where you can choose to walk with an expert guide atop the still active Athabasca Glacier. Tonight, kick back and relax near a campfire in Jasper. To travel the icefield parkway is to experience one of Canada's national treasures and most rewarding destinations. Stretching 230km (155 mi) between Lake Louise and the town of Jasper, the parkway offers easy access to one of the most spectacular mountain landscapes on Earth. This is a wonderful journey through the heart of the Canadian Rockies, a vast wilderness of magnificent peaks, pristine mountain lakes, and broad sweeping valleys. Stop at Columbia Icefield for an unforgettable experience. Continue on to Jasper. In the evening, set up your camp and enjoy a nice warm campfire.

Included Experiences

• Bow Lake Visit: Visit the stunning turquoise waters of this mountain-rimmed lake.
• Columbia Icefields Center Visit: View one of the Rockies' largest and most accessible active glaciers. The Athabasca Glacier recedes at a rate of nearly 5m (16.4 ft) a year. See this natural beauty while you still can.
• Jasper National Park Visit: Jasper National Park might be less known, but no less mighty. As the largest park in the Canadian Rockies, Jasper is wild in every sense of the word. Experience mountain landscapes complete with waterfalls, canyons, glacier lakes, and the Columbia Icefield. Get out and explore on rugged backcountry trails chock-full of wildlife and take part in outdoor activities like, mountain biking, or skiing, to experience the true essence and beauty of this impressive park.
• Icefields Parkway Drive: The Icefields Parkway is a breathtaking drive situated between Banff and Jasper National Parks in Alberta, Canada. Experience the wild beauty of the Canadian Rockies on a winding drive through jagged mountain peaks and past glaciers feeding into brilliant blue lakes. Along the way expect to see postcard mountain vistas, huge valleys, and loads of hiking trails that will get you out and about in this truly incredible area.

Optional Experiences

• Athabasca Glacier Ice Walk: At the Columbia Icefields, enjoy a glacier walk with an expert guide on the lower Athabasca Glacier to explore and understand the life of this active glacier. Walking on this glacially carved landscape is an experience you won’t soon forget.
• Glacier Adventure: Travel onto the glacier in an oversized ice rover. Get out and experience the stunning alpine glacial vistas at the mid-point of your journey. Afterwards, bask in the view of a lifetime on the epic Glacier Skywalk, a glass bottom viewing platform stretching out into the Rockies.

Wake up in the alpine town of Jasper amid snow-capped mountains and glacier lakes. Stroll through Maligne Canyon, the deepest gorge in the Canadian Rockies. The trail is an easy loop that is full of waterfalls, bridges, dense pine forests, and streams that seem to pop out of nowhere. Take the rest of the morning to explore Jasper NP. Rent a canoe and get out on Maligne Lake with your friends, seek some thrills whitewater rafting on the Athabasca River, or simply take it all in. Then spend the afternoon losing yourself in the lively mountain town.

Included Experiences

• Maligne Canyon Hike: Malinge Canyon follows an interpretive trail with several bridges. Hover over the Malinge River that, over thousands of years, has eroded the canyon to over 60m (197 ft) in some spots.
• Free Time: Stroll the streets of beautiful Jasper.
• Jasper National Park Visit: Jasper National Park might be less known, but no less mighty. As the largest park in the Canadian Rockies, Jasper is wild in every sense of the word. Experience mountain landscapes complete with waterfalls, canyons, glacier lakes, and the Columbia Icefield. Get out and explore on rugged backcountry trails chock-full of wildlife and take part in outdoor activities like, mountain biking, or skiing, to experience the true essence and beauty of this impressive park.

Optional Experiences

• Whitewater Rafting on Athabasca River: Pass through many small sets of rapids and calm stretches, which allow your National Park Licensed guide to point out the natural and human history of Jasper. The Athabasca River is the same route that was used by the fur traders many years ago. (65-110 CAD per person)
• Bald Hills Hike: The Bald Hills hike has a fairly steep incline. The 10km (6.2 mi) round trip will showcase the best panoramas of Maligne Lake and numerous mountains surrounding the lake.
• Canoe Ride: Rent a canoe from the longstanding Boathouse on Maligne Lake. (84-215.25 CAD per person)
• Boat Cruise to Spirit Island & Maligne Lake: Glide across the beautiful blue waters of Maligne Lake, the Canadian Rockies' largest glacial fed lake, on your way to the famous Spirit Island. (75.60-109.20 CAD per person)

Get an early start today as you and the group head further west towards British Columbia. Pass the majestic peak of Mount Robson, the tallest mountain in the Canadian Rockies. Stop at the visitor centre and grab your next “Insta” photo on the large viewing deck before jumping back in the van to continue on to Wells Gray PP.

Included Experiences

• Mount Robson Visit: Stop at the visitor centre and, if it’s a clear day, see the top of the Mount Robson, the tallest peak in the Canadian Rockies.
• Big Night Out: Celebrate new friends and new adventures with a party at camp tonight in Wells Gray National Park. Enjoy time together around the fire; maybe play charades, laugh, tell jokes, and have an impromptu dance party as the stars come out to join you on this fun night!

Optional Experiences

• Spahats Creek Falls Visit: Visit an impressive waterfall in Wells Gray Park. Spahats is the First Nations term for bear, which has is the name of the stream that flows to the falls.

Head out for an exciting adventure canoeing in the Canadian wilderness. Take this time to laugh and be silly with your friends or paddle off to quieter coves for some peace and reflection. After a lunch on the shore overlooking Clearwater Lake you will stop at some of the most fascinating waterfalls in the park, including Helmcken Falls — world famous for being three times taller than Niagara Falls.

Included Experiences

• Canoeing in Wells Gray: Get in a boat and start paddling! Enjoy canoeing on beautiful Clearwater Lake with local guide and an included shore lunch.
• Dawson Falls Visit: Enjoy a visit to this wide waterfall that spans the Murtle River. In spring and early summer, thousands of litres of water rush over the falls every second -- it's a spectacular sight.
• Helmcken Falls Visit: Set in a lush canyon, the world famous Helmcken Falls is the most iconic in the "Waterfall Park" -- it's three times the height of Niagara Falls! Enjoy the spray and beautiful scenery on your visit here.

Today is a travel day, but never fear you'll have no time to be bored. There will be plenty of opportunities for conversation, reflection, and taking photos as you drive from the densely wooded forests of Wells Gray PP through the Canadian desert and into the coastal mountains of BC. Remember, it's often the longer days that create the best bonding experiences for you and your new mates.

Included Experiences

• Seton Lake Visit: Explore the shores of Seton Lake, a freshwater fjord ringed by towering mountains. The turquoise waters and breathtaking landscape surrounding the lake make for incredible views and iconic imagery of interior British Columbia.
• Orientation With CEO: Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.

Good morning from one of Canada's greatest natural playgrounds. Right when you thought you couldn't fall more in love with Canada you most certainly will. The scenery here is almost dreamlike and one of the best ways to immerse yourself in it all is with a morning hike. Take in a waterfall, witness incredible views of Daisy Lake, or try your hand at other outdoor adventures like ziplining, rafting, or mountain biking. In the afternoon explore more of Whistler, grab some food, play some frisbee, or just sit and talk outside.

Included Experiences

• Free Time: Get out and explore beautiful Whistler.
• Whistler Hike: Hike on your own along one of the many beautiful trails in the Whistler area. The scenery here is stunning. You can also opt for the Train Wreck Trail or take the peak to peak gondola to hike one of the many alpine trails accessible from the summit. Your CEO will NOT be guiding you on this hike. You can opt to do it solo or with your group. Ask your CEO to point you in the right direction.

Optional Experiences

• Whistler Hike: Hike on your own along one of the many beautiful trails in the Whistler area. The scenery here is stunning. You can also opt for the Train Wreck Trail or take the peak to peak gondola to hike one of the many alpine trails accessible from the summit. Your CEO will NOT be guiding you on this hike. You can opt to do it solo or with your group. Ask your CEO to point you in the right direction.
• Rafting: Get your adrenaline fix on on this exhilarating white water rafting trip. Enjoy the amazing scenery along the way, and keep your eyes peeled for bears. (145.60-196 CAD per person)
• Peak 2 Peak Gondola Ride: Soak up the scenery with 360-degree views of mountains, lakes, and glaciers. Hop out at the top and take a short hike or grab a coffee and snack at the mountaintop restaurant. Catch a glass bottom gondola to get an even better view.
• Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre Visit: Take a trip back to a time of ancient traditions, and learn about the history and culture of two First Nations groups who have called this region home for centuries. Try playing drums, making traditional crafts, and listen to stories from members of the Squamish and Lil'wat communities for an authentic First Nations experience.
• Ziplining and Treetop Adventures: Spend the day in the sky, floating through Whistler's rainforest on one of Canada's longest ziplines.

The outdoor adventures are far from over. Take a ferry across to Vancouver Island and dance beneath ancient Douglas firs. You’ll arrive in time to witness a gorgeous west coast sunset. In the morning take a short drive to the ferry terminal before embarking to Nanaimo, also on Vancouver Island. Continue driving to Tofino on the far west of the island and experience stunning scenery, wildlife, and some pretty awesome photo ops along the way. In the morning, drive a short distance to the ferry terminal. Taking a ferry to Nanaimo on Vancouver Island is an exciting part of the adventure of getting here. BC Ferries offers an outstanding service that travels through some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. In the afternoon, continue to drive to Tofino, just in time for sunset.

Included Experiences

• Ferry: Hop on a ferry from Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo.
• The Old Country Market: Come by this beloved Vancouver Island attraction near Parksville to grab a meal, explore the market, and watch the goats on the roof -- yes, really!
• MacMillan Provincial Park Visit: Enjoy a visit to beautiful MacMillan Provincial Park. Cathedral Grove, located in the park, is one of the most accessible stands of giant Douglas fir trees on Vancouver Island. Stroll through a network of trails under the shadow of towering ancient Douglas fir trees, majestic pillars untouched by the modern world, some more than 800 years old.

Enjoy a free day in the great outdoors. Choose to get up close and personal with mother nature on a whale watching tour by Zodiac off of Tofino's coast. Or soak in views of this rugged and untamed landscape and spend time exploring endless stretches of beach. From hikes through rainforests to catching waves out in the Pacific Ocean, Tofino is an outdoor adventurers' paradise. Whatever you decide the time is yours, just make sure to grab your fill of this unique surfer town before it's time to move further south.

Included Experiences

• Free Time: Get out and leave no stone unturned.

Optional Experiences

• Whale Watching Zodiac Tour Clayoquot Sound: During this half-day whale watching program the group will travel to whale feeding areas near Tofino. Travel through the pristine waters of Clayoquot Sound and search for wildlife such as gray whales, sea lions, seals, porpoise, and killer whales (orcas) in the depths while scanning the sensational scenery. The landscape is also home to a few different sea birds like, tufted puffins and a few resident bald eagles. This excursion is a great way to get out on the water gain a whole new perspective of the local area's flora and fauna.

It's off to Victoria today! Breathe in the lush smell of old growth forests and daydream as the island scenery passes you by. Stop at the Old Country Market in Coombs where you can buy souvenirs, grab a bite to eat, or simply sit and watch goats amble by on the roof above. Arrive in Victoria just in time to watch the sunset over the water. Then take the rest of the evening to relax in the city or hangout with your group and tell stories because there’s no doubt you have some by now!

Included Experiences

• The Old Country Market: Come by this beloved Vancouver Island attraction near Parksville to grab a meal, explore the market, and watch the goats on the roof -- yes, really!
• Free Time: Get out and explore Victoria.
• Orientation With CEO: Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.

Optional Experiences

• Butchart Gardens Visit: Visit this famous National Historic Site of Canada. The Butchart Gardens are absolutely stunning floral show gardens.
• Royal British Columbia Museum Visit: Filled with local human and natural British Columbian history, the BC Royal Museum always has a unique cultural and artistic exhibit on showcase.

Hop on a ferry back to the mainland. The trip ends upon arrival in Vancouver, but we recommend taking some time to discover this beautiful, moody, and invigorating city before you head home. Visit top sights like Stanley Park, Gastown, and the Vancouver Lookout as the day carries on. Not ready to say good-bye yet? Book some additional post-trip accommodation nights to keep your adventure going... because let's face it, taking one more day off is always worth it before heading back to reality. Please note this trip ends on arrival to Vancouver. If you are interested in exploring Vancouver and its nearby attractions, it is recommended you book additional post-trip accommodation nights.

Included Experiences

• Ferry: Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.
• Departure Day: Depart on arrival to Vancouver. Your CEO can help with any onward travel arrangements you require.