Vancouver Island & Northern Rockies
Overview
Itinerary
Arrive at any time.
- 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.
Catch a ferry from Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo and drive along the Oceanside Route to Campbell River. Visit the museum in the town which respectfully acknowledges the First Nations of North Vancouver Island by preserving, interpreting, and sharing the history of these Nations on the lands now known as Campbell River. After seeing the exhibits at the museum attend an optional dinner with the group.
- Ferry: Hop on a ferry from Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo.
- Campbell River Museum Visit: Visit the museum in Campbell River which houses collections of historic, archaeological and archival material specifically relating to the First Nations present in the northern Vancouver Island area. Spend an hour seeing the exhibits and learning more about the Liǧʷiɫdax̌ʷ First Nation. See how their lives intertwined with the lands Campbell River Museum now help to preserve, interpret, and share.
Take in the scenery while travelling to Port Hardy at the northern tip of Vancouver Island. Enjoy impressive views of coastline and lush forests. Then take the short ferry ride to Alert Bay and pay a visit to the World's Tallest Totem before visiting the U'mista Cultural Centre, whose mandate is to ensure the survival and preservation of the cultural heritage of the Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw. Walk on some of the trails dotting this tiny island before transferring back to Port McNeill for more free time and an optional happy hour at a local spot. Continue on to Port Hardy in the early evening and check into your hotel.
Please note for any dates on tour when the U'mista Cultural Centre happens to be closed, another activity will take its place within the itinerary.
- Ferry: Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.
- Visit to U'mista Cultural Centre: Enjoy a visit to the U'mista Cultural Centre where the mandate for the cultural society is to ensure the survival of the cultural heritage of the Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw. In November of 1980 the centre opened and featured the permanent collection of "Potlatch". Other exhibits on display include origin stories of the Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw villages as well as historical and contemporary objects that were of importance to their day to day lives.
- Free Time: Spend free time in Port McNeill exploring on your own. Before driving back to Port Hardy the group will meet up at a local restaurant where you can opt to buy dinner.
Embark at dawn for a day-long ferry ride through the famous Inside Passage. The glacial fjords provide spectacular scenery along the route and a safe haven for all types of wildlife, including orcas and porpoises. The ride is long, but spectacular. With a full day to relax, enjoy the scenery, read a book, or dine at the onboard restaurants. Reach Prince Rupert late in the evening.
Due to ferry schedules, there may be layovers at certain stops along the route.
- Inside Passage Cruise: Relax aboard the ferry through the stunning Inside Passage. Spot wildlife and soak in the views on one of the most scenic stretches of coastline in the world.
Drive one of the most scenic roads in the world from Prince Rupert to Smithers and discover the First Nations cultures of Northern BC on a day tour around Smithers. Visit the Gitanyow Totems, Battle Hill, and 'Ksan Museum & Historical Village.
- First Nations Day Tour: Get immersed in the First Nations culture of Northern BC. Start by visiting the Gitwangak National Historic Site and learn about the fort and battles fought by the warrior Nekt on Battle Hill. After, stop at the Hazeltons, an area with one of the highest concentrations of totem poles in the world, with over 50 standing poles. Wrap up the day with a tour of the Ksan museum and historical village.
Enjoy a free day to explore the wilderness around Smithers. Opt to visit Moricetown Canyon or hike one of many trails in the area.
- Free Time: Take advantage of free time in the Canadian wilderness. Opt to visit a Provincial Park or go for a hike.
Enjoy a visit to Twin Falls after breakfast and then spend free time in Smithers before travelling to Prince George, the largest city in Northern British Columbia.
- Free Time: Take advantage of a final morning for outdoor activities around Smithers.
Travel to Jasper National Park. En route, stop at the tallest mountain in the Canadian Rockies, Mount Robson. Visit the Interpretation Centre, and go for a short hike to take in the views.
- 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.
Enjoy a free day to explore Jasper National Park. Opt to hike at Maligne Canyon, cross the lake on a boat cruise, or join a scenic river rafting tour. In the evening, visit the Miette Hot Springs.
- Free Time: Prepare for an exciting day! With lots of optional activities and incredible scenery, you're guaranteed to have an unforgettable day in Jasper.
- Miette Hot Springs Visit: Enjoy the stunning landscape of lakes and mountains as you drive to the hot springs. Soak in one of the four pools as you take in the peaceful panoramic views.
- 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 kayaking to experience the true essence and beauty of this impressive park.
- Maligne Lake Cruise: Glide across the beautiful blue waters of Maligne Lake, the Canadian Rockies' largest glacial fed lake, on your way to the famous Spirit Island.
- 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)
- 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)
Travel to Canmore via one of the most scenic drives in the world, the Icefields Parkway. Stop at the Columbia Icefield en route. Along the 300km (186.4 mi) ride, a spectacle unfolds before our eyes: lush coniferous forests, immense mountains, turquoise lakes, high-falling cascades, and humbling glaciers. We stop a number of times along the way to take in the scenery and search for wildlife.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Travel to Calgary, a modern city that honours its cowboy roots. Tour ends on arrival to Calgary.
- Departure Day: Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with any onward travel arrangements you require.
Trip Inclusions
- Spot whales and sea lions on a ferry ride through the Inside Passage.
- Immerse yourself in First Nations culture in Smithers.
- View the tallest peak of the Canadian Rockies.
- Dip into the Miette Hot Springs.
- Catch postcard-perfect views along the Icefields Parkway.
- Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
- Your Wellness Moment: Miette Hot Springs Visit, Jasper National Park
- Inside Passage cruise
- First Nations day tour
- Mt Robson stop with visit to Interpretation Centre
- Miette Hot Springs visit
- Icefields Parkway drive
- Columbia Icefield stop
- Free time in Smithers and Jasper National Park
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
- Private vehicle, ferry, walking
- CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides
- Hotels (6 Nights), Lodges (4 Nights)
- 10 breakfasts
- Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included.
Get the best of both worlds with G's Classic trips as your knowledgeable CEO (Chief Experience Officer) leads you to iconic highlights and hidden gems, while ample free time lets you discover what excites you most. Enjoy included meals showcasing local flavours, plus opportunities to dive deeper into the food scene independently. Stay in comfortable hotels, authentic homestays, and unique accommodations that capture the spirit of each destination.
Dates & Pricing
The Great Adventurers Club
GJ Loyalty Discount
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Enquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by G Adventures. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
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