Canadian Rockies: Banff, Jasper & Vancouver 10 days / Nature & Wildlife Tours
About This Experience
Everything is bigger in Canada, including the Rockies. See them from every angle as you explore the jewel-colored lakes and snowcapped mountains of Banff and Jasper National Parks. Just when you think the scenery can’t get any more spectacular, you’ll climb aboard the Rocky Mountaineer to ride the rails through the soaring peaks and twisting valleys of the Coastal Range. With one dazzling landscape after another, this tour will open your eyes to western Canada’s gems.
Your Tour Includes
Round-trip airfare & transfers
9 nights in handpicked hotels
Breakfast daily, 2 lunches, 4 three-course dinners with beer or wine
Multilingual Tour Director
Private deluxe motor coach
Select entrance fees
Why You'll Love It
Spectacular mountain scenery at every turn
Bears, moose, eagles & other Banff residents
The stunning Valley of the Ten Peaks
A snow coach ride across Athabasca glacier
Glittering Lake Maligne
Vancouver’s vibrant, multicultural atmosphere
Calgary1 night - hotel info
Day1
Arrive in the Heart of the New West
Dinner
Your trip begins with a regularly scheduled flight aboard a major airline to Calgary, the Nashville of the North. After clearing customs, a Go Ahead representative greets you at the airport and then accompanies you to your hotel and assists you with check-in. Meet your fellow travelers at this evening’s included dinner.
Banff2 nights - hotel info
Day2
Take in the expanse of Calgary and beyond from atop the tall tower
Breakfast, Dinner
Calgary Tower
Your Tour Director leads you on a sightseeing tour of Calgary, site of the 1988 Winter Olympics. Tour the Olympic Park in the Arts District and stroll down Stevens Avenue, Calgary’s most famous shopping destination. Enjoy soaring views of the city from the Calgary Tower. Transfer to Banff this afternoon, and catch your first glimpse of the awe-inspiring Banff National Park, one of the natural wonders of the world. Enjoy an included dinner this evening.
Day3
Soar to the top of Sulphur Mountain for a panoramic view of Banff
Breakfast
Banff National Park, Sulfur Mountain gondola ride
Breathe in the crisp mountain air as you board a Sulfur Mountain gondola ride over Banff National Park’s gorgeous mountains and valleys. The birthplace of Canada’s national park system, Banff is part of the Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage Site. You’ll discover a landscape rich in wildlife and history against a backdrop of glaciers and towering mountain peaks. This afternoon, continue to explore Banff’s beauty on your own. This evening, opt for an enjoyable “Oh Canada Eh?” dinner and show.
Optional Excursions
"Oh Canada Eh?" Dinner Show $89* pp
With an evening in Banff, experience the revelery of Canadian culture at a showing of “Oh Canada Eh.” This dinner show features a two hour musical celebration of songs written or made famous by Canadians. You’ll meet singing Mounties, lumberjacks, hockey players, the loveable child heroine, Anne of Green Gables, and many other famous Canadian characters for a whirlwind adventure through the sights and sounds of Canada. While you are enjoying the show, our performers also serve you a delicious meal, including fresh Atlantic haddock, Manitoba roasted chicken maple chocolate mania cake and many more delectable Canadian treats.
Lake Louise1 night - hotel info
Day4
Go lake-hopping among emerald-colored waters and alpine peaks
Breakfast
Yoho National Park
Say goodbye to Banff as you depart for the glittering shores of Lake Louise. En route, stop to marvel at Moraine Lake and the Valley of the Ten Peaks. Upon arrival in Lake Louise, you’ll visit Chateau Lake Louise, where you’ll have free time for lunch. This afternoon, journey to Yoho National Park, where you’ll see the ethereal Emerald Lake, which owes its color to fine particles suspended in the glacier waters, and bask in the unearthly beauty of this alpine gem.
Jasper2 nights - hotel info
Day5
Motor across the snow drifts and glaciers of Columbia Icefields
Breakfast, Dinner
Jasper National Park
Leave Lake Louise for Jasper, a picturesque town nestled in the midst of Jasper National Park’s shimmering glaciers, crystal lakes, waterfalls, canyons and evergreen forests surrounded by towering peaks. You’ll stop on the way to visit Peyto Lake (weather permitting), then continue to the world-famous Columbia Icefield, one of the world’s most spectacular mountain glaciers. Take a guided drive across Athabasa Glacier onboard a vehicle specially designed for glacier driving. Continue on to Athabasca Falls, one of the gems in Jasper National Park. Or opt for an afternoon Athabasca River Raft excursion. Enjoy an included dinner this evening.
Optional Excursions
Athabasca River Raft Tour $65* pp
Fall in love with the Canadian wilderness on a leisurely journey down the Athabasca River, tracing the same route that early fur traders once followed. Along the way, your river guide will teach you the river’s natural and human history. Your tour passes through a calm stretch of the river, but some splashing is to be expected and waterproof ponchos are recommended. Please note: This optional excursion is seasonal and runs mid-May through September only.
Day6
Cruise the mountain-ringed lakes of Jasper National Park
Breakfast
Set off on an expedition into Jasper National Park this morning. You’ll visit the steep walls of Maligne Canyon, travel to Medicine Lake and finally arrive at the shores of beautiful Maligne Lake. Consider joining our optional Maligne Lake Cruise. Or, spend the afternoon at leisure.
Optional Excursions
Maligne Lake Cruise $69* pp
This midday cruise is your opportunity to experience one of the gems of the Canadian Rockies. You'll travel down Maligne Lake, through Samson Narrows and on to Spirit Island, where you are free to disembark for a once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunity. The cruise is enhanced by a licensed crew member who will provide narration for the duration of the excursion. Please note: This excursion is offered mid-May through early October and is weather dependent.
Kamloops1 night - hotel info
Day7
Ride the rails through the Rockies’ highest, most glorious mountains
Breakfast, Lunch
Rocky Mountaineer train ride
Today, you’ll hop aboard a vintage Rocky Mountaineer train for a truly spectacular full-day ride to the untamed beauty of Kamloops. Take in glacial lakes, towering mountain peaks and raging rivers from the comfort of your train car. The Rocky Mountaineer travels at “Kodak speed,” so be sure to have your camera ready! Enjoy an included lunch onboard today. After stopping for the night, choose from an array of optional entertainment provided through The Rocky Mountaineer, such as a musical dinner show, or turn in for the night at your hotel in Kamloops.
Vancouver2 nights - hotel info
Day8
Day9
Explore Vancouver’s varied neighborhoods, from Gastown to Chinatown
Breakfast, Dinner
This morning, tour the multicultural, cosmopolitan city of Vancouver with your guide. You’ll visit the 1,000 acre Stanley Park, Chinatown and the historic Gastown District. This afternoon is free to discover this wonderful city on your own. This evening, you’ll relive memories with your group over a Farewell Dinner.
Extend Your Stay
Add Vancouver & Victoria $269*
Delve deeper into the diversity and vibrancy of British Columbia, the westernmost province of Canada. Many cultures meet in the seaport of Vancouver, which boasts thriving Chinese and Indian neighborhoods. Spend your days wandering around the original settlement in Gastown or enjoying the great outdoors. Then, spend your evenings feasting on Chinese food and checking out the lively music scene. Opt to spend a day taking in the beauty and refinement of Victoria or the fresh air and adventurous spirit at Whistler.
Vancouver2 nights - hotel info
Day1
Hear the call of the hoary marmot in Whistler
Breakfast, Dinner
Explore Vancouver at leisure. Alternatively, consider joining our optional excursion to Whistler Village, located just up the coast. Canada’s premier ski resort, Whistler’s charming shops and cozy restaurants offer something for everyone.
Optional Excursions
Whistler Village $165* pp
Travel up the Sea-to-Sky Highway to Whistler, one of Canada's premier ski resorts. Upon arrival, you'll take a panoramic tour of the village followed by admission to the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre. Spend the rest of your day exploring Whistler, where you'll have time to peruse the local shops and take in the spectacular views of the valley during an included peak-to-peak gondola ride.
Day2
Discover Victoria’s blooming gardens and multicultural vibe
Breakfast
Enjoy your final day at leisure or board a ferry to Victoria, situated on Vancouver Island. The ride is considered to be one of the most beautiful ferry crossings in the world. Begin your tour in the city’s waterfront, passing the Inner Harbour, Parliament Buildings and Empress Hotel. Then, head to Butchart Gardens to explore the enchanting floral displays. With 55 acres of seasonal flora, these are among the most sought-after botanical gardens in Canada.
Optional Excursions
Victoria Sightseeing $185* pp
Board a ferry for a scenic ride to Victoria, where a local guide will introduce you to downtown Victoria. Next, take in a passing view of the Parliament Buildings, the city's Inner Harbor and the iconic Empress Hotel. After a few hours to eat lunch and explore on your own, travel through the countryside for a guided tour of the famed Butchart Gardens, home to 55 acres of stunning floral displays. Your evening comes to a close as you head back to the docks to catch your return ferry to Vancouver.
Passport & Visa
A valid passport is required for U.S. citizens traveling to Canada. If you are not a U.S. citizen, please be sure to have your required identification with you as well.
Transportation
Flights arrive in Calgary, where a Go Ahead representative escorts you to your hotel for check-in. Return flights depart from Vancouver. All included transportation is by private motor coach.
Baggage Allowance
Airlines have varying policies on weight restrictions and checked luggage. Charges for one or more checked bags may apply when traveling domestically. Please contact your airline or refer to its website for detailed information regarding your airline’s checked baggage policies. Bear in mind that your luggage will probably weigh more on your return trip due to souvenir shopping. We allow only one suitcase per person. One carry-on bag is also permitted, provided that it does not exceed 45 inches (length + width + height). There may be times when you will have to handle your own bags, and you’ll find that lightweight luggage provides a distinct advantage. Make sure you label your baggage and carry valuables, medication and documents in your carry-on luggage.
Clothing & Packing Tips
Light, loose-fitting clothing that provides comfort when exploring the sights is essential for your tour. A sun hat, sunglasses and a sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers are recommended for sightseeing. Hiking boots might come in handy, if you plan to do any extensive walking or hiking. It’s always a good idea to be prepared for any eventuality—a lightweight sports jacket and emergency rainwear are advised. Restaurants are typically informal in this region of Canada. And remember to bring a small carry-on bag for your overnight in Kamloops.
Health
Please be aware that you will be traveling at altitudes between 7,000 and 9,000 feet above sea level on this tour. These high altitudes can sometimes cause difficulty breathing and other health problems with travelers who have heart problems or respiratory ailments. If you suffer from any of these conditions, please speak to your doctor regarding any potential health risks. Even healthy travelers may sometimes experience altitude sickness, a temporary condition featuring symptoms of headache, fatigue, nausea and light-headedness. Until your body acclimates to the higher altitudes, we suggest that you drink plenty of fluids and limit your intake of caffeine and alcohol. Otherwise, there are no major health risks when traveling to this region. During the summer months, take care for sun exposure and heat. It is always advisable to check with your doctor or health-care provider for the latest updates and personal travel requirements.
Cuisine
One of the most enjoyable aspects of traveling is the delightful variety of local cuisine—even if you’re not traveling far. After all, Canada contains some of the most varied food in the world, and your tour will hit many different historic regions. Most of their cuisine is well-known, but look out especially for delicious French, Acadian and indigenous influences.
Currency
Canadian dollars will be the currency on your tour. You can find kiosks at the airport with good exchange rates, but the best way to change your money is simply by using an ATM.
Tipping
At the conclusion of your tour, it is customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity. We recommend tipping in your tour country’s currency, the equivalent of $3USD/CAD per person per day for your driver and $6USD/CAD to $9USD/CAD per person per day for your Tour Director. If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD/CAD per local guide. Tips can only be paid in cash. Please keep current local currency exchange rates in mind when tipping.
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Canadian Rockies at it's Best
We had a very nice time during the Canadian Rockies tour. The tour group was a nice size to get to know peopla and the guide was very helpful. The scenic stops were well planned.. walking on a glacier was unique. I ended up with way too many photos. It might have been better viewing in the train from the silver level cars but we had a great red host who made the trip a treat ...even with a delay. Over all very good. D. Roach
Back to Nature
If you like a trip that takes you back to nature this is for you. Majestic snow capped mountains, turquoise lakes and rushing water falls. Wildlife such as beer, elk and big horn sheep meandering down the road. Planned and unplanned trip stops along the way. All connections are taken care of.
Very Good Tour
The Canadian Rockies Tour was, for the most part, great. Maligne Lake will stay with me for the rest of my life; indescribably beautiful. There were however, some problems. I was required to wait in Calgary airport for over an hour for another flight coming in. The hotels were adequate but often out of the way.
overall worthwhile experience
beautiful scenery; inconsistent accommodations; knowledgeable tour director; excellent bus driver
Not my best trip
My expectations were probably different from what occurred
The Canadian Rockies
Tour is well organized and all the highlights are outstanding. Great experience in a small period of time. Well worth a traveler's adventure.
Canadian Rockies Adventure
Wonderful trip, beautiful scenery, excellent tour director. Travel pace was nice, we were able to enjoy all the sites on this tour without feeling rushed. Our hotels were good along with a great tour bus driver. The mountains, snow, ice fields, rivers and lakes were breathtaking to say the least. Would recommend to anyone who loves nature and it's natural beauty at a liesurly pace.
Most Beautiful Tour I Have Taken
I have been a group leader with EF Tours since 2001 and have traveled all over internationally and have seen a lot of beautiful country. This tour was the most beautiful of all places in that it started beautiful and ended beautiful. Great tour.
Gorgeous scenery
The scenery on this trip is absolutely gorgeous. Unfortunately, we had quite a bit of rain on our tour but even so we still had enough sun that we could see the magnificient mountain peaks. We also saw quite a bit of wildlife from the bus including bears, moose, elk, and big horned sheep. We loved Banff and Jasper and all the canyons, lakes, and waterfalls in between. Includes some great, albeit short, hikes. My favorite was the Johnston Canyon hike. Calgary itself was not too impressive and I was not overwhelmed with Vancouver either but that was probably because we had substantial rain on the day of our tour. I was underwhelmed by the train trip - we didn't see much wildlife from it and two full days on the train was rather long. Definitely bring a book or two to read in between examining the scenery. Overall the hotels were fine, not great, but mostly pretty good. I would have preferred a hotel closer to town in Jasper. The meals generally were very good but I do advocate for better desserts at dinner - less fruit and more chocolate! As someone else put it, a fruit cup at the farewell dinner doesn't cut it as dessert. Also, everyone on the trip was very friendly and the director and driver very helpful and informative.
Another tour with GO AHEAD
Worth taking this tour
