Rockies, Rail & Spirit Bear

Day 1 - UK to Calgary Transfer to Banff

Arrive in Calgary Airport, where you will be transfered to your choosen hotel in Banff.

Day 2 - Discover Banff & Its Wildlife

This morning we have included a 3 hour Discover Banff & its Wildlife Tour. 

The Town of Banff is an island of culture and history, surrounded by a sea of untamed wilderness. This tour enriches your visit with stories of 11,000 years of history, hidden in these rugged hills.

Navigate a half-day journey to some of the most important landmarks in the area. You'll stop at the iconic Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, Bow Falls, Lake Minnewanka and the "oh wow!" view at Surprise Corner.

Venture down peaceful pine-scented trails and learn about wildlife habitat and behaviour. Ask as many questions as you like, as our guides are experts and love to share their knowledge. Don't forget your camera - we spot wildlife on 95% of these tours.

You have the afternoon at your leisure - why not take a trip on the Gondola and have lunch at the top, or relax at the Banff Hot Springs.

Day 3 - Banff

A free day to explore Banff, speak to our Canada Experts about what experiences are available. 

Day 4 - Banff to Jasper

Today's tour to Jasper takes us through some of the most spectacular mountain landscapes in North America. Following the spine of the Canadian Rockies, view a never-ending procession of mammoth mountains, jagged snowy peaks, and over 100 glaciers. The entire day is spent in the majesty of Canada's two most famous National Parks, Banff and Jasper. Departing Banff we pass Vermilion Lakes and the fortress formations of Castle Mountain before arriving at stunning Lake Louise and the world famous Chateau Lake Louise. After a short break we continue northwards on the Icefields Parkway, one of the most scenic stretches of highway in North America. Stops will be made at Crowfoot Glacier, Bow Lake, Peyto Lake and the Weeping Wall before arriving at the Athabasca Glacier and Columbia Icefield where we allow time to enjoy the "Ice Explorer Ride" and the Glacier Skywalk (included). From here the parkway descends Tangle Ridge and follows the Athabasca River, which begins as melt water from the Athabasca Glacier. We then stop at the Athabasca Falls, where the boiling waters of the river plunge into a chasm gouged out of the valley floor.

Highlights: A hearty picnic lunch is included and will be enjoyed at a secluded location along the Icefields Parkway.  

Ice Explorer Ride 

Facing the Columbia Icefield Visitors Centre lies the Athabasca Glacier - a tongue of ice 6 kilometres long and one kilometre wide descending almost to road level. Take time for Brewster's Ice Age Adventure, a tour onto the icy slopes of the Athabasca Glacier. You will travel in a specially designed Brewster Snocoach to the middle of the glacier, on a 5 kilometre round trip journey. Your driver/guide will explain how glaciers are formed and point out interesting geological features as you travel in safety and comfort. At the icefall below the glacier headwall, you will have the option of stepping out onto ice formed from snow falling as long as 400 years ago.

Glacier Sky Walk 

Opened in May 2014, the area's newest attraction consists of a 500 metre interpretive boardwalk and a glass-floored observation platform extending 30 metres out over the Sunwapta Valley. Glacier Skywalk offers spectacular scenery and a rare view of nature. Anyone of any age and any activity level can immerse themselves in nature in a way that makes them feel truly overwhelmed by their surroundings and their unique vantage point!

Day 5 - Maligne Valley & Lake Cruise

This introduction to Jasper begins with a short tour of the town before heading across the Athabasca River to Maligne Lake. A century after Mary Schaeffer's remarkable adventure, come discover the world-renowned Maligne Lake for yourself! A stop at Maligne Canyon offers staggering views of the river thundering through a series of magnificent waterfalls in a gorge 10,000 years in the making. Farther up the valley, stop to solve the mystery of "disappearing" Medicine Lake. Next we'll carry on to the pinnacle of our tour, breathtaking Maligne Lake! Once there you can enjoy an interpretative boat cruise bound for Spirit Island, truly another of Canada's iconic images.

Day 6 - Rocky Mountaineer Jasper to Kamloops

Travel onboard Rocky Mountaineer from Jasper in the Canadian Rockies to Kamloops, in the heart of British Columbia’s interior. As you journey west and south you will be surrounded by the dramatic scenery of the Continental Divide and by the river valleys of the Monashee and Cariboo mountains. Today’s highlights include Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies at 3,954 metres (12,972 feet), Pyramid Falls, the climb over Yellowhead Pass and the journey along the North Thompson River as you approach Kamloops. Overnight in Kamloops. Breakfast, Lunch, Snack and beverage are included on board the train. Transfer included with Rocky Mountaineer.  

Day 7 - Rocky Mountaineer Kamlopps to Vancouver

Your journey continues west towards the Pacific Ocean and the coastal city of Vancouver. On today’s journey you will again see dramatic changes in scenery, from the desert-like environment of the interior, through winding river canyons and pristine forests, to the Coast and Cascade mountains and the lush green fields of the Fraser River Valley. Highlights include the steep slopes and rock sheds along the Thompson River and the rushing waters of Hell’s Gate in the Fraser Canyon. Your rail journey ends on arrival in Vancouver this evening. Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks and Beverages are included on board the train.  All transfers today are provided by Rocky Mountaineer.

Day 8 - Vancouver City Highlights

This morning we have included the 3.5 hour Vancouver City Highlights tour to help you take in the best of the city. Prepare to experience the unique history and unfolding splendour as you tour through the modern streets of Vancouver. Drive by the most renowned sights and learn how Vancouver became the city it is today. Situated on the edge of the Pacific Ocean and framed by British Columbia's imposing mountains, it's easy to fall in love with this astonishing city. Drive through historic neighbourhoods such as Gastown, Chinatown, scenic English Bay and the picturesque Vancouver Harbour. Stops in Stanley Park feature Indigenous Peoples' Totem Poles, spectacular views of the mountains and the Lions Gate Bridge. Also includes the opportunity to wander through the charming farmer's market at Granville Island.  

Remainder of the day is at your leisure.

Day 9 - Vancouver

A full day to explore Vancouver, speak to our Canada Experts about adding on one of our Vancouver Experiences.

Day 10 - Vancouver to Spirit Bear Lodge

Transfer from your hotel to Vancouver Airport. 

Depart Vancouver South Terminal on Pacific Coastal Airlines scheduled service flight to Bella Bella where you are met and assisted with a van transfer to the Bella Bella town docks. The Spirit Bear Lodge boat will pick you up at the dock at for the scenic boat ride to Klemtu and Spirit Bear Lodge for an afternoon arrival. After checking in and enjoying a late lunch and welcome orientation. Afterwards, you are guided to the traditional Big House for a unique cultural experience. Return to the lodge for appetizers, drinks, followed by dinner. Evening at leisure.

Day 11 - Spirit Bear Lodge

For each day of your stay, after breakfast, meet on the dock for a full day of wildlife viewing adventure. The activities may include wildlife/bear viewing, whale watching, kayaking, hiking, canoeing or a cultural site visit. Visit estuaries, stunning inlets and see spectacular waterfalls. Return in time for appetizers and dinner, followed by an evening presentation on aspects of the Great Bear Rainforest, Bears or First Nations culture. One evening during your stay you will have an opportunity to visit the Big House.

Day 12 - Spirit Bear Lodge

Another full day to activities at Spirit Bear Lodge.

Day 13 - Spirit Bear Lodge

Another full day to activities at Spirit Bear Lodge.

Day 14 - Spirit Bear Lodge to Vancouver

After breakfast, pack up and depart the lodge to enjoy a scenic boat ride back to Bella Bella of serenity in the Great Bear Rainforest. Arrive in Bella Bella in time to take your Pacific Coastal Airlines afternoon flight back to Vancouver. You arrive at Vancouver South Terminal where your package comes to an end. Breakfast and snacks included.

Day 15 - Vancouver to UK

Transfer from your hotel to Vancouver Airport for your onward flight home.