We asked that question, then answered it with this trip - a sprawling, nature-rich mini-epic that melds some of Canada’s best national parks with time off the mist-shrouded shores of Vancouver Island. Loaded with diverse experiences—whale-watching, glacier hikes, hot springs and much, much more—and bookend nights in Calgary and Vancouver, you’ll stuff a lifetime’s worth of adventure into the space of a mere two weeks.

 

Itinerary

Day 1 Calgary
Arrive at any time.

Day 2 Banff National Park
Discover the town, view wildlife, take a gondola ride, or hike up a mountain for spectacular views.

Day 3-4 Yoho National Park/Lake Louise
Awe at the phenomenal Takakkaw Falls. Go for an optional rafting trip, hike to the Agnes Lake Tea House or along the Six Glacier Trail.

Day 5-6 Icefield Parkway/Jasper National Park
Visit beautiful Peyto Lake, and stop at Columbia Icefield. Opt to take the snow coach up the icefield, visit Maligne Canyon or go on a hike in the Rockies.

Day 7-8 Wells Gray Provincial Park
Take in sights of the immense Mount Robson. Visit Overland Falls and Spahats Creek Falls. Enjoy a full-day canoeing trip in the Canadian wilderness.

Day 9-10 Whistler
Relax and take a dip at Marble Canyon Provincial Park. Head for a morning hike up the trails in the Whistler area, then explore fascinating Whistler on your own.

Day 11-12 Tofino
Ferry across to Vancouver Island. Stroll the trails beneath ancient Douglas firs in MacMillan PP. Embark on a half-day Zodiac tour for marine wildlife viewing, then explore Pacific Rim NP.

Day 13 Victoria
Enjoy another morning on the island. Take a stroll around the city and take in the West Coast vibe.

Day 14 Vancouver
Get familiar with British Columbia's largest city on an orientation with your CEO, then enjoy free time to discover Vancouver.

 

What's Included

  • Entrance fees to all national and provincial parks with walking and hiking excursions
  • Gondola to Sulphur Mountain in Banff
  • Stop at Columbia Icefield
  • Visit hot springs in the Rocky Mountains
  • Full-day canoe tour in Wells Gray Provincial Park
  • Half-day Zodiac tour including whale watching
  • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
  • 12 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 9 dinners. (Allow CAD200-250 for meals not included.)
  • Air-conditioned private touring van, hiking, ferry
  • Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout
  • Small group experience; Max 12, avg 10.
  • Hotels (2 nts), participation camping (12 nts)

 

Trip Specifics

  • Duration: 14 days
  • Start / Finish: Calgary to Vancouver
  • Departures: June, July, August, September
  • Price: £1729
  • Code: NCRU