Western Canada Wine, Nature, and Culture Tour

Vancouver

Day 1: Welcome to Vancouver!

Vancouver, British Columbia, is a city located between the sea and the mountains, renowned for its lifestyle, its Olympic history, its location on the Pacific Ocean, its Asian-American influence and its deep orange sunsets! Welcome to Vancouver!

Today, upon arrival at Vancouver Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel in the city center. Settle into your executive-level room at the Hotel Wedgewood Hotel & Spa.

Vancouver

Day 2: Embark on a Culinary Tour of the City

Do you know where to taste Vancouver's best dim sum? Or where to find the good quality local cheeses, produced in British Columbia? The cosmopolitan city of Vancouver is a digest of Asian and European-influenced cuisine and offers an abundance of fresh seafood.

Venture with your guide to the heart of Downtown today to discover small gourmet addresses. You'll stop at restaurants and shops to taste various culinary specialties from the region.

Later, enjoy a free afternoon in Vancouver exploring the different facets of the city at your own pace.

Suggestions for visits will be included in your road-book.

Vancouver - Victoria

Day 3: Cruise Across the Sea to Victoria

You'll have some free time this morning before continuing your Canadian adventure to the city of Victoria, on Vancouver Island.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel. Later, you will be transferred across the Strait of Georgia aboard a fast sea shuttle. The spectacular panoramas follow one another from the beginning to the end of the cruise. Whether it's the view of the United States Olympic Mountains or the passage between the Gulf Islands, the trip is simply magnificent.

Upon arrival in Victoria, you will be transferred to your hotel. 

Victoria

Day 4: See the Sights of British Columbia's Capital

Today, embark on a guided tour to discover the elegant city of Victoria, the capital of British Columbia.

Traverse the centuries as you follow the emblematic streets and alleys of the British era. The tour starts on the pleasant waterfront, with a breathtaking view of the neo-baroque Parliament, the Fairmont Empress Hotel, the harbor, and the seaplane traffic.

Then, you will walk the streets of the capital stopping at highlights like Thunderbird Park, which is home to many First Nation totem poles.

Continue to Chinatown, where you will be immersed in a district that retains its original character. Stroll down Fan Tan Alley, the narrowest shopping street in North America.

In the afternoon, visit the Royal British Columbia Museum. It is rightfully considered the best place to understand the history of First Nations and the history of the province of British Columbia.

Victoria

Day 5: Hike Through Stunning Coastal Sceneries

Discover the surroundings of Victoria between sea and land. Your guide will take you on a hike to various viewpoints where you can take in the spectacular scenery of this stunning destination.

Part of the hike is in Gowlland Tod Park where you can see the Finlayson Arm, one of the majestic fjords that enter Vancouver Island. In good weather ,you can also see the Juan de Fuca Strait and the Olympic Mountains of Washington State in the United States.

Note: the 6 km hike has an elevation gain of 200 meters and is considered a moderate level. A support vehicle will be available to take you to the various locations.

Victoria - Vancouver

Day 6: Board a Fast Sea Shuttle to Vancouver

The morning is free for you to explore Victoria at your own pace. You could visit the Royal British Columbia Museum, one of the most interesting in the province; enjoy a local beer in a Canadian brewery; stroll through Victoria's various neighborhoods to observe magnificent Victorian-era residences, or along the waterfront to admire the panoramic view of the Olympic mountains of the United States. 

Later, you will be transferred between Victoria and Vancouver aboard a fast sea shuttle. Take in the magnificent views as you relax onboard. After approximately 3.5 hours, you will arrive in Vancouver, where you will be transferred to your hotel. 

Vancouver - Oliver

Day 7: Drive Across the Okanagan Valley

This morning, you will pick up your rental car in Vancouver and begin your drive east to Oliver, in the South Okanagan Valley.

More than 200 kilometers long, this stunning valley enjoys a high level of sunshine and, is therefore, one of Canada's largest fruit-producing regions. It is also home to an array of vineyards, which produce acclaimed wines.

The drive should take around 5 hours. Upon arrival in Oliver, check-in at The Villa at Hester Creek in a Suite Deluxe room.

Oliver - Osoyoos - Oliver

Day 8: Taste the Wines of Western Canada

Today is a discovery day of the vineyards and villages of the South Okanagan Valley, around Oliver and Osoyoos.

Whether you are more a fan of fruity Chardonnay, Pinot Noir or Syrah, you will find recommendations for wineries to visit in your road-book.

Osoyoos is located in southeastern British Columbia and its arid and dry climate contrasts with the rest of the province. You can walk in the adjacent desert which offers a pedagogical outline along the wooden footbridges.

More surprisingly, if you travel in summer, the Spotted Lake evaporates and gives way to pretty circles formed by minerals.

Penticton - Okanagan Lake - Kelowna

Day 9: Visit the Parks and Villages of the Okanagan Valley

Continue your exploration of the scenic Okanagan Valley today as you make your way up to Kelowna, which lies about an hour's drive north.

Follow the road to Lake Okanagan, a 150 km-long route, which traverses a picturesque landscape covered in long rows of grapevines.

You could set out to discover more of the region's wonderful local vineyards. There is such a wide variety of wineries here; some are traditional, some historical, and some produce organic varieties. Check your road-book to find the ones of most interest to you and your taste. 

You could also spend the day soaking up the region's splendid nature with a visit to the Canada Bighorn Centre, a hike in Vaseux Lake Provincial Park, or quiet moments on the shores of Okanagan Lake. 

You will also find some lovely villages in the area, including Penticton and Naramata, which both offer a very pleasant break.

Kelowna

Day 10: Spend Time at the Wine Museum in Kelowna

Spend one more day in this stunning lakeside setting. If you haven't visited the Wine Museum in Kelowna yet, today is the day to do it. You'll learn all about wine production in the region and have the opportunity to ask the staff for insider advice on where to find the best vintages.

In the afternoon, consider taking a hike around Myra Canyon or continue your excursion along the wine trail and visit some more of the region's acclaimed vineyards.

Lake Louise - Banff

Day 11: Cross the Rocky Mountains en Route to Banff

Get up early this morning, to begin your drive toward Banff. The route will take you along winding mountain roads as you traverse the Rocky Mountains. 

You'll cross Glacier National Park as well as many small towns, including Field, where you can admire the historic building facades that date back to the time of the railway construction.

On your way, stop at Lake Louise, one of the most photographed lakes in the Rockies. Here, the colors and reflections will enchant you. Take a short hike around the lake to take in all the stunning scenery from various perspectives.

Upon arrival in Banff, check in at The Rundlestone Lodge and enjoy your evening.

Banff

Day 12: Succumb to the Beauty of Banff

This is a day dedicated to discovering Banff National Park, one of the two jewels of the Canadian Rocky Mountains, along with Jasper. The Park has been on UNESCO's World Heritage list since 1984.

According to your expectations and desires, we will guide you towards the best way to discover the park and its surroundings. Among the region's highlights is Icefield Parkway, a scenic route of breathtaking beauty that runs between Banff and Jasper. In one day you could explore a part of it while making stops at Lake Peyto and Glacier Athabasca.

Later, discover the bustling city of Banff and its surroundings. Between its colorful city center, hot springs, and cable car to Mount Sulphur, you will have a choice of activities.

A hike in Kananaskis country is an option for those looking for some solitude.

Banff - Calgary

Day 13: So Long, Canada!

Your western Canada vacation comes to an end today. After breakfast at your hotel this morning, follow the road to Calgary International Airport, where you will return your rental car and check-in for your flight. 

We hope you have had a wonderful time exploring this majestic part of North America and wish you pleasant travels.