Car-free Canada: Vancouver, Banff & Jasper

Vancouver

Day 1: Arrival in Vancouver

Once you've arrived at the airport, make your way to Vancouver, British Columbia, a city enviably placed between the mountains and the sea.

Settle into your hotel then get ready to experience the city's unique culture and lifestyle, and those famous orange sunsets. Today is yours to get to know Vancouver at your leisure. 

Vancouver - Victoria

Day 2: Crossing to Vancouver Island

After breakfast at your hotel, set off from Vancouver to Victoria by boat. Hop on a local bus to the ferry terminal and board your vessel for the crossing to Vancouver Island. About the size of Belgium, the island is on the Pacific coast of Canada. During the crossing, you will pass through many straits with magnificent landscapes. Depending on the season, you may also be able to observe whales.

From the port on Vancouver Island, take a bus to downtown Victoria, the capital of British Columbia. The whole journey should take 3-4 hours. In the afternoon explore Victoria at your own pace.

Victoria

Day 3: Exploring Victoria

After a leisurely breakfast, spend a full day discovering the charms of Victoria at your own pace. This is the capital of the province of British Columbia and the city has a British colonial feel to its layout, architecture and formal gardens.

There is a multitude of parks and beaches surrounding the city where you can get active or relax - whatever you wish. 

Victoria

Day 4: Sailing from Victoria

After breakfast today, you’ll set sail from Victoria Harbour aboard a traditional sailboat for a half-day excursion. During the voyage, your captain will teach you the basics of sailing and you’ll enjoy beautiful views of the American Mountains as you leave Victoria Harbour.

Back on dry land, spend the afternoon in the city and enjoy your last evening out on the town.

Victoria - Vancouver

Day 5: Return to Vancouver

Today you’ll make the journey back to the mainland by boat, returning to the city of Vancouver. Check in at your hotel and spend the afternoon relaxing or exploring the city.

Vancouver is an energetic place, with a real cultural mix and plenty of art, foodie treats and entertainment to discover. Explore some of the different neighbourhoods and book a table at one of the city’s excellent Asian restaurants, perhaps followed by cocktails.

Vancouver

Day 6: City discovery bicycle tour

Make sure you fuel up with breakfast this morning, as you'll set off on a guided bike tour of Vancouver's Stanley Park. Stanley Park is the third-largest park in North America and it's amazing to find yourself in the middle of nature just a stone's throw from the bustling city centre. As well as glorious city views you'll also discover interesting First Nations totem poles dotted around the park, and your guide will talk you through their history and meaning. The tour is around three hours and you’ll travel 12km along well-maintained bicycle paths.

The evening is yours to relax at your hotel or throw yourself into city nightlife again. 

Vancouver - Jasper

Day 7: Long-distance train to Jasper

Today you’ll leave Vancouver by train on a two-day/one-night rail journey from Vancouver to Jasper on VIA Rail. Make your way to the train station and set off from cosmopolitan Vancouver for the interior of British Columbia and on into Alberta.

On this first leg of the journey, enjoy magnificent panoramic views across the lush green fields of the Fraser Valley, along with canyons and coastal mountains before joining the Thompson River. Your train ticket will include a bunk bed in a four-berth cabin which transforms into wide seats by day. You'll enjoy all lunch, dinner, breakfast, hot drinks and snacks onboard. Additional snacks and drinks are available to buy at the bar. Just sit back and enjoy the ride. 

Jasper

Day 8: Through the Rockies by rail

Wake up to the rhythm of the train speeding through British Columbia towards the Canadian Rockies in the province of Alberta.

Sit back and gaze out at the breathtaking scenery of wide lakes, snow-capped mountains and glaciers, while breakfasting on the move. You'll be following the Thompson River through the Monashee and Cariboo mountains, gaining altitude as you go. Travel through some remarkable tunnels and passes, including Robson Pass and Yellowhead Pass. Later, arrive at Jasper station, right in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Once you've made your way to your hotel and checked in, discover Jasper at your own pace this afternoon before spending a comfortable night at your hotel.

Jasper

Day 9: Hike & cruise in Jasper National Park

Set off on a full-day tour to explore the majestic Rockies. Head into the heart of the Jasper National Park through the Maligne Valley and discover spectacular mountain landscapes. One of the highlights of this guided expedition will be hiking in the Maligne Canyon, with magnificent views of waterfalls from the bridges. Contemplate the lovely Medicine Lake, fed by meltwater from the surrounding glaciers, followed by a short hike through the subalpine forest in search of wildlife such as bears, moose, elk and deer. Cruise on Maligne Lake, with its emerald tones, to Spirit Island for more sublime views. This is a full-day guided group tour with shared transportation. 

In the evening, it's time to head back to your hotel in Jasper to relax and reflect. 

Jasper

Day 10: Hiking the Maligne Valley

This morning, set off on a guided hike in the beautiful Maligne Valley, in the heart of Jasper National Park. The route takes you up high to a summit with spectacular views over Maligne Lake, the nearby glaciers and the Queen Elizabeth Mountain Range. This legendary circular hike is called the Bald Hills trail and is accessible to everyone, even beginner hikers. Duration is 5-6 hours, elevation gain is 780m and the distance is 15km.

The afternoon is free for you to relax back in Jasper and explore more of the town.

Jasper

Day 11: Culinary tour & night-time photography

After a free morning, this afternoon, join a sociable guided culinary walk in the heart of downtown Jasper. You'll have the opportunity to hear all the best stories and enjoy some of Jasper’s flavours. Tuck into delicious meals and local specialities at a choice selection of eateries.

After dark, take a private photography tour to learn the techniques of night-time photography. Jasper National Park has been designated a Dark Sky Reserve and has made a special commitment to protect and preserve the night sky by reducing or eliminating light pollution. Discover the splendour of Jasper's starry skies on this night-time photography tour and express your creativity using different techniques.

Jasper - Banff

Day 12: The Icefields Parkway

Today you’ll travel the famous Route 93 between Jasper and Banff by shared minibus. Also known as the Icefields Parkway, this is one of the most beautiful roads in the country. The 229km route takes you past ancient glaciers, icefields, impressive waterfalls and lakes. The Glacier Route runs along Bow Lake, the starting point for some intrepid hikes into the wilderness. At the end of Bow Lake is an ideal vantage point for viewing the Crowfoot Glacier. You’ll arrive late in the village of Banff where you can settle into your hotel. Banff is a top ski resort with a relaxed atmosphere, so perhaps enjoy a nightcap before bed in one of the local bars.

Banff

Day 13: Mountains & lakes from on high

This morning, set off on a guided walking tour through the lively and attractive village of Banff. You'll discover its history and geology as you stroll, before taking the Banff gondola to the top of the nearby Sulphur Mountain. Ascend to 2281m for incredible 360-degree views of the Rocky Mountains. At the top, wooden walkways provide a short hike to enjoy the breathtaking views. Explanatory panels tell the story of the opening of the first Canadian national park and Interpretation Centre. Head back down to walk or sail at one of the most majestic lakes in the Rockies, Lake Minnewanka (sailing available from June-early October). The emerald colours in summer are a true delight for photographers. Return to your hotel in Banff for a relaxing evening. 

Banff

Day 14: Night safari wildlife tour

Spend the day at leisure in Banff or visit the nearby town of Canmore. If you feel like escaping town life, you might like to go hiking in Kananaskis country. In the evening, a special adventure awaits you - a group night safari to observe nocturnal animals in the wild. You’ll travel into the wild by bus where your guide will explain the challenges Banff National Park faces in protecting its wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for beavers, bighorn sheep, wolves, coyotes, grizzly bears and elk in their natural habitats.

Calgary

Day 15: Homeward bound

Today you’ll take a shared transfer to Calgary Airport. It will be approximately a two-hour drive to the airport to catch your international connection home.