Discover the Canadian Rockies
G Adventures National Geographic Journeys
Discover the awe-inspiring scenery and legendary wildlife of western Canada on a voyage across the craggy Rocky Mountains. Explore historic Banff and Whistler, marvel at the astonishing natural beauty of Lake Louise and the Victoria Glacier, take the ferry to Vancouver Island, and breathe in fresh mountain air while soaking in hot mineral springs and hiking in Jasper National Park. Along the way, gain fascinating insights from knowledgeable local experts and First Nations people.
Highlights
- Explore the popular resort town of Whistler
- Enjoy a historical tour through Banff with an expert from the Whyte Museum
- Search for moose and black bears on a float trip along the Athabasca river
- Soak in natural hot springs
- Take an ice walk on an active glacier
Pricing
Small group tour starting at $5,899* CAD per person, based on double occupancy
12 Days – Vancouver to Calgary
Travel Style: National Geographic Journeys
Greater exploration, insider access, and the freedom to roam – all without sacrificing comfort.
Service Level: Upgraded
Quality accommodations and more inclusions than on other G Adventures tours, like meals, private transport, and activities.
Physical Rating: 2 – Light
Light walking and hiking suitable for most fitness levels. Nothing too challenging.
Trip Type: Small Group
Small group experience; Max 12, Avg 10.
What’s Included
- Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Indigenous Cultural Experience, Whistler
- Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Banff Historical Walking Tour, Banff
- Your G for Good Moment: Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre Visit, Whistler
- Your Discover Moment: Whistler
- Your Wellness Moment: Miette Hot Springs Visit, Jasper National Park.
- All park fees in Jasper and Banff National Parks.
- Scenic ferry to Vancouver Island.
- Vancouver, Calgary, Victoria, Whistler, and Banff orientation walks.
- Stops at Seton Lake and Kamloops Lake.
- Athabasca river wildlife float.
- Mount Robson Visitor Centre stop.
- Excursion to the Columbia Icefields and ice walk on the Athabasca Glacier.
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
Day
Day 1
Location(s)
Vancouver
Meals
Description
Arrive at any time.
Accommodation: Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre (or similar)
Day 2
Vancouver – Victoria
Breakfast
Head downtown to explore the lush gardens, beaches, woodlands, and miles of trails around Stanley Park, considered one of the world’s greatest city parks. Venture to historic Gastown, and stroll cobblestone streets past Victorian buildings that now house lively restaurants, galleries, and boutiques. Then board the scenic ferry to Victoria.
Accommodation: Quality Inn Downtown Inner Harbour (or similar, 2 nights)
Day 3
Victoria
Breakfast
Today is free to explore the charming city of Victoria. Wander along the waterfront and choose among an array of optional activities. Discover the stunning floral displays at the famous Butchart Gardens, peruse the Royal British Columbia Museum, or enjoy high tea at a historic hotel. Or opt to cruise the sea in a Zodiac boat in search of gray whales, sea lions, seals, orcas, and other marine creatures.
Day 4
Victoria – Whistler
Breakfast
Catch the ferry back to the mainland and drive the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway to the village of Whistler, host of some of the events of the 2010 Winter Olympics. Enjoy a G for Good experience at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, a showcase for First Nations customs, art, and music. Join an indigenous guide on an interpretive walk through the forest, hear how First Nations people lived off this land, and learn about local flora used for food and medicine. Then take part in a traditional tea ceremony to sample teas and bannock while listening to ancestral stories and legends. Continue to the mountain resort of Whistler, co-host to the 2010 Winter Olympics.
Accommodation: Pinnacle Hotel Whistler (or similar, 2 nights)
Day 5
Whistler
Breakfast
Spend today exploring Whistler and the surrounding parks on your own. Stroll through the village, and opt to ride the gondola up the mountain for 360-degree views. Or choose to hike one of the many beautiful trails in the area, go ziplining through the rain forest, or set out on an exhilarating whitewater rafting trip.
Day 6
Whistler – Blue River
Breakfast, Dinner
Pass through the Coastal Mountains into the Caribou Mountains on a route once marked by gold prospectors. Sit back and enjoy dramatic changes in your surroundings, the mountains to sweeping grasslands. Enjoy stops at Kamloops Lake, an oasis amid an arid landscape, and the turquoise Seton Lake, a freshwater fjord ringed by towering peaks. Arrive in the small community of Blue River.
Accommodation: Mike Wiegele Heliskiing Resort (or similar)
Day 7
Blue River – Jasper National Park
Breakfast
Cross the Rockies into Jasper National Park and follow in the historic path of fur traders on a scenic float trip down the tranquil Athabasca River, encountering a few gentle rapids along the way. Look out for wildlife, which can include bears, moose, eagles, ospreys, and mountain sheep. Later, gaze up at the highest peak, Mount Robson, during a stop at the visitor centre.
Accommodation: Jasper Inn (or similar, 2 nights)
Day 8
Jasper National Park
Breakfast
Spend the day at leisure enjoying Jasper’s friendly mountain hospitality. Choose your own adventure among an array of optional activities: Hike to Maligne Canyon, cruise glacially fed Maligne Lake, or rent a bike or canoe to explore on your own. This evening, rejoin your fellow travelers for an unforgettable soak in Miette Hot Springs, where spacious pools of hot mineral springs offer panoramic views of the spectacular Fiddle River Valley.
Day 9
Jasper National Park – Lake Louise
Breakfast
Pass lush coniferous forests, soaring mountains, turquoise lakes, and epic glaciers as we travel the winding Icefields Parkway—considered one of the world’s most scenic drives—to Bow Lake, stopping along the way to enjoy photo opportunities and wildlife encounters. At the Columbia Icefield, step foot on the lower Athabasca Glacier with an expert guide for a firsthand experience of this active glacial landscape. Continue to magnificent Lake Louise, an alpine lake legendary for its emerald-blue waters.
Accommodation: Lake Louise Inn (or similar)
Day 10
Lake Louise – Banff
Breakfast
Enjoy the morning at Lake Louise, taking in the scenery of the Victoria Glacier. Opt to join a hike to the historic Lake Agnes Tea House, following a forested trail past Mirror Lake and cascading waterfalls to the shores of Lake Agnes, where a remote tea house built in 1901 serves loose-leaf teas and other refreshments. Continue to Banff. Go on a walk back in time through this historic resort town alongside an expert from the Whyte Museum, dedicated to the history and culture of the Canadian Rockies. As you explore local landmarks on foot, discover how the construction of the Canadian Pacific railroad served as a stepping stone towards opening up western Canada.
Accommodation: Charltons Banff (or similar)
Day 11
Banff – Calgary
Breakfast
Spend the morning in Banff, then drive to Calgary for a day at leisure. Experience the city’s Western spirit at lively honky-tonk bars, go museum-hopping, or opt to visit the Olympic Park, site of the 1988 Winter Olympics, where you can luge down the bobsledding track in a wheeled cart or soar through the sky on a zipline.
Accommodation: Sheraton Suites Calgary Eau Claire (or similar)
Day 12
Calgary
Breakfast
Depart at any time.
Reverse Itinerary
This trip also runs in reverse from Calgary to Vancouver.
*Hotel rooms are subject to availability and are confirmed by the supplier at time of booking; they may be replaced by other hotel rooms of similar category at the sole discretion of the supplier.
Interested in the itinerary above? Click on the “START PLANNING” button below and reference “Discover the Canadian Rockies” in the form, or give us a call at 587.997.5969 to book.
An adventure designed specifically for you
Let us work with you to tailor a journey based on your travel style and interests. We can use the existing itinerary above as a foundation, or build one from scratch to create your ideal vacation. Connect with us to start the conversation.
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*Prices are per person, based on double occupancy and subject to change and availability.