Vancouver Island & Northern Rockies - 11 Days
Trip Snapshot
Genders
- Female44%
- Male56%
Average age
Start / End
- Vancouver
- Calgary
Physical rating
Group size
1 - 12Meals included
10Highlights
- Immerse in First Nations Heritage: Journey through Vancouver Island to discover the rich cultural tapestry of the First Nations. Visit significant sites like the U'mista Cultural Centre and witness the impressive World's Tallest Totem, gaining deep insights into indigenous traditions and history.
- Spectacular Inside Passage Ferry: Embark on a breathtaking full-day ferry cruise through the renowned Inside Passage. Marvel at dramatic glacial fjords, keep watch for majestic orcas and playful porpoises, and soak in the unparalleled coastal scenery.
- Explore Northern British Columbia's Wonders: Drive along one of the world's most scenic roads from Prince Rupert to Smithers, delving into the unique First Nations cultures of Northern BC with visits to Gitanyow Totems and the 'Ksan Museum & Historical Village.
- Journey to the Heart of the Canadian Rockies: Discover the awe-inspiring beauty of Jasper National Park, including a stop at the magnificent Mount Robson, the tallest peak in the Canadian Rockies. Enjoy scenic hikes and absorb panoramic vistas.
- Adventure and Relaxation in Jasper National Park: Enjoy a flexible day in Jasper, offering choices from exploring the stunning Maligne Canyon, cruising serene lakes, or thrilling river rafting. Conclude your day with a soothing soak in the Miette Hot Springs.
- Breathtaking Icefields Parkway: Traverse the legendary Icefields Parkway, a 300km route renowned for its spectacular scenery. Witness lush forests, immense mountains, vibrant turquoise lakes, cascading waterfalls, and humbling glaciers, with ample opportunities for wildlife spotting.
Everything you need to picture the adventure and pack with confidence — in one free PDF.
What's inside the PDF
Day-by-day itinerary
Every day mapped out, covering activities, travel times, meals and where you'll stay.Packing & kit list
Exactly what to bring, from clothing and essentials to luggage guidelines and what's available to hire locally.What's included
Accommodation, transport, guides and meals, so you can see exactly what your price covers.
Summary
Discover the many landscapes, animals, and ways of life in the Canadian Rockies through an engaging 11-day tour. Venture to Vancouver Island and embark on the Inside Passage ferry, which takes you through glacial fjords to spot orcas and porpoises. Visit a collection of totem poles and immerse yourself in First Nation cultures. After all of these incredible encounters, you'll soon agree that the west coast is the best coast.
Itinerary
Day 1
Vancouver
Arrive at any time.
Day 2
Vancouver/Campbell River
Catch a ferry from Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo and drive along the Oceanside Route to Campbell River. Visit the museum in the town which respectfully acknowledges the First Nations of North Vancouver Island by preserving, interpreting, and sharing the history of these Nations on the lands now known as Campbell River. After seeing the exhibits at the museum attend an optional dinner with the group.
Day 3
Campbell River/Port Hardy
Take in the scenery while travelling to Port Hardy at the northern tip of Vancouver Island. Enjoy impressive views of coastline and lush forests. Then take the short ferry ride to Alert Bay and pay a visit to the World's Tallest Totem before visiting the U'mista Cultural Centre, whose mandate is to ensure the survival and preservation of the cultural heritage of the Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw. Walk on some of the trails dotting this tiny island before transferring back to Port McNeill for more free time and an optional happy hour at a local spot. Continue on to Port Hardy in the early evening and check into your hotel.
Day 4
Port Hardy/Prince Rupert
Embark at dawn for a day-long ferry ride through the famous Inside Passage. The glacial fjords provide spectacular scenery along the route and a safe haven for all types of wildlife, including orcas and porpoises. The ride is long, but spectacular. With a full day to relax, enjoy the scenery, read a book, or dine at the onboard restaurants. Reach Prince Rupert late in the evening.
Day 5
Prince Rupert/Smithers
Drive one of the most scenic roads in the world from Prince Rupert to Smithers and discover the First Nations cultures of Northern BC on a day tour around Smithers. Visit the Gitanyow Totems, Battle Hill, and 'Ksan Museum & Historical Village.
Day 6
Smithers
Enjoy a free day to explore the wilderness around Smithers. Opt to visit Moricetown Canyon or hike one of many trails in the area.
Day 7
Smithers/Prince George
Enjoy a visit to Twin Falls after breakfast and then spend free time in Smithers before travelling to Prince George, the largest city in Northern British Columbia.
Day 8
Prince George/Jasper
Travel to Jasper National Park. En route, stop at the tallest mountain in the Canadian Rockies, Mount Robson. Visit the Interpretation Centre, and go for a short hike to take in the views.
Day 9
Jasper
Enjoy a free day to explore Jasper National Park. Opt to hike at Maligne Canyon, cross the lake on a boat cruise, or join a scenic river rafting tour. In the evening, visit the Miette Hot Springs.
Day 10
Jasper/Canmore
Travel to Canmore via one of the most scenic drives in the world, the Icefields Parkway. Stop at the Columbia Icefield en route. Along the 300km (186.4 mi) ride, a spectacle unfolds before our eyes: lush coniferous forests, immense mountains, turquoise lakes, high-falling cascades, and humbling glaciers. We stop a number of times along the way to take in the scenery and search for wildlife.
Day 11
Canmore/Calgary
Travel to Calgary, a modern city that honours its cowboy roots. Tour ends on arrival to Calgary.
What's Included
Accommodation
Hotels (6 nts), lodges (4 nts).
Meals
Breakfasts: 10, Lunches: 0, Dinners: 0
Vegetarian options are available on all meals throughout the adventure.
Vegetarian options availableLocal Guide
GuidedThis adventure is led by a local guide throughout. The main language of this adventure is English. Please contact us for other languages available.
Wifi
Wifi is available during the adventure. In some areas and / or accommodation / transport Wifi may be free.
Dates & Prices
Jun 2027
from £3,464Jul 2027
from £3,464Aug 2027
from £3,167Sep 2027
from £3,167
- Save 1%Friday 6 Aug 2027to Monday 16 Aug 20276+ spaces of 12 leftGuaranteed Departure£3,499£3,464Pay MonthlyBook for£250 today, pay the rest later
- Save 1%Thursday 12 Aug 2027to Sunday 22 Aug 20276+ spaces of 12 leftGuaranteed Departure£3,499£3,464Pay MonthlyBook for£250 today, pay the rest later
- Save 1%Monday 16 Aug 2027to Thursday 26 Aug 20276+ spaces of 12 leftGuaranteed Departure£3,199£3,167Pay MonthlyBest offerBook for£250 today, pay the rest later
- Save 1%Monday 30 Aug 2027to Thursday 9 Sep 20276+ spaces of 12 leftGuaranteed Departure£3,199£3,167Pay MonthlyBest offerBook for£250 today, pay the rest later
Make this tour private
Every departure on this trip can be booked just for your own group — your dates, your people, the same expert local guides.
What changes when you go private
Travel with just your own group
No other travellers on the trip — just the people you choose to bringTravel on your schedule
Pick your exact start date—no fixed group departures or rigid timetables.Exclusively for your party
Enjoy this handcrafted itinerary with a dedicated private guide just for you.
Customer reviews & ratings
Great guide who made this trip memorable, but she was left with a itinerary that could be much better. The trip hits the highlights of some of the best areas of Canada, with no time to see them. I spent more time on a bus than I did exploring the outdoors. I would have appreciated more time to spend outside, stretch my legs, and overall just enjoy the beautiful country... not from a bus window. Even companions who were a bit older and slower agreed they would rather enjoy being outdoors while a few people hiked than to keep driving around. Allotted time to explore should not compete with lunch times. Let's eat on the road or have dedicated food time. We shouldn't ever have to choose between eating and getting to see something while on a stop. Give guest more time to be outside and explore and this trip could be amazing. Lastly, the whole first 3-4 days of the trip is spend on the road/water with little to no hikes. This part of the trip should include a flight to expedite exploration time, or extend the trip. My suggestion, bus from Vancouver VIA ferry to Victoria. Explore Victoria (whale watching, shopping, city tours etc). Then fly a chartered flight from Victoria to Smithers where the CEO is waiting with the full bus/trailer and you immediately do outdoor activities. Another travel group could reverse a similar trip and take the charter plane the opposite direction to maximize cost/travel while a CEO with a bus / trailer is waiting in Victoria. Overall, the trips are organized, safe, and a good mix of people to spend time with.
Christopher Sep, 2024 VerifiedI have had a great time. We saw the fantastic beauty of British Columbia and had a wonderful time travelling across Canada. My only complaint would be that I feel the tour could be 2 weeks rather than 11 days as this would provide time to see more of the nature and beauty that we drive past. The trip was a really enjoyable experience.
Luke Sep, 2024 Verified
Essential trip information
Our Important Notes and Packing List cover all essentials, from necessary equipment to inclusions, ensuring you're fully equipped and informed for this extraordinary adventure and more.
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