Iconic Rockies & Western Canada
13 Days from $3,950 per person
Embrace the laid-back lifestyle of Vancouver and a dramatic mountain wilderness. Explore the traditions of the First Nations, behold the icy fingers of the Columbia Icefield and meet a retired Mountie.
Overview
Embrace the laid-back lifestyle of Vancouver and a dramatic mountain wilderness. Explore the traditions of the First Nations, behold the icy fingers of the Columbia Icefield and meet a retired Mountie.
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Day 1: Arrive Vancouver (2 Nights)
Tackle the 'Great Outdoors' on this effortlessly delivered adventure through Western Canada. Discover why Vancouver consistently ranks as one of the world's most livable cities. Then, join your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a Welcome Reception.
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Day 2: Vancouver Sightseeing
Visit Capilano Suspension Bridge Park before delving into the historic neighborhoods of Chinatown and Gastown. Explore Stanley Park.
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Day 3: Vancouver – Victoria (2 Nights)
Board a ferry to Vancouver Island. Taste local cider at a family owned ciderhouse, before continuing to Victoria.
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Day 4: Victoria Sightseeing
Enjoy breakfast at Butchart Gardens and learn how the spectacular floral display was once a giant disused quarry. Enjoy a Your Choice dining experience tonight.
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Day 5: Victoria – Chemainus – Squamish – Whistler (2 Nights)
See the vivid murals of Chemainus. Board a ferry and then take the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway. Ascend to Summit Lodge, admiring the views from the Sea-to-Sky Gondola. Tonight, enjoy a Regional Meal dinner in Whistler Village. Our Stay with a Story is Whistler's landmark ski-in ski-out hotel.
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Day 6: Whistler Sightseeing
First Nation traditions are revealed by a Local Specialist at the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Center. Spend the rest of your day at leisure.
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Day 7: Whistler – Kamloops
We continue towards Kamloops where we'll enjoy an evening at leisure.
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Day 8: Kamloops – Rocky Mountain National Parks – Banff (2 Nights)
Sample the best of the UNESCO-listed Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks. We overnight at a mountain resort in Banff National Park, where we'll meet a retired "Mountie" Local Specialist.
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Day 9: Banff Sightseeing
Immerse yourself in Banff's soul-stirring natural surrounds. We venture into the Kananaskis Valley to Connect with Locals at a traditional Rocky Mountain Be My Guest dinner.
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Day 10: Banff – Lake Louise – Jasper (2 Nights)
Enjoy a lakeside talk at Lake Louise, then board an Ice Explorer and drive over the Athabasca Glacier. Enjoy a Farewell Dinner this evening.
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Day 11: Jasper Sightseeing
Embark on an invigorating guided walk to Maligne Canyon. Board a narrated cruise on Maligne Lake (seasonal) stopping at Spirit Island.
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Day 12: Jasper – Mount Robson – Chase
Admire Mount Robson - the tallest peak in the Canadian Rockies. Learn about the First Nation Shushwap people and stroll around their ancestral grounds where we'll see a traditional kekuli winter homestead.
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Day 13: Chase - Depart Vancouver
Our dazzling encounter with the Canadian Rockies has come to an end. Transfer to Vancouver International Airport or to the hotel for those on the optional Alaska cruise and for guests that are extending their stay. Airport arrival will be at 3 pm. Please be aware when booking your flights.
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
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Definite Departure
| Start Date | Return Date | Price | Discount | Availability | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 May 19 | 24 May 19 |
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$3,950pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 19 May 19 | 31 May 19 |
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$3,950pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 26 May 19 | 7 Jun 19 |
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$3,995pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 2 Jun 19 | 14 Jun 19 |
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$4,025pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 9 Jun 19 | 21 Jun 19 |
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$4,150pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 16 Jun 19 | 28 Jun 19 |
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$4,150pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 28 Jul 19 | 9 Aug 19 |
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$4,175pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 4 Aug 19 | 16 Aug 19 |
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$4,175pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 11 Aug 19 | 23 Aug 19 | $4,175pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 25 Aug 19 | 6 Sep 19 |
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$4,175pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 15 Sep 19 | 27 Sep 19 |
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$4,095pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 22 Sep 19 | 4 Oct 19 |
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$3,995pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now |
Price is per person and is based on two people sharing a twin bedded room. Single rooms are available at a supplement.
Single Room Supplement: from $1,795.
Gratuities: Option to pre-pay gratuities for Travel Director and Driver $142 per person.
AARP Members are entitled to an exclusive Member Benefit Discount on all Grand European Travel vacations. Plus receive a free travel gift! Call Toll Free: 1-866-847-3858 for details.
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Professional Travel Director
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Sightseeing with Local Experts
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VIP Access
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WIFI on Coach and in Hotels
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Cultural Enrichment
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Expertly Selected Hotels
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Hotel Tips
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Most Meals
Meal Summary
17 meals: 12 full breakfasts, 5 dinners.
Included Highlights
Connect with Locals
- Enjoy a hosted dinner on a family-owned ranch in Kananaskis Valley at the foothills of the Canadian Rockies
Stays with Stories
- Stay at the landmark ski-in, ski-out Fairmont Chateau Whistler.
Local Specialist
- For included sightseeing at the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Center, meeting a retired Mountie
Sightseeing Highlights
- City tour in Vancouver, Victoria, Whistler, Banff
- Visit Chase, Banff National Park, Jasper National Park
- Cruise across Maligne Lake to iconic Spirit Island
- View Lake Louise, Athabasca Glacier, Rogers Pass, Athabasca Falls, Sea-to-Sky Gondola, Butchart Gardens, a traditional kekuli built by the people of the First Nations
- Scenic drive along the Sea-to-Sky Highway, Icefields Parkway
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
Reviews
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
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Packing
We suggest bringing a variety of lightweight clothing items that can be layered to save space in your suitcase and give you more options for how to dress. For more helpful information please refer to our Packing Tips & Packing List.
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Gratuity
At the end of your guided vacation, it’s customary to offer your motor coach driver and Travel Director a gratuity. We recommend $4-5 per person/per day for your driver and $6-7 per person/per day for your Travel Director. Recommended gratuity for a Local Host and Local Specialist is 1-2 dollars per person, paid at the conclusion of each guided visit. A convenient option is to prepay your tips before your departure.
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Baggage
Baggage on our trips is restricted to one large suitcase per person with dimensions not exceeding 30x19x10 inches and a maximum weight of 50 pounds. You are also permitted one piece of hand luggage, which should be small enough to fit under your coach seat or on the small overhead shelf compartment. Please note that luggage with an adjustable handle and wheels will not fit in the overhead compartment of the coach. Hotel porterage is included in your vacation.
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Health and Fitness
You will need to be comfortable on your feet, walking and standing for up to three hours in various weather conditions. All of our vacations involve walking, often on cobblestone and uneven surfaces in historic city centers. In order to get the most out of your vacation you need to be able to comfortably walk 1-3 miles unassisted in one day, be in good condition and be able to keep pace with the group.
If you need any medications, it is important that you bring enough to last you the whole trip and keep them in your carry-on bag while you travel.
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Insurance
We highly recommend our optional Travel Protection Plan, which allows you to cancel for any reason up to 24 hours before departure. The plan also includes trip interruption, baggage loss or delay, and medical and emergency assistance. Click here for a summary of coverage details, terms and conditions.
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
Optional Experiences are subject to change. Your Travel Director will supply you with a final list of Optional Experiences available on your trip. Optional Experiences cannot be booked online; they can be purchased during your trip through your Travel Director.
Victoria
Victoria Whale Watching Excursion
Board your vessel to enjoy a three-hour whale-watching expedition in the waters off Victoria. While it can’t be guaranteed in advance which of the abundant marine wildlife you’ll see on your journey, chances are you’ll also spot magnificent bald eagles, porpoises or seals. Spring and summer are the best times of the year to see the resident Orca whales in all their glory. Approx. duration: 3 hours.
Adult Price: $129
Whistler
Peak 2 Peak Gondola
From our ancient, volcanic peaks with their 360 degree views, to our vibrant and sophisticated village with its incredible vibe, Whistler Blackcomb has summer covered from top to bottom. Travel across BC’s rooftop on the world record-breaking PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, explore over 50 kms of high alpine hiking trails, then head to the valley for a bike ride on Whistler’s paved valley trail, or its renowned single-track network in the world-famous Whistler Mountain Bike Park. Approx. duration: 1 hour.
Adult Price: $65
Rocky Mountain National Parks
Royal Canadian Tour 25 mins
This journey will only enhance the Three Sisters Peaks Tour by exploring the Goat and Sundance Ranges of the Rocky Mountains. You will see mountain peaks, alpine meadows, waterfalls and untouched glacier lakes. Perhaps even a glimpse of some wildlife. It's an extraordinary adventure not to be missed.
Adult Price: $290
Mt. Assiniboine Tour
You are in for something special as you are transported to Mount Assiniboine - "the Matterhorn" of the Canadian Rockies. Our most popular adventure has all the fantastic scenery of the previous tours plus a fly by over top of the glacier. This photogenic peak rises majestically to 3,611meters (11,870 feet) along the Great Divide. The Gloria and Assiniboine Glaciers will astound you. This is an experience you will never forget! Approx. duration: 30 minutes.
Adult Price: $348
Three Sisters Peak Tour 12 min
The most action packed twelve minutes of your life. Get up close and personal with the world famous Three Sisters Peaks. Reach out and touch them as you whisk by before escaping into the Spray Valley where you will explore the extraordinary hues of the Spray Lakes. Your return flight travels along the Goat Range before following the pristine Bow River back to Canmore.
Adult Price: $158
Banff
Brewster Banff Gondola
At the Banff Gondola, you’ll see more mountains in a moment than most see in a lifetime! Ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain to experience a bird’s eye view of six mountain ranges of the Canadian Rockies. Begin with an eight-minute journey to the summit in a fully enclosed four-passenger gondola cabin. The views become increasingly spectacular as you climb to an elevation of 7,486 feet (2,281 meters) to the Summit Upper Terminal. Witness the breathtaking views in every direction or go to the restaurant area to enjoy the views inside or from its upper deck. You can also take the Banff Skywalk for a short self-guided interpretive walkway along the summit ridge leading to the Cosmic Ray Station National Historic Site of Canada. Subject to weather conditions. Approx. duration: 2.5 hours.
Adult Price: $70
Jasper
Jasper Float Trip
Join the fun and experience a scenic float trip down the Athabasca River, a designated Canadian Heritage River. A National Park licensed guide will provide commentary on the human and natural history of Jasper while navigating you along the same route used by fur traders over 2 centuries ago. Lifejackets and the specially designed, 7 meter / 25 foot long oar-powered rafts offer a safe and comfortable ride through several small, easy sets of rapids and calm stretches that any first time rafter will enjoy. Don’t worry, the guides do all the rowing; you sit back and enjoy while exploring all the spectacular scenery. There is always a chance of seeing various wildlife including elk, deer, moose, coyotes, wolves, eagles, ospreys, mountain sheep and bears. Tours will operate rain or shine, and a poncho will be provided when required. Approx. duration: 50-90 minutes
Adult Price: $74
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
