Partenze disponibili
Garantito
Abstract
A tour of Western Canada showcasing the highlights of the Rocky Mountains in Alberta and British Columbia, with an extension to Vancouver Island as far as Campbell River. From Calgary to Vancouver, the itinerary includes Banff, Lake Louise, Emerald Lake, the Icefields Parkway, and a Snowcoach excursion on the Athabasca Glacier. The journey continues to Whistler along the scenic Sea to Sky Highway, before reaching Vancouver and then Victoria, the capital of British Columbia. From there, the route heads north, exploring destinations that offer insights into the diverse cultures of British Columbia’s First Nations, before reaching Campbell River, renowned for its salmon fishing, whale watching, and opportunities to spot orcas and eagles, as well as its role as a gateway to the wild Pacific coast of Canada.
Starts from
10 days / 9 nights - from Calgary to Vancouver.
Characteristics
Group tour with a local guide / escort.
Local companion/guide in Italian.
Guaranteed departures. Less than 30 days before departure availability on request.
Breakfast and some of the meals included.
MINIMUM AGE: 8 years old, but not recommended for children under 12. Anyone under the age of 18 (21 in Las Vegas) must share a room with someone older, or hotels will not accept them as guests.
Meals
Legend: B breakfast, L lunch, D dinner.
Itinerary
Giorno 1 — Calgary
Welcome upon arrival and transfer to the hotel. Calgary is a dynamic city in Alberta, built at the foot of the Canadian Rockies, famous for its western spirit and the legendary Calgary Stampede, one of the world's largest rodeos and cowboy-culture festivals. Grown as a centre of the oil industry, it boasts a modern skyline of skyscrapers and a lively city life, with districts such as Inglewood and Stephen Avenue, rich in restaurants, bars and shops. The Calgary Tower offers a panoramic view over the prairie and the mountains on the horizon. The city is above all the ideal gateway to the Rockies, less than an hour's drive from Banff and the national parks. Its green spaces along the Bow River invite walks and outdoor activities. Welcoming and growing, Calgary combines urban energy, cowboy tradition and grandiose nature, a perfect base for exploring western Canada. The rest of the day available. Dinner free.
Accommodation Calgary Marriott Downtown Hotel.
Giorno 2 — Calgary → Columbia Icefield → Banff
Breakfast. Departure for the spectacular Rocky Mountains. You cross the land of cowboys, going from the plains to the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, which soon dominate the horizon. Arrive at Columbia Icefield. The Columbia Icefield: At 325 square kilometres, it is the largest expanse of ice and snow in the entire Rocky Mountains and the largest glacial area in the northern hemisphere south of the Arctic Circle. Meltwater flows into the Arctic, Atlantic and Pacific oceans, fed by six large glaciers, three of which - the Athabasca, Dome and Stutfield - are visible from the Icefields Parkway. One can walk on the Athabasca Glacier. A Columbia Icefield snowcat excursion on the spectacular Athabasca Glacier. Free lunch. In the afternoon, continue to Banff. Stop at the picturesque Bow and Peyto lakes, 1920 m, at the foot of the Crowfoot Glacier. In November 1883, three Canadian Pacific Railway workers searching for gold instead discovered a cave with hot springs on the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains in Alberta. The government immediately purchased the land and created Banff National Park, Canada's first national park.
The park covers 6,641 square kilometers (slightly less than South Tyrol) of valleys, mountains, glaciers, forests, meadows, and rivers, and is a paradise for hikers, with over 1,600 kilometers of trails. The Trans-Canada Highway, Banff-Radium Highway, the scenic Bow Valley Parkway, and the majestic Icefields Parkway are the main roads that traverse the park and facilitate visitors in spotting abundant wildlife: caribou, elk, deer, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, brown bears, grizzly bears, wolves, and a large number of small and large mammals. Arrival at Banff. Dinner free. Available evening.
Accommodation Red Carpet Inn.
The name of the hotel for the overnight Banff stay will be communicated on site.
Giorno 3 — Banff → Lake Louise → Yoho National Park → Revelstoke
Breakfast. Panoramic visit of Banff. Banff, surrounded by mountains, forests, waterfalls, and hot springs, is not just a simple resort town, it is the ultimate Canadian resort town, both in summer and winter. Continuation to Lake Louise. Lake Louise is one of Canada's most iconic and photographed places, a glacial lake of turquoise waters set in Banff National Park, at the foot of snow-capped peaks and the Victoria Glacier. The spectacle of the lake, whose colour changes with the seasonal light, reflected in the waters along with the surrounding mountains, is simply unforgettable. On its shores stands the historic and sumptuous Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, from which walks set off along the lake and trails towards mountain tea houses and nearby Moraine Lake. In winter the frozen lake becomes a stage for skating and skiing, while in summer it is ideal for canoeing and hiking. Wildlife populates the region. A symbol of the beauty of the Canadian Rockies, Lake Louise is an unmissable destination, capable of enchanting every visitor with its natural perfection. Continuation to Yoho National Park. You follow the Trans-Canada Highway from Alberta to British Columbia, passing through four national parks and the Rogers Pass between the peaks of the Selkirk Mountains. From Yoho National Park, continue towards Revelstoke via the spectacular Rogers Pass, surrounded by towering peaks and breathtaking views of the Columbia Mountains. Along the way, a stop for a walk along the Giants Cedars Trail is a must. This short trail winds through a magnificent forest of ancient cedar trees. Arrival at Revelstoke. Revelstoke, nestled in the majestic Selkirk and Monashee Mountains, is a haven for adventurers and nature enthusiasts. The town is renowned for its stunning national park, featuring dense rainforests, alpine terrain, and breathtaking views. Summer visitors enjoy hiking the Meadows in the Sky Parkway, while winter brings world-class skiing and snowboarding opportunities. Revelstoke charms with its historic downtown, quaint buildings, and vibrant cultural scene. Dinner. Available evening.
Accommodation The Sutton Place Hotel Revelstoke -.
Giorno 4 — Revelstoke → Whistler
Breakfast. Continue towards Whistler through the spectacular landscapes of British Columbia, surrounded by towering mountains, forested valleys and crystal-clear lakes. The route crosses the mountainous regions of the Columbia and Coast Mountains, offering stunning natural scenery along the way to Whistler, a renowned alpine resort set in a magnificent natural environment. Arrive at Whistler. Whistler is Canada's most renowned ski resort, set in the Coast Mountains of British Columbia, a short distance from Vancouver. Host to Olympic events, it boasts one of the largest and most spectacular ski areas in North America, with the twin mountains of Whistler and Blackcomb linked by a record-breaking gondola. The picturesque, pedestrian and lively Whistler Village offers hotels, restaurants, boutiques and a vibrant atmosphere year-round. In winter it is a paradise for skiing and snowboarding, while in summer it becomes a destination for mountain biking, hiking, golf and trips to the surrounding alpine lakes. The grandiose nature of forests, peaks and lakes frames every activity. Dynamic and cosmopolitan, Whistler combines sport, fun and extraordinary mountain landscapes, an ideal destination for mountain lovers in every season. Brief panoramic visit. Lunch and dinner free. Available evening.
Accommodation Delta Whistler Village Suites.
Giorno 5 — Whistler → Squamish → Vancouver
Breakfast. Departure to Vancouver. The scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway connects Whistler to Vancouver, with picturesque views of the Howe Fjord, leaving behind Whistler, one of Canada's most famous resorts and one of the top five in the world for winter sports, and reaching Vancouver: a spectacularly located city surrounded by towering mountains and the Pacific Ocean. Squamish enjoys a spectacular position halfway between Vancouver and Whistler, along the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway, where the ocean meets the mountains at the head of a fjord. Dominated by the imposing granite wall of the Stawamus Chief, one of the largest in the world, it is nicknamed the outdoor recreation capital of Canada. A mecca for climbing, kitesurfing, mountain biking and hiking, it offers adventures of every kind immersed in grand nature. The Sea to Sky Gondola climbs toward breathtaking views over the fjord and surrounding peaks, while in winter bald eagles gather in numbers along the river. Between sea, granite and forests, Squamish is a paradise for those seeking outdoor adventure. Continue to Vancouver. Lunch at Vancouver. Vancouver is one of North America's most scenic cities, set between the Pacific Ocean and the Coast Mountains on Canada's west coast. Surrounded by water and forests, it combines a lively urban life with extraordinary nature, ranking consistently among the world's most liveable cities. The vast Stanley Park, a green lung facing the sea and crossed by a famous seawall, invites scenic walks and bike rides. The historic Gastown district, with its bohemian atmosphere, the lively Granville Island market and Chinatown reveal the city's many faces. The skyline of glass towers reflects in the waters of the bay, while nearby mountains, such as Grouse Mountain and Cypress, offer skiing and hiking just minutes from downtown. The dining scene, rich in fresh seafood and Asian cuisine, is excellent. Between sea, mountains and culture, Vancouver embodies the perfect balance between metropolis and nature. In the afternoon, visit the highlights of the city. Key points of the visit: Downtown, Gastown, Stanley Park, Prospect Point. Dinner free. Available evening.
Accommodation Georgian Court Hotel.
Giorno 6 — Vancouver → Tsawwassen → Swartz Bay → Victoria
Breakfast. Victoria is the capital of British Columbia, located at the southern tip of Vancouver Island. Famous for its charming historic downtown, the elegant Inner Harbour, the Butchart Gardens, and Victorian-style architecture, the city blends British tradition with a Canadian coastal atmosphere. It is also renowned for its museums, boutiques, cozy cafés, and vibrant cultural scene. Upon arrival, there will be a panoramic tour of the city. Highlights include the Parliament Buildings, Beacon Hill Park, Chinatown, and the impressive Empress Hotel, which still exudes the royal atmosphere of the British Empire. The historic downtown area is compact and very pleasant in the summer: attractions, restaurants, and shops are just a short walk from the Inner Harbour. Visit the famous Butchart Gardens, located about 20 km from Victoria, a spectacular botanical garden with trees and flowers from all over the world. Lunch and dinner free. Available evening.
Accommodation Marriott Victoria Inner Harbour.
Giorno 7 — Victoria → Chemainus, BC → Duncan, BC → Campbell River
Breakfast. Departure for Chemainus, BC. Continuation to Duncan, BC. Duncan rises in the green Cowichan Valley of Vancouver Island, nicknamed the “City of Totems” for the dozens of First Nations carved poles adorning its streets. The mild-climate region is renowned for its vineyards, organic farms and local cuisine that make it a small capital of taste. Among markets, artists' studios and rural landscapes, Duncan blends Indigenous culture and farming tradition. Duncan is an authentic stop in the island's flavourful heart. From Duncan, travel north along Vancouver Island through scenic forest landscapes to MacMillan Provincial Park, home to the famous Cathedral Grove, a spectacular old-growth forest of towering Douglas fir trees. Continue onwards to Campbell River, located on the island’s eastern coast. Campbell River is a coastal city located in the northern part of Vancouver Island. It is renowned as the "Salmon Capital of the World," offering abundant opportunities for sport fishing. The city is surrounded by spectacular natural beauty, including fjords, rainforests, and mountains that provide numerous outdoor activities such as hiking, wildlife spotting, and kayaking. It is an ideal destination for those who wish to immerse themselves in the wilderness of Western Canada. Dinner at the hotel. Available evening.
Accommodation Naturally Pacific Resort.
Giorno 8 — Campbell River
Breakfast. Spend the morning on an unforgettable zodiac whale-watching excursion through the wildlife-rich waters of Discovery Passage. With a little luck, you may spot orcas, humpback whales, dolphins, sea lions and bald eagles. Return to Campbell River. Lunch and dinner free. I return to the hotel and have the rest of the day available.
Accommodation Naturally Pacific Resort.
Giorno 9 — Campbell River → Nanaimo → Horseshoe Bay → Vancouver
Breakfast. Departure for Nanaimo. Travel south along Highway 19, following the eastern coast of Vancouver Island through breathtaking landscapes of lush rainforests, rocky cliffs and tranquil bays. Along the way, pass through charming communities such as Qualicum Beach and Parksville, renowned for their beaches and outdoor activities, before reaching Nanaimo, a vibrant coastal city overlooking the Strait of Georgia. Transfer to Nanaimo, embark on the ferry and cross the Strait of Georgia with disembarkation in Vancouver: the crossing is atmospheric, amid dozens of sailboats and a wide variety of birds and sea animals. Arrival at Vancouver. Lunch and dinner free. Available evening.
Accommodation Georgian House.
Giorno 10 — Vancouver
Breakfast. Free time at leisure until departure for the airport, according to your flight schedule, with departure transfer included (if booked on a day different from the end of the tour – subject to reconfirmation).
Price includes
- Transfers by coach, minibus or minivan with air conditioning, depending on the number of participants.
- Local companion/guide in Italian
- Accommodation at the scheduled hotel (or similar)
- Transfer from/to the airport upon arrival/departure
- Meals: 9 breakfasts, 1 lunches, 2 dinners
- Entrances, visits and excursions as per the itinerary
Price does not include
- Opening fee and Zero Risk coverage
- Medical-luggage-cancellation insurance
- Unmentioned meals, beverages and extras in general
- Tip
- Flights and airport taxes
- Everything not expressly mentioned in "The fee includes"
Honeymoon Special
For honeymoon couples, we will ask the hotels for a room upgrade (not guaranteed), but it is essential to inform them at the time of booking that it is a honeymoon couple.
Furthermore:
- Auckland, Grand Millennium - 2 glasses of sparkling wine at the hotel bar.
- Rotorua, Millennium Hotel - 2 glasses of sparkling wine at the hotel bar.
Cancellation policies
- No penalty up to 31 days before the start of the tour - from 30 to 15 days before, 20% of the tour fee - from 14 to 7 days before, 50% of the tour fee - from 6 days up to the day of departure, and in case of no-show, 100% of the tour fee.
Optional visits
Your guide will propose optional excursions to be paid locally (with no obligation to purchase) in cash or by credit card. We provide here an indicative list, and the prices will be communicated on-site. There is no guarantee that all the options listed here will be available: it will depend on the available time, reaching the minimum number of participants required, and various considerations.
Important notes
- Transfers with assistance on arrival/departure on the first and last day of the tour. In the case of pre- and post-tour overnight stays, transfers by the local agent are subject to reconfirmation, or will have to be purchased separately.
- Transportation will be arranged with vehicles according to the number of passengers. For small groups, the guide may act as both driver and guide at the same time.
- A guide change is possible Victoria.
Notes
LUGGAGE: A medium-sized luggage (max 23 kg) per person is allowed. Due to space constraints, we cannot guarantee extra luggage on the bus.
ROOMS: The rooms are always and only for 1 or 2 beds. The terms triple, quadruple, family room refer solely to the number of occupants, who will be accommodated in the existing beds (maximum 2 beds). An additional bed (rollaway), even if requested at the time of booking, is always subject to availability and payment of a local supplement. Requests for rooms with a double bed or twin beds, connecting rooms, adjacent rooms, on higher or lower floors, etc., are always subject to availability and are never guaranteed.
DISABLED: passengers with various types of disabilities can participate as long as they are self-sufficient. In fact, the means of transportation are not equipped with ramps to facilitate boarding and disembarking, and for insurance and safety reasons, neither the driver nor the conductor are authorized to assist passengers. Therefore, the presence of a travel companion who can provide all the necessary assistance is mandatory. Any wheelchairs must be of standard size, foldable, and must fit in the luggage compartment (general information subject to the rules and acceptance of the local service provider). Reservations are always upon request.
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Participants must ensure before departure that they have the necessary and valid documentation for entry into the countries visited during the tour.
MINIMUM AGE: 8 years old, but not recommended for children under 12. Anyone under the age of 18 (21 in Las Vegas) must share a room with someone older, or hotels will not accept them as guests.
SMOKING: smoking is not allowed on buses and in hotels.
HOTEL FINAL LIST: indicated in the travel documents.
HOTEL / ITINERARY, CHANGES: The organizing company reserves the right to modify the itinerary and/or the planned accommodations if required by unforeseen circumstances and if necessary for the safety and smooth continuation of the trip.
TIPS: not included, but practically mandatory, unless there are serious shortcomings. It is recommended: for the tour guide $5-$6 per day per person, for the driver $4-$5 per day per person.
MEALS: not included unless specified.
SEATS ON THE BUS: daily seat rotation.
PUNCTUALITY: we recommend respecting the scheduled times. No refunds are provided for services missed due to customer delays.
REFUNDS: There are no refunds for parts of the tour or excursions not carried out due to force majeure; in any case, no refund is due to the customer who decides to interrupt the trip or stay.