Resorts of the Rockies

This morning, experience the city of Vancouver with a sightseeing tour. Visit Chinatown, one of North America’s largest; the vibrant waterfront area; and Gastown, Vancouver’s turn-of-the-century pedestrian mall and home of the world-famous steam-powered clock. Next, explore Stanley Park before boarding a ferry to Vancouver Island. Upon arrival enjoy a visit to Chemanius, a little town nestled between the mountains and the ocean, to see first-hand its world-famous giant wall murals. Later, arrive in the “City of Gardens,” Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, to begin your two-night stay in the breathtaking Fairmont Empress Hotel on the Inner Harbour. This evening, enjoy dinner overlooking the water.

  Breakfast & Dinner     High  19  Low  9    Fairmont Empress

Day 3. Victoria

Experience breakfast at Butchart Gardens in the original residence of the Butchart family. Following your meal, stroll through the 55-acre display of colourful gardens before returning to Victoria for a sightseeing tour of this historic city. The remainder of your day is at leisure to relax, shop or explore independently.

  Breakfast     High  19  Low  9    Fairmont Empress

Day 4. Victoria – Kelowna

This morning board a BC Ferry for a spectacular cruise through the Gulf Islands with their dramatic coastlines. Once back on the mainland, travel through the lush landscape of British Columbia to the city of Kelowna in the rich and fertile Okanagan Valley.

  Breakfast     High 20  Low  8     Delta Grand Okanagan Resort

Today you’ll discover the wealth and bounty of the Okanagan Valley. Begin with a visit to a family-owned goat cheese farm. Your tour of the farm includes the ageing cellar and a tasting of a variety of their delicious products. Later, embark on a tour of Summerhill Pyramid Winery to learn their unique organic techniques. Enjoy lunch along with tastings of their popular wines while taking in the beautiful ambience.

  Breakfast & Lunch     High  20  Low  8      Delta Grand Okanagan Resort

Day 6. Kelowna – Lake Louise, Alberta

Depart the Okanagan Valley along the shores of Lake Okanagan and then travel along the upper Columbia River. Journey through Yoho National Park, named by the Cree (using their expression for “awe”). Continue to spectacular Lake Louise, showcasing incredible views of its emerald waters and the imposing Victoria Glacier. Overnight at the incomparable Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. This evening it’s Diner’s Choice…your dinner is included and you’ll choose the perfect spot from a “menu” of the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise’s great restaurants.

  Breakfast & Dinner     High  15  Low  2     The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

Day 7. Icefields Parkway – Choice of Glacier Experience or Glacier Skywalk

This morning experience breakfast at the spectacular Lake Louise Gondola. Then, board the gondola* and ascend to the top of Whitehorn Mountain in just fourteen minutes. From a height of 6,850 feet above sea level, savour spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding mountain ranges. Keep an eye out for the grizzly bears who call this mountain home! Set out on a journey along the unforgettable Icefields Parkway: behold lovely waterfalls, rushing rivers, glacial peaks, imposing cliffs and snowcapped mountain ranges. Stop at the Columbia Icefield and choose a fun ride** across this mass of glacial ice which is over 1,000 feet thick – the largest accumulation of ice south of the Arctic Circle; or, take a walk on the Glacier Skywalk to experience the breathtaking views of the Sunwapta Valley and witness the dramatic landscape from the glass-floored platform.

  Breakfast     High  15  Low  2     The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

Day 8. Lake Louise – Banff

Depart Lake Louise and journey to Banff. Embark upon a scenic drive to view Moraine Lake and the incredible Valley of the Ten Peaks from which you will view the unusual “saw-toothed” Ten Peaks. Next, explore the Hoodoos – known as the “Land of the Sleeping Giants” – and powerful Bow Falls. Later, enjoy a visit to a local ammolite specialist where you will learn about this rare gemstone that is found only in Alberta. Your home this evening is the magnificent Fairmont Banff Springs, known as the “Castle in the Rockies.”

  Breakfast     High  15  Low  2     The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel

Day 9. Banff

The day is yours for independent exploration. Take a walk through Banff’s delightful downtown, browse through the shops and museums, or just take in the natural beauty of the area. Join your fellow travellers this evening at a farewell dinner where you will toast the end of a wonderful trip.

  Breakfast & Dinner     High  15  Low  2     The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel

Day 10. Banff – Tour Ends

Your tour comes to a close today, leaving you with many pleasant memories of your outstanding journey.

  Breakfast