A magnificent orca whale breaks through the waves and a sleepy black bear emerges from the forest. The sun rises high above majestic snow capped peaks and voices of the pioneers still echo in the mountains. Woodland paths and trails lead to crystal clear lakes and sparkling waterfalls gush into the rivers below. Discover the very best of British Columbia and Alberta on this splendid Canadian tour.
- Travelling - 1
Fly to Vancouver. Your Tour Guide will meet you and will be on hand throughout the tour. Overnight Vancouver.
- Whale Watching On Vancouver Island - 2
Join the ferry for a scenic cruise to Vancouver Island. A specially designed boat waits at Victoria Harbour for your first wildlife adventure in search of magnificent whales. An on board expert will introduce the marine life. Harbour seals haul themselves onto the rocks and cormorants and black oyster catchers may follow the boat making their noisy presence known. Three pods of orca whales currently inhabit these waters; they are regularly joined by minke whales. Nothing can be as exciting as a close encounter with these magnificent creatures and if you are lucky the occasional whale may even surface just a few feet from the boat. Have your camera ready for this very special moment.
- City Sights - 2
An afternoon tour of Victoria will show you the best of the capital of BC. Narrow streets and grand 19th century buildings give the feel of an old English town. See Beacon Hill Park, Chinatown and the Parliament Building. The fabled Empress Hotel overlooks the picturesque harbour and is the place for afternoon tea. Overnight Victoria.
- Vineyards And Coastal Mountains - 3
Travel to Duncan and stop at the Cherry Point Vineyards, take a tour and complete the visit with a tasting. Board the ferry at Nainamo and as you head out across the Strait of Georgia look out for seals, porpoises and sea lions. Horseshoe Bay is the starting point for a magnificent journey along Howe Sound. The towering peaks of the Coastal Mountains seem to rise straight out of the ocean as you journey along the Sea to Sky Highway and onto the resort of Whistler. This evening explore this winter and summer playground and ask your Tour Guide for dining recommendations. Locally caught salmon is a speciality. Overnight Whistler.
- Encounters With Black Bears - 4
Around 300 black bears live in this area. In November they burrow in dens, eating a last meal of woodchip and maybe pebbles and bear hair. This closes down their digestive system for a seven month hibernation. In January, during hibernation, a female bear will give birth to one or two cubs. Michael Allen-Or one of his colleagues- is the bear man of Whistler and today you will spend some time with him in the mountains. Take a jeep ride across the slopes for wildlife sightings. From May, throughout the summer, bears wander along the open trails grazing on clover and grass. You may see a mother and her playful cubs ambling across the slopes. Then a male bear emerges from the trees, he is looking for company. A female bear is not physically capable of mating when she has cubs and the family shuffle into the undergrowth leaving a lonely bear on the mountain.
- Native Heritage - 4
At the Squamish Lil’Wat Culture Centre in Whistler discover the history of two aboriginal nations who have lived side by side for hundreds of years. See how their unique homes were constructed and learn of ancient traditions and a life supported by the bounties of ocean, river and land. Overnight Whistler.
- Early Settlers And Gold Rush Trails - 5
Continue your journey along the scenic Duffy Lake Road to Lillooet on the shores of the mighty Fraser River. This is where the Mile ‘0’ cairn marks the starting point for the Cariboo Trail. You are now in the land of the Gold Rush. Visit Historic Hat Creek Ranch and an era of adventure will be brought to life. Tour a replica of an 1860s roadhouse and listen to your guide as he takes you back to a time of gold rush hauls and bar room brawls. Travel through Gold Rush country past communities established during pioneering times and onto Clearwater. Overnight Clearwater.
- A Walk To The Falls - 6
A morning of magnificent scenery as you take a guided walking tour through Wells Gray Provincial Park. This a vast wilderness of pristine forests, soaring mountain peaks and thundering rivers. Breathe in the fresh mountain air as you walk through meadows of wild flowers and be on the look out for red tailed hawk and grouse that often patrol the skies. Stop to take in the spectacular sight and sound of the Helmcken Falls as they cascade down from the Murtle River. Visit a buffalo ranch and, after an included lunch, see these giant animals who once roamed freely on the prairies.
- An Afternoon In Clearwater - 6
Enjoy the ‘BC’ outdoor life on a range of optional activities. Take a canoeing trip along the river, or take to the saddle on a riding trail. Alternatively just relax and enjoy the sweeping views of Lake Hallamore. Overnight Clearwater.
- Grizzly Bears On The River - 7
Travel north to the Blue River for a guided jet boat adventure in search of Grizzly Bears. Wildlife viewing from the water allows you to get closer to some of these wonderful animals without disturbing their environment. You may see recently born cubs as they first venture out with their mother into the world. Watch as they feed on sedge grasses and barnacles along the shoreline. The lush green environment creates a spectacular backdrop and wonderful photographic opportunities. At Mt Robson National Park admire the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies before leaving British Columbia and entering the province of Alberta and Jasper National Park. Try a juicy Alberta steak in one of the local restaurants this evening. Overnight Jasper.
- A Morning In Jasper - 8
Relax and enjoy the magnificent setting of the town. For spectacular views take a ride on the Mountain Aerial Tramway, or join a gentle raft trip down the Athabasca River.
- An Afternoon Nature Trail - 8
A scenic drive up the valley brings you to the ‘disappearing’ Medicine Lake. Take to the trail along a stunning gorge to majestic Maligne Lake. Listen to stories of mystery and folklore from your guide and learn about the locals; bear, elk, wolves and coyote all inhabit this wondrous landscape. Take in the sights and sounds of the forest; late afternoon is the perfect time to spot wildlife. Overnight Jasper.
- Ice Fields And Jade Green Lakes - 9
Travel south along one of North America’s most majestic highways, the route between Jasper and Banff is truly spectacular. Soaring mountains flank the highway, turquoise lakes shimmer in the distance and an abundance of
wildlife can be seen along the roadside. Stop at Sunwapta and Athabasca Falls and at the Athabasca Glacier take a thrilling optional ride on an Ice Explorer. Visit Bow and Peyto Lake and gaze in wonder at jade-green Lake Louise and the towering peaks of the surrounding mountains. Overnight Banff.
- A Visit To The Stampede City - 10
Leave the Rocky Mountains behind as you head for Calgary. A short tour introduces you to the city. See the famous Stampede Grounds, Fort Calgary and Chinatown. Take a drive through the downtown area and then continue to the airport for your flight back to the UK.
- Travelling - 11
Arrival in the UK.
