Tripology

Hotel

Welcome to Calgary, gateway to the Canadian Rockies! A complimentary transfer is provided to the hotel. Your Tour Director is available this afternoon to answer your questions.

Food and Dining

Tonight, meet your traveling companions at a Welcome Reception at the hotel.

Hotel

Stay at International Hotel Suites Calgary (SF).

National Parks

After a short tour of Calgary, head into the great Canadian Rockies and world-famous Banff National Park with its odd-shaped hoodoos standing guard over the Bow River Valley and Bow Falls. Look out for wildlife including elk, bear and bighorn sheep.

Sightseeing

The afternoon is free to explore the town of Banff on your own, or join one of the many optional activities available. (FB)

Hotel

Stay at Banff Park Lodge (F).

Sightseeing

Your first stop today is at Lake Louise. Learn about the wildlife, nature and history of the area on a narrated walk along the lakeshore. Then travel along the Icefields Parkway, one of the world's most spectacular drives. Marvel at the towering snow-capped peaks, azure lakes, thundering waterfalls, glaciers and wildlife.

Food and Dining

Tonight enjoy a wildlife presentation after dinner. (FB,D)

Sailing

At the Columbia Icefield, board an Ice Explorer for a unique ride on the Athabasca Glacier. Then on to Jasper for a two-night stay.

Hotel

Stay at Chateau Jasper (SF).

Sightseeing

Start the day with a narrated walk along Maligne Canyon, one of the most beautiful gorges in the Canadian Rockies.

Relaxation

The rest of the day is at leisure.

Sightseeing

Optional activities include a cruise on Maligne Lake, a float trip down the Athabasca River, and a guided alpine hike through the unmatched beauty of Mount Edith Cavell. (FB)

Sightseeing

Head west this morning along the scenic Yellowhead Highway. Stop at Mount Robson Provincial Park and enjoy views of Mount Robson, the tallest peak in the Rockies. Continue on through the pictur­esque Caribou Mountains and along the Fraser River to the logging and lumber city of Prince George. (FB,D)

Hotel

Stay at Ramada Prince George (F).

Train

Board The Skeena, one of the most memorable train journeys on earth. Relax and enjoy Totem Deluxe service with reserved seating in the glass-domed car. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served on board. Keep an eye out for bear, moose, elk, deer, wolves, eagles and hawks, and marvel at the remote and wild landscapes.

Hotel

Arrive in the early evening at the fishing port of Prince Rupert and transfer to the hotel with a harbor-view room. Stay at Crest Prince Rupert Hotel (SF). (CB,L,D)

Museums

Start the day with a guided tour of the Museum of Northern British Columbia. Learn about the diverse aspects of First Nations culture and history.

Performing Arts

Explore the exhibits and enjoy a performance of First Nations dances.

Sightseeing

Next, take a guided walking tour around the city, viewing the totem poles of Prince Rupert.

Relaxation

The rest of the day is free.

Canoeing

Exciting options are available: a Khutzeymatten Grizzly Bear watching tour, a canoe excursion, deep sea fishing, and a Pike Island archaeological and cultural tour. (FB)

Board the Northern Adventure ferry for a voyage following the famous Inside Passage. The ship features outdoor decks, comfortable lounges, a gift shop and full service café.

Sailing

Enjoy the scenic grandeur as you sail through narrow passages and past islands, towering moun­tains, and the green coastal rainforest. Look for eagles, bear, porpoise and Orca whales. A number of cabins are available to be shared through­out the journey as exclusive hospitality space for relaxing.

Sightseeing

Arriving on Vancouver Island, overnight in the fishing town of Port Hardy. (FB)

Hotel

Stay at Glen Lyon Inn & Suites (F).

Sightseeing

Journey south, following the eastern coastline of Vancouver Island, renowned for its ocean scenery, rain­forests, First Nations culture and wildlife. Stop at Cathedral Grove for a walk through a forest of 800-year-old trees towering majestically skyward.

Hotel

Con­tinuing south, arrive at your beachfront hotel in Parks­ville, a popular summer destination. (FB,D)

Hotel

Stay at Quality Resort Bayside (F).

Wine

Your first stop is in Chemainus, a quaint seaside town known for its murals. Then take a winery tour and wine tasting in the Cowichan Valley with its Mediterranean-like growing season and mild maritime winters.

Sightseeing

This after­noon, arrive in Victoria, where a tour introduces you to the Inner Harbour, the Parliament Buildings, Thunderbird Park and Bastion Square.

Food and Dining

As an option this evening, why not enjoy a visit to Canada's oldest Chinatown, and a Chinese banquet? (FB)

Hotel

Stay at Laurel Point Inn (SF).

Food and Dining

This morning, breakfast is hosted by a horti­culturist at the flower-filled conservatory of the Blue Poppy Restaurant at world-famous Butchart Gardens. After breakfast, there is time to stroll through the gardens.

Sightseeing

The rest of the day is free to explore this very "British" city. A variety of optional activi­ties are available: a horse-drawn carriage ride, an ocean excursion in search of Orca, and a cruise aboard an historic tall ship.

Food and Dining

Tonight, a Farewell Dinner is served at a specialty restaurant. (FB,D)

Cross the Strait of Georgia by ferry.

Travel into Vancouver where a complimentary trans­fer is provided to Vancouver International Airport or the Georgian Court Hotel in Vancouver for those wishing to extend their stay. NOTE: Please do not schedule any flights before 3 p.m. (FB)