Skeena Discovery

Day 1 - Vancouver to Victoria

Depart Vancouver this morning on a sightseeing tour to Victoria. Cruise across Georgia Strait through the beautiful Gulf Islands. Arriving on Vancouver Island, tour the Butchart Gardens (Admission included). A two hour stop allows time to enjoy these magnificent gardens. Tour scenic Ocean Drive, Uplands, O ak Bay, University of Victoria as well as the Victoria City Tour before being taken to your hotel.

Day 2 - Victoria to Port Hardy

This morning board your coach departure for Port Hardy. Winding northward over the Malahat Highway, your route offers panoramic views of the Gulf Islands and the Strait of Georgia. Pass through vast expanses of farmland, fishing villages, deep-sea ports and lumber and logging communities. Arrive Port Hardy late afternoon.

Day 3 - Port Hardy to Prince Rupert

Embark on a full day of cruising the sheltered waters of Canada’s Inside Passage. During the length of the 15-hour crossing, a wonderful array of snow capped mountains combine with rich forests provide a background for a series of dramatic fjords. Killer whales, sea lions and playful porpoise often appear in these waters. Arrive in the seaport of Prince Rupert late evening.

Day 4 - Prince Rupert to Prince George

Another day of dramatic scenery, this morning board VIA Rails Skeena service for an eye-catching feast of mountains, meadows and rivers as you travel parallel to the salmon rich Skeena River. Continue on past the thriving lumber and mining communities of Terrace and Smithers. Arrive Prince George late evening (breakfast, lunch & dinner is included today)

Day 5 - Prince George to Jasper

Re-board the Skeena service for another unforgettable day of scenery. Follow mountain passes and raging rivers as you wind your way to an overnight stop in Jasper - “the Jewel of the Rockies’. (breakfast & lunch is included today)

Day 6 - Jasper

Today is free to explore Jasper before departing this evening to experience the environs of Jasper and for some amazing close-up photo opportunities of wildlife. During the winter months descend to the frozen canyon floor where guides take you down beneath the frozen surface of the Maligne River - don’t worry, the water levels have dropped with the freeze, leaving a magical world of ice formations and shelves.

Day 7 - Jasper to Banff

Travel by coach today via one of the most scenic highways in North America - the Icefields Parkway. Visit the Columbia Icefield that covers an area of nearly 325 sq km’s and reaches a depth of 320 metres. Time allows for an Ice Explorer ride (included) on the Athabasca Glacier. Along the way stops will be made at Lake Louise, Bow & Peyto Lakes, the Crowfoot Glacier and the Athabasca Falls. This highway is renowned for sightings of bears, elk, moose & mountain sheep, so keep your camera handy.

Day 8 - Banff

This morning, tour through the town of Banff and its environs. Among the highlights are visits to the Hoodoos (shaped by centuries of wind), Surprise Corner, Sulphur Mountain (gondola ride included), and Tunnel Mountain Drive, which overlooks the splendour of Bow Valley . Enjoy the afternoon on your own to explore this charming resort.

Day 9 - Banff to Calgary Departure

This morning is free to explore Banff, before your scheduled coach to Calgary departs midday. Following the Trans Canada Highway, depart the Rocky Mountains to the Great Central Plains that roll to the east for 2000 kilometres and extend as far south as Mexico. This is ‘cattle ranching country’ and the breadbasket of Canada. Arrive Calgary airport at 2.30pm or downtown Calgary at 3.00pm.