Coastal Peaks to Plains

Travelling north on the Island Highway, pass through Duncan, the “City of Totems”. If time permits visit the Quw’utsun’ Heritage Village which provides you with an insight into the lives of the North West Coast People (seasonal hours - admission not included). Further north is the artist community of Chemainus, where you can admire giant murals which adorn the exterior walls throughout the town. By late afternoon arrive in Campbell River to board a BC Ferries (ferry tolls included) for a short ride to Quadra Island.

Today cruise through breathtaking Desolation Sound and enjoy the majesty of Toba Inlet to seek out Black Bears in their natural habitat.

This morning take the ferry back to Vancouver Island (ferry toll included) and continue your journey north. Near Port McNeil you may wish to take an optional orca watching cruise into the waters of Johnstone Strait. Your day ends in the fishing community of Port Hardy.

Embark on a full day of cruising the sheltered waters of Canada’s Inside Passage with BC Ferries (ferry toll included). During the length of the 15- hour crossing, a wonderful array of snow-capped mountains combined with rich forests provides a background for a series of dramatic fjords.

Today, follow the Yellowhead Highway, hugging the Skeena River for most of the way. Pass through the mining town of Terrace and into Smithers.

Depart Smithers today, continuing along the Yellowhead Highway. Passing through Houston - known as the Steelhead Capital and home to the world’s biggest fly rod - over 18 metres in length! Next you will travel through Burns Lake and Vanderhoof into Prince George.

Today is 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’.

Explore this charming mountain village close to many terrific scenic highlights. Take a tram ride up Whistlers Mountain, or visit Maligne Lake, one of the most photographed lakes in the world, and enjoy a 90-minute cruise heading toward the south end of this postcard setting (Maligne Lake cruise not included).

Your scenic drive today takes you along the Icefields Parkway through the spine of the Canadian Rockies. View a never-ending procession of mammoth mountains, jagged peaks, over 100 glaciers and pristine emerald coloured lakes. Along the way see such sights as the Columbia Icefield and take an Ice Explorer ride out onto the glacier (included). Continue on to Lake Louise and Banff.

A full day to explore Banff and the surrounding area. Check out the Cave and Basin National Historic Site, Banff Gondola (included) where you will see a panoramic view of the Bow Valley, and then take a dip in the hot mineral pools at the Upper Hot Springs (included).

Drive to Calgary today, along the 1A Highway. En-route, you may wish to stop at the historic Cochrane Ranch (not included) before dropping off your rental car at the Calgary International Airport or downtown.