Ramblers Canadian Rockies & Vancouver Island

• Explore bustling Vancouver before stepping into the wilderness
• Walk the trails of Sooke on Vancouver Island, with potential bear, eagles and elk sightings
• Head out in search of Orca on a whale boat trip from Victoria
• Absorb classic views of Canada in Whistler, and enjoy hiking and wine tasting in Revelstoke
• Lace up your boots inside Banff, Yoho and Glacier National Parks

• Return flights from Gatwick to Vancouver returning Calgary to Gatwick (WestJet) and vice versa for some departures
• Airport transfers
• En suite accommodation including breakfast
• Ten picnic lunches, plus four dinners taken in hotels and local restaurants
• Whale watching excursion, Victoria
• All local transport costs.

Day 1: Calgary

Our journey begins once we arrive in Calgary in the evening and transfer to our hotel.

Day 2: Banff

It is now time to head to our first centre, Banff. On arrival we will walk one of Banff’s highlight trails, the Bourgeau Lake trail, this is the perfect walk to take in the first, of many, inspiring views we will be rewarded with whilst in the Rockies. This trail climbs the slopes of Mount Bourgeau to a quaint alpine lake nestled above the Bow Valley.

Day 3: Banff

Today we will walk the Sentinel Pass, one of Banff’s most iconic walks, offering spectacular views of the Valley of the Ten Peaks towering above Moraine Lake. The walk ascends through trees in sections then opens out to reveal the most magical views of numerous lakes, mountains and valleys. There are some steep sections, but the effort is certainly worth it.

Day 4: Golden

We say goodbye to Banff and travel to Golden. Our route will be along the Icefields Parkway, one of the classic Canadian road journeys with so many interesting views to see along the route. On the way we will stop to walk the Helen Lake trail. This is a local favourite that provides incredible views. Some sections are challenging and involve some scrambling, but our leader and local guide will assist and support along the way.

Day 5: Golden

We drive to Yoho National Park to walk the Iceline trail, said to be one of the most spectacular walks in the Rockies, with closeup views of glaciers and Takakkaw Falls; one of Canada’s highest waterfalls.

If we still have the energy it may be possible to do a short loop walk around Yoho Valley.

Day 6: Revelstoke

This morning we walk in the Glacier National Park, the choice of excellent walking trails here is endless, but we plan to walk the Balu Pass trail. The word Balu meaning bear, and on occasions the walk can be closed due to grizzly activity! The walk is varied with climbs through mountain hemlock, traverses over creeks and alpine meadows with open views and where wildflowers are in abundance. After we continue to our next centre Revelstoke, (journey time around two hours), stopping for a wine tasting session at Larch Hills Winery on the way.

Day 7: Revelstoke

Today we will walk through alpine meadows in the Eva and Miller Lakes area of Mount Revelstoke National Park.

Day 8: Whistler

We depart Revelstoke and stop at Kamloops on the way. From Kamloops, we will walk the Battle Bluff Trail, where a moderate but steep climb to the top rewards us with stunning views of Kamloops and Kamloops Lake, there is also an interesting memorial on top. After we continue to Whistler.

Day 9: Whistler

Today we explore the alpine wilderness of Whistler with a walk along the Garibaldi Lake Trail. This walk can be challenging, but the breath-taking views of the mighty alpine mountains and stunning turquoise lake, make every step worth the effort.

Day 10: Whistler

For our final day in Whistler we will take the gondola to the top of Whistler mountain range, and walk the High Note trail. There are some sections where the walk has some narrow, rocky and relatively steep ups and downs, but taken at a leisurely pace and with the help of our leader and guide these sections should be undertaken with ease. This walk rewards us with some wonderful views of Cheakamus Lake and the valley below.

Day 11: Vancouver Island

We transfer by bus, then ferry to Vancouver Island. Our base on Vancouver Island for the next few days is Sooke. on arrival at our hotel we can relax and enjoy its magnificent setting by the ocean.

Day 12: Vancouver Island

We travel to Botanical Beach where we will walk a section of the Juan de Fuca trail to Payzants Creek and return the same way. This walk leads us along the rugged Pacific coastline with wonderful coastal views. We will take our time so that we can observe the marine and wildlife along the way.

Day 13: Vancouver

Before departing Vancouver Island, we do the one thing you must do while in Canada – whale watching! The excursion takes around 3 hours on a semi covered cruiser giving us the opportunity to spot killer whales and humpback whales as well as an assortment of seabirds and other species of marine wildlife with a specialist guide on board. After, we transfer to Swartz Bay to board the ferry back to the mainland. We will take some time to explore the exciting city of Vancouver. Starting with the vibrant harbour area we will visit verdant Stanley Park, here we will disembark our bus to get a better view of the city’s skyline and see the magnificent totem poles.

Day 14: In Flight

The late flight home means that there is plenty of free time in Vancouver. There are museums to visit and of course plenty of shops for those last-minute souvenirs for loved ones. We then travel by road to Vancouver Airport for the return overnight flight to London.

Day 15: Arrive back in the UK

Please note, prices listed are guide prices only and are based on 2 people sharing and don’t include any additional supplements. Holiday prices are fluid and dynamic and may be changed at a moment’s notice, prior to booking, at which point they are confirmed. Please call the team free on 0800 707 6229 for more departure dates available and a quote.