THE WILD WEST - 20 NIGHTS / 21 DAYS
VANCOUVER / VANCOUVER

This 3-week, extended exploration will take you through the backroads and off-the-beatentrack to uncover the scenic treasures of Canada's west coast and western interior. From the urban splendour of Vancouver, the trail leads to the picturesque tranquillity of British Columbia's and Alberta's national parks. You will experience first-hand the brilliant turquoise lakes and the rugged beauty of the Rocky Mountains. Returning to the Pacific Coast via Whistler, you will visit Victoria with its maritime heritage and colonial demeanour. A wealth of activities are available throughout your trip from the thrill of rafting and canoeing to hiking and horseback riding.

ITINERARY
Day 1 - ARRIVAL IN VANCOUVER

Arrive Vancouver International Airport, transfer independently to your downtown hotel. Pick up your Jonview Canada Roadbook at the front desk and check in. The rest of the day is yours to create your own urban adventure amid the stores, parks, restaurants, theatres and other attractions of downtown Vancouver. Overnight in Vancouver.

Day 2 - VANCOUVER TO MERRITT ( 270 KM )

Leaving Vancouver behind you will drive out to the vast ranch lands of British Columbia's interior. You will follow the Gold Rush Trail, alongside the mighty Fraser River. At Hell's Gate or Boston Bar, you will have a chance to explore the imposing Fraser Canyon by airtram, before visiting Lytton, one of the villages made famous by the Gold Rush. Overnight in Merritt.

Day 3 - MERRITT TO WELLS GRAY PROVINCIAL PARK ( 260 KM )

Your journey to the breathtaking vistas of Wells Gray Provincial Park leads along the scenic Yellowhead Highway through the water and lava-shaped valley of the North Thompson River. You won't want to miss a visit to Clearwater's Yellowhead Museum for a taste of frontier life or to Spahats Creek Park, where the volcanic origins of the area are still in evidence. Overnight in Wells Gray Provincial Park

Day 4 - WELLS GRAY PROVINCIAL PARK

Enjoy your day at Wells Gray Ranch, a ranch that offers hiking, fishing and river rafting experiences. Overnight in Wells Gray Provincial Park.

Day 5 - WELLS GRAY PROVINCIAL PARK TO JASPER ( 340 KM )

Today, you will leave the peaceful delights of Wells Gray to head for the unforgettable splendour of the Rocky Mountains. En route to Jasper, you will drive by the panoramic views of Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. Overnight in Jasper.

Day 6 - JASPER TO BANFF ( 285 KM )

Your adventure continues along the Icefields Parkway, meandering through a landscape of peaks and glaciers, before pausing to admire the picturesque alpine waters of Peyto Lake and Moraine Lake. The sparkling, turquoise colours and the impressive glacier of Lake Louise are next on your not-to-be-missed list. The Trans-Canada Highway leads you to Banff, a year-round resort region that will treat you to spectacular wilderness scenery, outdoor sporting activities and modern accommodation facilities. Overnight in Banff.

Day 7 - BANFF NATIONAL PARK ( 0 KM )

Banff is yours to discover today. You can visit the Cave and Basin, Bow Falls and take a thrilling gondola ride to the summit of Sulphur Mountain. Other activities offered in the park for your pleasure include river rafting, biking, horseback riding and hiking. Overnight in Banff.

Day 8 - BANFF TO INVERMERE ( 155 KM )

Today you will drive through Kootenay National Park, a landscape dominated by lofty peaks, glaciers, deep valleys and crystal-blue lakes. A visit to the park's hot springs or the Radium Hot Springs resort which offers numerous activities and sights. Wildflowers decorate the alpine meadows, while grizzly bears, moose and mountain goats roam the park. Overnight in Panorama Mountain Village.

Day 9 - INVERMERE

Spend a full day in Invermere, a summer paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Enjoy a myriad of activities, such as hiking, fishing, bird watching, boating and windsurfing on Lake Windermere. You can also visit Invermere's museum housing pioneer artifacts and local archives. Overnight in Panorama Mountain Village.

Day 10 - INVERMERE TO NELSON ( 380 KM )

From fresh water to fresh air, today, you will advance through the Kootenays. Respected by backpackers as a wilderness oasis of towering mountains, fresh air and abundant wildlife, this remote area is a traveller's dream... no crowds and no pollution. The area has been shaped by gold-seekers, a heritage celebrated in historic Fort Steele. You will enjoy the vistas of the Purcell and Selkirk mountain ranges as you take the world's longest free ferry ride across Kootenay Lake to Balfour. Your afternoon is free to explore Nelson, the reputed heritage capital of Western Canada. Overnight in Nelson.

Day 11 - NELSON TO OSOYOOS ( 260 KM )

The scenic adventure continues outbound from Nelson, parallel to the American border, across Bonanza Pass and Gold Canyon. Boasting towering mountains, gentle valleys and sparkling lakes, this area is a haven for hikers and canoeists. Visit Grand Forks on the Kettle River reliving the period of Russian settlement or enjoying some excellent fishing. Overnight in Osoyoos.

Day 12 - OSOYOOS TO MANNING PROVINCIAL PARK ( 160 KM )

En route to the sub-alpine meadows in Manning Provincial Park, you will drop into Oliver Park, the only true desert in Canada. Alternately, you will enjoy a hike through pristine Cathedral Provincial Park. Afterwards, you can explore Manning Provincial Park, known for its sub-alpine meadows and diverse vegetation. The day's highlight comes after an extensive hike along the trail network - a picture-perfect view of Three Brothers Mountain and Thunder Lake. Overnight in Manning Provincial Park.

Day 13 - MANNING PROVINCIAL PARK TO WHISTLER ( 350 KM )

This morning, you will drive to the Gold Rush town of Hope before continuing along the rushing Fraser River to the rugged Pacific Coast. The route meanders along the spectacular Sea-to-Sky Highway to Whistler, one of the world's principal resorts, located at the foot of Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. En route, you will admire Shannon Falls and explore the dramatic canyons, ravines and lofty peaks of Garibaldi Provincial Park. Overnight in Whistler.

Day 14 - WHISTLER TO POWELL RIVER ( 125 KM )

You will drive past the sweeping seascapes, rugged cliffs, broad beaches and serene inlets of the breathtaking Sunshine Coast this morning before boarding for the first of several B.C. Ferry rides. Powell River is set against the backdrop of the Coast Mountains and offers great opportunities for outdoor activities including sea-kayaking, sailing, hiking and mountain biking. The coastal waters boast a rich variety of marine wildlife. Overnight in Powell River.

Day 15 - POWELL RIVER TO QUADRA ISLAND ( 70 KM )

This morning starts with a refreshing B.C. Ferry cruise across the Strait of Georgia to Vancouver Island. Look closely and you may even encounter some orcas. From the ferry, you will drive north through Comox Valley and up to Campbell River, a salmon-fishing paradise. Another short ferry ride brings you to Quadra Island, where you can immerse yourself for a few hours in rich native heritage and culture. Take to the hiking trails and you will uncover many fascinating sites: including a native village, authentic totem poles and mysterious native rock carvings. Overnight on Quadra Island.

Day 16 - QUADRA ISLAND TO PACIFIC RIM NATIONAL PARK ( 285 KM )

Be sure that you start today with plenty of film a panorama of scenic beauty is about to unfold before you. You will cross Vancouver Island to the Pacific Coast through ancient rainforests and provincial parks. You're venturing into true wildlife territory here, and you might even glimpse bears, deer, wolves and cougars. Even if you don't see them, you can be sure they're watching you. The Pacific Rim National Park is a marvel of ecological and geographical diversity, as you will see as you pass through dense rainforests, steep ravines and windswept beaches. Overnight in Tofino.

Day 17 - PACIFIC RIM NATIONAL PARK

You're free to explore the rugged coastline along the network of hiking trails or walk the shoreline of Long Beach in search of shells and driftwood. Overnight in Tofino.

Day 18 - PACIFIC RIM NATIONAL PARK TO NANAIMO ( 155 KM )

This morning the spectacular winding road takes you back to the east coast of the island with visits to Horne Lake Caves or Cathedral Grove. Your itinerary will expose you to many hidden gems... including native rock carvings at Sproat Lake and the picturesque falls at Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park. Tonight, you will have time to discover the charming town of Nanaimo. Overnight in Nanaimo.

Day 19 - NANAIMO TO VICTORIA ( 115 KM )

Today's coastal exploration brings you along the scenic Malahat Drive. En route, you will detour to visit the murals of Chemainus, the Forest Museum or the quaint Quw'utsun' Cultural and Conference Centre in Duncan. Eventually, your trail ends in Victoria, British Columbia's capital, with its maritime heritage and colonial charm. Visit the harbour area, the totem poles of Thunderbird Park or the Royal British Columbia Museum. For an unforgettably elegant end to your day, visit the Empress Hotel for a traditional High Tea. Overnight in Victoria.

Day 20 - VICTORIA TO VANCOUVER ( 70 KM )

A final day on the island reveals the serene beauty of the Saanich Peninsula with its quiet beaches, meandering lanes and colonial-style architecture. Visit Butchart Gardens, located in a former stone quarry and renowned for their horticultural diversity, before enjoying a mini-cruise on a B.C. Ferry back to Vancouver. Overnight near Vancouver Airport.

Day 21 - END OF TOUR

Return to Vancouver International Airport in time for check in for your return flight.

 

Pricing Details Per Person (excluding flights):

Departures daily 01 May to 28 September 2008 20 nights/21 days -Vancouver/Vancouver
Date
Twin
Single
Economy Grade
All dates
£1026
£1993
VEHICLE HIRE: As the type and size of car you may wish to rent will vary depending on both the size of your party and the level of comfort you require, we have decided not to include the cost in the above price grid but instead we offer you complete flexibility by being able to simply choose your vehicle type and size and for how many days you wish to rent it. To access details and prices of vehicle hire please click here..
OPTIONAL EXTRA ACTIVITY PACKAGE
Day
4

7
17
Location
Wells Gray
Provincial Park
Canmore
Tofino
Inclusions
6-hour Wells Gray Appetizer including lunch

25-minute helicopter tour
2.5-hour whalewatching on Zodiac boat
Daily departures: May 8 - Sep 28 cost per person Adult £191 Child (8-12) £183

 

Price Includes:

  • Accommodation for 20 nights
  • Independent hiking at Manning Park Resort
  • Independent hiking at Quadra Island
  • Ferry crossings (under height car and passengers):
  • - Day 14, Horseshoe Bay to Langdale (40 minutes) and Earls Cove to Saltery Bay (50 minutes)
    - Day 15, Powell River to Comox (1 hour 15 minutes) and Campbell River to Quadra Island (10 minutes)
    - Day 16, Quadra Island to Campbell River (10 minutes)
    - Day 20, Swartz Bay to Tsawwassen (1 hour 35 minutes)
  • A personalised Jonview Canada Roadbook containing essential travel information featuring overview notes of the area of travel, local sightseeing and attractions, daily itinerary highlights, provincial maps with city guides, hotel vouchers and customised day-by-day routing maps
  • Provincial taxes and federal GST, less tour package rebate

Price Excludes:

  • Airport transfers
  • Meals and attractions unless otherwise specified
  • Park entrance fees
  • Car rental, taxes and insurance

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