WESTERN SPIRIT - 20 NIGHTS / 21 DAYS
VANCOUVER / VANCOUVER

The West is as much a state of mind as it is a geographical destination. Travelling from the cosmopolitan excitement of Vancouver, you will journey through Canada's lush Pacific playground, before swinging back to the mainland for an invigorating trek through authentic Gold Rush territory. Moving higher into the Rocky Mountains, you will relish the clean air, sparkling water and breathtaking scenery of Whistler, Jasper and Banff. You will thrill to an energetic mountain safari through Kootenay National Park and the fertile Okanagan Valley.

ITINERARY
Day 1 - ARRIVAL IN VANCOUVER

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

Day 2 - VANCOUVER

You have the entire day at leisure to explore Vancouver and surroundings. You may want to visit the MacMillan Planetarium, Chinatown, Gastown, the Capilano Suspension Bridge, Granville Island and Grouse Mountain. Overnight in Vancouver.

Day 3 - VANCOUVER TO VICTORIA ( 70 KM )

The B.C. Ferry cruise across the Strait of Georgia will transport you to Vancouver Island, passing the rugged coastline and tranquil beaches of the Gulf Islands. Make your way to Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, with its maritime heritage and colonial charm. You may end your day with a visit to the Empress Hotel for a traditional High Tea. Overnight in Victoria.

Day 4 - VICTORIA TO PARKSVILLE ( 145 KM )

Back on the road, you'll savour scenic ocean vistas as you explore the coast via gently winding Malahat Drive. The coastline is strewn with charming villages and offers breathtaking vistas and nature reserves with abundant wildlife. En route, you may detour to visit the murals of Chemainus, the Forest Museum, Cowichan Bay area and the quaint Quw'utsun' Cultural and Conference Centre in Duncan. Overnight in Parksville.

Day 5 - PARKSVILLE

A glorious beach, three nearby provincial parks and excellent fishing opportunities have made Parksville a popular resort. You will enjoy angling for trout or salmon against the backdrop of fir forests, waterfalls and lush rainforests. The Parksville area resort tempts active visitors with tennis, volleyball, mountain biking, horseback riding, kayaking and hiking trails. Overnight in Parksville.

Day 6 - PARKSVILLE TO WHISTLER ( 150 KM )

The day begins with a scenic B.C. Ferry ride back through the Strait of Georgia to the mainland. From there, you'll follow the spectacular Sea-to-Sky Highway to Whistler Resort, located at the foot of Whistler and Blackcomb Mountain. En route, you will admire Shannon Falls and explore the dramatic canyons, ravines and lofty peaks of Garibaldi Provincial Park. Overnight in Whistler.

Day 7 - WHISTLER

Trade the freedom of the road for the adventure of the wilderness. Play a championship golf course in the shadow of towering mountain ranges, hike along endless trails and high alpine meadows, ride on horseback past spectacular glaciers or whitewater raft down one of the turbulent rivers. You may wish to just relax in the enchanting setting of the pedestrian village and enjoy the boutiques, restaurants and cafés. Overnight in Whistler.

Day 8 - WHISTLER TO 100 MILE HOUSE ( 335 KM )

'Smile, you're in 100 Mile!' is the catchphrase welcoming visitors to this 1862 Gold Rush 'truck stop'. Located exactly 100 miles from Lillooet on the "Old Cariboo Gold Rush Trail", this small community has been welcoming travellers since the early pioneer days. A gateway to over 100 recreational and fishing lakes, the 100 Mile region is home to some of the best lake trout and kokanee salmon in North America. Overnight in 100 Mile House.

Day 9 - 100 MILE HOUSE TO QUESNEL ( 215 KM )

Following in the footsteps of pioneering adventure seekers, you'll travel further down the "Old Cariboo Gold Rush Trail" today. Passing through soaring mountain canyons, you'll encounter innumerable logging villages and gold ghost towns on your way to the wilderness town of Quesnel. En route, don't miss a visit to Barkerville, a restored 19th-century settlement. Overnight in Quesnel.

Day 10 - QUESNEL TO MCBRIDE ( 325 KM )

Continuing your journey through history, you'll visit the turn-of-the-century railway boom town of McBride. Situated on the fertile land around the Fraser River, this bustling market town offers visitors a rare glimpse of a true Canadian rustic lifestyle. If you have time, drive just 1.5 km outside McBride to Koeneman Regional Park. Named after an early homesteading family, this Park is home to Rainbow Falls and Dear Mountain which offer spectacular views of Robson Valley and the Cariboo Mountains. Overnight in McBride.

Day 11 - MCBRIDE TO BANFF NATIONAL PARK ( 315 KM )

Today you'll traverse the Rocky Mountains along the spectacular Icefields Parkway. Flanked by snowcovered mountain ridges, cascading waterfalls and sparkling glaciers you'll see the spectacular Athabasca Glacier, where you can take an Ice Explorer ride. Overnight The Crossing.

Day 12 - BANFF NATIONAL PARK TO CANMORE ( 130 KM )

The Trans-Canada Highway leads you to Banff, a year-round resort region that boasts true wilderness scenery, numerous outdoor activities and modern accommodation facilities. An internationally renowned national park, Banff offers a world of sightseeing opportunities. Prepare for a full day of spectacular scenery tomorrow. Overnight in Canmore.

Day 13 - CANMORE

The day is at leisure to explore Canmore and its environs. You may want to go on a discovery tour of the famous resort town of Banff, visit the Cave and Basin, Bow Falls and take a thrilling gondola ride to the summit of Sulphur Mountain. Overnight in Canmore.

Day 14 - CANMORE TO INVERMERE ( 175 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 15 - 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 16 - INVERMERE TO ROSSLAND ( 365 KM )

Driving high above the valley today you'll arrive at Rossland, one of Canada's more unusual townships. Nestled within the crater of a long-extinct volcano, Rossland was the largest town in British Columbia at the height of the Gold Rush. Today, this charming alpine village is home to two Canadian Olympic Champion skiers, world-class mountain-biking facilities, two museums, scenic lakes and hiking trials that conveniently begin in the heart of the town. Overnight in Rossland.

Day 17 - ROSSLAND TO PENTICTON ( 320 KM )

A leisurely drive down the mountain today will carry you to Penticton, situated between the Skaha and Okanagan lakes. A native word meaning 'place to live forever', Penticton today is the thriving fruit capital of British Columbia. Every spring, the city blooms as thousands of fruit trees cast an unforgettable fragrance and wash of colour across the city limits. Overnight in Penticton.

Day 18 - PENTICTON

You'll have more time today to further explore this fertile region. Don't miss the Okanagan River Channel - a man-made canal running between the Skaha and Okanagan lakes. Another local highlight is the beached SS Sicamous, a 72 m lake sternwheeler currently being restored. Overnight in Penticton.

Day 19 - PENTICTON TO HOPE ( 225 KM )

Adventure comes naturally in Hope. Its ruggedly spectacular scenery has attracted many Hollywood action movies to be filmed here. You'll find Hope in the mountain-ringed valley at the entrance of the Fraser River Canyon. The nearby Manning Provincial Park is a favourite destination because of its deep valleys, Blackwall Peak alpine meadows, Cascade Lookout and azure-blue lakes. Overnight in Hope.

Day 20 - HOPE TO VANCOUVER ( 140 KM )

All trails lead to Vancouver - Canada's fastestgrowing and most exciting coastal city. But before you dive into the nightlife, you'll arrive in Vancouver through the lush Fraser Valley. You'll follow the gushing Fraser River, shadowed by soaring peaks out of the foothills of the Coast Mountains and down to the coastline. Overnight in Vancouver.

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 from 01 May to 12 October 2008 20 nights/21 days - Vancouver/Vancouver
Date
Twin
Single
Standard Grade All dates £778 £1533
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
2

4

13

Location
Vancouver

Victoria

Canmore

Inclusions
4-hour Coastal Rainforest Adventure including snack

3 hour whale watching on Zodiac boat

30-minute helicopter tour

Daily departures: May 1 - Oct 12 cost per person Adult £209 Child (5-12) £197

 

Price Includes:

  • Accommodation for 20 nights
  • Ferry crossings (under height car and passengers):
    - Day 3, Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay (1 hour 35 minutes)
    - Day 6, Nanaimo to Horseshoe Bay (1 hour 35 minutes)
  • A personalised Jonview 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
 

Click here for enquiry form Click here for flights Click here for car hire