Travel in the Canadian Rockies: the most beautiful places in Western Canada.

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  FRANCE - Vancouver

  

  Welcome to Canada, you have just landed in Vancouver: The 3rd largest Canadian city! The city nicknamed the Hollywood of the North is one of the most pleasant cities in the world, and you will quickly discover why. Between skyscrapers, parks, and beaches, this city enjoys an exceptional geographical location. You will settle in the heart of the historic Gastown district, where some of Vancouver's most beautiful Victorian buildings stand, in a bohemian atmosphere. With a driver and guide, we will show you some spots such as the original Steam Clock, as well as an exceptional 360° panoramic viewpoint at 170 meters high. Surprise spot offered at the end of the day. Possibility to have dinner on site. 4* hotel in the heart of Gastown. Dinner at your leisure.

• day 2

  Vancouver

  

  Your first awakening in Canada. A day dedicated to discovering many points of interest in Vancouver. Just a few minutes from your hotel is the waterfront with the very architectural Canada Place. This is where most of the ceremonies of the 2010 Olympic Games were held. You will take part in your first activity: a sublime guided bike ride in the green lung of the city, Stanley Park. It offers beautiful panoramas of the entire city and the coast. You will be able to discover the park's gems, such as the Indigenous totem poles, the curious Siwash Rock, or the viewpoint over the Lions Gate Bridge. At the end of the park, you will ride near the many beautiful beaches, including English Bay with its very photogenic and atypical sculptures. We will make a gourmet stop at Granville Island and its large covered market. The opportunity to take part in our fun and gourmet activity: our "Gourmet Escapes"! At the beginning of the afternoon, visit other neighborhoods: - Yaletown, former warehouses renovated in a chic and trendy spirit! - Chinatown, the second largest in America after San Francisco, with the Millennium Gate. - Robson Street, the liveliest street in Vancouver. At the end of the afternoon, discover an exceptional site, one of Vancouver's flagship attractions: the Capilano Suspension Bridge, overlooking a 70-meter gorge. An unforgettable experience! Then, depending on our timing, we will stroll between cliffs and beautiful typical British Columbia fir trees. Again, suspension bridges punctuate the route. Return to Gastown at the end of the day and sunset from Sunset Beach. We will recommend a great place for a free dinner. Last night in Vancouver, 4* hotel in the heart of Gastown.

• day 3

  Vancouver - Whistler

  

  Short stage. Aboard our private vehicle, we will take one of the most beautiful scenic roads in Western Canada, called the Sea to Sky Highway. On the agenda: cliffs, forests, lakes, glaciers, and even inactive volcanoes. On our way, stop at the Sky to Highway Gondola. An 8-person cable car allows you to reach the top of a mountain, between Howe Bay, the majestic coastal forest, and the surrounding mountains: the journey is breathtaking. Once at the top, you will have access to stunning panoramic platforms as well as a breathtaking 100-meter-long suspension bridge. A unique activity! Before reaching Whistler, we will stop at Brandywine Falls Provincial Park to admire beautiful waterfalls nearly 70 meters high. Whistler is a chic mountain resort. In the city, you will find many souvenirs from the 2010 Winter Olympics, a great opportunity to take a photo in front of the 5 rings! Guided tour of the city center. Overnight in your 4* hotel in the heart of the resort's city center.

• day 4

  Whistler - Kamloops

  

  Important road stage necessary to approach the Rockies. One hour from Whistler, we will suggest a favorite hike in Joffre Lakes Provincial Park. This fairly easy walk will give you a glimpse of 3 turquoise blue lakes nestled in the heart of the mountains. Very beautiful photos guaranteed! The road leading to Kamloops winds through the mountains: it is splendid! Stops at your convenience for the various panoramic viewpoints. Arrival in Kamloops at the end of the day. The natural setting surrounding the city is fascinating, between mountain ranges, large plains, and rivers. Just a stone's throw from the city is a Secwepemc Nation reserve. In the evening, dinner on your own in a bistro/pub with original decor, an institution in the region. 3* hotel near the city center.

• day 5

  Kamloops - Valemount

  

  Today, we will reach one of the gateways to the Canadian Rockies: Valemount. Our first stop will be at Cliffwatter. Here, we will head towards the third largest park in British Columbia: Wells Gray Provincial Park. A true haven for wildlife (eagles, beavers, moose, wolves, or even bears), it is mainly known for its waterfalls, which we will discover throughout the park on short walks. The star of the park? Helmcken Falls, waterfalls that are twice the height of Niagara Falls: a splendid sight! Depending on your preferences, we can walk along the Helmcken Falls Rim Trail. Dawson Falls, smaller but wider, as well as Spahats Creek Falls, will also offer great photo opportunities. We will continue our journey towards Valemount following the North Thompson River. Depending on our timing, we will discover another beautiful pyramid-shaped waterfall just 5 minutes' walk from our route. 3* hotel in Valemount Dinner on your own, good tip.

• day 6

  Valemount - Jasper

  

  Today, we will make a first photo stop at the Mount Robson Visitor Center to observe this giant of nature. Many photo spots are available along the way. We will take the Yellowhead Highway along the Fraser River to reach the largest of the Canadian Rockies national parks, as well as the largest in Canada: Jasper National Park in Alberta. Between waterfalls, abundant wildlife, endless forests, turquoise lakes, and sharp peaks and mountains, you will be charmed by this wonder of nature listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Check-in for 3 nights at your hotel in the heart of Jasper, a small town of 5,000 inhabitants. As a first encounter with this exceptional environment, we will walk the Five Lakes Valley trail (a 5 km loop). Possibility to hike another trail according to your wishes or to enjoy the facilities of your hotel/lodge. Hotel/lodge in the Jasper area 3* Our great address for a free dinner in Jasper. From Jasper, we will take for 9 days the road nicknamed "The Icefields Parkway." This 229 km long road is considered one of the 10 most beautiful on Earth. Dotted with more than 100 ancient glaciers, waterfalls, impressive rock towers, and turquoise lakes nestled in deep valleys, this landscape is a unique and unforgettable travel experience.

• day 7

  Jasper National Park

  

  Early departure this morning to reach the Mount Edith Cavell area for a walk on one of the park's most beautiful hikes, with a spectacular view of Mount Edith Cavell and the Angel Glacier. In the middle of the afternoon, you will discover two sublime waterfalls: - Athabasca Falls: although small (23 meters), they impress with their water flow. A trail offers some quite photogenic viewpoints. They draw their source from the gigantic glaciers of the Columbia Icefield (which you will discover the day after tomorrow). - Sunwapta Falls: with a height of 19 meters, a lovely path allows you to stroll in this very beautiful environment. Return in the late afternoon to your hotel/Lodge. Our great recommendation for a free dinner in Jasper. Info: The road to access the Cavell area is open to traffic from June 15 (if weather conditions permit).

• day 8

  Jasper National Park

  

  New day in the heart of Jasper Park with some of the most beautiful gems of the Canadian Rockies: - Maligne Canyon: at the end of a beautiful hike (up to 3 hours round trip for the full version or 1 hour for the shorter version), you will enjoy a breathtaking view of this splendid canyon carved into limestone rock, nearly 50 meters deep in places. The highlight? A pleasant and easy walk along the river across footbridges that cross the canyon. The driver can wait for you at the end of the walk. - Medicine Lake: the road runs along this beautiful lake for nearly 8 km and offers several magnificent viewpoints. Possibility to spot nesting eagles or bighorn sheep. - Maligne Lake: the largest lake in the Canadian Rockies, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, offers a true postcard setting. Depending on your wishes, we can walk along the Mary Schaffer trail, an easy loop leading to a viewpoint. Return at the end of the day to your hotel/lodge. Last night. Our good address for a free dinner in Jasper.

• day 9

  Jasper - Columbia Icefield

  

  We will stop at the Discovery Centre glacier and you will take part in two unforgettable activities. First, you will board an Ice Explorer bus, a means of transport you will remember, which will take you to the top of the famous Athabasca Glacier, where you will walk on ice that can be up to 360 meters thick. Back at the Discovery Centre, you will head to the Glacier Skywalk: an observation platform with a glass floor suspended at a height of 280 meters. A breathtaking discovery. In the late afternoon, head to your hotel where you will stay for one night in an exceptional establishment with a view of the Athabasca Glacier: a magical setting. Dinner on your own at the site.

• day 10

  Columbia Icefield - Lake Louise

  

  Today, we will once again take the "Icefields Parkway" to reach one of the gems of the Canadian Rockies: Lake Louise, with its sparkling turquoise blue. First stop at Peyto Lake, with its turquoise color, which offers spectacular views of the glacial valley from a lookout that we will reach after a short walk. A few minutes away, you will discover Bow Lake from a charming historic lodge that once belonged to the legendary pioneer Jimmy Simpson. In the early afternoon, we will reach Banff National Park: the first national park in Canada. It contains two of the most beautiful lakes in the world (Lakes Louise and Moraine) which you will discover from your hotel for 2 nights on the shores of Lake Louise: the fabulous Fairmont Château Lake Louise 5*. Undoubtedly the most beautiful hotel of your stay, you will be charmed by its unique location in the heart of the Rockies and its very fine facilities (heated indoor pool, state-of-the-art gym, spa, 8 on-site restaurants). Lake Louise is bordered by several peaks and adjoins the Victoria Glacier: a fantastic postcard setting! You will discover this lake from another angle during a fairly easy 1.5-hour walk leading to a breathtaking lookout. Note: the hotel is often fully booked several months in advance, we recommend booking your trip 6 months ahead. Fairmont Château Lake Louise hotel subject to availability. Free dinner on site.

• day 11

  Lake Louise - Lake Moraine

  

  Today, an intense day with a first hike starting from Lake Louise to discover impressive peaks and glaciers, a true treasure. A magical meal stop will end this hike. At the end of the day, we will go to discover Lake Moraine, the second gem of Banff National Park. A setting of incomparable beauty, the most iconic and photographed in the park. Enjoy the landscapes around you. A fairly short hike around the lake. Sunset over the lake. Return in the late evening. Dinner on your own on site. Fairmont Château Lake Louise hotel, subject to availability.

• day 12

  Lake Louise - Banff

  

  Early departure this morning towards Banff, the highest town in Canada, where we will stay for 2 nights. We will take a new exceptional scenic route for 50 kilometers: the Bow Valley Parkway. First stop at the sublime Morant's Curve, a postcard landscape with the railway line immortalized by photographer Nicolas Morant in the background (this photo appeared on the Canadian $10 bills), forests, turquoise lake, and snow-capped peaks. We will wait for a train to pass while admiring the scenery. Second stop at Johnston Canyon for a very beautiful and easy hike to discover the magnificent waterfalls of Johnston Creek: Lower Falls and Upper Falls with its 30 m height. We will take walkways in an exceptional setting along the limestone cliffs. Arrival in the middle of the afternoon at your hotel. After check-in, if you wish, we will go for the Hoodoos hike (easy 4.6 km one way) starting from the Surprise Corner viewpoint (panoramic view of Banff and the Fairmont hotel) to reach the Hoodoos. It's up to you to decide according to how you feel. We have the option to do both spots by car. Discovery of the town of Banff. Hotel in the heart of the town. Dinner at a good, unique place, at your leisure.

• day 13

  Banff - Calgary

  

  We will arrive in Calgary in late morning. The city is renowned for its rodeo, nicknamed "the greatest outdoor show on earth". Each year, more than 1 million visitors enjoy 10 days of cowboy immersion, with barrel racing, country concerts, parades, and shows. (Contact us to attend this event during the first half of July.) Discover the main points of interest in Cowtown, the "city of cows": - Calgary Tower (the main point of interest, considered the emblem of the city), where from its 190 meters height you will discover a 360° panorama of the city and the Rockies. Glass floor for a few extra thrills! - Olympic Plaza and its pleasant view of the downtown buildings. - Stephen Avenue Walk, a very beautiful pedestrian street, as well as the CORE shopping center and its indoor tropical garden. - Discover the hipster neighborhood of Kensington from downtown, a pleasant walk including the famous Peace Bridge and Eau Claire Park. Hotel Le Germain opposite the Calgary Tower, subject to availability. Dinner at leisure.

• day 14

  Banff - FRANCE

  

  Last day in Canada and in the land of the Rockies. Depending on your flight time, we can suggest different activities, such as: - A visit to the Glenbow Museum, the largest art museum in Western Canada. - Heritage Park, an immersion in a Western Canadian village from the last century with beautiful buildings (ideal for families). Special mention for the beautiful Gasoline Alley.

• day 15

  FRANCE

  And yes, it's already over... We invite you to join us for the next adventure! If this tour does not exactly meet your expectations, it is fully customizable. You can modify your trip (the duration of the tour, the category of accommodation, the stages). This tour can be done from the USA to discover the Grand Teton and Yellowstone national parks, with a departure from Salt Lake City and arrival in Vancouver.