The Rocky Mountain Ranger
Prices from £2795pp - 16 Days
Fully Inclusive from UK
Departures available from 14 May - 17 Sep 2012
Hotel details
1. London, Calgary and Banff:
After your door-to-door journey with our pick-up service, fly direct from London Heathrow to Calgary with Air Canada. Head straight to Banff and the Banff Aspen Lodge, which welcomes you for three nights. The lodge doesn’t have air-conditioning or a bar but has a lovely breakfast restaurant and is close to other restaurants and shops. The rest of the day is free for you to settle in and relax.
2&3. Banff:
Explore Banff National Park on one or both of today’s optional trips. You could ride a cable car to the summit of Sulphur Mountain for a 360-degree panoramic view of the Rockies, visit the hot springs and take in the sights of Surprise Corner and Tunnel Mountain Drive overlooking the Bow Valley; or enjoy the scenery from a different perspective on an optional helicopter ride. Alternatively, spend the day exploring Banff at your own pace.
4. Banff to Jasper:
Follow an incredible route on today’s coach journey from Banff to Jasper, skirting the Bow Valley on your way to the stunning glacial setting of Lake Louise. After a brief stop at the lake, head to the awe-inspiring Columbia Icefield for an optional Ice Explorer ride on the Athabasca Glacier. Reaching Jasper this evening, the Chateau Jasper becomes your home for two nights.
5. Jasper:
On today’s optional trip to Jasper National Park, cruise on the stunning waters of Maligne Lake and stop off at the world-famous Spirit Island for outstanding views of the surrounding scenery before exploring Maligne Canyon, Pyramid Lake and Patricia Lake, or take a floating raft trip along the Athabasca River. If you’d rather spend the day your own way, you’re free to enjoy Jasper under your own steam.
6. Jasper to Prince George:
After a morning at leisure in Jasper, board VIA Rail’s Skeena train for your daylight journey across the Yellowhead Mountain Pass and the Interior Plateau to the biggest city in the north of British Columbia. Prince George, a small rural city, offers an alternative view of Canada: check in at the Coast Inn of the North for one night.
7. Prince George to Prince Rupert:
Continuing across the Interior Plateau by rail, follow the Skeena River through Skeena Canyon and the Coast Mountains to the port of Prince Rupert, the northernmost point of British Columbia. Spend the night at the Crest Hotel, which offers stunning views of the harbour.
8. Inside Passage from Prince Rupert to Port Hardy:
Take a cruise along part of the Inside Passage, a narrow stretch of sea protected by numerous small islands. As well as incredible fjords and seascapes, you could see wildlife such as whales and dolphins, or grizzly bears eating salmon, along the coastline. Reaching Port Hardy on the northern point of Vancouver Island by late evening, make yourself comfortable at the Quarterdeck Inn & Marina Resort (or similar) for the night.
9. Port Hardy to Campbell River:
Join the optional wildlife- and whale-watching trip in Telegraph Cove this morning, or explore the small, rustic community of Port Hardy at your leisure. Later, journey to Campbell River for one night at the Coast Discovery Hotel & Marina.
10. Campbell River to Victoria:
Stopping at the beautiful Butchart Gardens – noted for its year round blooms – on the way, follow a breathtaking route to Victoria. After a short orientation tour of the city, settle in at the Coast Harbourside Hotel & Marina for your two-night stay.
11. Victoria:
Discover Victoria on an optional seaplane excursion. You’ll have spectacular views of downtown Victoria, the Strait of Juan de Fuca, the Olympic Mountains, the harbour and the rugged coastline. Alternatively, join the three-hour whale-watching cruise to observe minke, humpback and orca whales, along with seals, sea lions, porpoises and sea otters. Otherwise, your day is at leisure to explore the city as you please.
12. Victoria to Vancouver:
Head to Swartz Bay and cross to the mainland with BC Ferries. Journey by coach to vibrant Vancouver for three nights at the conveniently placed Coast Plaza Hotel & Suites – a fittingly impressive place to end your scenic tour.
13. Vancouver:
Covering many of the highlights, this morning’s city tour includes visits to Stanley Park, the Lions Gate Bridge, False Creek, Chinatown and Gastown before leaving you the afternoon free to explore the city at your own pace. This evening, enjoy an optional sunset dinner cruise on English Bay.
14. Vancouver:
Make the most of your free day with an afternoon’s optional tour of the North Shore. The trip offers a cable-car Skyride to the summit of Grouse Mountain for panoramic views of the cityscape and a visit to Capilano Park: brave the park’s infamous suspension bridge hung 69 metres above the rapids of Capilano river.
15. Vancouver and flight home:
Spend your morning at leisure, perhaps doing some last-minute shopping on Robson Street, before heading to Vancouver airport for your non-stop overnight flight to London Heathrow with Air Canada.
16. London:
Your door-to-door driver will meet you at London Heathrow and chauffeur you back home.
Offer details
Staying from 14 May 2011 for 16 nights
Departing from London airport, arriving at Calgary
