Rockies, Whales and Bears

15 days from £3,840pp

(based on two people sharing & excluding flights)

Alberta / British Columbia

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Places visited

Calgary, Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper, Icefields Parkway, Thompson Okanagan, Vancouver, Great Bear Rainforest, Campbell River

Journey from Calgary through spectacular Rocky Mountain scenery to the wilds of Vancouver Island to watch whales, orcas and grizzly bears on this unforgettable two-week tour.

Begin in Canadian cowboy country by exploring cultural Calgary before driving to the mountain resort of Banff, Canada’s highest town. Take the gondola up to Sulphur Mountain for a breathtaking panorama, watch for bears, moose and elk in Banff National Park before visiting stunning Lake Louise.

Discover canyons, icefields and glaciers on one of the world’s best drives – the incredible Icefields Parkway to Jasper. Explore lakes and gorges in Jasper National Park then cross the Rockies to the Alpine resort of Sun Peaks in British Columbia.

Descend from the Rockies to the coast and cosmopolitan Vancouver. Explore the urban rainforest of Stanley Park before feasting on local cuisine in Gastown.

Then take the ferry across to Vancouver Island for the highlights of your trip. Watch whales and orcas in the Johnstone Strait before seeking out prime locations with expert guides to watch grizzly bears. Spend four days camping in the wilds of Hanson Island off Vancouver Island’s north-east coast, creating unforgettable memories and taking countless photos of wildlife.

Enjoy some fine cuisine and wine in the Comox Valley before heading back for one more night in Vancouver, visiting Capilano Suspension Bridge and Granville Island Market.

Calgary Tower
Banff Gondola
Daily excursions from Kingfisher Base Camp, including whale watching by kayak, and guided grizzly bear watching (including boat transfers) with a First Nations guide.

The UK’s specialists in travel to Calgary

Dominique Kotsias - Product Manager

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Outline itinerary

Day 1Arrive in Calgary, ascend Calgary Tower

Day 2Heritage Park and Studio Bell

Day 3Banff Gondola and optional river rafting

Day 4Scenery and wildlife of Banff National Park

Day 5Lake Louise and driving Icefields Parkway

Day 6Wilderness and wildlife of Jasper National Park

Day 7Sun Peaks via Wells Gray waterfalls

Day 8Sun Peaks to Vancouver via Harrison Hot Springs

Day 9Ferry to Vancouver Island and Port McNeill

Day 10Kingfisher Base Camp and kayaking

Days 11-12Whale-watching from Kingfisher Base Camp

Day 13Bear watching and Comox Valley

Day 14Ferry to Vancouver, city sightseeing

Day 15Tour ends

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Things to Do

Calgary Tower

Banff Gondola

Heritage Park

Banff Wildlife Safari

Explore Banff’s Alpine Scenery

Mountains, Lakes & Waterfalls in Lake Louise & Banff

Jasper Peak Nic Food Tour

Jasper Wildlife Discovery Tour

Jasper Downtown Food Tour

Jasper Skytram

Sun Peaks Valley E-bike Rental

Vancouver E-bike Rental

Explore Stanley Park

Capilano Suspension Bridge

Granville Island Food Market

Gastronomic Gastown

Places to Stay

Calgary

Hotel Arts Kensington

Banff

Banff Aspen Lodge

Jasper

Crimson Hotel

British Columbia

Sun Peaks Grand Hotel

Vancouver

Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver

Campbell River

Old House Hotel and Spa

Pacific Rim

Black Rock Resort

Our expert's opinion

“Watching grizzly bears is one of my all-time favourite holiday experiences. We saw mother bears playing with their cubs on the shoreline only metres from our boat. They were so adorable, I was smitten!”

Dominique Kotsias - Product Manager

Dominique caught the North America travel bug when she was in her late teens and has travelled extensively throughout the USA and Canada, particularly drawn to the countries' outstanding natural beauty and wildlife. With over 10 years of product and marketing experience in North America, Dominique’s passion for the destination is infectious.

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