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  4. Peaks And Valleys of The West
 
Destination Index
Peaks And Valleys of The West
Travel from Canada’s idyllic western provinces to the majestic Rocky Mountains and ending at the shore of the Pacific Ocean with a small touring group of enthusiastic, active travellers who enjoy the outdoors and a slower, natural pace. Led by a professional and experienced guide, explore mountains and valleys of Alberta and British Columbia on easy and moderate hikes to stunning vistas, lakes, waterfalls, canyons, glaciers and lush boreal rainforests. After each outing, return to the comforts of a hotel in several quintessential Canadian villages and resort communities. A fascinating wildlife river tour and sightseeing tour by bike perfectly complement eight days of hiking to some of the most spectacular sites in Banff and Jasper National Parks, Wells Gray Park and the peaks of Whistler - Canada how it was truly meant to be seen.
Day 1: ARRIVAL IN CALGARY
Arrive at Calgary International Airport and transfer to your centrally-located hotel in Banff. Overnight in Banff

Day 2: BANFF TO LAKE LOUISE
This morning you meet your tour director in the lobby of the hotel at 7:00 and begin your Rocky Mountain adventure! Depart along the scenic Bow Valley Parkway en route to Lake Louise, its world famous emerald waters reflecting the majesty of a glacier on the horizon. Today’s hike departs from near the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise on cusp of the waterfront, leading to a teahouse at the shores of Lake Agnes. Enjoy a coffee and cookie or cake before you head back down to the trailhead. For hikers that seek a challenge, continue along Lake Agnes and up to the Beehive, a low peak overlooking Lake Louise. Overnight in Lake Louise. Breakfast included.

Day 3: LAKE LOUISE
Lake Louise is often called the heart of Banff National Park and one of the Rockies’ most prominent landmarks. Today’s moderate hike to Larch Valley starts from the nearby Moraine Lake, its effervescent waters reflecting a magical hue of blues and greens. Along our hike we are treated to a grand view of the Valley of the Ten Peaks (or Wenkchemna Peaks as they are now called). A short drive in the afternoon takes us over the Kicking Horse Pass and via the Spiral Tunnels to Yoho National Park for our afternoon hike. The park is a natural wonderland with the the roaring and 380m tall Takakkaw Falls at its heart. Overnight in Lake Louise. Breakfast included.

Day 4:LAKE LOUISE  TO SUNWAPTA FALLS / JASPER NATIONAL PARK
Today we embark along the world-famous Columbia Icefields Parkway, considered one of the most scenic roads in the world. Our journey takes us over two passes and watersheds through unforgettable mountain landscapes ending at Sunwapta Falls in Jasper National Park. Highlights of the area include Herbert Lake, Crowfoot Glacier, Bow Lake, Peyto Lake, Waterfowl Lake, Mistaya Canyon, Saskatchewan Crossing, Weeping Wall, Athabasca Glacier and Sunwapta Falls. Today’s hike to the Parker Ridge of Mount Athabasca reveals the majesty of the Saskatchewan Glacier, one of the many massive glaciers flowing outwards from the Columbia Icefield. Overnight at Sunwapta Falls. Breakfast included.

Day 5: SUNWAPTA FALLS TO VALEMOUNT 
Today after breakfast we depart for the provincial border on our way to British Columbia. Before leaving Alberta, we stop at Maligne Lake for a moderate hike up the Bald Hills and are rewarded with an incredible view of the lake and the glaciated peaks that surround it. Via Medicine Lake, the trail leads to Maligne Canyon and one of the Rockies’ deepest gorges. A short, but steep walk along the sheer limestone walls and over a couple of bridges leads to deep inside the canyon carved by the Maligne River. After our hike, we continue on the Yellowhead Highway to the Rockies’ tallest peak Mount Robson (3954 m). Continuing into British Columbia, we arrive in the small town of Valemount for the night. Overnight in Valemount. Breakfast included.

Day 6: VALEMOUNT  TO CLEARWATER / WELLS GRAY PARK
This morning after breakfast we travel to the Blue River and embark on a river safari excursion by jet boat. A variety of wildlife may be observed on this tour en route to Mud Lake and Mud River, including bears, moose,eagles and beavers. After the river tour we continue on to Clearwater at the entrance to Wells Gray Park. This popular naturalist destination is known for its temperate interior rainforest, waterfalls and basalt canyons. Our guided hike today explores this fascinating landscape and in the summer months, we may hike to the Trophy Mountain Flower Meadows that are in bloom. Overnight in Clearwater. Breakfast included.

Day 7:  CLEARWATER TO WHISTLER 
Heading southwest we journey along the Fishing Highway through the Interlakes District, a high elevation plateau dotted with hundreds of lakes,creeks and streams, rolling grasslands and forests. Continuing our journey westward, the landscape changes dramatically from semi-arid to green forests and meadows along the Fraser River at the foot of the Coast Mountains. We cross into the mountains and arrive in Whistler in the afternoon where you are free to independently explore the village. Overnight in Whistler. Breakfast included.

Day 8:  WHISTLER 
Originally designed and developed as a skiing complex, Whistler village has grown to an internationally acclaimed year-round destination. Today we embark on the Peak 2 Peak gondola, connecting the Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains featuring spectacular views of Garibaldi Park and the surrounding area. Afterwards, we hike the High Note Trail with its unforgettable vistas and uninterrupted views for hundreds of kilometers. Upon returning to the village, the remainder of the day is at leisure to visit some of the many local stores, coffee shops and restaurants. Overnight in Whistler. Breakfast included.

Day 9:  WHISTLER TO VANCOUVER
This morning the Sea to Sky Highway awaits, often considered one of the most scenic drives in all of Canada. The route follows the coastline set against the almost vertical rock walls along Howe Sound. Near the town of Squamish – Stawamus Chief – the world’s second-biggest granite monolith dominates the landscape. As we approach Vancouver we stop at Lynn Canyon in North Vancouver. Our hike leads over a suspension bridge similar to the one spanning the Capilano River and continues through a beautiful coastal rainforest. In the afternoon, we arrive in Vancouver where the rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight in Vancouver. Breakfast included.

Day 10: VANCOUVER
Meeting your guide after an early breakfast, we get an opportunity to see why Vancouver is consistently ranked as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. We will explore this jewel of a city by bicycle, beginning at Stanley Park and riding along the popular Seawall. We continue on to English Bay and the downtown core, crossing False Creek to Granville Island. We return to our starting point via historic Gastown and the modern Canada Place. Additional highlights of the tour include world-famous totem poles, a popular public market, Vancouver’s historic neighbourhoods, the beloved steam clock, and the Olympic Cauldron. Overnight in Vancouver. Breakfast included.

Day 11: END OF TOUR
Today is the time for last-minute shopping and sad farewells. Transfer independently to Vancouver International Airport in time to check in for your return flight.


Day

Name

City

1

Rundlestone Lodge

Calgary to Banff

2

Lake Louise Inn

Lake Louise

3

Lake Louise Inn

Lake Louise

4

Sunwapta Falls

Rocky Mountain Lodge

Sunwapta Falls

5

Chalet Continental

Valemount

6

Clearwater Lodge

Clearwater

7

Delta Whistler Suites

Whistler

8

Delta Whistler Suites

Whistler

9

Blue Horizon Hotel

Vancouver

10

Blue Horizon Hotel

Vancouver

11

End of Tour

Vancouver
• Transfer from Calgary to Banff
• 7 days of guided hiking and 1 day of biking
• Clearwater / Blue River wildlife viewing river tour
• Peak 2 Peak Whistler / Blackcomb gondola ride
• Vancouver sightseeing tour by bike
• 9 breakfasts
• Transportation by modern tour coach / van
• Experienced guide/driver
• Moderate hotel accommodation
• National and provincial park fees
• Provincial Taxes and Federal GST, less tour package rebate