The Wild West
Discover the fascinating landscapes and cultures on this 12 or 19 night itinerary that will take you through the backroads and off-the-beaten track to uncover the scenic treasures of Canada’s west coast and western interior. From the urban splendour of Vancouver, the trail leads to the picturesque tranquility of British Columbia’s and Alberta’s national parks. You will experience first-hand the brilliant turquoise lakes and the rugged beauty of the Rocky Mountains. Returning to the Pacific Coast via Whistler your adventure either comes to an end with a return to Vancouver, or you continue on to visit Victoria with its maritime heritage and colonial demeanour. A wealth of activities are available throughout your trip from the thrill of rafting and canoeing to hiking and horseback riding.
Day 1 - ARRIVAL IN VANCOUVER
Arrive Vancouver International Airport, transfer independently to your downtown hotel. Pick up your Jonview Canada Roadbook at the front desk and check in. The rest of the day is yours to create your own urban adventure amid the stores, parks, restaurants, theatres and other attractions of downtown Vancouver. Overnight in Vancouver.
Day 2 - VANCOUVER TO LAC LE JEUNE
Leaving Vancouver behind you will drive out to the vast ranch lands of British Columbia’s interior. You will follow the Gold Rush Trail, alongside the mighty Fraser River. At Hell’s Gate or Boston Bar you may decide to briefly explore the imposing Fraser Canyon by airtram, or visit Lytton, one of the villages made famous by the Gold Rush. Passing through Merritt, you continue on to Lac Le Jeune on the outskirts of Kamloops. Overnight in Lac Le Jeune.
Day 3 - LAC LE JEUNE TO WELLS GRAY PROVINCIAL PARK
Your journey to the breathtaking vistas of Wells Gray Provincial Park leads you along the scenic Yellowhead Highway through the water and lava shaped valley of the North Thompson River. You won’t want to miss a visit to Clearwater’s Yellowhead Museum for a taste of frontier life, or a stop at Spahats Creek Park where the volcanic origins of the area are still in evidence. Overnight in Wells Gray Provincial Park.
Day 4- Â WELLS GRAY PROVINCIAL PARK
Enjoy your day at Wells Gray Ranch, a ranch that offers hiking, fishing and river rafting experiences. Overnight in Wells Gray Provincial Park.
Activity: Feel the spirit of Wells Gray Park as you embark on a 6-hour adventure accompanied by an experienced local guide who will hike with you through the unexplored territory of this natural paradise. Visit two of the park’s major waterfalls – Helmcken Falls, the park’s trademark, and Dawson Falls, often referred to as Little Niagara by the locals. Get active as you paddle a canoe across Clearwater Lake and enjoy a barbecue lunch surrounded by the Cariboo Mountains, the snow-capped Garnet Peak, and Mount Huntley. There may be time for a few more short informative excursions to sites such as the park’s original homestead, Ray Farm, or the Dragon’s Tongue, one of the park’s numerous volcano outcrops. Wells Gray is known to showcase one of North America’s largest concentrations of black bears during May and June – so keep your eyes open for great wildlife spottings!
Day 5- Â WELLS GRAY PROVINCIAL PARK TO JASPER
Today, you will leave the peaceful delights of Wells Gray to head for the unforgettable splendour of the Rocky Mountains. En route to Jasper you will drive by the panoramic views of Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. Overnight in Jasper.
Activity:Â Board a specially-designed jet boat on this exciting one-hour river safari, taking you along 12 km of the North Thompson River through the spectacular Grizzly Bear Valley. Your point of departure is at Blue River, located between Valemount and Kamloops, just off Highway 5, along a forested area ideal for lunch or picnic stops. An experienced guide will accompany this wildlife viewing tour and provide colourful commentary along the way. Black bears, grizzly bears or moose are seen on the majority of departures. Stops at a mountain waterfall and a clear, glacier-fed lake are also made.
Day 6- Â JASPER TO BANFF
Your adventure continues along the Icefields Parkway, meandering through a landscape of peaks and glaciers, before pausing to admire the picturesque alpine waters of Peyto Lake and Moraine Lake. The sparkling, turquoise colours and the impressive glacier of Lake Louise are next on your not-to-be-missed list. The Trans-Canada Highway leads you to Banff, a year-round resort region that will treat you to spectacular wilderness scenery, outdoor sporting activities and modern accommodation facilities. Overnight in Banff.
Day 7- BANFF NATIONAL PARK
Banff is yours to discover today. You can visit the Cave and Basin and Bow Falls, and take a thrilling gondola ride to the summit of Sulphur Mountain. Other activities offered in the park for your pleasure include river rafting, biking, horseback riding and hiking. Overnight in Banff.
Activity:The most action packed twelve minutes of a lifetime. Get up close and personal with the world famous Three Sisters. You will want to reach out and touch them as you whisk by them before escaping into the Spray Valley where you will explore the extraordinary hues of the Spray Lakes. Your return flight takes you along the goat range before following the pristine Bow river back to Canmore.
Day 8- BANFF TO PANORAMA MOUNTAIN VILLAGE
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 9- PANORAMA MOUNTAIN VILLAGE
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 10- PANORAMA MOUNTAIN VILLAGE TO NELSON
From fresh water to fresh air, today, you will advance through the Kootenays. Respected by backpackers as a wilderness oasis of towering mountains, fresh air and abundant wildlife, this remote area is a traveller’s dream…no crowds and no pollution. The area has been shaped by gold-seekers, a heritage celebrated in historic Fort Steele. You will enjoy the vistas of the Purcell and Selkirk mountain ranges as you take the world’s longest free ferry ride across Kootenay Lake to Balfour. Your afternoon is free to explore Nelson, the reputed heritage capital of Western Canada. Overnight in Nelson.
Day 11- Â NELSON TOÂ OSOYOOS
The scenic adventure continues outbound from Nelson, parallel to the American border, across Bonanza Pass and Gold Canyon. Boasting towering mountains, gentle valleys and sparkling lakes, this area is a haven for hikers and canoeists. Visit Grand Forks on the Kettle River reliving the period of Russian settlement or enjoying some excellent fishing. Overnight in Osoyoos.
Day 12- OSOYOOS TO HARRISON HOT SPRINGS
En route to the sub-alpine meadows in Manning Provincial Park, you will drop into Oliver Park, the only true desert in Canada. Alternately, you will enjoy a hike through pristine Cathedral Provincial Park. Afterwards, you can explore Manning Provincial Park, known for its meadows and diverse vegetation. The day’s highlight comes after an extensive hike along the trail network — a picture-perfect view of Three Brothers Mountain and Thunder Lake. Overnight in Harrison Hot Springs.
Day 13-Â HARRISON HOT SPRINGS TO WHISTLER*
This morning, you will drive to the Gold Rush town of Hope before continuing along the rushing Fraser River to the rugged Pacific Coast. The route meanders along the spectacular Sea-to-Sky Highway to Whistler, one of the world’s principal resorts, located at the foot of Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. En route, you will admire Shannon Falls and explore the dramatic canyons, ravines and lofty peaks of Garibaldi Provincial Park. Overnight in Whistler.
*End of the 13-day programme – Harrison Hot Springs to Vancouver
Day 14-Â WHISTLER TO POWELL RIVER
You will drive past the sweeping seascapes, rugged cliffs, broad beaches and serene inlets of the breathtaking Sunshine Coast this morning before boarding for the first of several BC Ferries rides. Powell River is set against the backdrop of the Coast Mountains and offers great opportunities for outdoor activities including sea-kayaking, sailing, hiking and mountain biking. The coastal waters boast a rich variety of marine wildlife. Overnight in Powell River.
Day 15-Â POWELL RIVER TO QUADRA ISLAND
This morning starts with a refreshing BC Ferries cruise across the Strait of Georgia to Vancouver Island. Look closely and you may even encounter some orcas. From the ferry, you will drive north through Comox Valley and up to Campbell River, a salmon-fishing paradise. Another short ferry ride brings you to Quadra Island, where you can immerse yourself for a few hours in rich native heritage and culture. Take to the hiking trails and you will uncover many fascinating sites including a native village, authentic totem poles and mysterious native rock carvings. Overnight on Quadra Island.
Day 16-Â QUADRA ISLAND TO PACIFIC RIM NATIONAL PARK
Today a panorama of scenic beauty is about to unfold before you. You will cross Vancouver Island to the Pacific Coast through ancient rainforests and provincial parks. You’re venturing into true wildlife territory here, and you might even glimpse bears, deer, wolves and cougars. Even if you don’t see them, you can be sure they’re watching you. The Pacific Rim National Park is a marvel of ecological and geographical diversity, as you will see as you pass through dense rainforests, steep ravines and windswept beaches. Overnight in Pacific Rim National Park.
Day 17-Â PACIFIC RIM NATIONAL PARK
You’re free to explore the rugged coastline along the network of hiking trails or walk the shoreline of Long Beach in search of shells and driftwood. Overnight in Pacific Rim National Park.
Activity: Hang your car keys up today and take to the water on a thrilling whalewatching expedition. Your search for the Pacific gray whale and sea lions will hopefully be rewarded with an unforgettable close encounter with one of the world’s largest mammals in Clayoquot Sound. Enjoy the commentary by an experienced and knowledgeable crew including certified naturalists.
Day 18 -Â PACIFIC RIM NATIONAL PARK TO VICTORIA
This morning the spectacular winding road takes you back to the east coast of the island with visits to Horne Lake Caves or Cathedral Grove. Your itinerary will reveal many hidden gems including native rock carvings at Sproat Lake and the picturesque falls at Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park. Passing through Nanaimo, you continue along the scenic Malahat Drive where you may decide to visit the murals of Chemainus or, the Forest Museum. Alternately, you may wish to visit the Quw’utsun’ Cultural and Conference Centre in Duncan, scenically situated on six acres of landscaped pasture land. Representatives of the museum recall the Great Deeds – an oral history and legends of the Quw’utsun’ people. The day’s journey ends in Victoria, where the city’s beautiful gardens and architecture celebrate its maritime heritage and colonial charm. Overnight in Victoria.
Day 19 -Â VICTORIA TO VANCOUVER
A final day on the island reveals the serene beauty of the Saanich Peninsula with its quiet beaches, meandering lanes and colonial-style architecture. Visit Butchart Gardens, located in a former stone quarry and renowned for its horticultural diversity, before enjoying a mini-cruise on board BC Ferries back to Vancouver. Overnight near Vancouver Airport.
Day 20- END OF TOUR
Return to Vancouver International Airport in time to check-in for your return flight.
|
Day |
Name |
City |
|
1 |
Best Western Plus Sands by the Sea or Sandman Hotel Vancouver City Centre or Best Western Plus Vancouver Downtown |
Vancouver |
|
2 |
Lac Le Jeune |
Kamloops |
|
3 &4 |
Helmcken Falls Lodge or Nakiska Ranch |
Wells Gray Provincial Park/Clearwater |
|
5 |
Lobstick Lodge or Marmot Lodge |
Jasper |
|
6 & 7 |
Mount Royal Hotel or Banff Ptarmigan Inn |
Banff |
|
8 & 9 |
Copper Point Resort or Panorama Mountain Village |
Invermere/Panorama |
|
10 |
Prestige Lakeside Resort & Convention Centre or Prestige Inn Nelson |
Nelson |
|
11 |
Best Western Sunrise Inn or Coast Osoyoos Beach Hotel |
Osoyoos |
|
12 |
Ramada Hotel Harrison Hot Springs or Harrison Hot Springs Resort & Spa |
Harrison Hot Springs |
|
13 |
Crystal Lodge or Holiday Inn Whistler |
*End of 13-day Wild West Whistler |
|
14 |
Powell River Town Centre Hotel |
Powell River |
|
15 |
Tsa-Kwa-Luten Lodge or April Point Resort and Spa |
Quadra Island |
|
16 &17 |
Jamie\'s Rainforest Inn or Best Western Tin Wis Resort or Marina West Motel or Schooner Mote |
Pacific Rim National Park |
|
18 |
Chateau Victoria Hotel & Suites or Coast Victoria Harbourside Hotel & Marina or Harbour Towers Hotel and Suites |
Victoria |
|
19 |
Sandman Signature Vancouver Airport or Coast Vancouver Airport Hotel |
Vancouver Airport |
|
20 |
End of Tour |
|
* 13-day Wild West returns to Vancouver.
• Accommodation for 19 or 12 nights
• Independent hiking at Manning Park Resort
• Independent hiking at Quadra Island
• Ferry crossings (under height car and passengers):
    - Day 14, Horseshoe Bay to Langdale (40 minutes) and
     Earls Cove to Saltery Bay (50 minutes)
    - Day 15, Powell River to Comox (1 hour 15 minutes) and
    Campbell River to Quadra Island (10 minutes)
    - Day 16, Quadra Island to Campbell River (10 minutes)
    - Day 19, Swartz Bay to Tsawwassen (1 hour 35 minutes)
•    A personalised Jonview Canada Roadbook containing essential Âtravel
    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
NOT INCLUDED
• Airport transfers
• Meals and attractions unless otherwise specified
• Car rental, taxes and insurance