Totem Circle
The Totem Circle touches on the great places and sights in British Columbia and Alberta: fjords of the Pacific coast, ranches and logging towns, majestic peaks and turquoise alpine lakes. You learn about the history of the Aboriginal peoples, stay in their cabins, listen to their stories. A glimpse of old times Canada as well as the modern way of life in different regions of this vast and colourful country.Â
Day 1: Vancouver
Transfer from Vancouver International Airport to your hotel. Meet the guide this evening for pre-trip information.
Overnight in Vancouver.
Day 2: Vancouver - Shuswap Lake
Today journey through the fertile valley of the Fraser River east into the mountains and into the arid Interior Plateau with huge lakes and wonderful beaches. We stop for a coffee break at Tim Hortons, the popular Canadian doughnut shop where you can try every Canadian’s favourite; the Timbit. Your lakefront hotel for tonight is operated by the Native Shuswap Band and features a restaurant with Native cuisine and a state of the art golf course.
Overnight at Shuswap Lake.
Day 3: Shuswap Lake - Lake Louise/Banff National Park
The visitor center at Rogers Pass in Glacier National Park shows the ongoing battle between the highway and railroad builders and Mother Nature with her avalanches, raging rivers and rock slides. Next stop is Kicking Horse Mountain Resort. Have your cameras ready as you soar over 4000 vertical feet (1220 m) on the Express Gondola (included). Here we also visit Boo, the resident grizzly who lives on a 22 acre (9 ha) sanctuary which provides a home and a second chance for orphaned grizzly cubs. We reach the Rocky Mountains in Yoho National Park where a stop is made at the Natural Bridge and beautiful Emerald Lake.
Overnight in Lake Louise.
Day 4: Lake Louise / Banff National Park
Enjoy morning at leisure, or take part in some optional activities. We suggested a moderate hike up to the Lake Agnes Tea House, other options include renting a canoe, joining a trail ride or a whitewater rafting trip. Late afternoon we take a short drive into Banff and enjoy a stroll along Banff Avenue with colourful shops, boutiques and restaurants. The outdoor pool of the Sulphur Mountain Hot Springs is heaven after a busy day.
Overnight in Lake Louise.
Day 5: Jasper National Park
Today we travel the Icefields Parkway, one of the world’s most scenic high alpine routes. At the Columbia Icefields we have the opportunity to take a driving tour on the glacier or a short but very rewarding hike with the guide. Then on to Jasper and your log cabin by the river. For dinner the guide will be happy to arrange the first barbeque.,
Overnight in Jasper.
Day 6: Jasper National Park
A day to soak in the magic of this mountain paradise. One of Jasper’s many attractions is Maligne Canyon. A short hike takes you to breathtaking views into the depth of the canyon, water roaring up to 165 feet (50 m) below. On a side trip to Maligne Lake you have best chances to see bear, moose and other wildlife right by the side of the road. You can take a 90 minute boat cruise to Spirit Island at the far end of the lake, rent a canoe, try your luck catching a trout or enjoy a cool drink by the dock. Other options are guided trail rides or renting a mountain bike to explore the surroundings.
Overnight in Jasper.
Day 7: Jasper - Prince George
Driving west we pass beneath Mount Robson,the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. . We continue our journey to Prince George.,
Overnight in Prince George.
Days 8: Prince George - Smithers
The barking of an excited team of sled dogs belongs to a Canadian winter scene. The Huskies of a local dog sledding outfitter are happy to see you during the summer. Meet the faithful teams during their summer training and see them in action. The drive further north and west to Smithers leaves a good impression of the vastness of the country – trees and little lakes as far as the eye can see. Time for another barbeque.
Overnight in Smithers.
Day 9: Smithers - Prince Rupert
Today’s highlight is a visit and tour of the ‘Ksan Indian Village in Hazelton. The reconstructed Native settlement consists of five traditional longhouses and several totem poles. You then continue to Prince Rupert, the harbour town on the Pacific.
Overnight in Prince Rupert.
Day 10: Prince Rupert – Port Hardy
Early start for the cruise through the world-famous Inside Passage from Prince Rupert to Port Hardy. During the 15-hour-trip there are good chances to watch wildlife: bald eagles, dolphins, sea otters and sometimes even whales. We arrive late evening in Port Hardy and for the next two nights are guests of the Kwakiutl First Nations people who own and operate a resort with cabins right at the edge of the sea. A spectacular and peaceful setting with great ocean and mountain views.
Overnight in Port Hardy.
Day 11: Port Hardy
This morning we have the opportunity for a 4-hour whale watching tour starting in Telegraph Cove or a fishing trip with an expert guide. Suggested as well is a side trip to Cape Scott at the northern tip of the island and a walk in truly amazing wilderness setting.
Overnight in Port Hardy.
Day 12: Port Hardy - Tofino/Ucluelet
We stop off at the village of Sayward, with chainsaw carvings in the park and a unique restaurant made entirely out of used logging cables. We continue our journey and cross over to the rugged and exposed western shores of Vancouver Island. Home for the next two nights are 2-room cabins by the beach, complete with kitchens. Watch powerful waves rolling in all the way from across the Pacific and the amazing west coast sunsets.
Overnight in Tofino/Ucluelet.
Day 13: Tofino/Ucluelet
Enjoy the day at leisure exploring the trails of the Pacific Rim National Park, and maybe take a trip to the charming villages of Ucluelet and Tofino, to browse the small shops offering unique and special souvenirs. Optional tours on offer include a whale watching boat excursion, surfing lessons and sea kayaking. Talk your guide into organizing a clam bake by the shore.
Overnight in Tofino/Ucluelet.
Days 14: Tofine/Ucluelet - Victoria
Along the picturesque coastal highway we drive along the beaches of Parksville, pass through Chemanius with it’s colourful downtown murals, Duncan, the city of totems and reach our hotel in central Victoria. The afternoon is at leisure to explore the sights around the picturesque Inner Harbour.
Overnight in Victoria.
Days 15: Victoria - Vancouver
Taking the scenic Marine Drive we arrive at the ferry terminal for the 90 minute crossing back to the mainland. On arrival in Vancouver we take an orientation tour. Our hotel is on lively Robson Street.
Overnight in Vancouver.
Day 16: Vancouver
Tour ends. Transfer to the airport and check-in for the flight home.Â
Transfer from Vancouver International Airport to your hotel. Meet the guide this evening for pre-trip information.
Overnight in Vancouver.
Day 2: Vancouver - Shuswap Lake
Today journey through the fertile valley of the Fraser River east into the mountains and into the arid Interior Plateau with huge lakes and wonderful beaches. We stop for a coffee break at Tim Hortons, the popular Canadian doughnut shop where you can try every Canadian’s favourite; the Timbit. Your lakefront hotel for tonight is operated by the Native Shuswap Band and features a restaurant with Native cuisine and a state of the art golf course.
Overnight at Shuswap Lake.
Day 3: Shuswap Lake - Lake Louise/Banff National Park
The visitor center at Rogers Pass in Glacier National Park shows the ongoing battle between the highway and railroad builders and Mother Nature with her avalanches, raging rivers and rock slides. Next stop is Kicking Horse Mountain Resort. Have your cameras ready as you soar over 4000 vertical feet (1220 m) on the Express Gondola (included). Here we also visit Boo, the resident grizzly who lives on a 22 acre (9 ha) sanctuary which provides a home and a second chance for orphaned grizzly cubs. We reach the Rocky Mountains in Yoho National Park where a stop is made at the Natural Bridge and beautiful Emerald Lake.
Overnight in Lake Louise.
Day 4: Lake Louise / Banff National Park
Enjoy morning at leisure, or take part in some optional activities. We suggested a moderate hike up to the Lake Agnes Tea House, other options include renting a canoe, joining a trail ride or a whitewater rafting trip. Late afternoon we take a short drive into Banff and enjoy a stroll along Banff Avenue with colourful shops, boutiques and restaurants. The outdoor pool of the Sulphur Mountain Hot Springs is heaven after a busy day.
Overnight in Lake Louise.
Day 5: Jasper National Park
Today we travel the Icefields Parkway, one of the world’s most scenic high alpine routes. At the Columbia Icefields we have the opportunity to take a driving tour on the glacier or a short but very rewarding hike with the guide. Then on to Jasper and your log cabin by the river. For dinner the guide will be happy to arrange the first barbeque.,
Overnight in Jasper.
Day 6: Jasper National Park
A day to soak in the magic of this mountain paradise. One of Jasper’s many attractions is Maligne Canyon. A short hike takes you to breathtaking views into the depth of the canyon, water roaring up to 165 feet (50 m) below. On a side trip to Maligne Lake you have best chances to see bear, moose and other wildlife right by the side of the road. You can take a 90 minute boat cruise to Spirit Island at the far end of the lake, rent a canoe, try your luck catching a trout or enjoy a cool drink by the dock. Other options are guided trail rides or renting a mountain bike to explore the surroundings.
Overnight in Jasper.
Day 7: Jasper - Prince George
Driving west we pass beneath Mount Robson,the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. . We continue our journey to Prince George.,
Overnight in Prince George.
Days 8: Prince George - Smithers
The barking of an excited team of sled dogs belongs to a Canadian winter scene. The Huskies of a local dog sledding outfitter are happy to see you during the summer. Meet the faithful teams during their summer training and see them in action. The drive further north and west to Smithers leaves a good impression of the vastness of the country – trees and little lakes as far as the eye can see. Time for another barbeque.
Overnight in Smithers.
Day 9: Smithers - Prince Rupert
Today’s highlight is a visit and tour of the ‘Ksan Indian Village in Hazelton. The reconstructed Native settlement consists of five traditional longhouses and several totem poles. You then continue to Prince Rupert, the harbour town on the Pacific.
Overnight in Prince Rupert.
Day 10: Prince Rupert – Port Hardy
Early start for the cruise through the world-famous Inside Passage from Prince Rupert to Port Hardy. During the 15-hour-trip there are good chances to watch wildlife: bald eagles, dolphins, sea otters and sometimes even whales. We arrive late evening in Port Hardy and for the next two nights are guests of the Kwakiutl First Nations people who own and operate a resort with cabins right at the edge of the sea. A spectacular and peaceful setting with great ocean and mountain views.
Overnight in Port Hardy.
Day 11: Port Hardy
This morning we have the opportunity for a 4-hour whale watching tour starting in Telegraph Cove or a fishing trip with an expert guide. Suggested as well is a side trip to Cape Scott at the northern tip of the island and a walk in truly amazing wilderness setting.
Overnight in Port Hardy.
Day 12: Port Hardy - Tofino/Ucluelet
We stop off at the village of Sayward, with chainsaw carvings in the park and a unique restaurant made entirely out of used logging cables. We continue our journey and cross over to the rugged and exposed western shores of Vancouver Island. Home for the next two nights are 2-room cabins by the beach, complete with kitchens. Watch powerful waves rolling in all the way from across the Pacific and the amazing west coast sunsets.
Overnight in Tofino/Ucluelet.
Day 13: Tofino/Ucluelet
Enjoy the day at leisure exploring the trails of the Pacific Rim National Park, and maybe take a trip to the charming villages of Ucluelet and Tofino, to browse the small shops offering unique and special souvenirs. Optional tours on offer include a whale watching boat excursion, surfing lessons and sea kayaking. Talk your guide into organizing a clam bake by the shore.
Overnight in Tofino/Ucluelet.
Days 14: Tofine/Ucluelet - Victoria
Along the picturesque coastal highway we drive along the beaches of Parksville, pass through Chemanius with it’s colourful downtown murals, Duncan, the city of totems and reach our hotel in central Victoria. The afternoon is at leisure to explore the sights around the picturesque Inner Harbour.
Overnight in Victoria.
Days 15: Victoria - Vancouver
Taking the scenic Marine Drive we arrive at the ferry terminal for the 90 minute crossing back to the mainland. On arrival in Vancouver we take an orientation tour. Our hotel is on lively Robson Street.
Overnight in Vancouver.
Day 16: Vancouver
Tour ends. Transfer to the airport and check-in for the flight home.Â
Accommodation in good standard hotels or cabins throughout
Package Includes:
- All transfers.
- Transportation in passenger van.
- 15 nights accommodation in hotel or cabins.
- Admission to the national parks.
- Fare for the ferries as mentioned.
- Admission to \'Ksan Indian Village.
- Admission to Kicking Horse Resort.
- Equipment and utensils for BBQ\'s and picnics.
- Services of a driver/guide.
- Applicable taxes and GST rebates.Â
Not Included :
- Flights: Check out our flights page.