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  4. Totem Discovery Tour
 
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Totem Discovery Tour
Lively cities and towns, abundant wildlife, enchanting scenery, sparkling lakes, jagged mountain peaks and majestic glaciers, this self drive itinerary is a perfect option to explore these wonders of nature. Relax and drive through this panorama of nature and culture, paired with some adventure and glimpses of a balmy past.
Day 1: Vancouver
Pick up your rental car at Vancouver Airport. Rest of the day at leisure.

Day 2: Vancouver - Victoria (64 km plus ferry) 
Spend the day exploring Vancouver before taking the ferry over to Vancouver Island. Drive south from Vancouver to Tsawwassen to catch the ferry to Vancouver Island. Keep your camera at the ready during the crossing - orcas, seals and eagles may be spotted.

Travelpack recommends: Vancouver Trolley Hop on Hop off 2-day Attractions Tour See the city at your own pace with the Hop-on, Hop-off Loop. This is the easy way to enjoy Vancouver’s most popular areas: Downtown, Stanley Park, Chinatown,
Gastown, Granville Island and more!

Day 3: FREE DAY Victoria
Full day to explore BC’s capital at leisure.

Day 4: Victoria – Campbell River (286 km) 
This morning, head north to Duncan which is known for its totem poles. On the way you may wish to stop at Quw’utsun Cultural Centre or the Birds of Prey Falconry Centre in Duncan. Continue to Campbell River

Day 5: Campbell River – Port Hardy (234 km) 
Today stop in Telegraph Cove for a short visit to this historic boardwalk and waterfront village. Or if you missed your chance to go whale watching in Victoria, Telegraph Cove is one of the top areas for whale watching in Canada.

Day 6: Port Hardy – Prince Rupert (Inside Passage Ferry)
Head to the ferry terminal early, 90 minutes prior to departure time. The Inside Passage is one of the top highlights of your tour. You will travel through some of the best scenery and abundant wildlife in the world: these waters are home to eagles, killer whales and seals.

Day 7: Prince Rupert – Smithers (350 km) 
Today, travel through the wild and rugged hinterland of British Columbia. En route to Smithers you may wish stop at the K’san Native Village in Hazelton.

Day 8: Smithers – Prince George (381 km) 
Today you may wish to make a detour to St. James Historical Site, a restored fur-trading site that highlights the history and adventure of Canada’s fur trade.

Day 9: Prince George – Jasper (374 km) 
Today you will cross the Yellowhead Pass heading east, passing Mount Robson to Jasper National Park.

Day 10: FREE DAY Jasper
Today relax and explore Jasper National Park. Hike the many trails, visit the many lakes, including Pyramid and Patricia Lakes and the Maligne River Valley.

Day 11: Jasper – Lake Louise (225 km)
Today begins with a morning drive south along the Icefield Parkway, which winds between jagged mountain peaks, sparkling lakes and majestic glaciers. You will end in Lake Louise, ‘The Jewel of the Rockies’.

Travelpack recommends: Columbia Icefield Glacier Adventure Facing the Columbia Icefield Visitors’ Centre lies the Athabasca Glacier, a tongue of ice 6 kms long and 1 km wide. You will travel in a specially designed Ice Explorer to the middle of the glacier and you will have the option of stepping out onto the ice.

Day 12: Lake Louise – Calgary (183 km) [Departure] 
Depending on your flight times head southwest through Banff National Park to Calgary Airport & return your car.

Inside Passage Schedule
  • The Inside Passage Cruise ~ Northbound on Day 6 of the itinerary must fall on the following dates to link up with the ferry schedule.
  • May:18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30.
  • Jun, Jul, Sep: Odd-numbered days.
  • Aug: Even-numbered days.
  • The 15 hour daylight sailing departs Port Hardy at 7.30 am arrives Prince Rupert 10.30 pm. Except on some departures where it may arrive in Prince Rupert at 11:30 pm.

Nights

City

3 - Star

1

Vancouver

BW Plus Sands

2-3

Victoria

Quality In Downtown

4

Campbell River

Coast Discovery Inn and Marina

5

Port Hardy

Port Hardy Inn

6

Prince Rupert

Prince Rupert Hotel

7

Smithers

Sandman Inn

8

Prince George

Coast Inn of the North

9-10

Jasper

Mountain Park Lodges

11

Lake Louise

Deer Lodge
Package Includes:
  • 11 nights hotel accommodation on room only basis.
  • Inside Passage Ferry Port Hardy to Prince Rupert (standard size car up to 20 feet long)
  • Document pack at hotel on arrival with maps and information
  • Applicable taxes and GST refunds for visitors

Not Included:
  • Recommended Activity Packages.
  • Car Hire: Check out our car hire rates.
  • Flights: Check out our flights page.
  • Car parking at hotels.
  • Ferry between the mainland and Vancouver Island.
  • Inside Passage reserved day cabins, over sized vehicle, or reserved seating extras.
  • Park fees, admission charges or day use parking at parks.
  • Meals.
  • Personal expenses and insurance.