Canadian Rockies: National Parks Westbound

Hotel (1 nt), participation camping (12 nts) Accommodation will be varied throughout your adventure. We use a combination of hotels and hostels, but most of the nights on tour are spent camping in tents in public and private campgrounds. Please note that where we use multi-share hostels, rooming requests of any kind cannot be taken. All camping equipment (with the exception of your sleeping bag and pillow) is supplied, including comfortable camp mattresses. We supply dome tents that take only 5 minutes to assemble/disassemble. They are good quality, durable, industry-standard, oversized 2-person tents, each with 2 separate and convenient zip-up doors, so that each person has his/her own entrance. We use 2 types of campgrounds in North America: 1. Private campgrounds: These are privately run sites, usually with all services such as fire pits, picnic tables, drinking water, toilets & shower buildings. Some have small outdoor swimming pools and laundry facilities. These campgrounds are typically located near national park entrances or towns. 2. Public campgrounds: These are park-run sites, usually with basic facilities such as fire pits, picnic tables, and drinking water. In some cases, this type of campground doesn’t have showers, only pit toilets and a lake! In other locations, toilet and shower facilities may be located outside the campground, or at times in another location a drive away. Some may have shower fees for onsite facilities ($2-6/shower). For our nights camping in Banff there may not be a shower at the campground. If this is the case the CEO will arrange for a trip to town for showers.

Air-conditioned private vehicle, hiking, ferry, canoe, Zodiac

For this trip we use 15-passenger vans for up to 12 people plus the CEO/Driver. For groups of 8 and more travellers, we also use a trailer to carry luggage. These durable vehicles allow us to drive on most types of roads in North America.

Each van has a front passenger seat and 4 benches that will accommodate 3 people each with mandatory seat belts to keep us secure and safe. No standing is permitted in these vehicles.

This is not a physically demanding journey, but with limited space in the van, long drive days can be difficult. Please take note of the travel times and distances in the above itinerary. There is air conditioning to cool things down on warm days to keep everyone more comfortable. Despite some of the long days, most travellers feel that the diversity of the North American landscape, culture, and wildlife are all well worth the experience!

12 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 9 dinners All included meals will be prepared from goods bought en route from supermarkets, local shops and markets. Breakfasts will generally consist of breads and cereals, if time allows a warm breakfast may be prepared. Many lunches will be provided en-route and will be light meals such as sandwiches and/or salads. All evening meals will be freshly-prepared hot meals, and will consist of a variety of continental and local dishes.

Calgary
- Welcome Dinner

Tunnel Mountain
- Tunnel Mountain Hike (Free)

Banff National Park of Canada
- Banff Gondola Ride to Sulphur Mountain (57.75-68.25CAD per person)

Johnston Canyon
- Johnston Canyon Hike (Free)

Banff
- Cycling (36.75-93.45CAD per person)
- Canoeing (57.75CAD per person)
- Hot Springs Soak (17.32CAD per person)

Lake Louise
- Plain of Six Glacier Hike (Free)
- The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise Visit (Free)

Kicking Horse River
- Kicking Horse River White Water Rafting (110-135CAD per person)

Golden
- Grizzly Bear Refuge Visit (40CAD per person)

Athabasca Glacier
- Athabasca Glacier Ice Walk (112CAD per person)

Columbia Icefield
- Glacier Adventure (99CAD per person)

Jasper National Park
- Whitewater Rafting on Athabasca River (65-110CAD per person)
- Bald Hills Hike (Free)

Maligne Lake
- Canoe Ride (84-215.25CAD per person)
- Boat Cruise to Spirit Island & Maligne Lake (75.60-109.20CAD per person)

Wells Gray Park
- Spahats Creek Falls Visit (Free)

Whistler
- Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre Visit (22.40CAD per person)
- Whistler Hike (Free)
- Rafting (145.60-196.00CAD per person)
- Peak 2 Peak Gondola Ride (95.20CAD per person)
- Ziplining and Treetop Adventures (155.68CAD per person)

Victoria
- Butchart Gardens Visit (44.24CAD per person)
- Royal British Columbia Museum Visit (20.16CAD per person)