Majestic Rockies with the Calgary Stampede

At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome drink.

Tour Vancouver, including the waterfront, Chinatown, and Stanley Park with its old-growth evergreen forests and totem poles. Catch the BC Ferry over to Vancouver Island and Victoria. See major attractions on your city orientation tour including the Fairmont Empress Hotel, Bastion Square, and Thunderbird Park. Later, visit world-famous [LF] Butchart Gardens, followed by a special dinner in the former historic greenhouse.

The day is free to explore on your own.

Board a BC Ferry crossing the Strait of Georgia through the spectacular Gulf Islands, an archipelago known for its Mediterranean-type climate. En route to Whistler, stop at Shannon Falls, where a boardwalk leads to a viewing platform near the base of the roaring falls. On to the alpine resort of Whistler at the base of breathtaking Blackcomb Mountain. Time to explore the 2010 Winter Olympics’ sites. Enjoy a 2-night stay at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler, with classic elegance in a modern alpine setting at the base on Blackcomb Mountain.

Full free day to explore all that Whistler has to offer.

This morning, enjoy a visit and breakfast at the [LF] Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, dedicated to the history and culture of the First Nations people. Then, journey north through the heart of the magnificent Cariboo region. Spectacular scenery abounds as you pass by rolling hills, deeply incised rivers, and sparkling lakes. Afternoon arrival in Sun Peaks with the balance of the day at leisure. Free time this evening.

Continue north, following Yellowhead Highway and hugging the mighty North Thompson River, into the province of Alberta. See the base of 12,972-foot Mount Robson (the highest point in the Canadian Rockies) before entering Jasper National Park. Marvel at the precipitous gorges, snow-capped summits, and lakes of exquisite blues and greens in this wild mountain wilderness. Before arriving at your hotel, you may wish to take an optional float trip down the historic Athabasca River, where your experienced guide will navigate as you absorb the splendor of Jasper National Park.

Travel through Jasper’s unspoiled beauty to glacial Maligne Canyon for lunch at the Wilderness Kitchen. Continue to stunning Maligne Lake for a narrated scenic cruise to Spirit Island. Return to Jasper where the balance of the day is at leisure to explore Jasper on your own.

Head south through Jasper National Park on Icefields Parkway to the Columbia Icefield for a thrilling Ice Explorer ride on Athabasca Glacier with a Glaciologist guide. Climb Sunwapta Pass to savor stunning vistas of alpine meadows, waterfalls, and massive glaciers. Next, stop at Lake Louise, whose green-blue waters form a perfect mirror reflection of Mount Victoria. Continue into Banff for a free evening.

Breakfast this morning is served on top of Sulphur Mountain. Take a scenic ride on the [LF] Banff Gondola to the top of the mountain and then enjoy spectacular views of the valley below as you savor a flavorful meal. Additional sightseeing in Banff includes a visit to Bow Falls. The balance of the afternoon is at leisure. Consider an optional flightseeing trip for a bird’s-eye view of the Rockies. This evening, join your Tour Director for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

Morning drive to Calgary where you’ll have the afternoon and evening free.

Free time this morning at the Calgary Stampede grounds. Behind-the-scenes tour of [LF] Elbow River Camp’s First Nations Village. Free time this afternoon before Chuckwagon Races and stage show this evening.

Free time this morning. Watch the Calgary Rodeo this afternoon and receive the souvenir program. The remainder of the day is free to enjoy the Calgary Stampede grounds.

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.