Canadian Rockies
15 Days Starting and ending in Vancouver
Visiting: Vancouver, Whistler, Wells Gray Provincial Park, Jasper National Park, Jasper National Park/Maligne Lake, Banff National Park, Yoho National Park/Golden, Glacier National Park/Revelstoke/Salmon Arm
Tour operator:
Tour code:
SSOR
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 12
Age range:
15-99 years
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Tour Overview
Explore Canada’s Rocky Mountains on a thrilling 15-day adventure. Walk the streets of Vancouver, hike the trails of Jasper and Banff to Maligne Lake and Lake Louise, canoe along Clearwater Lake in Wells Gray Provincial Park and soak up the superb alpine scenery. Spot native moose and bears and unleash your inner daredevil with a range of potential escapades – mountain biking or river rafting, anyone? With a mixture of included activities and optional extras, you get to decide just how active or relaxed you want this adventure to be. Jump in feet first and immerse yourself in the beauty of Canada in this outdoor experience.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Vancouver
Location: Vancouver
Accommodation: Hotel
O Canada! Home of ice hockey and maple syrup, and source of your soon-to-be fondest travel memories. It all starts in Vancouver. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 8 am tomorrow morning where you’ll meet your local leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive early in Vancouver, why not take a walk around the Victorian buildings in the historic Gastown neighbourhood, or maybe wander through the behemoth urban forest that is Stanley Park.
Day 2: Whistler
Location: Whistler
Accommodation: Camping (with facilities)
At 8 am sharp, meet your fellow travellers and leader in the hotel lobby for a welcome meeting. Then, hit the road for the outdoorsy hub that is Whistler. Drive along the Sea to Sky Highway, widely considered one of the most scenic routes in the world, with a stop at Squamish along the way. Once you arrive in Whistler, join your leader for an orientation walk around the pedestrian-only town. Tomorrow’s a free day, so this could be a good chance to get a sense of what’s on offer. Have a chat to your leader about how to go about booking and taking part in hiking, mountain biking, zip-lining, kayaking and more. Then, settle into the campground for the night.
Included Activities:
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Day 3: Whistler
Location: Whistler
Accommodation: Camping (with facilities)
Stunning Whistler is ready to be explored, up the mountain or back down in the village. Perhaps buy yourself a ticket to ride the PEAK 2 PEAK gondola to enjoy unparalleled views of towering volcanic peaks and surrounding forest on the world’s longest and highest lift. Once at the top, check out the nearby scenic walking trails, mountaintop restaurants and indoor interpretive displays. Otherwise, you could hire a bike and ride along the Valley Trail to Lost Lake, or go for an easy hike along the Lost Lake Nature Trail. If you're after something a little more cultured, perhaps hit the Audain Art Museum to see a selection of First Nations and British Columbian artwork.
Optional Activities:
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Day 4: Wells Gray Provincial Park
Location: Wells Gray Provincial Park
Accommodation: Camping (with facilities)
Make sure you’ve got a book, a podcast or some sparkling conversation ready as you settle in for a long drive to Wells Gray Provincial Park. You’ll arrive in time to set up camp for the evening on a rustic cowboy ranch. Relax with dinner by the campfire. Complete the classic North American campsite by crafting s’mores (marshmallow, chocolate and graham crackers) and sharing stories over the crackle of the flames.
Included Activities:
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Day 5: Wells Gray Provincial Park
Location: Wells Gray Provincial Park
Accommodation: Camping (with basic facilities)
This morning you’ll travel deeper into Wells Gray Provincial Park, disembarking at Clearwater Lake. Pack your camping equipment into a canoe, then cruise into the water. On a sunny day the name of the lake is particularly apt, and if you work up a thirst while paddling you can drink the pristine water around you, no filter necessary. After some instruction from the canoeing guides, paddle to a secluded beach campsite. Set up camp for the night, then you can choose to head on a leader-led hike to Eagle’s View. Later, cook dinner and finish the day with some stargazing around the campfire.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 6: Wells Gray Provincial Park
Location: Wells Gray Provincial Park
Accommodation: Camping (with basic facilities)
For your second day in the backcountry, the agenda is up to the group! You can take on some more of the trails the park has to offer, do some more paddling around Clearwater Laker, swim – or all three. Your leader will be on hand to provide you with any recommendations you need. Return to your campsite in the evening and enjoy another meal under the stars.
Day 7: Jasper National Park
Location: Jasper National Park
Accommodation: Camping (with facilities)
Wake up lakeside and pack up your gear to hit the water again. Back at the starting point, help unload and store the canoes and then hit the road bound for Jasper National Park. It’s a long drive, but you’ll break it up with a short hike to Helmcken and Spahats waterfalls. There’ll also be a stop in at Mt Robson Provincial Park, giving you a chance to stretch your legs on a short walk through the picturesque wildflower meadows. Arrive in Jasper in the early evening, and settle into your campsite.
Included Activities:
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Day 8: Jasper National Park/Maligne Lake
Location: Jasper National Park/Maligne Lake
Accommodation: Camping (with facilities)
Today you’ll make a visit to of Maligne Lake. Make sure you’ve got a charged phone or camera ready to capture shots of the jagged mountains and bright green pine forests that surround these glacial waters. There's an option to pay for a cruise around the lake, including a visit to Spirit Island. This tiny ‘tied’ island is one of the most photographed spots in the Canadian Rockies for a reason! If the lake cruise isn’t your thing, you might like to spend your time seeing the area while hiking either the Mary Schaeffer or the Moose Lake trails. This afternoon, you are free to explore Jasper - perhaps hire a bicycle or canoe to explore from a different perspective!
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 9: Banff National Park
Location: Banff National Park
Accommodation: Camping (with facilities)
Take a scenic morning drive through mountain scenery on the famous Icefields Parkway, which connects Jasper and Banff National Parks. There will be numerous opportunities to stop at viewpoints and waterfalls along the way. This includes visits to the ice fields of Athabasca Glacier, where you can walk to the toe of the glacier with your leader or explore on an optional hike with a local guide (at own expense). Then, continue to your campground in Banff where you'll be spending the next three nights.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 10: Banff National Park
Location: Banff National Park
Accommodation: Camping (with facilities)
Today you'll begin exploring the many possibilities that Banff National Park provides. There’ll be an optional hike on the Plain of Six Glaciers trail around Lake Louise, which can also be extended to visit the Lake Agnes teahouse or the aptly named Big Beehive. There are plenty of other trails of different lengths to choose from, or you might like to take a gondola ride up Sulphur Mountain, a dip in the natural hot springs or exploring the hoodoos and falls of Bow Valley by foot. As always, your leader is there to help, so pick their brain for advice on which (if any) you wish to participate in.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 11: Banff National Park
Location: Banff National Park
Accommodation: Camping (with facilities)
Enjoy a free day to explore Banff National Park. You could head out on a steeper walk to the Fairview Lookout for some incredible views from above Lake Louise. There are opportunities for canoeing and mountain biking, as well as checking out the town of Banff itself. After exploring the area, why not make your way back to the Lake Louise Fairmont Hotel? Sitting right on the shores of the lake, it serves as the perfect spot to take in the scenery with some poutine or a cocktail in hand.
Day 12: Yoho National Park/Golden
Location: Yoho National Park/Golden
Accommodation: Camping (with facilities)
Today drive to a place so beautiful its name comes from a Cree word that means awe and wonder – Yoho National Park. There nearby town of Golden will serve as your base for the next two nights, giving you ample time to explore the terrain and take part in the many activities the park provides. Be sure to ask your leader for a recommendation that matches your fitness level!
Included Activities:
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Day 13: Yoho National Park/Golden
Location: Yoho National Park/Golden
Accommodation: Camping (with facilities)
There are a couple of ways to continuing explore Yoho National Park today. If you’d like to break in your boots (and don’t mind heights), there’ll be an optional walk to the Golden Skybridge, which’ll provide some incredible views of the Rockies from 426 feet in the air. Another option (not for the faint of heart) is to battle the wild waters of the aptly-named Kicking Horse River on a guided rafting tour. Please note, this is an optional activity booked through an outside company that will incur an extra cost. If you’d like to take things a little easier, perhaps book a canoeing activity on the calm waters of Emerald Lake. Floored by the scenery? You could always lie back on the riverbank and watch the world float by.
Optional Activities:
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Day 14: Glacier National Park/Revelstoke/Salmon Arm
Location: Glacier National Park/Revelstoke/Salmon Arm
Accommodation: Camping (with facilities)
This morning, travel through the high mountain clearing of Rogers Pass to reach Glacier National Park. Stop at Rogers Pass Discovery Centre for a look around and (depending on time and conditions) take a short hike through an old-growth area of cedar and hemlock. As one of the world's most active avalanche areas, most of the rugged, mountainous area of Glacier National Park is inaccessible for day hikes. Pause for lunch at Mount Revelstoke National Park which contains part of the world's only temperate inland rainforest, then set up camp near Salmon Arm, BC.
Included Activities:
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Day 15: Vancouver
Location: Vancouver
Make the journey back to Vancouver. The arrival time depends on a variety of factors such as weather, but you should expect to be back in the city before 3 pm. There are no activities scheduled upon arrival in Vancouver. If you are flying out on this day please don't book a flight before 8 pm, as this will give you enough time to catch a shuttle from the hotel to the airport and be there two hours before departure. Vancouver is the largest city in western Canada and well worth some extra time to explore the city’s delights. Should you choose to stay longer in Vancouver we'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).
What's Included
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Accommodation
Camping (with basic facilities) (2 nights), Camping (with facilities) (11 nights), Hotel (1 night) -
Wells Gray Provincial Park
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Overnight Canoe Trip - 2 Nights
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Jasper National Park - Entrance Fee
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Visit to Maligne Lake
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Banff National Park
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Visit to Lake Louise
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Visit to Moraine Lake
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Yoho National Park
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Glacier National Park
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Mt. Revelstoke National Park
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
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International Travel
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Airport Transfers at Destination
Included Activities
Wells Gray Provincial ParkOvernight Canoe TripJasper National Park - Entrance FeeVisit to Maligne LakeBanff National ParkVisit to Lake LouiseVisit to Moraine LakeYoho National ParkGlacier National ParkMt. Revelstoke National ParkRogers Pass Discovery Centre
Transport
AIRPORT TRANSFERS IN THE USA & CANADAWe recommend taxis and rideshare services like Lyft and Uber when traveling to and from hotels in the USA and Canada. These services are widely available across North America, offering convenient and accessible transportation options. Private transfers in North America incur high costs and present an increased risk of missed connections due to their fixed schedules. In contrast, taxis and rideshares offer both cost-effectiveness and flexibility, ensuring a smoother journey. With transparent pricing, GPS tracking, and on-demand availability, we believe that taxis and rideshare apps not only offer a reliable alternative to private transfers but also provide a secure, trustworthy, and budget-friendly transportation option for our customers.NORTH AMERICA VEHICLESOur large fleet of 15-passenger vans are fully equipped with air-conditioning system, V8 engines and any camping or cooking equipment needed for your trip. Most have cloth-upholstered seats and carpeted interior with radio or CD players. Your luggage is typically transported in a trailer which is towed behind the van.The vans are regularly serviced by a well-established network of maintenance and service facilities throughout the continent. However, unforeseen maintenance problems can still occur while on the road and we appreciate the patience of our travellers as we make necessary repairs as quickly as possible.While your group will have a van for all included activities on the trip, the services of the van and leader may not be available for your use during free time, or after you have arrived for the day. If you need a special trip into town you may need to arrange transport or a taxi.
Accommodation
NORTH AMERICA CAMPINGThe campsites that we use are selected for either their scenic beauty, their convenient location to places of interest and/or the facilities available. We aim to offer you a selection of different types of campsites.If you've never camped before - no problem! We provide a complete set of camping and cooking equipment. This includes roomy easy-to-pitch tents, which are shared by only two people and are equipped with thin foam rubber sleping mats and vinyl floors. Your leader will show you how to pitch a tent on the first day. On many trips we also spend a few nights in reasonably priced hotels/motels/hostels (as per the itinerary).Remember that sleeping bags and a pillow are not provided. Check out the Packing section for more information.You'll find the necessary facilities - toilets and in most cases showers, washing machines and dryers - at our campsites. The showers at some campsites may require a payment (usually no more than US$1-$3 for a quick shower). This is payable locally and is a contribution towards the cost of a limited water supply. Rarely, a campsite may only have cold water available for showers.In all campsites there are strict quiet hours when no loud noise is allowed, typically from 10pm to 7am. This means that all music, singing and noisy group gatherings must stop. We request that all our travellers respect these campsite rules.For trips where there are lodges/cabins used, couples travelling together may be separated when our rooming arrangements are based on single gender, however in some accommodations the group will be in mixed gender rooms.Our high-quality camping equipment (including tents) can be affected by bad weather conditions. This can result in some wet and cold conditions inside the tent. Your spirit of adventure and flexibility will help make your adventure trip an exciting and unforgettable experience. On nights where the group is camping, and weather conditions are extreme (such as snow or heavy rain), there may be an opportunity for the group (if everyone agrees) to stay at an alternative location such as a nearby hostel or hotel. When this is the case the upgrade is at your own expense.
Important Information
1. There are no activities planned on Day 1 of the trip so you may arrive at any time. A welcome meeting will be held at 8am on Day 2 in Vancouver. This trip ends on arrival into Vancouver on Day 15 in the afternoon. The arrival time depends on each group, but we generally aim for a 3pm arrival. If you decide to fly out this day, please don't book a flight before 8pm which will give you enough time to catch a shuttle from the hotel to the airport and be there 2 hours before departure.2. A Single Supplement to have your own room and tent is available on this trip but please note that single tents are limited due to group camping accommodations. Therefore, all single supplements are on request only.3. A sleeping bag is required for this trip. If you would like to rent a sleeping bag locally, the cost is $50 CAD, payable in cash to your guide on Day 1 of the trip. Please advise your booking agent prior to departure if you require a sleeping bag rental.4. Please note that In Canada the legal drinking age is 18 in Alberta, Manitoba and Quebec, and 19 in the remaining provinces and territories.5. Due to the remote nature of the backcountry canoe trip on days 5 & 6, anyone who tests positive for Covid while on trip will not be able to join the group in the backcountry. This policy is in place to protect you and our backcountry guides. If you test positive for Covid during the trip but wish to continue with the group, your leader will assist you with making alternative arrangements (at your expense) for accommodations during the canoe trip as well as transportation to meet the group on Day 7. Please review your travel insurance policy to ensure you have trip interruption coverage included.6. We are not able to book airport shuttle service for North America trips. North America has convenient taxi and rideshare options from all airports, as well as public transport systems in major hub cities. Please check the joining and finishing point instructions listed in the Essential Trip Information.
Mode of Transport
NORTH AMERICA VEHICLESOur large fleet of 15-passenger vans are fully equipped with air-conditioning system, V8 engines and any camping or cooking equipment needed for your trip. Most have cloth-upholstered seats and carpeted interior with radio or CD players. Your luggage is typically transported in a trailer which is towed behind the van.The vans are regularly serviced by a well-established network of maintenance and service facilities throughout the continent. However, unforeseen maintenance problems can still occur while on the road and we appreciate the patience of our travellers as we make necessary repairs as quickly as possible.While your group will have a van for all included activities on the trip, the services of the van and leader may not be available for your use during free time, or after you have arrived for the day. If you need a special trip into town you may need to arrange transport or a taxi.
Accommodation
NORTH AMERICA CAMPINGThe campsites that we use are selected for either their scenic beauty, their convenient location to places of interest and/or the facilities available. We aim to offer you a selection of different types of campsites.If you've never camped before - no problem! We provide a complete set of camping and cooking equipment. This includes roomy easy-to-pitch tents, which are shared by only two people and are equipped with thin foam rubber mattresses and vinyl floors. Your leader will show you how to pitch a tent on the first day. On many trips we also spend a few nights in reasonably priced hotels/motels/hostels (as per the itinerary).Remember that sleeping bags are not provided. Check out the Packing section for more information.You'll find the necessary facilities - toilets and in most cases showers, washing machines and dryers - at many of our campsites. The showers at some campsites only have cold water available and some may require a payment (usually no more than US$1-$3 for a quick shower). This is payable locally and is a contribution towards the cost of a limited water supply. Some campsites won't have any facilities, but this will rarely be for more than one night at a time. This is true of many campsites within Yosemite National Park, so if your trip is visiting this park, please prepare to go without a shower on this night, although it can often be arranged to stop and utilise facilities on our way out of the park.In all campsites there are strict quiet hours when no loud noise is allowed. This means that all music, singing and group gatherings must stop. We request that all our travellers respect these campsite rules.For trips where there are lodges/cabins used, couples travelling together may be separated as our rooming arrangements are based on single gender.Our high-quality camping equipment (including tents) can be affected by bad weather conditions. This can result in some wet and cold conditions inside the tent. Your spirit of adventure and flexibility will help make your adventure trip an exciting and unforgettable experience. On nights where the group is camping, and weather conditions are extreme (such as snow or heavy rain), there may be an opportunity for the group (if everyone agrees) to stay at an alternative location such as a nearby hostel or hotel. When this is the case the upgrade is at your own expense.
Check out our Q&As
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Is this trip right for you
This trip covers a lot of ground so please be prepared for some long days of driving. You'll be travelling in a van with a group, so conditions may feel a little cramped. We think this is all part of the adventure of road travel, and friendships form fast in tight quarters.
Snow may remain on the ground in higher elevations until the end of May. This may impact certain activities such as scenic gondolas, boat trips or mountain hikes, however crowds are much thinner during this time. Your leader will have a range of suggestions for alternative activities to do in your free time no matter the season.
As we're travelling through the mountains, the weather can be unpredictable. We advise wearing layers in all seasons in case conditions change during the day. Even in the warmer months the temperature can be very low in the mountains.
To ensure you to get the most out of the included and optional activities we recommend you are moderately fit. The hikes are a real highlight of this trip and give you access to some fantastic scenery.
This is a participatory trip. That’s a fancy way of saying you’re not just along for the ride – you are part of a team! Be prepared to roll up your sleeves and help with camp activities like food prep and washing up.
That teamwork also extends to our optional food kitty of approximately CAD 20 per day to cover the cost of meals. This kitty saves you worrying about where to get food or sales taxes and helps keep your costs down by bulk purchasing items together to cook. (Though there’s always the chance to use it for the occasional dinner out!) The kitty is optional and for your convenience, so if you've got specific dietary requirements you can opt out and purchase (and cook) your own food.
In 2024, Jasper experienced a significant wildfire, but much of its beauty remains untouched. As we return in 2025, you’ll witness firsthand how nature is beginning its recovery after this important and natural process that is vital to the region's ecology. This is also a crucial time to support local businesses as they rebuild from the fire’s impact. Join us in experiencing Jasper’s resilience and natural beauty while helping the community recover. -
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
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Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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