Grand Canadian Rockies
Grand Canadian Rockies
Grand Canadian Rockies
10 Days Starting in Vancouver and ending in Calgary
Visiting: Vancouver, Whistler, Sun Peaks, Jasper, Banff National Park, Lake Louise / Banff National Park, Calgary
Tour operator:
Tour code:
SSKK
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 12
Physical rating:
Low, Low
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
From:
$4876
$4388 (USD)
Operator discount: -$488
Tour Overview
Canada’s Rocky Mountains provide a stunning landscape of craggy, towering rock faces, snow-capped mountains, thick forests and picturesque lakes. Wander the streets of Vancouver and admire the views each direction you turn. Hike or bike the breathtaking trails of Whistler, Sun Peaks, Jasper, and Banff. Experience the renowned expanse of Lake Louise, or wrap your hands around a mug of hot chocolate while admiring the superb alpine scenery of the Rockies. Ready for a grand adventure? Jump aboard and witness the sheer beauty of this exceptional part of the world.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Vancouver
Location: Vancouver
Accommodation: Hotel
Welcome to Canada! Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you do arrive early, perhaps explore the happening neighbourhood of Yaletown, or head to Granville Island to visit the colourful markets full of fresh produce and handcrafts. Vancouver’s coastal setting is beautiful, bordered by an ocean harbour to the north and a river to the south. The majestic Coastal Mountains, often snow-capped, provide the eastern horizon, making it a picturesque place to spend a few days before the tour begins. After your welcome meeting, perhaps wander around downtown Vancouver or grab a craft beer in the Gastown neighbourhood.
Day 2: Whistler
Location: Whistler
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: lunch
On your way out of Vancouver today, check out Stanley Park’s carved totem poles, representing the historical crests of First Nations families and their clans. During the drive to Whistler you’ll stop at the beautiful Shannon Falls, then learn more about First Nations art, history and culture at Squamish Lil'Wat Cultural Centre. Refuel with a late lunch at the onsite cafe, serving a modern take on traditional First Nations food. In Whistler Village, enjoy free time to wander the bustling hub of shops and award-winning restaurants, all surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery. Later, you may like to join in on the Whistler nightlife by sampling one of the town’s lively bars.
Included Activities:
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Day 3: Whistler
Location: Whistler
Accommodation: Hotel
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 wildlife or wildflower spotting. 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: Sun Peaks
Location: Sun Peaks
Accommodation: Lodge
Meals Included: dinner
Drive through the mountains to Sun Peaks (approximately 4–5 hours). Sun Peaks township is set on one of many peaks along the mountain range and the views from the top are incredible. On arrival you may have time to explore the area on foot. This evening, rejoin your group for dinner together.
Day 5: Jasper
Location: Jasper
Accommodation: Lodge
Head to Jasper, one of the most photographed places in Canada. Jasper is the largest of Canada's Rocky Mountain parks, famous for wildlife such as elk, moose, deer, coyotes, grizzly bears and mountain lions, as well as smaller mammals and birds. During your free time in Jasper you’ll have options to explore including hiking in the Valley of Five Lakes and riding the Jasper SkyTram – the highest and longest aerial tramway in Canada. Climbing to 2300 metres, the SkyTram provides spectacular views of the Rocky Mountains.
Included Activities:
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Day 6: Jasper
Location: Jasper
Accommodation: Lodge
Meals Included: lunch
Today is a free day in Jasper. Join the group on a visit to Maligne Lake for some hiking, and perhaps book yourself a cruise on the lake’s shimmering blue waters past the much-photographed Spirit Island. Alternatively, a ride on the Jasper SkyTram is highly recommended if you didn’t do it yesterday, as it provides stunning views over the township and surrounding mountains. For adventure seekers, Jasper is an excellent destination to hire a mountain bike and explore the surrounding trails which weave through dense forest and pass stunning lookouts.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 7: Banff National Park
Location: Banff National Park
Accommodation: Lodge
Buckle up for Banff. Today is a long day, with many scenic stops and visits along the way (in total, up to 12 hours). In the morning, travel towards Banff, stopping off at the Columbia Icefields Centre, Athabasca Falls and Sunwapta Falls. You'll have the chance to join an optional glacier hike with a professional guide (at own expense). Then head into Banff National Park in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Banff is considered the oldest national park in Canada, showcasing the Rockies’ valleys and mountain chains which began forming up to 75 million years ago.
Optional Activities:
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Day 8: Lake Louise / Banff National Park
Location: Lake Louise / Banff National Park
Accommodation: Lodge
Meals Included: lunch
Today pay a visit to Lake Louise with the group. Take a walk around the turquoise lake (season depending) or check out the interior of the luxury mountain resort, Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. This afternoon, don an old-fashioned swimsuit and soak in the hot mineral waters of the Banff Upper Hot Springs. If there is extra time today, you may like to take part in one of the many adventure activities available within the park. With its coniferous forests, alpine meadows, icefields and glaciers, the park is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise. There are opportunities for canoeing, mountain biking, hiking or riding the gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 9: Calgary
Location: Calgary
Accommodation: Hotel
Complete your crossing of the Rockies today on a drive to Calgary. Along the way, make a stop in the cosy little town of Canmore, the perfect place to grab some lunch and soak in some final mountain views. Say goodbye to the Rockies and continue to Calgary, arriving in the afternoon. Home to the famous Calgary Stampede, the city is growing at a rapid rate, largely thanks to oil and mining. While it may not be the most picturesque of cities, Calgary makes up for it with a budding dining and nightlife scene. In the evening perhaps head for dinner at one of the city's great restaurants.
Optional Activities:
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Day 10: Calgary
Location: Calgary
There are no activities planned for today and you can depart the accommodation at any time, though please be sure to comply with any hotel check-out times.
What's Included
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Visit to Lake Louise
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Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre Visit
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Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
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Sun Peaks - 4 Course Fur Trader's Feast & Voyageur Canoe experience
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Jasper National Park - Entrance Fee
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Visit to Maligne Lake
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Banff Upper Hotsprings
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Meals
5 breakfasts, 1 dinners
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Accommodation
Hotel (7 nights), Lodge (2 nights)
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Transport
Private vehicle
Transport
- AIRPORT TRANSFERS IN THE USA & CANADA
- We 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 VEHICLES
- Our 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
- The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
- Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.
Included Activities
- Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
- Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre Visit
- Sun Peaks - 4 Course Fur Trader's Feast & Voyageur Canoe experience
- Jasper National Park - Entrance Fee
- Visit to Maligne Lake
- Banff Upper Hotsprings
- Visit to Lake Louise
Important Information
- 1. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6pm on Day 1 in Vancouver. This trip ends in Calgary on the morning of Day 10.
- 2. A single supplement is available on this trip.
- 3. Please note that the legal drinking age in the US is 21 and in some parts of Canada it's 19.
Check out our Q&As
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Yes, Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
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Is this trip right for you
This trip covers a lot of ground, as Canada is a huge country. Please be prepared for some long days of driving. The drive between Sun Peaks and Jasper, for example, takes around six hours.
It is not uncommon for snow to remain on the ground in higher elevations until the end of May. The presence of snow may impact certain activities such as scenic gondolas, boat trips or mountain hikes in late spring. Your trip 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 at all times of the year in case conditions change during the day. At night the temperature can really drop, so make sure you have warm clothing with you.
In summer, especially in July and August, be prepared for insects. This is mosquito and black fly season so it's important to bring insect repellent, which will help prevent you from being bitten. -
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
Reviews of this Operator
Dates & Availability
Sunday - Tuesday
May 19, 2024 - May 28, 2024Sunday - Tuesday
Jun 02, 2024 - Jun 11, 2024Sunday - Tuesday
Jun 16, 2024 - Jun 25, 2024Sunday - Tuesday
Jun 30, 2024 - Jul 09, 2024Sunday - Tuesday
Aug 11, 2024 - Aug 20, 2024Sunday - Tuesday
Aug 25, 2024 - Sep 03, 2024Sunday - Tuesday
Sep 08, 2024 - Sep 17, 2024Sunday - Tuesday
Sep 15, 2024 - Sep 24, 2024Sunday - Tuesday
May 18, 2025 - May 27, 2025Sunday - Tuesday
May 25, 2025 - Jun 03, 2025Sunday - Tuesday
Jun 01, 2025 - Jun 10, 2025Sunday - Tuesday
Jun 08, 2025 - Jun 17, 2025Sunday - Tuesday
Jun 15, 2025 - Jun 24, 2025Sunday - Tuesday
Jun 29, 2025 - Jul 08, 2025Sunday - Tuesday
Jul 06, 2025 - Jul 15, 2025Sunday - Tuesday
Jul 13, 2025 - Jul 22, 2025Sunday - Tuesday
Jul 27, 2025 - Aug 05, 2025Sunday - Tuesday
Aug 10, 2025 - Aug 19, 2025Sunday - Tuesday
Aug 17, 2025 - Aug 26, 2025Sunday - Tuesday
Aug 24, 2025 - Sep 02, 2025Thursday - Saturday
Sep 04, 2025 - Sep 13, 2025Sunday - Tuesday
Sep 07, 2025 - Sep 16, 2025Book with Confidence
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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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COVID Protection
Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards
From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19.
However, we continue to strongly recommend that all travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and other Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.
This policy excludes all Polar trips and select adventure cruises, where testing and vaccination remains a requirement. Please refer to the Essential Trip Information of your chosen tour for more details. -
Terms and Conditions