8-Day Essential Rockies & West Coast Westbound Tour from Calgary to Vancouver: Whistler, Okanagan, Kelowna, Revelstoke, Canmore and Banff

The tour includes stunning views of rugged mountains, swift-flowing rivers, thundering waterfalls, exotic wildlife, and turquoise, blue lakes.  Tour the town of Banff and take a ride on the Banff Gondola to the summit of Sulphur Mountain. Go on a journey of the famous Icefield Parkway; stop by at Lake Louise to admire the beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage site.  Ride the Ice Explorer at Columbia Icefield. Tour through the Yoho & Glacier National to spend a night in Kelowna with its lovely downtown. Enroute, stop by the Columbia River in Revelstoke for some great pictures and visit the Ghost Town at Three Valley Gap. Sample the summer delights that the alpine resort of Whistler has on offer before arriving in Vancouver, Canada's gem on the Pacific Coast. Go on a tour of the beautiful city of Vancouver; walk the famous Capilano Suspension Bridge.  Explore the beautiful downtown, waterfront, parks, art galleries and nightlife with which Vancouver welcomes all her visitors.

Day 1: Arrive in Calgary.  Transfer on own to your hotel in downtown Calgary.  Rest of the day free.
Calgary International Airport is the gateway to Alberta's Rocky Mountains. After you have arrived and collected your luggage, make your way to the tour hotel in downtown Calgary on your own. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the city on your own. If you are looking for things to do, be sure to visit some of Calgary's key attractions such as the Calgary Zoo, Heritage Park, and the Calgary Tower. With so much to see and do, you are sure to have a memorable stay in Calgary.

Overnight in Calgary, AB. Reference hotel: Ramada Plaza Calgary Downtown or similar.

Day 2: Morning orientation tour of Calgary. Afternoon tour of Banff including the Bow Falls, Surprise Corner, Baff Springs Hotel, Hoodoos & Bow Valley, and Lake Minnewanka and admissions to Banff Gondola.
Start you day with a tour of downtown Calgary, where you will get a feel for the city's unique blend of cosmopolitan flair and western hospitality. You will see some of the city's most popular attractions, including the Calgary Tower and the Olympic Park, and you will learn about the city's rich history and vibrant culture.

Later in the day, your tour will head to the town of Banff in the Banff National Park. The park is home to majestic mountains and turquoise lakes, and you will have the opportunity to spot some of its resident wildlife, including elk, bighorn sheep, and if you are truly lucky, black, and brown bears. Whether you are a nature lover or a city slicker, this tour has something for everyone. Your tour of Banff will include all the must-see places including the Bow Falls, Surprise Corner, Baff Springs Hotel, Hoodoos & Bow Valley, and Lake Minnewanka.

One of the most scintillating experiences on your tour is a ride on the Banff Gondola, which is an aerial ride unlike any other. This signature experience starts at the Gondola Base.  From here, you step into comfortable glass-enclosed cabin and prepare for a scenic 8-minute journey to the top of Sulphur Mountains at 2,281 meters (7,486 feet). As you glide over the treetops, soak in the breath-taking sight of six stunning mountain ranges and the entire sweep of the Bow Valley spread out in front of you. The summit offers you a bird's-eye view of the Bow Valley and the mountain ranges surrounding Banff.

Overnight in Canmore, AB. Reference hotel: Canmore Pocaterra Inn & Waterslide or similar.

Day 3: Icefield Parkway Tour including visit to Lake Louise, photo stops at Bow Lake & Crowfoot Glacier and Peyto Lake, visit to Columbia Icefield and admission to Glacier Adventure (Ice Explorer).
The Icefield Parkway tour from Canmore is the perfect way to see some of the most beautiful scenery in Canada. This full day tour takes you along the picturesque Icefield Parkway.  You will visit the UNESCO World Heritage "Lake Louise".  And then on to the Columbia Icefield, the largest non-polar icefield south of the North Pole. Enroute, you will also have the chance to see some incredible wildlife, including grizzly bears, bighorn sheep, and mountain goats.

At the Columbia Icefield, you will climb abroad the Ice Explorer is a specially designed vehicle that takes you onto the Athabasca Glacier, a 10,000-year-old sheet of ice. You will get to know this incredible geological formation and perhaps taste the waters of the glacier.

Your tour will also make stops at the Bow with views of Crowfoot Glacier, and Peyto Lakes for some great pictures before arriving back at your hotel in Canmore.

Overnight in Canmore, AB. Reference hotel: Canmore Pocaterra Inn & Waterslide or similar.

Day 4: Tour through Yoho, Revelstoke & Glacier National Parks to Kelowna.  Stop by at Spiral Tunnel View Point, visit to Emerald Lake, and the Natural Bridge.  Photostop in Revelstoke and Ghost Town at Three Valley Gap (admissions not included) .
After breakfast, you will check out of your hotel and begin your journey through the Yoho and Glacier national Parks to Kelowna. The drive will take you through the stunning Rocky Mountains, providing plenty of opportunity to take in the natural beauty of this region. Enroute, your tour will stop for pictures in Revelstoke by the banks of the Columbia River and at the Ghost Town of Three Valley Gap (admissions not included).

Your tour transfer today will include stop at Spiral Tunnel Viewpoint, Emerald Lake, Revelstoke, and at the Ghost Town(admissions not included) at Three Valley Gap.

On arrival in Kelowna, check into your hotel.

Kelowna is located in the Okanagan Valley and is known for its stunning scenery and abundance of outdoor activities. Make sure to visit her downtown and take a walk along the lovely lakeside promenade or sample some of the local wines and delicious cuisine.

Overnight in Kelowna, BC. Reference hotel: Comfort Suites Kelowna or similar.​​​​​​​

Day 5: Winery Tour with Wine Tasting in Kelowna.  Tour through the Okanagan, along the Fraser River and up the Sea-to-Sky Highway to Whistler. Photostops at Shannon Falls and Brandywine Falls.
Start your day with an unmissable wine experience at one of Kelowna's premier wineries surrounded by acres of beautiful vineyards and the majestic Mt. Boucherie filling the skyline. Experience a tour where you will learn all about wine-making and an over-view of the Okanagan Valley's growing region. Your tour ends with a guided tasting of a selection of wines including an Award-Winning Icewine.

Later this morning, your tour will leave Kelowna to drive through the Okanagan and on to the Sea-to-Sky Highway to Whistler. The drive will take approximately four hours. Please be sure to have your camera ready as you will want to take plenty of pictures along the way. Part of this journey will be a drive up the scenic the Sea-to-Sky Highway.

The Sea-to-Sky Highway winds a scenic route hemmed by the Howe Sound, Coast Mountains, its forested slopes, and deep valleys.

Enroute, your tour will visit Shannon Falls and Brandywine Falls before arriving in the Alpine resort town of Whistler. Upon arrival in Whistler, check into your hotel. Spend the remainder of the day exploring this beautiful mountain town. Be sure to wander down to the village square and enjoy some of the local shops and restaurants.

Overnight in Whistler, BC. Reference hotel: Crystal Lodge or similar.

Day 6: Transfer to Vancouver with a Guided Tour of Vancouver including admissions to Capilano Suspension Bridge.  Tour includes Stanley Park, Gastown, Robson Street, Canada Place and Grenville Island.
After breakfast, we will checkout from the Whistler.  The morning will be free for you to explore Whistler and go up on the Peak-to-Peak gondola (optional).  Your tour will depart Whistler mid-day to arrive in North Vancouver around 3 PM.

On arrival in North Vancouver, the tour will stop at the Capilano Suspension Bridge where you will have a chance to visit this incredible Vancouver landmark (admissions included).  The main attraction of this park set in rainforest landscape, is the 450 feet (137 meters) long bridge suspended 230 feet (70 meters) above the Capilano River. Millions of daring visitors have taken a walk across this suspension bridge since its opening in 1889.

Leaving North Vancouver behind, we will head to downtown Vancouver for a fully guided tour of the city. The tour will take you through Vancouver's most popular spots including a visit to Stanley Park, Canada Place, Gastown, Robson Street and Granville Island. Rest of the evening will be free for you to explore the beautiful city of Vancouver on our own and experience some of the fine dining Vancouver offers.

Overnight in Vancouver, BC. Reference hotel: Sandman Hotel Vancouver Airport or similar.​​​​​​​

Day: 7 Day Free
Today day is free to explore Vancouver city on your own.

Vancouver is a beautiful city with plenty to do. A must-see is Stanley Park, which offers stunning views of water, mountains, and dense forest. There are excellent hiking trails in the park as well as opportunities to go kayaking, horseback riding, or visit the Vancouver Aquarium. If you are looking for some culture, Vancouver has plenty to offer in that arena as well. The Museum of Anthropology is world-renowned for its collection of First Nations artifacts, and the Vancouver Art Gallery is also worth a visit. No matter what your interests are, you are sure to find something to enjoy in Vancouver.

Overnight in Vancouver, BC. Reference hotel: Sandman Hotel Vancouver Airport or similar.​​​​​​​

Day 8: Transfer on own to YVR. End of your Essential Rockies & West Coast Tour.
Your Essential Rockies & West Coast Tour ends today. Check-out time is 11.00 AM. Transfer on your own to Vancouver International Airport (YVR).  Your hotel offers complimentary scheduled shuttle transfers to YVR.

We hope you have enjoyed your time with us and that you have had some wonderful experiences. Thank you for traveling with us and we hope to see you again soon.

End of your Essential Rockies & West Coast Tour.