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DAY 1 - CALGARY AIRPORT / CALGARY (19 Km/21 mins)
 Welcome to Calgary, at the heart of "cowboy" country in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. For the next two nights you will be staying in a comfortable hotel, the Five Calgary. There you will receive your Authentik travel book, with all the details of your adventure including a road map indicating your route, as well as a personalised roadbook, a host of practical tourist information, a toll-free assistance number, vouchers... We wish you a great stay in the great Canadian outdoors!
DAY 2 - CALGARY / THE PRAIRIES / CALGARY
Pick up your vehicle downtown after breakfast. Today you are invited to discover the natural wealth and culture of the famous ''Canadian Prairies''. The vast stretches of arid undulating hills form a striking contrast to the snow-capped Rocky Mountain peaks seen in the distance.
You have two fascinating sites to visit. The first is located where a vast inland sea used to cover what is now the Red Deer River Valley; its climate provided an ideal habitat for dinosaurs. Today this area has the largest concentration of dinosaur fossils in the world. Some 80,000 of these treasures are on exhibit at the gigantic Royal Tyrrell Museum, one of Alberta's major attractions.
Optional activity (276 km return trip)
The Royal Tyrrell Museum
Your second destination is Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, situated where the foothills of the Rocky Mountains meet the great western plains. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is an open-air museum dedicated to the culture of the Blackfoot Indian Nation.
Optional activity (310 km return trip)
Visit the Blackfoot and Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump
DAY 3 - CALGARY / CANMORE (104 Km/1 hr 8 mins)
After breakfast, spend some time exploring Western Canada's booming metropolis of Calgary, well known for its typically "western" but modern ambiance.
Optional activity in Calgary
Olympic Park
Then it is time to set out to explore the famous Rocky Mountains. At the end of the morning, like a scene from a dream, you find yourself in the heart of the majestic Rocky Mountains!
This region, covering more than 22,000 km2, is known throughout the world for its spectacular natural attractions and offers high mountain landscapes of a rare splendour: raging rivers, emerald green and turquoise blue mountain lakes, diverse and omnipresent flora and fauna... All of which will contribute to an unforgettable vacation experience!
You will be spending the night in a Rocky Mountain Lodge studio, about 20 minutes from Banff National Park. In fact, you may wish to make your way to the town of Banff for supper, and to spend the evening enjoying the festive ambience of this famous resort town.
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OPTIONAL STAY IN THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS |
Name of the Outfitter |
Activities |
Destination |
RAFTER SIX RANCH  |
Hiking, horseback riding, swimming, adventure ropes course in the trees, rafting, Rodeo, children's playground, Western Museum, volleyball, etc... |
Canadian Rockies |
DAY 4 - CANMORE / BANFF / JASPER (310 Km/3 hrs 41 mins)
This morning you set out for the Icefields Parkway, considered to be one of the most beautiful roads in the world. This will be a day filled with rare natural splendours that will remain engraved in your memory for a long time to come.
In addition to the grandiose scenery, you may spot several types of wildlife along the way, including black bears, grizzly bears, elk, mountain goats, moose, bighorn sheep, etc... Plan to visit Athabasca Glacier and the Columbia Icefield Interpretive Centre, the focal point of the Icefields Parkway. And stop to contemplate the torrent of plunging water that is Sunwapta Falls, one of the many waterfalls in Jasper created by "hanging" valleys.
Optional activity along the way
Excursion on Columbia Glacier
You will be spending the next three nights at Pocahontas Cabins, in the heart of Jasper National Park.
DAY 5 - JASPER NATIONAL PARK
 You have the whole day to enjoy Jasper National Park! Jasper National Park is the largest and the most northerly of Canada's four Rocky Mountain Parks, which comprise a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fragile and carefully protected ecosystems make up a rugged and mountainous landscape.
Enjoy the most beautiful attractions, including the picturesque Maligne Lake, the spectacular trails of Maligne Canyon and glacier-covered Mount Edith Cavell, the charming village of Jasper where wapiti wander the streets, sunset from the top of Whistler's Mountain, etc...
Another night at Pocahontas Cabins.
DAY 6 - JASPER / WELLS GRAY PARK (319 Km/3 hrs 58 mins)
 This morning, make the most of the stunning nature around you: take some time to simply relax before leaving for Well's Gray Park. You will have a good chance of observing wildlife along the panoramic Yellowhead Highway between Jasper and Mount Robson, especially during the two hours after sunrise.
Weather permitting, stop for a break at the foot of the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, Mount Robson. You can pay a quick visit to the Visitors Centre.
The road leading to Well's Gray Park follows the Fraser River and then the dizzying slopes and torrents of the Thompson River.
At the end of the day, you will have no problem finding your accommodation for the night, Clearwater Lodge***, at the entrance to Well's Gray Park.
DAY 7 - WELLS GRAY PARK / WHISTLER (424 Km/5 hrs 46 mins)
 Today, don't miss your chance to stop and marvel at Helkmen Falls, cascading in a straight fall of 141 metres into an immense canyon; a marvellous photo opportunity.
Your route to the west coast includes the first 170 kilometres
of the historic Cariboo Trail, the famous Gold Rush trail!
Optional activity along the way
Historic Hat Creek Ranch
Next you will tackle the winding road through the Coast Mountains, a vast mountainous region of alpine meadows, luxuriant forests, waterfalls and crystalline lakes. Your route will lead you to a fabulous destination for outdoor adventure and recreation and North America's number one ski resort, Whistler. Whistler will be host to the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. The pedestrian village, with its exceptional setting and distinctive mountain resort architecture, is the heart of the ski resort, vibrant with restaurants, boutiques and terraces. The surrounding valley has five lakes lined with beaches and parks, all linked by hiking trails.
You will spend the night at Crystal Lodge***.
STAY IN AN OUTFITTER BETWEEN WELLS GRAY PARK AND WHISTLER (OPTIONAL) |
Name of the Outfitter |
Activities |
Destination |
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Canoeing, fishing, safari, wildlife observation (black bear, grizzly, moose, deer,...), ATV, mountain biking, gold panning, hiking, horseback riding, archery, horseshoes, volleyball, sauna, Jacuzzi,... |
Gold Bridge,
Cariboo Mountain |
DAY 8 & 9 - WHISTLER / VANCOUVER (124 Km/1 hr 58 mins)
Today you will take the panoramic ''Sea to Sky'' highway to the cosmopolitan city of Vancouver, nestled between the Coast Mountains and the Pacific Ocean.
Optional activity along the way
Capilano Suspension Bridge
Vancouver, Canada's most beautiful metropolis and ranked as one of the best cities in the world to live in, will enchant lovers of culture and nature alike. Go for a walk or take a guided tour of the city on board the Trolley Bus. Nature lovers, don't miss Stanley Park and the Vancouver Aquarium.
Your next two nights will be comfortably spent at the Best Western Sand***.
DAY 10 - VANCOUVER / VICTORIA (69 Km/2 hrs 53 mins)
 This morning you will catch the ferry to the charming city of Victoria. With its attractive 19th century architecture, beautiful gardens and waterfront promenades, Victoria is a lovely port city, easily visited on foot.
At the heart of Victoria, in Beacon Hill Park, you will find lovely gardens and a superb view of the ocean and the mountains of Washington State.
You will be spending the night at the Queen Victoria***.
DAY 11 - VICTORIA / MANNING PARK (254 Km/4 hrs 54 mins)
Today you will return to the mainland and then head inland to Manning Park, near the southern border of British Columbia. Consider stopping off along the way at the famous Butchart Gardens or paying a visit to the art boutiques in the village of Hope.
Optional activity along the way
Butchart Gardens
Once you have settled in at Manning Park Resort***, you are invited to enjoy a superb sunset at the Cascade Lookout. To get there, nothing could be easier: a paved road leads visitors directly to this spectacular viewpoint.
DAY 12 - MANNING PARK / OKANAGAN VALLEY (230 Km/2 hrs 33 mins)
 After one last lingering look at the Coast Mountains, you head for the Okanagan Valley, the warmest region in Canada, a valley lined with fruit trees, vineyards and a large lake. The semi-arid landscape and vineyard areas are unusual; these hills and valleys do not have the shape or colour that we see in southern Europe.
Along the way, you may like to stop at one of the many public beaches that line the shores of Okanagan Lake.
You will spend a comfortable night at the Coast Capri***, in the town of Kelowna, in the heart of this lush valley.
DAY 13 - OKANAGAN VALLEY / REVELSTOKE (202 Km/2 hrs 42 mins)
After a good breakfast, make use of your morning to explore the charming town of Kelowna or the many fruit orchards that everyone talks about. From June to September, you can harvest cherries, peaches, apples, pears and more.
Your next destination, Revelstoke, is known as a real photographers' paradise. Tonight's accommodation is close to Mount Revelstoke National Park; we suggest that you take the road that winds up to the summit of Mount Revelstoke. The view is simply breathtaking! Make your way to Glacier House*** at the end of the day for dinner and a good night's sleep.
DAY 14 - REVELSTOKE / LAKE LOUISE (223 Km/2 hrs 44 mins)
Your first thought when you wake up this morning is to look out of the window and admire the immensity of your surroundings...
 Today you will follow the
Trans-Canada Highway for 219 km, along the most winding stretch of the highway's 7,821 km. After the first few kilometres you will find yourselves in
the heart of Glacier National Park. This park, offering the most rugged landscapes in western Canada, contains more than 400 glaciers. Finding a route for the railway through the mountains was no easy task; we invite you to discover the fascinating and incredible stories at the Rogers Pass Visitors Centre.
 Then you will discover Yoho National Park with its many natural attractions including Emerald Lake and the Takakkaw Falls. "Yoho" is a Cree word expressing awe, inspired by the
park's rock walls, spectacular waterfalls and craggy snow-topped peaks thrusting up to the sky.
And for dessert, visit the famous Lake Louise and Moraine Lake - visions that will mark this day as one of the highlights of your trip. You will be impressed by the sheer magnitude and beauty of your surroundings.
Night at Lake Louise Inn***.
DAY 15 - LAKE LOUISE / CALGARY AIRPORT (201 Km/2 hrs 25 mins)
After breakfast, you return to Calgary. You can use the morning to tour one last attraction. or to do some last-minute shopping in the many boutiques along Stephen Avenue, a fascinating pedestrian mall in the heart of downtown Calgary.
At the airport, you drop off your car and board the plane for your return flight, full of lasting memories of the land of mountains, rivers and glaciers! |
Canada vacation & Weather
