3 weeks in Canada
Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Vancouver
Today you’ll arrive in the bustling city. Jump in a taxi and you will shortly reach your comfortable, centrally located hotel in downtown Vancouver, near Robson Street and Stanley Park. You’ll be close to the many shops and cosy restaurants, perfect for a bite to eat. You’ll be close to the waterfront, where you can take an evening stroll to see the city lights sparkle next to the sea. If you’d rather stay in our boutique hotel, just let us know!
Day 2 – Free time in Vancouver
Today it’s time to enjoy the delights of the city, and we’ve arranged a bike ride with a local guide to show you the sights of Stanley Park. Cruise along the sea wall, taking in the stunning views across the water and admire the First Nations Totem Poles. The rest of the day is yours to spend as you wish – you could explore Granville Island, a peninsula of old warehouses, now a hub for cafes, restaurants and artist studios.
Day 3 – Vancouver – Tofino/Ucluelet
Today, you’ll make your own way to the airport in Vancouver to collect your rental car. Next, you’ll board the ferry from Tswwassen to Nanaimo to arrive at Pacific Rim National Park, on the Vancouver Island coast. You’ll stay in either Tofino or Ucluelet depending on your preferences and availability – your Travel Specialist will discuss this with you.
Day 4 – In search of black bears
This morning, you’ll travel to Clayoquot Sound, where black bears go scavenging for food at low tide on the beach. You’ll take a ride in a ‘Zodiac’, a large dinghy, along the waterline of the fjords. Pack your binoculars so you can watch the bears close up. It can get pretty cold on the boat, so you’ll be provided with a warm suit with a built-in life jacket. After around 2.5 hours, you’ll arrive back at Tofino port.
Day 5 – Tofino – Quadra Island
Today, you’ll travel to Campbell River, where you’ll take a short ferry ride over to Quadra Island. Quadra is a charming island, with a nature reserve just waiting to be explored. If you’re active, then there’s plenty on offer for you! Walk along the coast or through the woods, and enjoy the impressive views. Quadra is also known for its rocks, islands and marine animals, so head out and delve into the great wilderness.
Day 6 – Free time and sunset kayaking
Spend the day exploring the nature reserve before embarking on a special excursion this evening; sea kayaking at sunset. You’ll get a beginners lesson in kayaking and just before sunset set sail (under supervision) to the small rock islands. This is a great spot for observing sea lions, as they’re often here lying on their backs, enjoying the last rays of sunshine!
Day 7 – Quadra Island – Telegraph Cove
Today you’ll drive along winding roads through dense forests to the north of Vancouver Island. The road no longer runs along the coast, but inland through the mountains, and you’ll soon realise how sparsely populated this area is. There are fewer people, and more trees, rivers and lakes. Your destination will be either Telegraph Cove or Port McNeill, two tiny fishing villages on the Johnstone Strait, the favourite summer resort of Killer Whales.
You’ll stay in either of these typical Canadian fishing villages, where we’ve hand-selected several lodges in the middle of nature or dotted along the river. The rooms are comfortable and overlook the forest or water.
Day 8 – Orca & whale watching
In the morning you’ll drive from your lodge to the centre of Telegraph Cove for your whale watching experience. It’s a typical ‘boardwalk’ village, full of colourful wooden houses on stilts, located on a small bay. There are only a few places in Canada where the atmosphere of an authentic fishing village really reigns. In the harbour, there’s a cosy café where you can sit on the terrace and enjoy fresh fish & chips, or the local fish soup.
Before boarding, head to the ‘Whale Interpretive Center’ to see the impressive skeletons of dolphins, seals and whales. On board, the skipper will give a brief introduction to the Orcas and other inhabitants of the blue waters of the Johnstone Strait. The chances of seeing Orcas here is about 90%! All fishing boats are required to stay at least 100m away, though sometimes the Orcas do swim up and suddenly emerge. If the whales are close, an underwater microphone is hung in the water, so you can hear their melodies for yourself.
In the afternoon, you’ll continue to Port Hardy where you will stay overnight, ready for your ferry the following morning. Your accommodation is simple, but decorated with traditional First Nation touches and located in the centre of town, so you can explore the small fishing village and ferry port.
The best time to see whales on the Johnstone Strait is from July 1st to September 30th.
Day 9 – From Port Hardy to Prince Rupert
This morning, it’s an early start as you’ll be catching the ferry at around 7:30am. You will be heading through the Inside Passage, travelling along the coast to near the Alaskan border, passing fjords and snow-capped mountains. Along the route you will see scattered lighthouses, fishing huts and cargo ships as you cruise along the still waters. Enjoy a beautiful sunset as the landscape is blanketed in a warm red glow, before arriving into Price Rupert at around 10:30pm, where you’ll collect your hire car and drive to your hotel.
Day 10 – From Prince Rupert to Stewart
After the long ferry ride, today you can start the day slow and enjoy a delicious breakfast before heading to Stewart at your own pace. Stewart is a small town right on the border with Alaska, with the Alaskan town of Hyder being just a few minutes drive away. You will travel along the Glacier Highway, one of British Colombia’s most spectacular drives. Passing between towering mountains, with waterfalls tumbling down steep cliffs, you’ll reach Bear Glacier, where you will be met with vibrant blue ice spills down towards the lake, surrounded by lush green forest. In Stewart, you will stay in a charming lodge that’s full of quirky, rustic character, with it’s own Latin-inspired restaurant just across the street, serving up delicious meals throughout the day.
Day 11 – Free time in Stewart/Visit Hyder, Alaska
Today you can chose to spend your time as you wish. You could pop over the border into Alaska, and visit the secluded town of Hyder, where just 48 people live among a scattering of rustic buildings, surrounded by vast wilderness. During the summer months, Fish Creek, just north of town, is a popular spot to watch grizzly and black bears fishing for salmon in the river. Enjoy soaking in the views at the incredible viewpoints overlooking the dramatic Salmon Glacier snaking through the valley with jagged mountain peaks rising up on either side. Head back to Stewart and spend the evening strolling along the quiet estuary boardwalk, catching glimpses of eagles soaring overhead and a chance to spot otters playing in the water.
Day 12 – From Stewart to Smithers
This morning, after a hearty breakfast, you will set off along the ‘Totem Pole Route’, travelling through the south of British Colombia. Along the route you’ll pass many Indigenous totem poles carved by First Nations communities, each with a story from past generations. Soon, you’ll arrive at a scenic lookout over Moricetown Canyon, where the Bulkley River flows through a narrow gorge carved into the rock. During the salmon run (July – September), local fishermen can be seen standing on wooden platforms above the river, using nets to catch fish as they swim upstream, a traditional technique passed down through generations. Your destination for today is Smithers, also known as ‘Little Switzerland’, as its surrounded by lush mountains and strong German and Swiss heritage. A beautiful alpine-lodge awaits for your overnight stay, where you’ll enjoy unbeatable mountain views.
Day 13 – From Smithers to Prince George
Today, you’ll continue on towards Prince George, crossing narrow wooden bridges and passing abandoned train tracks through small towns surrounded by forest. On the way, you can stop at Fort St. James, if you’re interested in Canadian history and beautiful lake views. This was once a trading post for Hudson Bay Company fur trappers, and you can step inside authentic wooden buildings filled with wrought-iron cooking stoves, antique gas lamps, and dried racoon hide. On arrival in Prince George, you will stay in a modern hotel with two on-site restaurants and an indoor pool to relax in.
Day 14 – From Prince George to Wells Gray Provincial Park
Your next stop on this 3 week Western Canada adventure is Wells Gray Provincial Park – a beautifully wild landscape filled with cascading waterfalls, flowing rivers and forest trails. On the way, you’ll pass through deciduous forests, vast farmland and laid-back mountain towns, spotting wildlife such as black bears, moose, deer and birds of prey soaring overhead. After around 6.5 hours you will reach Wells Gray Park, near Clearwater, where you’ll stay in a traditional, family owned ranch, surrounded by forest, meadows, and the sounds of the Canadian wilderness.
Day 15 – Wells Gray Provincial Park
After a hearty breakfast, it’s time to head to Clearwater River for your morning rafting experience. After being kitted out with a wetsuit, helmet and lifejacket, your guide will give you a safety briefing before you hit the water. Alongside a small group, you will tackle the rapids, do some cliff jumping, swim in the river and visit one of the cascading waterfalls. After drying off, the rest of the day is free for you to spend as you wish. Visit the impressive Helmcken Falls (the highest waterfall in Canada) or explore the park on foot, by canoe or even by horse-back, with plenty of wildlife spotting opportunities including grizzly and black bears, moose, elk and even wolves.
Day 16 – Rambling in the Rockies – Jasper
If you’re travelling to Jasper from Wells Gray, you’ll pass the huge Mount Robson – the highest mountain in Canada at nearly 4000m. As you drive along you’ll notice the vegetation becoming thinner, and more and more pine and fir trees begin to appear. Soon enough you’ll be approaching Jasper, in the heart of the famous Rockies. We’ve booked you into a cozy lodge near the Athabasca River, in the perfect spot from which to explore the park.
Day 17 – Explore the National Park
After an epic sunrise over the mountains, you’ll be ready to explore with your group and guide. Heading out to see glassy lakes and the impressive peaks, your guide will show you the best spots for the perfect shot as you keep your eyes peeled for the wildlife that call this stunning place home.
We highly recommend the Maligne Canyon, where a meltwater river flows through a steep gorge, and also the Maligne Lake, which is at the foot of the biggest glacier in the Rockies. Nearby, you’ll also find one of the most picture-perfect scenes in the area at Pyramid Lake, where the mountains rise up in the background to be perfectly reflected in the serene lake. The rest of the day is yours to spend as you wish so take a hike along one of the many trails or spend some time exploring the bustling town of Jasper.
Day 18 – Along the Icefields Parkway to the glacier
This morning you’ll set off from Jasper and head south along the spectacular Icefields Parkway towards the Athabasca Glacier, where your glacier hike will take place later in the morning. It’s usually around a 45-minute drive, but you might find yourself stopping to take in the scenery; the road weaves past some pretty epic views! You can take the main Highway 93, but 93A ends up in the same place and offers fewer tourists and a more intimate experience. Once you reach the foot of the glacier, you’ll join a group of around 14 along with an experienced local guide.
Glacier hike
Crampons, hats and gloves will be handed out before you set out on a 3-hour hike through the frozen landscape of the glacier, where you’ll pass ice-caves, deep crevasses, and crystal clear meltwater streams. After an initial climb the route is largely flat, but you’ll need a moderate level of fitness….it’s also pretty cold (obviously!), although the walking should keep you warm, and the experience makes it well worth putting up with a little chilliness.
After your glacier tour finishes, you’ll head to your motel at Saskatchewan River Crossing, around 100 miles away. There’s nothing else booked today, so you can take your time and find some nice spots to stop and enjoy the views. The motel is fairly simple and functional, but the location makes it a really special place to spend the night.
Day 19 – Arrival in Banff
As with much of Canada, the journey is an experience rather than a chore. Most people travel here via the spectacular Icefields Parkway, which winds between the Rocky peaks and offers some jaw-dropping photo opportunities. You may find the journey taking a little longer than planned! Once you arrive in Banff you can settle into your central lodge and explore the bustling town. You’ll find some really good options for eating and drinking here and spectacular scenery at every turn!
Day 20 – Explore the lakes & peaks of Banff
This morning you can head out to the famous Lake Louise and nearby Moraine Lake. Take a walk around the lakes, ride the gondola for some impressive views or pitch up for a picnic next to the impossibly blue waters. There are plenty of walking trails to try out and restaurants for a tasty meal, as well as an interesting museum where you can learn about Canada’s indigenous people. If you fancy some time relaxing then a visit to the Upper Hot Springs is a must, with its mineral waters drawn from deep within Sulphur Mountain.
Day 21 – Drive to Calgary and departure from Canada
Today, you’ll drive around two hours to Calgary where you’ll drop off your rental car and catch your international flight home after exploring western Canada. If you want to extend any of your stays we can arrange this for you.
Accommodation
