First Passage to the West Highlights and Vancouver Island

Tour Itinerary:

Day 1: Vancouver

Arrive and spend time on your own exploring Vancouver, a cosmopolitan city on the edge of nature. Included is admission to the Vancouver Lookout. Overnight in Vancouver

Day 2: Vancouver to Victoria

Today depart by luxury catamaran from Vancouver Harbour to British Columbia’s garden capital city, Victoria. Among the highlights are a scenic 3.5 hour cruise through the picturesque Gulf Islands, and a visit to Victoria’s Inner Harbour. Light breakfast is included on the catamaran. Overnight in Victoria.

Day 3: Victoria

Travel by motorcoach on a scenic drive to Victoria’s premier attraction, Butchart Gardens. You’ll be enchanted by the beautiful sights and scents of this 55-acre floral garden and discover why it’s been designated a National Historic Site of Canada. In the afternoon, return at your leisure by motorcoach to Victoria, where you are free to explore on your own. Overnight in Victoria.

Day 4: Victoria to Vancouver

Travel by motorcoach on a scenic drive to Victoria’s premier attraction, Butchart Gardens. You’ll be enchanted by the beautiful sights and scents of this 55-acre floral garden and discover why it’s been designated a National Historic Site of Canada. In the afternoon, return at your leisure by motorcoach to Victoria, where you are free to explore on your own. Overnight in Victoria.

Day 5: Vancouver

Explore Vancouver and enjoy your choice of one of four activities: a sightseeing tour of Vancouver’s spectacular North Shore, a guided bicycle tour of Vancouver’s highlights, a small-group culinary walking tour at Granville Island market, or a Sea Safari zodiac boat tour along the Howe Sound coast. Overnight in Vancouver.

Day 6: Vancouver to Kamloops

Board Rocky Mountaineer and journey through the farmlands of the Fraser Valley. From fertile greenery the landscape transforms to the towering peaks of the Coast Mountains. You’ll see the mighty Fraser River and the raging white waters of Hell’s Gate. Then, the landscape undergoes another transformation and you’ll find yourself amid scrub brush and desert. Your day concludes as the Rocky Mountaineer travels along the shores of Kamloops Lake into the city of Kamloops, where you will overnight at a hotel.

Day 7 : Kamloops to Banff

Today your venture into the heart of the Rocky mountains begins in earnest. Continuing east along the South Thompson River, you’ll witness historic Craigellachie. This spot marks where the Last Spike was driven home on the Canadian Pacific Railway line, uniting the nation. You’ll gaze in wonder at cascading waterfalls, and icy glaciers spilling over the lips of the peaks above, on your way to the charming alpine town of Banff and the brilliant waters of Lake Louise. All of this rugged wilderness is yours to embrace from the comfort of your luxurious Rocky Mountaineer coach. Your rail journey ends this evening in the resort town of Banff. Overnight in Banff.

Day 8: Lake Louise

A half-day tour takes you from Banff into Yoho National Park to view some of its natural wonders. Among the attractions are the Spiral Tunnels, Emerald Lake and a natural rock bridge spanning the Kicking Horse River. In the afternoon, you will return to Banff in a motor coach transfer. Overnight in Banff.

Day 9: Banff to Calgary

Begin the morning with a motorcoach sightseeing tour of Banff. Among the points of interest are Bow Falls, Surprise Corner, and the Hoodoos. A ride on the Banff Gondola is included. Continue on to Kananaskis for a 12-minute Panoramic Helicopter Tour over the remarkable landscape of the Rockies, before your transfer to Calgary. Admission to the Calgary Tower is included. Overnight in Calgary.

Day 10: Calgary

Your First Passage to the West Highlights journey ends with checkout from your Calgary hotel.