Canada Rockies Guided Tour

Sample Itinerary of Canada Rockies Guided Tour

Travel across the Canadian Rockies with our Canada Rockies Guided Tour, showcasing the majestic landscapes of one of the Canadian Rockies! This Canada Escorted Tour will take you through iconic destinations like Banff National Park, the Columbia Icefield, Vancouver, and even on an Alaskan Cruise through the Inside Passage. Experience the perfect blend of natural beauty, historic charm, and thrilling activities on this once-in-a-lifetime Guided Tour across the Canadian Rockies.

Day 1–2: Calgary

Your stay begins at the elegant Fairmont Palliser, where breakfast is included each morning.

• Highlights of Calgary:
  • Stay at the iconic Fairmont Palliser
  • Enjoy a breakfast each morning at the hotel

Day 3-4: Calgary to Banff National Park / Canmore

Start the day with breakfast alongside your fellow travelers, and get to know your tour group, followed by a guided tour of Calgary’s highlights. See modern and historic sites, including the Calgary Tower, Fort Calgary, and the towering skyscrapers of the city centre. As you leave Calgary, you'll be heading for the stunning Rocky Mountains. Travel through the scenic foothills and enter the breathtaking landscapes of Banff National Park, surrounded by majestic snow-covered peaks, shimmering glaciers, and emerald-green lakes. Spend the next two nights in Canmore.

• Highlights of Calgary & Banff National Park:
  • Calgary Tower: panoramic views of the city and beyond
  • Fort Calgary: explore Calgary’s historical roots
  • City Centre: the blend of modern skyscrapers and historical architecture
  • Explore Banff Springs Hotel: Step into a fairytale with stunning architecture and breathtaking views of the Canadian Rockies.
  • Visit Bow Falls: Marvel at the powerful cascade of water as it crashes into the Bow River, set amid Banff’s pristine wilderness.
  • See Tunnel Mountain: Hike or drive to the summit for panoramic vistas of Banff townsite, the Bow Valley, and surrounding peaks.
  • Visit the Columbia Icefield: Experience Lake Louise and drive the Icefields Parkway. Board an Ice Explorer for a thrilling journey onto the ancient Athabasca Glacier.

Meals: Canadian breakfast included each morning

Day 5: Canmore to Kamloops

Travel along the legendary Trans-Canada Highway, tracing routes once carved out by fur traders and railway pioneers of the 1800s. Cross the dramatic Kicking Horse Pass into British Columbia's Yoho National Park, where you’ll be treated to a spectacular parade of icefields, canyons, dense forests, and glacial streams. The journey continues through Glacier National Park and the rugged Monashee and Selkirk mountain ranges, arriving in Kamloops for an overnight stay.

• Highlights of the Journey:
  • Kicking Horse Pass: majestic views and alpine terrain
  • Yoho National Park: icefields, canyons, and glacial streams
  • Glacier National Park: home to rugged mountain ranges and historic landmarks
  • Monashee and Selkirk Ranges: dramatic mountain scenery

Meals: Continental breakfast included

Day 6: Kamloops to Whistler

Witness a dramatic change in scenery as you travel from the expansive ranchlands to the towering coastal mountains. Why not enjoy an optional floatplane tour over Garibaldi Park, showcasing its volcanic peaks, alpine lakes, and lush meadows. Spend the rest of the day exploring Whistler at your own pace.

• Highlights of the Journey:
  • Ranchlands to Coastal Mountains: a dramatic change in landscape from dry ranchlands to lush coastal beauty
  • Optional Floatplane Tour: spectacular aerial views of Garibaldi Park, volcanic peaks, and alpine lakes
  • Whistler Village: vibrant mountain village with a range of activities

Meals: Continental breakfast included, overnight in Whistler

Day 7: Whistler to Vancouver

Drive along the stunning Sea-to-Sky Highway, offering breathtaking views of rugged fjords and glaciated mountain peaks. Arrive in Vancouver and embark on a city sightseeing tour, where highlights include Stanley Park, Prospect Point, English Bay, historic Gastown, and bustling Chinatown. The afternoon is yours to further explore the fun coastal city.

• Highlights of Vancouver:
  • Sea-to-Sky Highway: awe-inspiring coastal drive with views of fjords and mountains
  • Stanley Park: iconic park with lush gardens and scenic views
  • Prospect Point: spectacular vantage point overlooking Vancouver
  • English Bay: popular beach and scenic waterfront
  • Historic Gastown: cobblestone streets and vibrant restaurants
  • Chinatown: the cultural heart of Vancouver

Meals: Continental breakfast included, overnight in Vancouver

Day 8: Vancouver

Spend the day at leisure, with the scenic Coast Mountains and Pacific Ocean as your backdrop. Shop on Robson Street, relax in Stanley Park, or wander the markets of Granville Island. Alternatively, join an optional full-day excursion to Victoria, the provincial capital. This tour includes a visit to the renowned Butchart Gardens, set in a beautifully reclaimed quarry. Return to Vancouver for the night.

• Highlights of Vancouver:
  • Robson Street: a bustling shopping district with a range of shops
  • Stanley Park: explore the park’s trails, gardens, and beaches
  • Granville Island: local markets, unique shops, and restaurants
  • Optional Victoria Excursion: ferry ride to Victoria, home to Butchart Gardens
  • Butchart Gardens: beautifully landscaped gardens set in a reclaimed quarry

Meals: Canadian breakfast included, overnight in Vancouver

Day 9: Vancouver / Alaskan Cruise

After checking out of your hotel, you’ll transfer to Vancouver’s cruise terminal to board Holland America’s Koningsdam. Explore the ship’s many amenities as it sets sail on one of the world’s most stunning waterways. Enjoy dinner and your first overnight on board the ship.

• Highlights of the Day:
  • Explore the ship's amenities: enjoy pools, spas, and entertainment
  • Sail through the Inside Passage: one of the most beautiful cruising routes in the world

Meals: Breakfast and dinner included, overnight on the Koningsdam

Day 10: Inside Passage Cruise

Your first full day of cruising takes you through the awe-inspiring Inside Passage. Feast your eyes on dramatic rainforests, glaciers, fjords, and mountain peaks. Keep watch for whales, sea lions, and marine birds along the way.

• Highlights of the Inside Passage:
  • Rainforests, glaciers, and fjords: dramatic coastal beauty
  • Wildlife viewing: keep an eye out for whales, sea lions, and marine birds

Meals: Full board included, overnight on the Koningsdam

Day 11: Tracy Arm Inlet / Juneau

Sail through the winding Stephens Passage to Tracy Arm Fjord, where lush rainforests meet towering peaks and end at the spectacular twin Sawyer Glaciers. Later, arrive in Juneau, Alaska's capital, where frontier culture and natural beauty collide.

• Highlights of Tracy Arm & Juneau:
  • Tracy Arm Fjord: towering glaciers and dramatic scenery
  • Juneau: Alaska’s capital with rich frontier history

Meals: Full board included, overnight on the Koningsdam

Day 12: Skagway

Step back in time as you explore Skagway, a historic town that was a key stopover during the Klondike Gold Rush. Highlights include the antique White Pass & Yukon Railway, the lively Red Onion Saloon, and the preserved buildings of the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park.

• Highlights of Skagway:
  • White Pass & Yukon Railway: an antique railway through stunning landscapes
  • Red Onion Saloon: a lively historical bar
  • Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park: preserved gold rush-era buildings

Meals: Full board included, overnight on the Koningsdam

Day 13: Glacier Bay

Spend the day cruising Glacier Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a haven for calving tidewater glaciers. Witness monumental chunks of ice plunging into the sea, creating a spectacular natural show.

• Highlights of Glacier Bay:
  • Calving glaciers: monumental ice chunks crashing into the sea
  • UNESCO World Heritage Site: one of the most stunning natural wonders

Meals: Full board included, overnight on the Koningsdam

Day 14: Ketchikan

Arrive in the charming port town of Ketchikan, known as the "Salmon Capital of the World." Discover its unique boardwalks, Creek Street, and nearby cultural landmarks such as Totem Bight State Park and Saxman Village.

• Highlights of Ketchikan:
  • Creek Street: historic boardwalk lined with shops
  • Totem Bight State Park: cultural heritage with totem poles
  • Saxman Village: home to Alaska’s indigenous culture

Meals: Full board included, overnight on the Koningsdam

Day 15: Inside Passage

Retrace your journey along the Alaskan and British Columbia coastlines. Watch as the scenery gradually transitions into the temperate landscapes of the Pacific Northwest.

• Highlights of the Inside Passage:
  • Coastal scenery: majestic landscapes of Alaska and British Columbia
  • Transitioning landscapes: from rugged coastlines to temperate forests

Meals: Full board included, overnight on the Koningsdam

Day 16: End of Tour

Arrive in Vancouver early this morning and disembark the Koningsdam. Make your way to Vancouver International Airport for your return flight.

Meals: Breakfast included.

Get in touch today to book your Canada Rockies Guided Tour and enjoy an amazing trip full of dramatic scenery, amazing excursions and the chance to create life-long memories. 

All our holidays are tailor-made and can be adapted by changing hotels durations and destinations to suit the individuals tastes and requirements – please do get in touch so we can start planning.