Day 1 Vancouver
Arrive in Vancouver and spend time exploring this scenic city on your own. Overnight in Vancouver.
Day 2 Vancouver to Long Beach Lodge
Depart Vancouver this morning by motorcoach and ferry to Long Beach Lodge in Tofino, a beautiful community near the entrance to Clayoquot Sound on the west coast of Vancouver Island. Long Beach Lodge is located just minutes by road from Tofino, and is a luxurious resort perched on the edge of Cox Bay, the most beautiful beach on Vancouver Island. Set amongst towering trees, and taking full advantage of the rugged coastline and long sandy beach, the cedar-shingled lodge offers first-class service in a relaxed, informal setting. The warm and welcoming interiors utilize natural colors, fabrics, and textures, and local art is featured throughout the hotel. The Resort's dining room is a relaxed informal space, featuring dramatic presentations of gourmet West Coast cuisine. The Great Room with its massive granite fireplace and exposed Douglas fir post and beam construction is the central focus - a place where you can sink into an overstuffed chair, put your feet up, and gaze out to the crashing surf and lighthouse beyond. Overnight at Long Beach Lodge.
Day 3 Long Beach Lodge
Today includes a full-day marine excursion to the north end of Clayoquot Sound, where a short boardwalk trail will take you to natural hot springs where you can enjoy a truly magical soak. Whales are frequently sighted during the journey, and marine stops may include a sea cave, black bear viewing, an eagle's nest and a seabird nesting island. Your journey will be made by Zodiac and appropriate clothing will be provided. Overnight at Long Beach Lodge.
Day 4 Long Beach Lodge
Search for the black bears of British Columbia and other local wildlife on a guided quiet-water excursion along fjord inlets and into beautiful sheltered bays in Clayoquot Sound. From the comfort and safety of a 24-foot Zodiac vessel, you can observe wildlife on shore feeding on crunchy crabs, clams and barnacles. Overnight at Long Beach Lodge.
Day 5 Long Beach Lodge to Vancouver
Following check-out from Long Beach Lodge this morning, travel by motorcoach and ferry back to Vancouver. Overnight in Vancouver.
Day 6 Vancouver to Kamloops
Travel onboard the Rocky Mountaineer from the coastal city of Vancouver to Kamloops, in the heart of British Columbia's interior. On today's journey you will see dramatic changes in scenery, from the lush green fields of the Fraser River valley, through forests and winding river canyons surrounded by the peaks of the Coast and Cascade mountains, to the desert-like environment of the interior. Highlights include the rushing waters of Hell's Gate in the Fraser Canyon and the steep slopes and rock sheds along the Thompson River. Your day concludes as the Rocky Mountaineer travels along the shores of Kamloops Lake and into Kamloops. Overnight in Kamloops.
Day 7 Kamloops to Calgary
Your journey continues eastwards to the mighty Canadian Rockies and the province of Alberta. Once again you will see a spectacular array of scenery as you travel across ranchlands, along rocky lakeshores, over high mountain passes and through the remarkable tunnels that form part of the rich rail history of the Canadian Rockies. Today's highlights include Craigellachie, where the last spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway was driven, the climb over Rogers Pass, the Kicking Horse Canyon, the Spiral Tunnels and, of course, the glaciers and snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies. After a brief stop in Banff, hors d'oeuvres will be served as you continue on to the "Stampede City" of Calgary. Overnight in Calgary.
Day 8 Calgary
Your vacation ends with check-out from your Calgary hotel.
Hightlights
