Grizzly Bears of Knight Inlet with Jasper & Banff

Arrive in Vancouver and enjoy a relaxing evening at your airport hotel. The convenient location of your hotel allows for easy transfer to the airport for your early-morning flight the next day. Overnight Vancouver.

This morning, a flight across the Strait of Georgia takes you to Campbell River on Vancouver Island. This coastal destination is an outdoorsman's paradise, with its lush forests, snow-capped mountains and cascading waterfalls. You are transferred to your hotel upon arrival, and then the remainder of the day is yours to enjoy the beauty of nature. You may wish to set out on the local hiking trails or to hit the links at one of the nearby golf courses. Overnight Campbell River.

Take flight once more today, this time by floatplane. Your destination is Knight Inlet, a 62-mile-long fjord located 50 air miles north of Campbell River. The flight takes you past towering mountain peaks and through verdant valleys as you approach your docking point. From here, you are transferred to Knight Inlet Lodge, a floating hotel located in Glendale Cove. Pristine wilderness and British Columbia's largest population of grizzly bears surround the lodge. Enjoy a welcome orientation that introduces you to the wildlife of Knight Inlet and lunch upon arrival, then spend the remainder of the day exploring the lodge's offerings either on land or by water. First up is a cruise through the estuary on a small boat, and the adventures continue with a bear-viewing tour, either by boat from the nearby viewing platforms. The final excursion for the day is a cruise through Knight Inlet, presenting waterfalls, glaciers and remote landscapes. You may also spot some more of the inlet's wildlife while out and about, including whales. Overnight Knight Inlet Lodge.

• Lunch, Dinner

Continue to take in the sheer strength and subtle grace of the local grizzly bears today. All transportation is provided to and from the viewing platforms, and guides accompany you on the outings to provide valuable information. Today's adventures include a wildlife tracking expedition that not only teaches you how to spot and identify tracks but also how to make plaster casts of the prints and an interpretive forest walk through the thick forests of Glendale Cove. You may also wish to embark on a kayaking tour or to set out on another one of the lodge's guided bear tours that take you to the best locales throughout the fjord to spot the local grizzly populations. Overnight Knight Inlet Lodge. 

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Departing the wilderness today, you are transferred back to Campbell River where you board your plane to Vancouver. Make your way to your downtown hotel, and then the remainder of the day is at leisure to explore the city. Vancouver is brimming with incredible neighborhoods, including Gastown, Kitsilano, South Main and Yaletown. Stanley Park is an urban oasis that includes a wonderful walking trail along the Vancouver seawall, a train ride and plenty of organic scenery. The Capilano Suspension Bridge offers the thrill of a lifetime, and there are many amazing museums to peruse, including the Vancouver Aquarium and Science World at TELUS World of Science. Overnight Vancouver.

• Breakfast

Take the morning to continue your sightseeing in Vancouver. There are plenty of quaint cafés and interesting boutiques throughout the city. Later, set out for the trip of a lifetime as you board VIA Rail's Canadian. This overnight train departs from Vancouver's Pacific Central Station and embarks on a breathtaking journey through plains and mountains to Jasper. Passengers enjoy comfortable accommodation in Sleeper Plus class for the duration of the trip. When not in your seat or cabin, depending on your travel preferences, the train's sightseeing lounge is a wonderful place to take in the sights. Overnight train. 

• Dinner

Watch as the passing landscape becomes more mountainous as the train approaches Jasper. As the train pulls into the station, transfer to your hotel and soak in the enchanting atmosphere of the resort town. The day is yours to get acquainted with the local offerings - Jasper Museum is a great place to start. Learn about the history of the region through photographs, displays and artifacts from years long past. You may also wish to hike in Jasper National Park, visit one of the surrounding lakes or explore the offerings of the town, such as the Jasper SkyTram, which offers amazing views of Jasper and the surrounding national park. Overnight Jasper. 

• Breakfast

A unique perspective of Jasper National Park is on the horizon today as you set out on a rafting excursion. Approximately 10 miles in duration, this rafting trip travels on the calm waters of the Athabasca River. Small sets of rapids add thrill to the gentle flow of the river during the 2 1/2-mile trip. Evergreen trees frame the river, and the distant mountain views are truly inspiring. A knowledgeable guide accompanies you on the specially designed raft, which offers a safe and comfortable ride that any first-time rafter will enjoy. Interesting anecdotes and facts about Jasper National Park and its flora and fauna complement the memorable ride. As you return to Jasper this afternoon, enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. Overnight Jasper.

From one amazing national park to another, enjoy a scenic drive from Jasper National Park to Banff National Park. Glaciers and endless mountain vistas unfold as you travel through the rugged landscape. The first stop along the way is Athabasca Falls, which is one of the most impressive waterfalls in the Canadian Rockies. Marvel at the crystal-blue water of the Athabasca River bursting through the narrow gorge walls. Continuing, the Columbia Icefield and Athabasca Glacier are the next points of interest. Disembark the motorcoach at Columbia Icefield and board an Ice Explorer for a tour of Athabasca Glacier. These amazing all-wheel-drive vehicles are specially designed for travel on ice and take you right up on the glacier. With towering peaks surrounding and clear blue skies above, the views are unbelievable. The Glacier Skywalk is also included during this excursion. Back on your motorcoach, enjoy picture stops at the Weeping Wall, Peyto Lake and Crowfoot Glacier before making a brief stop at Lake Louise to see its turquoise waters and stunning chateaux. The journey continues along the Trans-Canada Highway to Banff, where upon arrival, the remainder of the day is yours at leisure. A boxed lunch is included during the drive for convenience. Overnight Banff.

• Lunch

There is much to see during your free time in Banff this morning. Perhaps visit the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies, where the history of Banff National Park comes to life through stunning works of art and interesting artifacts. Cave and Basin National Historic Site, Bow Falls and Banff Upper Hot Springs are other beloved attractions. Banff Gondola is one of the best ways to take in the regional splendor.

This afternoon, enjoy a tour along Bow Valley Parkway and take in stunning mountains and glacier-fed lakes bathed in the afternoon glow. The tour makes an early dinner stop at a beautiful log cabin restaurant at Baker Creek Mountain Resort before continuing to Lake Louise. You have plenty of time to walk the shores of this iconic body of water or to set out on an interpretive walk with a local guide. From Lake Louise, the final stop is Lake Moraine, a site so iconic it was once featured on the Canadian 20-dollar bill. Its blue-green waters and surrounding mountains and glacier views are incredible. You may choose to take a guided walk to a scenic lookout or explore the shores on your own. During your return drive, soak in the glory of the mountains in the evening light. Overnight Banff. 

• Dinner

Your time in Canada comes to a close as you check out of your hotel this morning. A transfer to Calgary International Airport is included for flights departing after 1 p.m.