Western Canada with Inside Passage & Calgary Stampede
Western Canada with Inside Passage & Calgary Stampede
Western Canada with Inside Passage & Calgary Stampede
16 Days
Visiting: Vancouver, Victoria, Chemainus, Port Hardy, Inside Passage, Prince Rupert, The Skeena Bar, Smithers, Prince George, Mount Robson, Jasper National Park Of Canada, Athabasca Glacier, Lake Louise, Banff National Park, Calgary, Stampede grounds, Calgary Stampede, North America
Tour operator:
Tour code:
8385-2024
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Take a fantastic adventure on this affordable guided vacation in Canada. Begin in Vancouver with a tour of the city, including Stanley Park, Chinatown, the harbour, beaches, and more. Cross the Strait of Georgia by ferry to Vancouver Island for sightseeing, including Butchart Gardens. Spend a free day in Victoria as you please—from whale watching to afternoon tea. Embark on your Inside Passage cruise from Port Hardy at the northern end of the island. Cruise through spectacular scenery to see mountains, waterfalls, islands, and rainforests. Watch for sea lions, eagles, porpoises, and orcas! Disembark your ship for two overnights in the historic fishing village of Prince Rupert. Take a guided tour of British Columbia’s oldest cannery village. Board your VIA Rail train through the mountains, following the mighty Skeena River through the Pacific Coast Rainforest. Retrace the ancient steps of the First Nations and fur trading routes while keeping watch for eagles, bears, and moose. Ascend the Canadian Rockies peaks to the highest, 12,972 ft. Mount Robson. In Jasper, take in the unspoiled beauty with an optional excursion to Maligne Lake and Spirit Island, or to hike, shop, or relax. Coming down the western slopes of Alberta, you’ll roam the 750-foot-thick Columbia Icefield in the all-terrain Ice Explorer. Take in the crystal blue waters of Lake Louise reflecting the surrounding peaks and glaciers. Witness more gorges, snowy peaks, and alpine lakes of green and blue as you approach Banff National Park. Explore the park with hiking, boating, horseback riding, or join us for an optional helicopter tour of the Canadian Rockies. Continue your adventure with “the greatest outdoor show on Earth,” the Calgary Stampede! This celebration of the Old West brings to life frontier days with entertainment and exhibits, great food, world-famous Chuckwagon horse races, and the Calgary Stampede Rodeo. This amazing value tour is jam-packed with beauty and adventure that’s not to be missed.
Itinerary
Day 1 : Vancouver Area
Location: Vancouver
Welcome to Vancouver! Your Tour Director is on hand late this afternoon to answer any questions.
Day 2 : Vancouver Area
Location: Vancouver
This morning, an included city tour highlights Stanley Park, Chinatown, the harbour, and beaches, and more. The rest of the day is at leisure, and your Tour Director will have suggestions for your further exploration of the city. Maybe take a water taxi to lively Granville Island with its outdoor markets, street musicians, and waterfront cafés, or visit historic Gastown with its steam-powered clock, antique shops, art galleries, and street vendors.
Day 3 : Vancouver Area–Ferry Crossing–Victoria
Location: Vancouver, Vancouver, Victoria
This morning, set sail across the Strait of Georgia through the spectacular Gulf Islands, an area known for its Mediterranean-like climate. Afternoon sightseeing in Victoria includes world-famous Butchart Gardens, Bastion Square, and Thunderbird Park with its unusual collection of totem poles.
Day 4 : Victoria
Location: Victoria
Be sure to discover some of the attractions this splendid city has to offer, including the Royal British Columbia Museum, afternoon tea at the Empress Hotel, a whale-watching cruise on the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and shopping along Government Street.
Day 5 : Victoria–Chemainus–Port Hardy
Location: Victoria, Chemainus, Port Hardy
An early departure from Victoria follows the eastern coastline of Vancouver Island, stopping in Chemainus, the unique village with more than 30 murals depicting pioneer settlement of the area. Then, it’s through the port of Campbell River, the “Salmon Capital of the World.”
Day 6 : Port Hardy–Inside Passage Cruise–Prince Rupert
Location: Port Hardy, Inside Passage, Prince Rupert
Early this morning, embark on one of the world’s most beautiful ocean voyages. The scenery is spectacular, with towering mountains, roaring waterfalls, endless islands, and virgin rainforests. Marine life abounds, often with sightings of sea lions, eagles, and porpoises—you may even spot a killer whale! Late-evening arrival in Prince Rupert.NOTE:Cruising time through the Inside Passage is approximately 16 hours. Please come prepared with all medications, eyeglasses, and any other items you will need.
Day 7 : Prince Rupert
Location: Prince Rupert
Enjoy an orientation tour of Prince Rupert, and visit the North Pacific Historic Fishing Village, a National Historic Site, for a guided tour of British Columbia’s oldest cannery village. Learn of the canning process and what life was like in the village during peak production in the last century.
Day 8 : Prince Rupert–Via Rail The Skeena–Smithers–Prince George
Location: Prince Rupert, The Skeena Bar, Smithers, Prince George
This morning, board VIA Rail’s Skeena train for the trip of a lifetime. Sit back and enjoy an all-daylight journey that winds its way through the majestic Coast Mountains, follows the mighty Skeena River—often referred to as the “River of Mists.” Retrace the steps of the ancient First Nations trading routes and follow the paths of the earliest fur traders. Soaring bald eagles, inquisitive black bears, browsing moose, and other wildlife may be spotted. Disembarking in Smithers, you’ll continue to Prince George for an overnight stay in British Columbia’s “Northern Capital.”NOTE:Train travel is subject to unforeseen delays.
Day 9 : Prince George–Mount Robson–Jasper National Park
Location: Prince George, Mount Robson, Jasper National Park Of Canada
As we continue onward to Jasper National Park, the peak elevations grow, culminating with Mount Robson, the highest of Canada’s Rockies at almost 13,000 feet. In Jasper, an orientation tour showcases the area’s unspoiled beauty. Overnight in Jasper National Park.
Day 10 : Jasper National Park
Location: Jasper National Park Of Canada
Today, join the optional excursion to Maligne Lake and Spirit Island, where you embark on a narrated cruise of the lake. The balance of the day is free to enjoy everything Jasper has to offer, from guided hikes and quaint shops to meandering wildlife.
Day 11 : Jasper National Park–Columbia Icefield–Lake Louise–Banff National Park
Location: Jasper National Park Of Canada, Athabasca Glacier, Lake Louise, Banff National Park
Winding our way down the western fringe of Alberta, our journey takes us through some of the Canadian Rockies’ most breathtaking wilderness. Our first highlight is a stop at the Columbia Icefield to experience the Ice Explorer, an all-terrain vehicle that travels on ice measuring 750 feet thick. As we journey south, precipitous gorges, snowcapped mountain ranges, and lakes of exquisite blues and greens come into view. Visit Lake Louise, its cold waters perfectly mirroring the surrounding mountains and glaciers. Arrive in Banff National Park and enjoy an orientation tour.
Day 12 : Banff National Park
Location: Banff National Park
Banff is one of Canada’s favorite year-round resorts, with summer activities including hiking, boating, horseback riding, and fishing. Consider an optional helicopter ride high over the Canadian Rockies.
Day 13 : Banff National Park–Calgary
Location: Banff National Park, Calgary
Arrive in Calgary, home to the world-famous Calgary Stampede, and take a city tour. Highlights include downtown, Fort Calgary, Stampede Park, the Saddledome, and Canada Olympic Park. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Perhaps go to the top of Calgary Tower for a 360-degree panoramic view, Heritage Park Historical Village or Studio Bell to visit the Canadian Music Hall of Fame.
Day 14 : Banff National Park–Calgary Stampede Grounds
Location: Banff National Park, Stampede grounds
Welcome to Calgary and “The Greatest Show on Earth.” Dressed in your best Cowboy fashion from belt buckles, boots to chaps, explore the Calgary Stampede grounds at your leisure with your included admission. Step through the gates of Stampede Park into a world of wonder, fun, and “Wild West” excitement. Walk back in time and experience the traditions and culture of Canadian First Nations at Elbow River Camp or stroll the streets of a recreated frontier town. Enjoy a wide variety of exciting talent at the many entertainment stages, and then maybe head into the dazzling array of international exhibits and displays of Western art. This evening, watch the heart-stopping Chuckwagon Races in an all-out dash for the finish line, an amazing contest of nerves and horsepower. You’ll be out of your seats cheering on your favorite driver during each heat. Afterward, get ready for an outdoor stage show featuring hundreds of singers, dancers, and musicians in a lavishly produced and choreographed musical variety spectacular.
Day 15 : Calgary Stampede Grounds And Rodeo
Location: Calgary Stampede
Fuel up for the day’s activities by visiting Fluor Rope Square at Olympic Plaza for a pancake breakfast. Return to the Stampede grounds this morning to see anything you missed yesterday, and cheer on your favorite rodeo contenders. If you haven’t already, get suited with a cowboy hat, threads, and boots at one of the many stalls before heading to the Grandstand for the Calgary Stampede Rodeo this afternoon. See the best of the best as they saddle up for world-class rodeo action. Top professionals take on the West’s wildest horses. You’ll also enjoy rodeo’s most famed event—bull riding! You will be in awe of the talent as you sit on the edge of your seat. Make the most of your time here and discover Canada’s country core. With square dancing, mock gun fights, country bands, bars, restaurants and livestock, there is loads to see.
Day 16 : Calgary
Location: Calgary
Your vacation ends this morning.
Notes
Maximum elevation on tour: 7,500 ft.Visiting and participating in activities in this region may be subject to weather conditions and vendor dates of operation.
UNESCO Sites
Jasper National Park
Accommodation
Sandman Signature Vancouver Airport
Perfectly situated between two major metropolises, Richmond and Vancouver, popular restaurants, museums, shopping, and theatres are easily accessible via the Canada Line Sky Train, Vancouver's rapid transit line.
Royal Scot Hotel & Suites
Located in the center of downtown, the Royal Scot hotel & Suites is just a short walk to Victoria's famous Inner Harbour as well as shopping, dining, entertainment, and attractions. The hotel features an indoor and outdoor pool, hot tub, fitness center, game room, concierge service, guest laundry, gift shop, business center, Internet access, restaurant, and lounge.
Kwa'lilas Hotel
Kwa'lilas Hotel, located on North Vancouver Island, offers on-site dining at Alexandro's, serving seafood and Greek cuisine, or at Seto's Wok and Grill Chinese restaurant.
Crest Hotel
Attractive Hotel overlooking the picturesque harbor, 1 block from downtown, close to airport terminal and train station.
Ramada Plaza Prince George
The regional convention center, downtown government buildings, and everything else related to business and culture are all conveniently close to the historic George Street location. Rooms offer triple-sheeted beds, trendy bathrooms, lots of pillows, and contemporary decor.
Maligne Lodge
Serenely nestled at the end of Jasper¿s main street where the Rocky Mountains meet the town site, Maligne Lodge is a relaxing haven to retreat to after an invigorating day. We invite you to discover why there¿s no better place to relax with friends or family and enjoy all that the Canadian Rockies have to offer.
Irwin's Mountain Inn
Conveniently located right on Banff Avenue close to the heart of downtown Banff, we are proud to offer our guests recreation and relaxation opportunities.
The El Toro Restaurant serving Breakfast and Dinner, 8 Person Hot Tub, Fitness Centre, Close to Local Transportation, Complimentary guest computer kiosk, available 24 hours, Complimentary Wireless Internet, Coin Laundry, Safety Deposit Boxes available at the front desk, individual Air Conditioning units.
Courtyard Calgary Downtown
Courtyard by Marriott Calgary Downtown is the newest hotel in the center of bustling downtown Calgary, located in the heart of the business district and close to all services and amenities. The modern state-of-the-art lobby at Courtyard provides greater flexibility and choices for our guests.
Check out our Q&As
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1961
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Cosmos is committed to minimizing our impact on the environment and to reducing dependence on non-renewable resources. In this endeavor, we have implemented policies to support this mission and are working carefully to enhance our products with this mission and our values combined. We are committed to complying with all relevant legislation and/or regulations.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
All guests are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for travel through February, 2023. Beginning March 1, 2023, while we highly recommend vaccination, we will no longer require it. We ask all guests to comply with airline and destination requirements, which still may apply. To check your destination requirements for your travel dates, view the Latest Travel & Health Restrictions for Travel.
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Jun 30, 2024 - Jul 15, 2024Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Cosmos requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of cosmos charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.