Western Canada Encompassed - 16 days
Western Canada Encompassed - 16 days
Western Canada Encompassed - 16 days
16 Days Starting in Vancouver, Canada and ending in Nanaimo, Canada
Visiting: Vancouver, Clearwater, Jasper, Banff, Kelowna, Victoria, Tofino, Campbell River, Nanaimo
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 22
Age range:
6-
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a 16-day adventure through Western Canada with the "Western Canada Encompassed 2025" tour. Starting in Vancouver, this journey takes you through the breathtaking landscapes of Whistler, Clearwater, Jasper, Banff, Lake Louise, and the Okanagan Valley. Experience the thrill of the Glacier Adventure on the Icefields Parkway, explore the serene beauty of Maligne Lake, and enjoy free time in Banff for sightseeing and shopping. Discover the cultural richness of the St’át’imc population in Clearwater and indulge in premium wines in the Okanagan Valley. The tour also includes visits to the stunning Butchart Gardens in Victoria and the majestic old-growth trees on Meares Island. Travel in comfort with all transportation provided, staying in centrally located 3-4 star hotels, and savoring 15 breakfasts and a traditional Salmon BBQ lunch. This tour promises an unforgettable exploration of Canada's natural wonders and vibrant culture.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Vancouver
Location: Vancouver
Accommodation Name: hotel at the base of Whistler Mountain
Vancouver - Whistler. Depart from Canada Place in downtown Vancouver (please arrive 15 minutes before departure). We make our first stop at Shannon Falls. We then journey across the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway and make a further pit-stop at Brandywine Falls.
Once we reach Whistler Village, we're able to stretch our legs and embark on a walking tour. Partake in some of the optional activities such as zip-trekking, biking, riding the Peak 2 Peak gondola, and more. After plenty of action, we check into our centrally located hotel at the base of Whistler Mountain. Enjoy some leisure time exploring the village, or make use of the hotel amenities. There is an optional Vallea Lumin multi-media night walk.
Day 2: Clearwater
Location: Clearwater
Accommodation Name: hotel in Clearwater
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Whistler - Clearwater. Start the day with breakfast at the hotel, then depart from Whistler. Journey through Pemberton and Lilooet. Partake in the Xwisten Experience Tour to discover the past and present of the St’át’imc population. We then make our way to the Bridge River Fishing Grounds, to witness a traditional preservation of salmon. A salmon BBQ with rice, salad, bannock and sxúsum (traditional whipped berry dessert) is prepared for us to enjoy.
Our journey for the day ends in Clearwater, where there's an optional canoe tour (additional cost) or you can choose to unwind at the hotel in the pool and hot tub.
Day 3: Jasper
Location: Jasper
Accommodation Name: centrally located hotel in Jasper
Meals Included: Breakfast
Clearwater - Jasper. Begin the day venturing through Wells Gray Provincial Park, Helmcken Falls and Spahats Fall. We then make a stop at Mount Robson, admiring the views from the highest peak in the Rockies. Once we reach Jasper, we check into our centrally located hotel. Unwind for the rest of the evening with time to explore and enjoy dinner in Jasper. There's an optional trip to Jasper Planetarium (additional cost).
Day 4: Jasper
Location: Jasper
Accommodation Name: centrally located hotel in Jasper
Meals Included: Breakfast
Jasper National Park. After breakfast, we depart to explore the wonders of Maligne Canyon, where we can saunter along scenic bridges and trails, looking out for fossils and waterfalls. We also pay a visit to Maligne Lake, famous for the colour of the azure water. Marvel at the waterfalls, underground streams, raven nests, glaciers, and Spirit Island- a notoriously photographed islet. There's an optional boat visit to Spirit Island (additional cost). In the afternoon, we have free time to further explore Jasper, or partake in more optional activities (additional cost).
Day 5: Banff
Location: Banff
Accommodation Name: hotel in Banff
Meals Included: Breakfast
Jasper - Icefields Parkway - Banff. After breakfast, we make our way towards the Columbia Icefields and embark on the famous Glacier Adventure, getting up close and personal with an ancient glacier. Take an all-terrain snocoach and walk across the Athabasca Glacier for photo opportunities - make sure to taste the crisp glacier water. En route to Banff, we navigate through the Icefields Parkway, with visits to Bow Lake and Peyto Lake (time permitting) and then check into our hotel located in the town of Banff. Once settled, spend the rest of the evening at leisure in Banff.
Day 6: Banff
Location: Banff
Accommodation Name: hotel in Banff
Meals Included: Breakfast
Banff. After breakfast, begin the day with a ride on the Banff Mountain Gondola (included) for breath-taking views of our surroundings. We head back to Banff to partake in a guided sightseeing tour, highlighting key attractions in the town such as Bow Falls, the HooDoos, and Banff Springs Hotel.
Enjoy free time for shopping and sightseeing along Banff Avenue or if feeling adventurous, take part in thrilling outdoor activities at a discounted rate, such as horseback riding, canoeing on the Bow River, hiking, e-biking, caving, fishing or visiting the hot springs. Spend the rest of the evening at leisure in Banff.
Day 7: Kelowna
Location: Kelowna
Accommodation Name: centrally located hotel in Kelowna
Meals Included: Breakfast
Banff - Lake Louise - Kelowna. Start the day with a complimentary breakfast at the hotel before journeying through Rogers Pass in the morning. Navigate through the stunning Lake Louise and Moraine Lake (seasonal) and marvel at the beautiful sights that surround us. Once we reach Kelowna, check into our centrally located hotel. There's time for us to explore and enjoy dinner in Kelowna.
Day 8: Vancouver
Location: Vancouver
Accommodation Name: hotel in Vancouver
Meals Included: Breakfast
Kelowna - Okanagan Valley - Vancouver. Join the group for breakfast before departing for Vancouver. On the way, we'll journey through the Okanagan Valley, with stops at the farmer's market and cidery. Delight in a wine tasting tour at one of the local wineries. We then head back to Vancouver for an evening of leisure to enjoy the hotel's amenities.
Day 9: Vancouver
Location: Victoria
Accommodation Name: conveniently located hotel in Victoria
Meals Included: Breakfast
Vancouver - Victoria. We depart downtown Vancouver in the morning. Start the day with a picturesque ferry ride through the Salish Sea and Gulf Islands - watch out for marine life enroute. Upon arrival at Vancouver Island, we pay an included visit to the renowned Butchart Gardens. Afterwards, we head to Sea Cider for a tour and indulge in some cider tasting. Once we reach Victoria, it's time to check into our conveniently located hotel in the downtown. Spend the evening at leisure to further explore the city.
Day 10: Victoria
Location: Victoria
Accommodation Name: conveniently located hotel in Victoria
Meals Included: Breakfast
Victoria. Embark on a tour of Victoria City, exploring Beacon Hill Park, Chinatown, Fan Tan Alley, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Government Street. The rest of the day is ours to spend as we please. Consider returning for a leisurely walk along Government Street or visiting the renowned Royal BC Museum. Additionally, there is the option to tuck into Afternoon Tea at the Fairmont Empress Hotel.
Day 11: Tofino
Location: Tofino
Accommodation Name: hotel in Tofino
Meals Included: Breakfast
Victoria - Tofino. Wake up early and journey along the Malahat Highway, offering stunning vistas of the Southern Gulf Islands. We make a stop at the Malahat SkyWalk to stretch our legs, and partake in a 600-metre long elevated walkway over the lush Arbutus and Douglas Fir forest. The walkway leads to a 10-story spiral lookout tower, a unique architectural marvel in British Columbia. The tower stands 250 metres above sea level, and offers stunning 360-degree views of the area including islands, inlets, fjords, forest and mountains, which span across two countries.
After an exhilarating excursion, we take some time in Duncan for a tour of the City of Totems, with some free time to relax for lunch. We then carry our journey on to Tofino, and check into our hotel for the night. The guide will provide some recommendations and information for the hotel amenities and places to dine in Tofino.
Day 12: Tofino
Location: Tofino
Accommodation Name: hotel in Tofino
Meals Included: Breakfast
Tofino. Today starts our two day exploration of Tofino and the surrounding area. We begin by venturing out to the serene beaches, including Long Beach. There's an optional hike with the tour guide if it sounds appealing. We'll then cruise on a Water Taxi to Meares Island, location of the Big Tree Trail - home to some of the most magnificent and largest old-growth trees in the region.
Meares Island is considered a scared place, with vast spiritual and cultural significance in the area. It is home to the Tla-o-qui-aht, who have called this island home for thousands of years. The island is referred to as the "Waa'kas," translating to "mountain in the sea." Enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure.
Day 13: Tofino
Location: Tofino
Accommodation Name: hotel in Tofino
Meals Included: Breakfast
Tofino. Our second day in Tofino is free for you to do as much or as little as you wish. Participate in a wide array of activities such as, kayaking, surfing, a boat journey to Hot Springs Cove, hike one of the rainforest trails, or catch a tan on the beach. Take the rest of the evening to further explore the quaint town of Tofino.
Day 14: Campbell River
Location: Campbell River
Accommodation Name: hotel in Campbell River
Meals Included: Breakfast
Tofino - Campbell River. We say goodbye to Tofino and depart eastbound for the opposite coast of Vancouver Island. Our first stop is at Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park, where we take a stroll through the magnificent old-growth Douglas Fir rainforest. Then it's onwards to Coombs Market for lunch. Browse the finest fresh produce, delicious sandwiches and best ice cream the island has to offer.
We'll continue along the Coastal Highway 19A, traversing through coastal communities and stunning landscapes, eventually stopping for dinner in Comox. Our final destination is Campbell River, where we check into our hotel for the night.
Day 15: Campbell River
Location: Campbell River
Accommodation Name: hotel in Campbell River
Meals Included: Breakfast
Campbell River. Take the morning for leisure, before embarking on a wide array of optional activities, including, fishing, kayaking and whale watching (additional cost). There's an optional Grizzly Bear expedition, venturing into the Bute or Toba Valley (September 1st - October 15th). We then make our way to Elk Falls Provincial Park, which hosts a selection of walking and hiking trails, including the magnificent Elk Falls Suspension Bridge - not to be missed. Elk Falls is also home to an elevated cantilevered viewing platform, showcasing panoramic views of Elk Falls. Unwind back at the hotel and browse the local area for dinner.
Day 16: Nanaimo
Location: Nanaimo
Meals Included: Breakfast
Campbell River - Nanaimo - Vancouver. On our final day of the tour, we head for Morningstar Farm, Parksville. The farm serves as a local food hub offering self-guided tours, a farmgate store, a seasonal café, petting farm and trails. We then make our way to Nanaimo for a leisurely stroll on the waterfront. While there, be sure to try one of the famous Nanaimo bars - a must try for anyone with a sweet tooth. We catch the 3:55 pm ferry to Horseshoe Bay, completing our round trip. Schedule permitting, we aim to arrive back in downtown Vancouver for 6:30 pm.
Please note: The tour itinerary may be adjusted at the time of travel due to unforeseen circumstances, such as weather, road closures, and traffic.
What's Included
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15 breakfasts & 1 lunch
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15 nights 3-4 star hotels
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Escorted by an experienced, friendly and fun tour guide
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All relevant transportation in a private minibus or coach
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Roundtrip BC Ferries as per itinerary
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Water taxi to Meares Island and Big Tree Trail
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Scenic sightseeing stops enroute
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Sightseeing and free time in Tofino and Campbell River
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Sea Cider Tasting
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Admission to Sun Peaks Sightseeing Chairlift, Ice Explorer Glacier Adventure, Sulphur Mountain Gondola, Butchart Gardens and Malahat SkyWalk
What's Not Included
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International flights & visas
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Airport transfers
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Travel Insurance
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Any meals or drinks not specified in the inclusions
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Optional activities
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Items of a personal nature
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Tips for your tour guide - an entirely personal gesture!
Mode of Transport
Travel in style with all relevant transportation provided in a private minibus or coach, including roundtrip BC Ferries and a water taxi to Meares Island.
Accommodation
Enjoy 15 nights in 3-4 star hotels, centrally located for easy access to local attractions and amenities. Relax in comfort after a day of exploration and adventure.
Age Policy
Minimum age 6 (19 for any included wine / cider tasting). No maximum age.Child discounts for 2-12 yr olds and also 13-18 yr olds (lower discount) - child prices in Lemax
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
All relevant transportation is provided in a private minibus or coach, including roundtrip BC Ferries and a water taxi to Meares Island.
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What type of accommodation can I expect on this tour?
You will enjoy 15 nights in 3-4 star hotels, which are centrally located for easy access to local attractions and amenities.
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What activities are available in Whistler?
In Whistler, you can participate in a walking tour and optional activities such as zip-trekking, biking, and riding the Peak 2 Peak Gondola. There is also an optional Vallea Lumina multi-media night walk.
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What can I expect during the visit to Jasper National Park?
In Jasper National Park, you will explore Maligne Canyon and Maligne Lake, known for its azure waters and Spirit Island. Optional activities include a boat visit to Spirit Island and a trip to Jasper Planetarium.
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What is included in the Indigenous experience in Clearwater?
In Clearwater, you will partake in the Xwisten Experience Tour to learn about the St’át’imc population and enjoy a traditional Salmon BBQ with rice, salad, bannock, and sxúsum (traditional whipped berry dessert).
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What are the highlights of the Icefields Parkway segment of the tour?
During the Icefields Parkway segment, you will embark on the Glacier Adventure, walk across the Athabasca Glacier, and visit Bow Lake and Peyto Lake (time permitting).
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What activities are available in Banff?
In Banff, you can ride the Banff Mountain Gondola, take a guided sightseeing tour, and enjoy free time for shopping and sightseeing. Optional activities include horseback riding, canoeing, hiking, e-biking, caving, fishing, and visiting the hot springs.
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What can I do during the free days in Tofino?
During the free days in Tofino, you can participate in activities such as kayaking, surfing, a boat journey to Hot Springs Cove, hiking rainforest trails, or relaxing on the beach.
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What is the age policy for this tour?
The minimum age for the tour is 6 years old (19 for any included wine/cider tasting). There is no maximum age. Child discounts are available for 2-12 year olds and also for 13-18 year olds (lower discount).
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Low Deposit
On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 600 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.