Canda
Canada is most reticent about its varied offerings. But let this not be misconstrued as unwelcoming. Canada is a benevolent host. Its staggering crags, glaciers, and mountainous passes are easily accessible. And one never has to go too far in search of a good local meal. Canada proves that one needn’t give up the comforts of civilisation to enjoy nature’s gifts.
CITY INFORMATION
Vancouver
Vancouver’s landscape is an enchanting amalgam of a young metropolis and ancient snow-capped crags. This odd contrast goes further, embracing lively city-hugging beaches and dense waterfront forests. Vancouver is all this and more.Victoria
The first thing visitors used to notice about this city set in North America is that it was uncannily, irrefutably British. Every flagpole donned the Union Jack, colonial English structures were seen at every corner; and its inhabitants religiously sipped tea out of bone-china cups every afternoon. Today, this colonial English sprit still lingers but a more modern and bohemian vibe seems to have worked its way in.Banff National Park
Banff National Park boasts the breed of surreally perfect scenery that brings to mind motivational posters promulgating ‘Inspiration’ or ‘Vision’. Frost-topped mountains reflected in startlingly blue lakes. Thundering waterfalls and misty canyons. It’s awe-inspiringly natural, yet so perfect it might have been carefully planned by a divine hand.Lake Louise
The Jewel of the Rockies, as it is fondly called, is a charming hamlet where you will find pristine wilderness, tall firs and one of North America’s largest ski areas. The lake itself is an immaculate blue, fringed by a mountainous amphitheatre.Jasper
Rocky peaks that rise over gigantic firs. Animals rarely seen outside wildlife photography books. And icy glaciers that melt to form wild whitewater. In the centre of it all is the quaint town of Jasper, serenely accordant with its untamed yet flawless surroundings.Kamloops
Few places are blessed with vast, rugged landscapes like those of Kamloops. Fewer still make such excellent use of its outdoors. Hike up its rugged crags. Bike down its mountain roads. Or simply enjoy a view of open meadows and high mountains from a cosy café.Calgary
Calgary is where you can breakfast among Canada’s yuppies surrounded by skyscrapers and hike up rugged mountains immediately after. This formerly sleepy town with a wild west air has transformed into a habitat more familiar with white-collar organisations and adventure sport Meccas.
Banff Gondola Ride
Located on the shoulder of Sulphur Mountain in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, the Banff Gondola whisks you up 2,281 m to the summit in a matter of minutes. Enjoy a spectacular 360 degree view of the surrounding mountains, Bow River and the town from the upper gondola terminal.
Butchart gardens
The Butchart family’s dedication to horticulture and nature in general is more than evident in the eponymous gardens. Walk through 55 acres of spectacular floral display. The gardens are maintained with due regard to nature but with a few aesthetic manmade touches.
Maligne Canyon
A network of natural underground caves. Sheer limestone walls that plunge to depths of over 50 m. And lake which shares this mysteriously sinister name. Maligne Valley has several spectacular natural offerings. And of these the most touted is its magnificent gorge.
B.C. Ferry ride
British Columbia Ferry Services Inc. began in 1960 as a two vessel, two terminal operation. Today it is one of the largest, most sophisticated ferry transportation systems in the world. It’s one of these ferries that’ll take you from Victoria to Vancouver.
Capilano suspension bridge
Your pulse quickens involuntarily as you step onto the world’s longest and highest suspension bridge. Take comfort in the fact that the thick cables you holding on to are safely embedded in solid concrete blocks on either side. Breathe in pure air scented with the unique perfumes of the rainforest below.
The Rocky mountaineer train
The Rocky Mountaineer offers you the Candian Rockies in all its raw natural splendour without the otherwise necessary effort to traverse the mountains. Enjoy breakfasts and lunch served at your seat by your onboard attendant as the windows obligingly provide a view of the magnificent scenery.
Athabasca Glacier
One of the six principal ‘toes’ of the Columbia Icefield, the Athabasca Glacier is located in the Canadian Rockies. It is a short distance away from the Icefields Parkway, between the Alberta towns of Banff and Jasper, making it very accessible. The beauty of this (unfortunately) rapidly receding landmark and its surrounds make it the most visited glacier in North America.Hotels
On holidays, it's essential that you spend your nights in comfort, enabling you to rise refreshed for a day packed with possibilities. At Kuoni, we give you a choice of the most celebrated hotels and resorts in each location.
In Canada you may choose from five star and four star hotels. The hotels, and resorts we offer have been chosen for their level of luxury, services, location. amenities and opportunities for recreation. So that you can look forward to putting up your feet in comfort at the end of each day.
Meals
There's something about a holiday that increases the appetite multifold. Perhaps it's the fresh air. Or the eager anticipation of the day ahead. Whatever be the reason, We ensure that meals are something you will look forward to.
Every morning, wake up to the convenience of a hot buffet breakfast at your hotel. At lunch time, you are free to sample the local cuisine at any of the restaurants around your hotel, or en ruoute to your next destination. End your days with flavours of home: a sumptuous dinner at an Indian restaurant located close to your hotel.
A Canadian Odyssey (10D/9N)
Explore alpine wonderlands, quaint towns and bustling cities. Discover wildlife you never suspected existed; rare manmade structures and rarer geographical ones. This ten-day expedition takes you to the most popular destinations around the Canadian Rockies.
Your Itinerary
- Banff 2 nights
- Lake Louise 1 night
- Jasper 2 nights
- Kamloops 1 night
- Vancouver 3 nights
Arrive in Calgary Airport. Your driver will take you to Banff, where you will be welcomed with a hot Indian dinner. Spend the night at the Banff Caribou Lodge. (D) DAY 2
After breakfast, explore Banff and its many local delights including Bow Falls, the Hoodoo Lookout and Lake Minnewanka. Ride the Banff Gondola, take a cruise on Lake Minnewanka. Return to Banff Caribou Lodge for dinner. (B,D) DAY 3
After breakfast, travel west via the Bow Valley Parkway. Stroll through Johnston Canyon and see its dazzling waterfalls. Visit Lake Moraine and the shores of Lake Louise. Cross over to the Yoho Valley and see the Emerald Lake and the natural rock bridge. Enjoy dinner at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. (B,D) DAY 4
Drive towards Jasper via the Icefields Parkway, Crowfoot Glacier, Bow Lake and Peyto Lake. On reaching the Icefield Centre at Columbia Icefield, proceed to the Athabasca Glacier. Here you will board a specially designed Ice Explorer for a guided tour of the glacier. End your day with a dinner at Jasper. (B,D)
DAY 5
Explore Jasper after breakfast, with visits to the Pyramid and Patricia Lakes and the Maligne Canyon. Take a relaxed tour down Maligne Lake on a heated, glass enclosed boat. Return to your hotel for dinner. (B,D)
Board the Rocky Mountaineer train. Enjoy the Maple Leaf Musical with songs by performers including Shania Twain and Paul Anka. Your food and snacks will be brought to you as you tour from Jasper to Vancouver, stopping in Kamloops for an overnight stay. Remember to pack an overnight bag as you will not have access to your luggage for the duration of the two day tour. (B,L,D) DAY 7
Head to the Kamloops railway station early in the morning to continue on your journey. Continental breakfast, lunch and snacks are included on board. Follow the Fraser River through Hell’s Gate and the Fraser Canyon, and arrive at downtown Vancouver by late noon. Your driver will take you to your hotel where a delicious Indian dinner awaits you. (B,L,D) DAY 8
Head to Victoria after breakfast for a tour of the Uplands, Oak Bay, Beacon Hill Park and the exquisite Butchart Gardens. Explore the shops around the Inner Harbour, and return to the B.C. Ferry terminal. Dine at an Indian restaurant before heading to your hotel in Vancouver. (B,D)
DAY 9
After breakfast, take a city tour of Vancouver, through Stanley Park, the West Coast Native Totem Poles, the British-flavoured Gastown with its unique steam clock, and the colourful Chinatown. Visit the historic Capilano Suspension Bridge and dine at an Indian restaurant. (B,D)
After breakfast, bid Canada goodbye as you head towards Vancouver Airport to board your flight home. (D)