Vancouver — Fraser Valley — Merritt — VQA Brewery — Kelowna — Okanagan Lake — Revelstoke
Overview
**If arriving one day in advance requires airport pick-up and a pre-tour hotel, after selecting the departure date and number of participants, proceed to the next step. You can choose a hotel with airport shuttle service under the "Extended Hotel" option. Click HERE for Vancouver Airport Pickup locations and procedure
In the morning, we depart from Vancouver and journey through the picturesque Fraser Valley Highway, entering the beautiful town nestled in a semi-desert region.
After lunch, we head to visit the renowned VQA Brewery. Then, we pass by Okanagan Lake and proceed to Kelowna, the fruit capital of British Columbia, where you can also enjoy the stunning changing lake views upon arrival in Vernon.
【VQA Brewery】
We specially arranged a visit to the VQA wineries to taste and purchase various reds, whites, and ice wines, experiencing the unique aroma and charm of Canadian wines. Vintners Quality Alliance, or VQA, is a regulatory and appellation system which guarantees the high quality and authenticity of origin for Canadian wines made under that system in British Columbia and Ontario. It is similar to regulatory systems in France (AOC), Spain (DO), Italy (DOC), and Germany (QmP).
【Okanagan Lake】
Later, we pass by the picturesque Okanagan Lake, which is said to be unfathomable. Legend has it that there is a lake monster called "OGOPOGO" in the lake, according to ancient indigenous legends. The legend tells of an evil spirit that possessed a man, who then killed the revered chief of the tribe. As punishment, the gods turned it into a giant serpent in the lake, known as Ogopogo. The Kelowna city government offers a reward of two million Canadian dollars for anyone who finds the legendary lake monster Ogopogo.
【Revelstoke】
Revelstoke has its roots as a railway town. Rail, forestry and natural resources are the industries that built and sustained the town for more than 100 years. Revelstoke was once one of the largest and most prominent communities in the interior of the province, mostly due to its importance as a railway centre. Steamboat traffic from the south connected with the Canadian Pacific Railway making this an important transportation center. While we no longer see steamboat traffic up the Columbia, those industries are still a big part in the economy and personality of the area. Revelstoke is home to the Revelstoke Dam, one of the largest generators of power in BC. Revelstoke area is home to lots of other large mammals including grizzly bears, black bears, wolves, cougars, wolverines, moose, martens, coyotes, lynx, deer and mountain goats. Meals
★Breakfast: Own Arrangement/ ★Lunch: Own Arrangement (Group Lunch Optiona Available)/ ★Dinner: Own Arrangement (Optiona Available)
Hotel
Revelstoke Sandman Hotel or Vernon Sandman Hotel or Similar
Roger Pass — Yoho National Park — Lake Louise — Bow Falls — Banff
Overview
Travel through the Roger's Pass—a high mountain pass through the Selkirk Mountains of British Columbia used by the Canadian Pacific Railway and the Trans-Canada Highway to Yoho National Park.
【YOHO National Park】
Named for a Cree expression of awe and wonder, Yoho lies on the Western slopes of the Canadian Rocky Mountains.
【Lake Louise】
This beautiful lake is named after Princess Louise Caroline Alberta. Famous photo-taking location.
【Moraine Lake/Ten Peaks Valley】
Its waters are the most amazing color, a vivid shade of turquoise that changes in intensity through the summer as the glacier melt. Set in the rugged Valley of the Ten Peaks, Moraine Lake is surrounded by mountains, waterfalls, and rock piles, creating a scene so stunning it almost seems unreal. (stop for about 60 minutes) *Moraine Lake open from (Late May or early June to early Oct).
【Banff National Park】
Canada first National Park, one of the world's premier destination spots.
【Bow Falls】
Location of the film “The River of no return” in 1960’s.
【Banff Sulphur Mt Gondola (Optional)】
Go up to the top of the mountain and enjoy a 360o view of Banff. After tour, enjoy free at leisure in Banff Town with all the shops and restaurants.
Meals
★Breakfast: Own Arrangement (Group Lunch Optiona Available)/ ★Lunch: Own Arrangement (Group Lunch Optiona Available - Deluxe Lunch at Chateau Lake Louise)/ ★Dinner: Own Arrangement
Hotel
Banff Aspen Lodge or Similar (or pay extra to stay at featured hotels - Banff Mount Royal or Elk + Avenue Hotel)
Bow Lake — Columbia Icefield (Ice Explorer/ Glacier Skywalk) — Athabasca Falls — Jasper Town
Overview
From Banff to Jasper Along the Icefield Parkway
The journey along the world-renowned Icefield Parkway is consistently rated as one of the most scenic drives on the planet. Travel from Banff to Jasper National Park, Canada's largest mountain park, through a spectacular wilderness of pristine mountain lakes, ancient glaciers, and sweeping valleys. This unforgettable route showcases the very best of the Canadian Rockies with its turquoise lakes, cascading waterfalls, and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities. The highlight of this adventure is the Columbia Icefield, where you can choose to walk on ancient ice during an optional glacier experience.
Journey Highlights
- Icefield Parkway: Travel along this 232km stretch of highway connecting Banff and Jasper National Parks, renowned as one of the world's most scenic mountain routes. (Pass through)
- Bow Lake: Admire the striking blue waters of this glacier-fed lake, which forms the headwaters of the Bow River that flows through Calgary. (Approx. 20min. stop)
- Columbia Icefield: Marvel at one of the largest accumulations of ice south of the Arctic Circle, with the option to experience the glacier firsthand on the (Optional $$) Ice Explorer and Glacier Skywalk. (Approx. 3.5hrs stop)
- Athabasca Falls: Witness the raw power of nature as glacier-fed waters carve through ancient rock in this thundering waterfall. (Approx. 30min. stop)
- Jasper Town: Discover the charming mountain community that serves as the heart of Jasper National Park.
Meals
★Breakfast: Included (Compulsory Selection)/ ★Lunch: Own Arrangement (Group Meal Option Available)/ ★Dinner: Own Arrangement
Hotel
Whistlers Inn or Mount Robson Inn or Lobstick Lodge or Similar
Jasper — Maligne Lake — Maligne Canyon — The Crossing — Peyto Lake — Crowfoot Glacier — Calgary Airport
Overview
Exploring Jasper’s Natural Wonders
The exploration of Jasper National Park continues with visits to some of the park's most celebrated natural wonders. This day features the magnificent Maligne Lake and Maligne Canyon, alongside other remarkable attractions in this pristine wilderness area. Journey through diverse mountain landscapes while discovering unique geological features, crystal-clear lakes, and abundant wildlife habitats. The optional Maligne Lake cruise offers the chance to see the world-famous Spirit Island, one of the most photographed locations in the Canadian Rockies.
Journey Highlights
- Maligne Lake: Experience Canada's second-largest glacier-fed lake, renowned for its stunning azure waters and surrounding mountain peaks (Approx. 100min. stop; optional lake cruise available $$)
- Maligne Canyon: Explore this impressive limestone gorge with depths reaching 50 meters, carved over millennia by glacial waters (Approx. 30min. stop)
- Medicine Lake: Witness the fascinating "Disappearing Lake" phenomenon, where the water level dramatically changes due to an underground karst system. (Pass through with commentary)
- Peyto Lake: Marvel at the vivid turquoise waters of this glacier-fed lake, shaped like a fox and offering one of the most iconic views in the Rockies (Approx. 20min. stop)
*If closed, it will be replaced by Waterfowl Lake.
- The Crossing: Visit this service hub that offers essential amenities for travelers exploring the Columbia Icefield area(Approx. 10min. stop)
- Crowfoot Glacier: Observe this ancient ice formation named for its distinctive shape, a poignant reminder of climate change as its "third toe" has largely receded(Approx. 15min. stop)
Meals
★Breakfast: Included (Compulsory Selection)/ ★Lunch: Own Arrangement (Group Meal Option Available)/ ★Dinner: Own Arrangement
Hotel
Extended Stay is Available