British Columbia Tour Packages

Why Should You Travel with Calgary Tours?

Since 1994, Calgary Tours has been providing high-quality travel services throughout Western Canada and the Canadian Rocky Mountain national parks. With over 30 years of industry experience, we serve thousands of travelers annually.

We have professional tour guides in multiple languages (English, French, Mandarin, Cantonese and Japanese) and our own fleet of vehicles (7 to 56 seats). Calgary Tours joined JTB Group in 2019, providing global professional travel services while maintaining local expertise.

What Makes British Columbia Perfect for Your Next Adventure?

British Columbia spans from the Pacific coastline to the peaks of the Canadian Rockies, encompassing some of Canada's most diverse and dramatic landscapes. The province is home to world-class cities like Vancouver, island destinations like Victoria with its famous Butchart Gardens, and mountain wilderness including Banff and Yoho National Parks. Whether you're drawn to coastal scenery, alpine terrain, or the romance of transcontinental rail travel, British Columbia delivers an unmatched range of experiences.

When Is the Best Time to Visit British Columbia?

• Summer (June–September): The best season for city tours, Victoria day trips, and Interior BC road journeys. Warm temperatures, long daylight hours, and full access to all outdoor attractions make this peak travel season ideal for first-time visitors.
• Fall (October): Excellent for shoulder-season travel with fewer crowds and comfortable temperatures. Autumn colours appear across the Interior BC landscape, and rail tours remain fully operational through early October.
• Winter (November–March): Ideal for scenic winter rail journeys on VIA Rail through the snow-covered Rockies. Banff and Yoho National Parks offer stunning winter landscapes, and the mild coastal climate makes Vancouver tours enjoyable year-round.
• Spring (April–May): A beautiful time to visit with blooming gardens — Butchart Gardens in Victoria is spectacular in spring. Expect lighter crowds, lower prices, and pleasant temperatures across both coastal and mountain destinations.

What Are the Most Popular British Columbia Activities?

British Columbia's tour highlights range from iconic urban landmarks to remote mountain scenery. In Vancouver, visitors explore Stanley Park's ancient forest and seawall, cross the Capilano Suspension Bridge, and browse Granville Island's public market. Victoria tours include a scenic crossing by BC Ferries and a visit to the world-renowned Butchart Gardens. Multi-day itineraries venture into the Interior BC wilderness and the mountain parks of Banff and Yoho, while rail journeys offer a uniquely cinematic way to experience the landscape between Vancouver and Calgary.

What Tour Options Do We Offer for Every Schedule?

Our British Columbia tours range from single-day city excursions to 10-day train vacations, giving travelers complete flexibility. Options include 1-day Vancouver and Victoria tours, 4–5 day Vancouver-based packages with Interior BC and Rockies extensions, and multi-day Rocky Mountaineer and VIA Rail journeys connecting Vancouver and Calgary.

How Do You Get Around British Columbia on Our Tours?

All British Columbia tours include comfortable transportation in modern, climate-controlled vehicles, with knowledgeable guides who provide insight into the region's history, geography, wildlife, and indigenous culture throughout the journey. Rail tours operate aboard dedicated passenger trains with panoramic viewing cars designed specifically to showcase the mountain scenery.

For comprehensive travel planning tips, check our British Columbia Travel Guide for detailed itineraries and packing recommendations.

Where Do Our Tours Depart From?

Main Departure Cities:

• Vancouver — Extensive tour options with convenient downtown pickup locations, including day tours, multi-day packages, and rail journeys east to Calgary
• Calgary — Multiple tour packages departing from Calgary city centre with westbound rail and road itineraries into British Columbia

Airport Transfer Services:

• Calgary Airport — Complimentary pickup and drop-off service available for most tour packages
• Vancouver Airport — Airport transfer options available for select tours

All departure times and meeting locations will be confirmed in your booking details. Airport transfer services must be arranged at time of booking and are subject to flight schedule coordination.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many days do I need to explore British Columbia?

A single day is enough to experience Vancouver or Victoria on one of our city tours, while 4–8 days allows you to combine Vancouver, Victoria, and the Interior BC wilderness. For a full Vancouver-to-Calgary experience including the Canadian Rockies, our rail packages run anywhere from 5 to 10 days and offer the most comprehensive view of Western Canada.

What's included in British Columbia tour packages?

Most multi-day packages include transportation, professional guide services, accommodation, and national park entrance fees. Day tours include transportation and guiding. Specific inclusions vary by tour — some packages include meals, rail fares, and optional activities such as gondola rides or Butchart Gardens admission. Always check individual tour details for complete inclusions.

Do I need to be physically fit for British Columbia tours?

Our tours are designed for a wide range of fitness levels. Vancouver and Victoria city tours involve light to moderate walking and are accessible for most travelers. Multi-day mountain tours include optional hiking activities for those who want more physical engagement. Rail journeys are relaxed and suitable for travelers of any fitness level.

What should I pack for a British Columbia tour?

Pack comfortable walking shoes, layers for variable coastal and mountain weather, a light rain jacket, sunscreen, and a camera. Vancouver's climate is mild year-round, while mountain destinations like Banff and Yoho can be cooler even in summer. Winter rail tours require warm insulated clothing and non-slip footwear. A detailed packing list is provided with your booking confirmation.

Are British Columbia tours suitable for anyone?

Absolutely. Our British Columbia tours welcome families with children, seniors, solo adventurers, couples, and group travellers alike. From relaxed coastal sightseeing to multi-day mountain adventures and scenic rail journeys, there's an itinerary suited to every travel style and group size.

When do I need to book my British Columbia tour?

We recommend booking 8–10 weeks in advance, particularly for summer travel between June and September when demand is highest. Rail tours on the Rocky Mountaineer and VIA Rail have limited seat availability and tend to sell out early in the season. Early booking also ensures preferred departure dates and the best accommodation options.

Is British Columbia good for a winter trip?

Yes — our Winter - Canadian Rockies rail tours operate specifically in the winter season, offering a dramatically different and equally beautiful perspective on the landscape between Vancouver and Calgary. Vancouver's mild coastal winters also make city and Victoria tours enjoyable from November through March.