The Best of The Rockies & West Coast Family Adventure
16 nights
Enjoyable for all in reasonable health.
Quality transportation and accommodation in an uncommon environment, with the chance of occasional slight discomfort. E.g. an arctic polar bear tour
Trip Overview |
Map |
Itinerary |
Options |
Accommodation |
Whitewater rafting down a wilderness river, riding a horse in the Rockies, walking across alpine meadows of wildflowers, zooming down a zip line in the forest canopy, paddling a sea-kayak and seeing whales up close - Canada family vacations create memories that last forever.
For the ‘kids’ aged 6 to 60 this is the ultimate adventure, and for Mum and Dad there is plenty of time to relax in wonderful wilderness lodges and enjoy the cosmopolitan delights of Vancouver and Calgary, and the small-town resorts of Banff, Jasper, Whistler and Tofino.
Note: Family vacations in Canada are fully customizable - ask your consultant about making it shorter or longer, change activities or upgrade hotels when you book.
For the ‘kids’ aged 6 to 60 this is the ultimate adventure, and for Mum and Dad there is plenty of time to relax in wonderful wilderness lodges and enjoy the cosmopolitan delights of Vancouver and Calgary, and the small-town resorts of Banff, Jasper, Whistler and Tofino.
Note: Family vacations in Canada are fully customizable - ask your consultant about making it shorter or longer, change activities or upgrade hotels when you book.
Outline
1 night Calgary
3 nights Banff
3 nights Jasper
2 nights Clearwater
2 nights Whistler
3 nights Tofino
2 nights Vancouver
1 night Calgary
3 nights Banff
3 nights Jasper
2 nights Clearwater
2 nights Whistler
3 nights Tofino
2 nights Vancouver
ITINERARY
Day 1 - Canada Family Adventure Begins - Arrive Calgary
Check into your hotel and relax after your journey. Calgary is known for cowboys and oil - a bit like Dallas, but colder in the winter! It is also home to the Calgary Stampede (usually the 2nd week of July), a world-renowned celebration of cowboy life when everyone vacations here to embrace the cowboy lifestyle for a week.
Day 2 - Calgary to Banff
After exploring Calgary, pick up your rental car, load the family in, and drive less than two hours though the foothills of the Rockies to the small Rocky Mountain town of Banff - the perfect base for adventure vacations during the day, and good food and entertainment in the evenings. Overnight in Banff.
Day 3 - Whitewater Rafting on Vacations in Canada - Kananaskis River
There is nothing quite like paddling down a wilderness river - surrounded by peaks and forests, with the chance of wildlife at every bend. And the Kananaskis River is the perfect river for a family - stunningly beautiful, and exciting enough to make it interesting and not too scary. Overnight in Banff.
Note on activities: Unless stated, each active excursion takes roughly either a morning or an afternoon (as you choose) - and the rest of the day is free for you to explore or relax on your own. If any of the activities in this itinerary are not your cup of tea - don’t worry. Simply ask your consultant to substitute other activities when you book your Canada family vacation.
Day 4 - Sundance Loop Trail Ride on Vacations in Canada
Riding a horse is a great way to experience the mountains - and also get a flavor of what it was like for the early pioneers in Canada. So today you’ll mount up and head on out into the Rockies on your trusty steed (and they are very trusty). Overnight in Banff.
Day 5 - Travel the Icefields Parkway on Family Vacations in Canada
After three nights in Banff, today you drive north along the spine of the Rockies to Jasper - on what is surely one of the most scenic roads in the world. At the highest point is the confluence of glaciers known as the Columbia Icefields, where you ride on a special vehicle onto the Athabasca Glacier. Overnight in Jasper.
Day 6 - Guided Mount Edith Cavell Hike on Exciting Vacations in Canada
Today you get into the mountains on foot with an expert guide on the "Path of the Glacier" hike - through pine forests, and past spectacular glaciers and waterfalls, and the emerald green of the “Lake of Forgiveness." Overnight Jasper.
Day 7 - At Leisure In Jasper
It’s always great to have free days on family vacations - today is a chance to explore this quaint mountain town at your own place. Take a gondola to the top of a nearby mountain, play golf, hire some bikes - or simply relax in a natural hot spring. Overnight Jasper.
Day 8 - Jasper to Clearwater
Leaving the Rockies en route for the coast, today you and your family stop for a picnic lunch and enjoy a short hike or a swim in one of the many lakes or rivers you will pass. Overnight in Clearwater.
Day 9 - Explore Wells Gray Park on Vacations in Canada
Close to Clearwater is Wells Gray Park, and today you’ll enjoy a full-day guided adventure into the wilderness on foot and by canoe. You’ll visit spectacular Helmcken Falls, and have a barbecue lunch surrounded by the Cariboo Mountains. This is bound to be a favorite day on your Canada family vacation.
Day 10- Clearwater to Whistler - a Favorite Family Destination!
Another leisurely day of driving - this time crossing some wonderful high desert - to the mountain resort of Whistler, famous for ski vacations in winter and in summer a Mecca for mountain biking and just about every other outdoor activity you can imagine. Whistler also has excellent hotels, restaurants and nightlife. Overnight in Whistler.
Day 11 - Ziptrekking on Canada Family Vacations
Imagine flying through the tree-tops and across rushing rivers and you will have a pretty good idea of what ‘Ziptrekking’ is all about. It’s totally safe - but when you are standing on the edge of a platform 100ft high your mind doesn’t know that! Overnight Whistler.
Day 12 - Whistler to Tofino
Continue your family adventure down to the sea, then onto a ferry for a cruise across the Georgia Strait to Vancouver Island, and a drive across Vancouver Island to the village of Tofino - quite simply one of our favorite places on the planet. Overnight in Tofino.
Day 13 - Whale Watching on Fun Family Vacations
The west coast of Canada is a very special place - rugged, wild and breathtakingly beautiful. Pacific rollers make it a favorite with surfers (lessons available!), and salt spray hangs over pristine beaches bordered by old-growth rainforest. It is also a rich marine environment and today you go in search of Gray Whales migrating from Mexico to Alaska. Overnight Tofino.
Day 14 - Sea Kayaking in Clayoquot Sound + a Rainforest Hike
Today you learn about sea-kayaking - one of the best ways to explore the coast - with a guided adventure across a sheltered inlet to walk in awe among trees more than a 1,000 years old. You will also learn about the sophisticated culture of the First Nations peoples of the area. Experience awesome wilderness on Family vacations in Canada!
Day 15 - Tofino to Vancouver
Drive back across Vancouver Island and take a ferry to the cosmopolitan city of Vancouver. Along the way, stop for a picnic in Cathedral Grove, a stand of particularly massive trees, or have lunch in the small town of Port Alberni. Overnight in Vancouver.
Day 16 - Explore Vancouver on Canada Family Vacations
Vancouver is a wonderful place to end your family vacation. Surrounded by mountains and ocean, it justly has a reputation as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Consider taking a family bicycle ride (tandems available) around Stanley Park, or just relax and watch the world go by. Overnight Vancouver.
Day 17 - Depart Vancouver
Much too soon you leave the beautiful colors and crisp air of Canada behind as your family vacation comes to an end.
Day 1 - Canada Family Adventure Begins - Arrive Calgary
Check into your hotel and relax after your journey. Calgary is known for cowboys and oil - a bit like Dallas, but colder in the winter! It is also home to the Calgary Stampede (usually the 2nd week of July), a world-renowned celebration of cowboy life when everyone vacations here to embrace the cowboy lifestyle for a week.
Day 2 - Calgary to Banff
After exploring Calgary, pick up your rental car, load the family in, and drive less than two hours though the foothills of the Rockies to the small Rocky Mountain town of Banff - the perfect base for adventure vacations during the day, and good food and entertainment in the evenings. Overnight in Banff.
Day 3 - Whitewater Rafting on Vacations in Canada - Kananaskis River
There is nothing quite like paddling down a wilderness river - surrounded by peaks and forests, with the chance of wildlife at every bend. And the Kananaskis River is the perfect river for a family - stunningly beautiful, and exciting enough to make it interesting and not too scary. Overnight in Banff.
Note on activities: Unless stated, each active excursion takes roughly either a morning or an afternoon (as you choose) - and the rest of the day is free for you to explore or relax on your own. If any of the activities in this itinerary are not your cup of tea - don’t worry. Simply ask your consultant to substitute other activities when you book your Canada family vacation.
Day 4 - Sundance Loop Trail Ride on Vacations in Canada
Riding a horse is a great way to experience the mountains - and also get a flavor of what it was like for the early pioneers in Canada. So today you’ll mount up and head on out into the Rockies on your trusty steed (and they are very trusty). Overnight in Banff.
Day 5 - Travel the Icefields Parkway on Family Vacations in Canada
After three nights in Banff, today you drive north along the spine of the Rockies to Jasper - on what is surely one of the most scenic roads in the world. At the highest point is the confluence of glaciers known as the Columbia Icefields, where you ride on a special vehicle onto the Athabasca Glacier. Overnight in Jasper.
Day 6 - Guided Mount Edith Cavell Hike on Exciting Vacations in Canada
Today you get into the mountains on foot with an expert guide on the "Path of the Glacier" hike - through pine forests, and past spectacular glaciers and waterfalls, and the emerald green of the “Lake of Forgiveness." Overnight Jasper.
Day 7 - At Leisure In Jasper
It’s always great to have free days on family vacations - today is a chance to explore this quaint mountain town at your own place. Take a gondola to the top of a nearby mountain, play golf, hire some bikes - or simply relax in a natural hot spring. Overnight Jasper.
Day 8 - Jasper to Clearwater
Leaving the Rockies en route for the coast, today you and your family stop for a picnic lunch and enjoy a short hike or a swim in one of the many lakes or rivers you will pass. Overnight in Clearwater.
Day 9 - Explore Wells Gray Park on Vacations in Canada
Close to Clearwater is Wells Gray Park, and today you’ll enjoy a full-day guided adventure into the wilderness on foot and by canoe. You’ll visit spectacular Helmcken Falls, and have a barbecue lunch surrounded by the Cariboo Mountains. This is bound to be a favorite day on your Canada family vacation.
Day 10- Clearwater to Whistler - a Favorite Family Destination!
Another leisurely day of driving - this time crossing some wonderful high desert - to the mountain resort of Whistler, famous for ski vacations in winter and in summer a Mecca for mountain biking and just about every other outdoor activity you can imagine. Whistler also has excellent hotels, restaurants and nightlife. Overnight in Whistler.
Day 11 - Ziptrekking on Canada Family Vacations
Imagine flying through the tree-tops and across rushing rivers and you will have a pretty good idea of what ‘Ziptrekking’ is all about. It’s totally safe - but when you are standing on the edge of a platform 100ft high your mind doesn’t know that! Overnight Whistler.
Day 12 - Whistler to Tofino
Continue your family adventure down to the sea, then onto a ferry for a cruise across the Georgia Strait to Vancouver Island, and a drive across Vancouver Island to the village of Tofino - quite simply one of our favorite places on the planet. Overnight in Tofino.
Day 13 - Whale Watching on Fun Family Vacations
The west coast of Canada is a very special place - rugged, wild and breathtakingly beautiful. Pacific rollers make it a favorite with surfers (lessons available!), and salt spray hangs over pristine beaches bordered by old-growth rainforest. It is also a rich marine environment and today you go in search of Gray Whales migrating from Mexico to Alaska. Overnight Tofino.
Day 14 - Sea Kayaking in Clayoquot Sound + a Rainforest Hike
Today you learn about sea-kayaking - one of the best ways to explore the coast - with a guided adventure across a sheltered inlet to walk in awe among trees more than a 1,000 years old. You will also learn about the sophisticated culture of the First Nations peoples of the area. Experience awesome wilderness on Family vacations in Canada!
Day 15 - Tofino to Vancouver
Drive back across Vancouver Island and take a ferry to the cosmopolitan city of Vancouver. Along the way, stop for a picnic in Cathedral Grove, a stand of particularly massive trees, or have lunch in the small town of Port Alberni. Overnight in Vancouver.
Day 16 - Explore Vancouver on Canada Family Vacations
Vancouver is a wonderful place to end your family vacation. Surrounded by mountains and ocean, it justly has a reputation as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Consider taking a family bicycle ride (tandems available) around Stanley Park, or just relax and watch the world go by. Overnight Vancouver.
Day 17 - Depart Vancouver
Much too soon you leave the beautiful colors and crisp air of Canada behind as your family vacation comes to an end.
Options & Upgrades
This trip can be customized for your perfect vacation - call us for friendly local advice
Go bear watching at the world famous Knight Inlet Lodge
This trip can be customized for your perfect vacation - call us for friendly local advice
Accommodation
Rustic mountain lodges and family friendly hotels
Rustic mountain lodges and family friendly hotels
Request A Booking |
Dates + Prices |
HIGHLIGHTS
Sundance loop horse trail
Ice explorer ride
Mount Edith Cavell hike
Wells Grey Tour
Ziplining in the forest canopy
Tofino
Whale watching
Rustic beach side Long Beach lodge
Sea kayaking
Hiking the rainforest and coastal fringe
Request A Booking
Reserving Your Trip Is Easy
-
Call us toll free
1 800 667 4744 (US/Can)
0 800 917 5924 (UK)
1 800 992 872 (Aus.)
Office hours:
M-F, 6am - 6pm Pacific Time.
Sat 10am - 4pm.
A personal trip advisor will help you book your perfect trip.
-
Reserve Online using the form at left.
We will contact you as quickly as we can and you will not be under any obligation until after we have confirmed all details with you.
At that time a US$500 per person deposit is payable and you will be subject to our usual terms and conditions.
Reserve your spot without obligation for 48 hours. Our consultants will contact you to confirm details before you pay a deposit.
Required fields are marked with an asterisk (*).
2009 Package Start Dates
Available daily
May 3 - Oct 12
Price Notes
• Prices are per person
• Prices are based on 2 adults and 2 children occupying one room - all other configurations possible
• Special rates available for Children under 6 years or teenagers between 12 years and 18 years
Includes
• 16 nights accommodation in rustic lodges and family friendly hotels
• 14 days Full size, Minivan or SUV Car rental
• 200 km’s per day, extra km’s charged at $0.20 per km
• Loss Damage Waiver (LDW)
• Airport surcharges and fees where applicable
• Vehicle licensing fee
• Kanaskis White water rafting (departures to September 15th)
• Banff horseback trail ride
• Mount Edith Cavell hike
• Active tour of Wells Grey Park
•Tofino whale watching trip
• Sea Kayaking in Tofino
• Hiking the rainforest and coastal fringe
Not Included
• Airport transfers
• Fuel and refueling fees
• Additional drivers fees
• Personal Accident Insurance (PAI)
• Personal Effects Coverage (PEC)
• Meals and attractions unless otherwise specified
• Park entrance fees
• Trip Cancellation Insurance
• GST
Available daily
May 3 - Oct 12
| USD $ | CAD $ | |||
| Adult | Child | Adult | Child | |
| May 3 2009 - Jun 10 2009 | 2,857 | 1,043 | 3,228 | 1,178 |
| Jun 12 2009 - Sep 19 2009 | 3,587 | 1,122 | 4,053 | 1,268 |
| Sep 20 2009 - Oct 12 2009 | 3,222 | 1,077 | 3,641 | 1,217 |
• Prices are per person
• Prices are based on 2 adults and 2 children occupying one room - all other configurations possible
• Special rates available for Children under 6 years or teenagers between 12 years and 18 years
Includes
• 16 nights accommodation in rustic lodges and family friendly hotels
• 14 days Full size, Minivan or SUV Car rental
• 200 km’s per day, extra km’s charged at $0.20 per km
• Loss Damage Waiver (LDW)
• Airport surcharges and fees where applicable
• Vehicle licensing fee
• Kanaskis White water rafting (departures to September 15th)
• Banff horseback trail ride
• Mount Edith Cavell hike
• Active tour of Wells Grey Park
•Tofino whale watching trip
• Sea Kayaking in Tofino
• Hiking the rainforest and coastal fringe
Not Included
• Airport transfers
• Fuel and refueling fees
• Additional drivers fees
• Personal Accident Insurance (PAI)
• Personal Effects Coverage (PEC)
• Meals and attractions unless otherwise specified
• Park entrance fees
• Trip Cancellation Insurance
• GST
