Canada & the Rockies | 2025
Canada & the Rockies | 2025
Canada & the Rockies | 2025
11 Days Starting and ending in Vancouver, BC, Canada
Visiting: Whistler, Sun Peaks, Jasper, Banff, Vernon, Vancouver
Tour operator:
Tour code:
CRCR20
Specialist Group:
18-30 Somethings
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
18-35
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable adventure through the breathtaking landscapes of Canada and the Rockies in 2025. Starting in vibrant Vancouver, this tour takes you on a journey through the stunning Sea to Sky Highway to Whistler, where you can indulge in outdoor activities like canoeing and ziplining. Experience the majestic beauty of Sun Peaks and Jasper, with opportunities for white-water rafting and exploring Maligne Canyon. Marvel at the iconic Columbia Icefield Parkway en route to Banff, where you can enjoy a heli-tour or horseback ride. Discover the charm of Vernon and the Okanagan Valley's wine country before returning to Vancouver for a whirlwind tour of its historic sites. With fully guided experiences and meals included, this tour promises an exhilarating exploration of Canada's natural wonders and cultural treasures.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Vancouver To Whistler
Location: Whistler
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Pangea Pod Hotel (Multi-Share)
Meals Included: Dinner
Welcome to the Pacific Coast and the start of your trip! Not many cities can claim fusing big-city living with the great outdoors, but with its skyscrapers, beaches, forests and mountains, Vancouver has somehow nailed that perfect mix. We'll cruise along the glorious clifftop Sea to Sky Highway in search of Whistler. How’s that fresh mountain air? The rugged, handsome landscapes of Whistler are gorgeous all year long, from the ancient mountain peaks to the alpine hiking trails. Dinner’s on us tonight – make sure you rest up, because adventure is on the cards all day tomorrow.
Day 2: Whistler
Location: Whistler
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Pangea Pod Hotel (Multi-Share)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Come winter, Whistler may be a haven for snowbunnies, but when the weather is warm, it’s activity central. Test your Popeye strength by canoeing along the River of Golden Dreams, zipline over churning rivers or take a hike through scenery that puts most postcards to shame. If you’re feeling lazy, take a gondola or a chairlift to the mountain tops, but don’t forget to explore the village itself – you’ll melt at its cuteness.
Day 3: Whistler To Sun Peaks
Location: Sun Peaks
Accommodation: Hotel, Lodge
Accommodation Name: Sun Peaks Lodge (or similar)
Meals Included: Dinner
We're headed out of Whistler to the second largest ski area in Canada, Sun Peaks. Along the way we'll enjoy a scenic drive through the Lillooet Mountain Range, admiring the various reservoirs and lakes that sparkle in the sun. And before that, you have the chance to take a gondola ride between two peaks to soak up those glorious panoramas!Welcome to Sun Peaks! This elegant little village will be our home for the night.
Day 4: Sun Peaks To Jasper Via Mount Robson
Location: Jasper
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Athabasca Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Well rested, we'll take in some incredible scenes on our drive this morning, and you might even see the highest point in the Rockies if weather permits. Eating outdoors is essential in these parts, so feel free to grab some lunch and dine against a beautiful backdrop. And then the outdoors is yours to explore. Want to take the adrenaline levels up a notch? Get involved with our optional white-water rafting experience on the Fraser River. There's nothing like a rafting adventure to confirm that there is no 'I' in team. Jasper will be your home for the next two nights – convenient really, considering it’s the perfect base to explore the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies.
Day 5: Jasper
Location: Jasper
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Athabasca Hotel (or similar)
Rise 'n' shine - it's time to get out there with an easy hike though Maligne Canyon. Towering limestone walls will watch over us as we take in the scene, making our way across bridges to the thrilling soundtrack of rushing water. Nature goals achieved, we'll jump on the coach and head to Maligne Lake, famous for the azure colour of its water, and today we’ll show you why. Drink in the beauty of the surrounding snow-capped mountains from the shore, or take an optional cruise out to iconic Spirit Island, the most photographed image in the Rockies - we'll bet you know the one. A truly special experience awaits us tonight – we’ll be joined by the Warrior Women for a fireside chat.
Day 6: Jasper To Banff
Location: Banff
Accommodation: Resort
Accommodation Name: Tunnel Mountain Resort (multi-share)
Meals Included: Dinner
On our way to Banff today, you’ll be glued to the windows as we pass the waterfalls, lakes, meadows, glaciers and towering mountains that make up the Columbia Icefield Parkway. Take a walk to the Athabasca Falls, wheel across the Athabasca Glacier on the Ice Explorer, and cure that cotton-mouth with a drink of pure H2O – just be careful not to stick your tongue to the ice... Peyto Lake and Lake Louise (you're sure to have seen these on Instagram) are the perfect place to snap your next profile pic, and make sure those eyes stay peeled for wildlife. We’ll roll into Banff – the unofficial capital of the Canadian Rockies. You’re in cowboy country now, and who are we to buck tradition? Saddle up for a round of drinks before dinner and check into your chalet.
Day 7: Banff
Location: Banff
Accommodation: Resort
Accommodation Name: Tunnel Mountain Resort (multi-share)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today kicks off with Canada’s ultimate mountain experience. Standing on the suspension bridges of Mt Norquay Via Ferrata, you’ll feel alive, emotional and a little dizzy all at once. There’s loads more on the menu today in Banff: take a heli-tour of the high country or choose to explore on horseback.
Day 8: Banff To Vernon
Location: Vernon
Accommodation: Hostel, Hotel
Accommodation Name: Days Inn Vernon (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Marvel at the change of scenery today as we cut through three national parks on our way to Vernon. First up is Yoho National Park with its valley of waterfalls and meadows, and home to the amazing engineering feat - the Spiral Train Tunnel. Next up is Glacier National Park, which boasts over 400 (wait for it) glaciers (surprise) and Rogers Pass. Lastly we’ll drive through scenic Mt. Revelstoke National Park. After cramming three national parks into one day, you deserve a hearty meal in Vernon. There's plenty of traditional pubs in town, and they'll be able to help you out on the beverage front as well.
Day 9: Vernon To Vancouver
Location: Vancouver
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: YWCA Hotel Vancouver
Meals Included: Breakfast
We’re sure you’ll agree that meandering through Canada's wine country – the famed Okanagan Valley - is a great way to kill time on the drive back to Vancouver. It's time to see everything of this magical metropolis that you missed the first time around, we'll treat you to a whirlwind tour of the historic sites. Vancouver’s downtown is world class, and its locals take immense pride in its multiculturalism. Stop for pics at the city's nine Totem Poles - these colourful carved sculptures stand tall in Stanley Park and are a must-see sight that were gifted to Vancouver City. Get out there and get local, do some boutique shopping or even rent a bike and explore the city on wheels.
Day 10: Vancouver
Location: Vancouver
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: YWCA Hotel Vancouver
A hidden grassroots art scene, eating adventures in abundance, and a pretty seaport setting - your free day in Vancouver will not be short of magic. If the galleries and cute cafes get old, roam one of the city's many parks or gardens or find a spot to take in the surrounding mountain vistas. Top off the day with a dinner cruise and your Vancouver experience is whole and complete.
Day 11: End Vancouver
Location: Vancouver
All good things must come to an end, and so does our alpine adventure this morning. We wish you all a fond salute and bon voyage. We hope we'll be seeing you again soon.
What's Included
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Meals
Meals are included as detailed in the itinerary.
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Fully Guided
The tour is fully guided.
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Included Experience
Experience snow-topped mountains, aquamarine lakes, and the occasional grizzly bear on this epic road trip.
What's Not Included
International TravelInternational travel is not included.
Dining Summary
- 3 Dinner (D)
- 5 Breakfast (B)
FAQs
- Banff: How long are the drives on this trip? Canada’s huge. That means you’ll have some long coach journeys along the way. But it also means that you’ll have plenty of time to sit back, relax, soak in the stunning scenery and spend time with your Contiki crew.
- Banff: How much should I budget for this trip? Your Trip Manager will have all the juicy tips on how to budget for your trip. But it’s good to keep in mind that the Canadian Rockies (especially Banff) can be expensive if you’re planning on eating out frequently.
Included Experience
- Whistler: Snow-topped mountains, aquamarine lakes and the occasional grizzly bear are all familiar sights on this epic road trip.
- Jasper: Snow-capped peaks and turquoise lakes guaranteed. And you might even spot a grizzly bear or coyote.
- Mount Robson: It’s a photogenic, snow-capped beauty. And the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies.
- Rocky Mountain National Park: Everything you’d expect from a picturesque drive through Canada. Cruise past rolling hills, lush forests, looming snow-dusted mountains and the occasional elk.
- Jasper: Marvel at the azure waters and enjoy Insta-perfect views of the Rocky Mountains. This is why we travel.
- Jasper National Park of Canada: Insightful chats, informal setting... time to gather round the campfire for a truly unique MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experience.
- Banff: Wrap up warm and see this hunk of ice in all its sparkling glory. Don’t forget to fill a bottle with glacial water.
- Banff: All year round you’re guaranteed epic views and soul-cleansing mountain air.
- Banff: Can anything make you feel more alive than turquoise lakes and snow-topped mountains? We think not.
- Banff: Cameras at the ready, folks! On our first day, we’ll visit Canada’s first ever National Park – known for its colourful lakes and beautiful mountains.
- Banff: Tunnels that slice through the heart of the Rockies. You don’t need to be a trainspotter to admire this epic piece of engineering.
- Banff: The official place of all your outdoor adventure dreams. Stop off for lunch surrounded by lakes and waterfalls.
- Vancouver: Fill up your Insta feed with pics of this first nation’s art installation. We love it!
- Vancouver: Probably one of the most naturally beautiful cities in the world. Vancouver’s got beaches, mountains and rainforest right on its doorstep.
- Vancouver: This spot is so beautiful it’ll make you want to switch off your phone and just ‘be’ (after taking some pics of course).
Mode of Transport
Travel through the stunning landscapes of Canada with scenic drives along the Sea to Sky Highway, through the Lillooet Mountain Range, and the Columbia Icefield Parkway, with opportunities for gondola rides and coach journeys to explore the breathtaking national parks.
Accommodation
Experience a variety of accommodations including the Pangea Pod Hotel in Whistler, Sun Peaks Lodge, Athabasca Hotel in Jasper, Tunnel Mountain Resort in Banff, and YWCA Hotel in Vancouver, offering multi-share and comfortable lodging options throughout your Canadian adventure.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of activities can I expect in Whistler during the tour?
In Whistler, you can enjoy activities such as canoeing along the River of Golden Dreams, ziplining over rivers, hiking through scenic trails, and exploring the charming village. If you prefer a more relaxed experience, you can take a gondola or chairlift to the mountain tops.
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Is there an opportunity for a unique cultural experience during the tour?
Yes, in Jasper, you will have a special experience with the Warrior Women for a fireside chat, providing a unique cultural insight.
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What optional activities are available in Jasper?
In Jasper, you have the option to go white-water rafting on the Fraser River and take a cruise out to Spirit Island on Maligne Lake.
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What is the highlight of the drive from Jasper to Banff?
The drive from Jasper to Banff includes the stunning Columbia Icefield Parkway, where you can see waterfalls, lakes, meadows, glaciers, and towering mountains. You can also visit the Athabasca Falls and take a ride on the Ice Explorer across the Athabasca Glacier.
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What can I do on the free day in Vancouver?
On your free day in Vancouver, you can explore the city's grassroots art scene, enjoy its diverse culinary offerings, visit parks and gardens, or take in the mountain vistas. You can also go boutique shopping or rent a bike to explore the city.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
In 1961, a guy called John Anderson founded Contiki in New Zealand. Whilst later bought by The Travel Corporation, the tour company had already been using the name ‘Contiki’ since its inception.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Contiki trips are designed & operated exclusively for those aged 18-35 years. Your travelling companions will be like-minded adventurers within that age range. The age range is adhered to strictly.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® is our commitment to protect people, wildlife and the incredible planet we all share. Powered by The TreadRight Foundation, a non-profit organisation and Contiki’s guiding hand when it comes to making travel matter.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
All documentation will be sent via email around 21 days prior to your trip departure. You can also access information on your trip by signing up to My Contiki via the top right icon of the homepage.
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Low Deposit
Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.
Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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