The Rockies to the Pacific
Transcription
The Rockies to the Pacific
Rocky Mountains to the Pacific Coast From 3695$/ pers. Description The Canadian Rockies: thrilling words that invite you to travel and join the adventure! Explore the most beautiful parks of the Canadian Rockies, including Banff and Jasper National Parks, and discover Canada’s rich Pacific Coast. This journey crosses beautiful mountains and snow covered peaks dotted with emerald lakes: see the mythical Lake Louise, Lake Moraine, and Lake Maligne. The tour continues to majestic British Columbia where its coastal mountains plunge into the sea. Join us on this epic journey as we travel down some of the most beautiful roads in the world, each twist and turn provides spectacular views of these stunning regions. We hike some incredible trails once used by the trappers of yore, to see incredible waterfalls and frozen glaciers, and dip into the wild, unspoilt, majestic valleys. Let yourself be overwhelmed by the smell of fresh air, pine trees and salty ocean wind. From Calgary to Vancouver, follow the path of early pioneers exploring the land of bears, mountain sheep, and elk. This adventurous discovery tour will take you to Western Canada’s beautiful natural gems, remote villages where we can still feel the early settlers’ atmosphere and vibrant cities. These unique Canadian experiences will fill your memory with imperishable memories. Fiche de programme imprimée de windigo.travel Pour toute demande de tarif sur mesure, communiquez avec nous sur [email protected] ou au +1-514-948-4145 Highlights ● ● ● ● ● ● ● A variety of landscapes, from the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific Coast Hiking the national parks trails beyond the beaten path 2 nights stay in a western ranch Experiencing North American resort lifestyle in Whistler Observe orca whales during a Zodiac excursion The coastal charm of Victoria Visiting the 2 modern cities of Calgary and Vancouver Day by day trip Day 01 Arrival in Calgary Downtown Hotel *** Arrive in Calgary. Free time to explore the city depending on your flight’s arrival time. RDV at the hotel with the rest of the group to meet your guide and hear the tour presentation. Independent dinner. Night at the hotel. Day 02 Calgary tour and first glimpse of Banff National Park Hotel/motel** or *** 120 km, 2h drive Nestled between prairies and the Rocky Mountain range, home of the 1988 Winter Olympics, famous for its world renowned Stampede rodeo event, Calgary offers all the authentic traits of a western city. Among other interesting features, you’ll notice the +15 Skyway, an 18km network of walkways between buildings 15 feet above the ground to protect locals from glacial winter temperatures. After a short visit, we head out for the mountains. As soon as we leave the city, the contrast between the plain and the mountain range is stricking. We reach the village of Banff, the tourism capital of the Rockies and the oldest Canadian National Park. There is something for everyone in Banff: museums, shops, bars, hiking… We first explore the village, followed by a hike on Tunnel Mountain or on the Bow River to Hoodoos. Overnight in Canmore for 2 nights. Meals : B, L Hike Tunnel Mountain or Bow River/Hoodoos trails 5 – 9 km, 60 – 260m elevation, 2h00 – 3h00 walk Day 03 Hike in Lake Louise and the Valley of the 10 peaks Fiche de programme imprimée de windigo.travel Pour toute demande de tarif sur mesure, communiquez avec nous sur [email protected] ou au +1-514-948-4145 Hotel/motel** or *** 120 km, 2h drive (round trip) Today we explore another section of Banff park: Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. We stop at Lake Louise for the incredible panorama it has to offer with its emerald blue lake and Victoria glacier. Then follow your guide on a hike in the Valley of 10 Summits at Lake Moraine on the Larch Valley trail to get the best views of one of the most photographed lakes of the Rockies. See the amazing landscape dotted with emerald lakes and snow mountain tops including Mount Temple, the third highest peak in the Canadian Rockies at 3543 meters. Possible to hike to Sentinel Pass depending on the energy of the group. Back to Canmore at the end of the day. Meals : B, L Hike Larch Valley trail 9 km, 535 m elevation gain, 4h – 5h walk Day 04 Icefields Parkway scenic road to Jasper Hotel*** 300 km, 4h00 drive Today we continue to Jasper via the famous scenic road Icefields Parkway. You can trust your guide to know all the best stops stretched across this 300km route to marvel at the numerous lakes, glaciers, coniferous forests, and waterfalls. We visit Athabasca Falls and the renowned Colombia Glacier. Keep an eye out for the many animals who are often seen from the road including elk, black bears, and mountain goats. Hotel in Jasper for 2 night. Meals : B, L Day 05 Hike through Jasper National Park, canyons and alpine meadows Hotel*** 80 km, 1h00 drive This morning we transfer to Maligne Lake located within an ancient glacial valley. Walk along Maligne Canyon seeing gorges, fossils, and waterfalls before continuing all the way to the Lake. Once arrived, enjoy a walk around the lake, rent canoes, or take a boat ride to Spirit Island (optional). Hike the prairie alpines on the floral- Fiche de programme imprimée de windigo.travel Pour toute demande de tarif sur mesure, communiquez avec nous sur [email protected] ou au +1-514-948-4145 covered Bald Hills trail, offering a spectacular view of Maligne Lake. Return to Jasper at the end of the day and enjoy some free time. Night in the hotel. Meals : B, L Hike Bald Hill trail 10 km, 500 m elevation gain, 4h – 5h walk Day 06 Walk in Mount Robson area & stay on a western ranch in Wells Gray Cabins** 360 km, 4h30 drive Today we head out for Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. We leave Alberta and make our way to British Columbia. We hike to Overlander Falls or hike Kinney Lake. If the weather is nice, we’ll enjoy a superb view of Mount Robson. Continue on to Wells Gray Provincial Park. For the next 2 nights, we wil be staying in wooden cabins on a family owned Ranch near the edge of the park, in the heart of the Caribou Mountains. You will enjoy the many buildings, the saloon and animals on site. Western atmosphere guaranteed! Meals : B, L Hikes Kinney Lake trail 9 km (round trip), minimal elevation, 3h00 walk Overlander Falls path 1 km (round trip), minimal elevation, 30 min walk Day 07 Hike in Wells Gray Provincial Park Cabins** Less touristy, Wells Gray Provincial Park isn’t short on natural beauties! Famous for its impressive waterfalls, wild landscapes, and countless lakes and rivers, Wells Gray offers an array of outdoor activities. We visit the spectacular Helmcken Falls cascading down a 141m cliff. And then hike through the alpine prairies and explore Spahats Canyon via the Trophy Mountain trail. Optional activities include horseback riding in the Caribou Mountains or canoeing on Clearwater Lake. Night in cabins at the ranch. Meals : B, L Hikes Short walks to the falls (Dawson Falls, Helmcken Falls) Trophy Mountain trail 6 km, 200 m elevation, 3h00 walk Day 08 Fiche de programme imprimée de windigo.travel Pour toute demande de tarif sur mesure, communiquez avec nous sur [email protected] ou au +1-514-948-4145 From Wells Gray to Whistler Blackcomb mountain resort Hotel** or *** 450 km, 6h30 drive This morning we drive through the Caribou Mountains to our next destination, Whistler, passing through charming villages, lakes and rivers. Central British Colombia’s arid hills and it’s old gold rush towns from the 1800’s will contrast with the temperate humid ecosystems of the Pacific coastal mountains. We arrive in the afternoon and explore Whistler village. Considered the #1 resort town in Canada, Whistler houses two exceptional ski resorts – Whistler and Blackcomb – and truly is a glorious all-season natural playground. Free time to relax in the village. Hotel for the next two nights. Meals : B, L Day 09 Hiking around Whistler – Garibaldi Provincial Park Hotel** or *** Today we hike nearby Whistler for unforgettable mountain landscapes, flowered prairies, and spectacular waterfalls. Garibaldi Park offers multiple hikes from easy but exceptional lake walks to epic mountain hikes near the glaciers. Black bear sittings are common in the area. Also possible to take the Peak-2-Peak gondola, an engineering marvel that links Whistler and Blackcomb summits, and hike along the ridge (optional). Night in a hotel. Meals : B, L Hikes Cheakamus Lake trail 8 – 16 km (round trip), minimal elevation gain, 3h – 5h walk Brandywine Falls/Meadows trail 6 km (round trip), 550 m elevation gain, 4h walk Cougar Mountain Cedar Grove trail 5 km (round trip), 150 m elevation gain, 3h walk Day 10 Hike Mount Chief & board the ferry to Vancouver Island Hotel** Fiche de programme imprimée de windigo.travel Pour toute demande de tarif sur mesure, communiquez avec nous sur [email protected] ou au +1-514-948-4145 200 km, 3h drive (1h30 ferry) Transfer to Squamish before continuing to Nanaimo on Vancouver Island. Depending on timing, we stop at Shannon Falls or hike to the summit of Chief Mountain. We reach the summit of this rocky promontory with the help of ladders and ropes. Our efforts are rewarded by impressive views of the Howe inlets, our first contact with the Pacific. We later embark on an hour and a half ferry crossing to Vancouver Island with pleasant views of the surrounding snowy peaks and inhabited islands. The wind brings the smell of salty water to our noses. We finally arrive in Victoria, the flowery capital of British Colombia. Hotel for the next two nights. Meals : B, L Hike Chief Mountain trail 3 km, 500 m elevation gain, 3h Day 11 Whale watching tours and hike in East Sooke Provincial Park Hotel** 100 km, 1h00 drive (1h30 ferry) Early in the morning we head out on a whale watching observation cruise. Expect to see orcas, sea lions, seals, porpoise and lots of marine bird life. In the afternoon you may follow the guide to the coastal trail of East Sooke or enjoy some free time exploring Victoria. A town of contrasts, Victoria displays a mix of its elegant past and its current, modern living. Victoria offers a variety of charming boutiques, galleries and museums as well as stunning mountain views, ocean views, dense forests, and luxurious parks. Afternoon/evening free. Hotel for the night. Meals : B, L Activities Excursion zodiac whale watching Day 12 Crossing to the mainland and explore Vancouver Downtown hotel** or *** 65 km, 1h00 drive, 1h30 ferry In the morning, we return to the mainland by ferry on a different route. We visit the most beautiful parts of Vancouver, a city repeatedly cited as one of the top cities for quality of living. Surrounded by mountains and Fiche de programme imprimée de windigo.travel Pour toute demande de tarif sur mesure, communiquez avec nous sur [email protected] ou au +1-514-948-4145 located on the Pacific Ocean, Vancouver is a big city nestled in a natural landscape. Depending on time, explore various neighborhoods including Chinatown, the historic Gastown, the shopping district of Granville Islans, and the totems and beaches of Stanely Park. Last group meal this evening. Night in the hotel. Meals : B Day 13 Vancouver – end of trip End of tour and free time depending on flight schedule. Meals : B Note: this trip itinerary is schedule also from Vancouver to Calgary. Note: B = breakfast L = lunch D = diner Itinerary note: The guide reserves the right to modify the itinerary for the group’s safety depending on the weather and general operating conditions. Date & price ● ● 31 July 2017 3695$CA 12 August 2017 3695$CA Inclusive ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Accommodation: 10 nights standard hotel 2-3*, 2 nights in a chalet /motel/ranch Ground transportation by 12-passenger minibus with enclosed trailer for 10 passengers or more The services of a bilingual driver-guide (French & English) 12 breakfasts, 10 picnic lunches Entry fees to national and provincial parks Ferry to and from Vancouver Island Whale watching adventure in Victoria (3h00) Taxes where applicable Non inclusive ● ● ● ● ● Airport meet and greet and transfers Optional activities Meals in Calgary and Vancouver All dinners Flights and travel insurance Group Fiche de programme imprimée de windigo.travel Pour toute demande de tarif sur mesure, communiquez avec nous sur [email protected] ou au +1-514-948-4145 Groups are comprised of people from various part of the world, with different nationalities and backgrounds. Bilingual tours are given in both French and English. Tour Guide The group size varies between 5 and 12 people. One bilingual (French & English) driver-guide who knows the area will lead the tour. Please note that it is expected of you to actively participate in the daily chores, like the preparation of picnics, the loading and unloading of the minibus, the set-up of camp, and to participate in the activities. Information about activities and hikes Easy hiking and discovery tour with 1 to 4 hours of walking each day. Hikes are mainly within forests, near a river or small mountains. Summer climate is comfortable, but it can get quite cold at night during the month of September. Physical level We suggest you have a healthy lifestyle and are in good physical shape to join this trip. You should be able to walk for 4 to 6 hours with an average 300 to 500 m elevation gain. The hikes are at varying altitudes, from about 0 to 2200m. Accomodation 2-3* standard hotels with private bathroom (10 nights) and chalet/motel/ranch with private bathroom (2 nights). All accommodations are located downtown or close to areas we visit. They are simple but clean properties, giving us easy access to the surrounding nature. Calgary – 3* downtown hotel Canmore – 2-3* motel/hotel, on the outskirts of Banff NP Jasper – 3* hotel Wells Gray – 2* cabin, on a Ranch near the outskirts of the park Whistler – 2-3* standard hotel in the town center, Victoria – 2-3* hotel standard close to city center Vancouver – 2-3* downtown hotel Transport For all transfers, we use a 12-passenger minibus. The luggage will be transported inside the minibus or inside an enclosed cargo trailer, depending on the number of group members. Meals All breakfasts are included either at the hotel or at a restaurant (not included). For days when we visit the parks, lunches are included and will generally be in the form of picnics. All cooking equipment and cutlery are provided by us. Your help will be appreciated in the preparation of meals. Dinners are not included and are at your own expense.. Your guide will propose a restaurant every night for the group and will make all necessary arrangements. For meals not included, plan on about 15-20$ CAD for lunch and 25$-30$ CAD for dinner (tips and alcohol not included in prices). Fiche de programme imprimée de windigo.travel Pour toute demande de tarif sur mesure, communiquez avec nous sur [email protected] ou au +1-514-948-4145 Climate For the Rockies, you will mostly experience mountain climate. In the summer days are pleasant, sometimes hot, but the nights are cool. In early summer and fall, nightfall can bring rain and snow, and even freezing temperatures. In the summer, the days are long and the sun does not set until about 21h00/9:00pm. One the Pacific Coast and Vancouver Island, the climate is moderate and humid, with a greater chance of rain or fog. Optionnal activities Jasper ● ● Maligne Lake canoe rentals: 30$ CAD / hour Maligne Lake cruise (1h30): 67$ CAD / person Wells Gray ● Horseback riding (1h30) : 70$ CAD / person Whistler ● Gondola to the summit: 60$ CAD / person NOTE: Rates subject to change without notice Fiche de programme imprimée de windigo.travel Pour toute demande de tarif sur mesure, communiquez avec nous sur [email protected] ou au +1-514-948-4145