Canada & Alaska Gap Year Tours

Canadian Parks West - 21 Days

This tour is ideal for travellers looking for a trip through the stunning Canadian Rockies complete with pristine wilderness lakes and a trip to the fantastic shores of Vancouver Island. The highlights of this tour include the great Canadian National Parks, outdoor activities such as river rafting, whale watching and canoe trips along with visits to the vibrant cities of Seattle, Vancouver, Calgary and Victoria.

We begin our trip in Seattle and immediately head north into Canada. We stop in the northern Cascade Mountains in an old-fashioned town called Winthrop. Here we take in the views across the alpine meadows of Mt. Revelstoke on our way to the Canadian Rockies.

Once in Canada we head straight for Yoho National Park with a stop along the way in the Okanagan Valley known for it’s stunning lake and warm summertime weather. After seeing the glories of Yoho National Park we continue onto Banff National Park to enjoy mountain biking, hiking and soaking in hot springs. Alternatively take in the sights by enjoying the excellent nightlife in town or by taking a breath-taking mountain helicopter flight.

Next stop, the boomtown of Calgary, once home to the winter Olympics. After getting our fill of the city we set out towards the Rockies again to hike the panoramic trails at Lake Louise. You will find out firsthand why this place is called the “gem of the Rockies”. Take time to hike up to the tea house for spectacular views or you can visit the chateau. After taking in the sights at Lake Louise we head through the heart of the Rockies over the Icefields Parkway- one of the world’s most spectacular drives.

This route will amaze you with the turquoise lakes, mighty peaks, forests and boundless wildlife. With superb panoramic views be sure to have your camera at hand! After our journey to Jasper we leave the Rockies to take in an overnight canoe trip before heading for Wells Grey Provincial Park.

We continue our adventure with a chance to go white water rafting on the Thompson River on the way to the year-round resort of Whistler. Whistler is well known for it’s “village” appeal and offers an abundance of outdoor activities such as mountain biking.

From Whistler to Vancouver we follow the beautiful "Sea to Sky" highway. Vancouver is stuffed full of attractions to please all interests. Take in the exciting nightlife, some of the many gardens and parks, museums or the lively Granville Market.

Just a scenic ferry ride away is our next port of call, Vancouver Island. Here we enjoy a special visit to the wild Pacific Rim National Park for sea kayaking through the sheltered coves or whale watching.

Our final stop on this great Canadian adventure is the stately city of Victoria. Enjoy the Royal British Columbia Museum, stunning gardens or one of the many other sights this great city has to offer. Jumping back on the ferry for our final journey we reach Seattle. Enjoy our final city by taking in the waterfront, a visit to Pike Place Market, or indulging in the best micro brews and coffees in America.

Stops
Departs our Seattle hotel at 0730 hrs.

1. Cascades
2. Okanagan
3. Yoho National Park
4. Banff National Park
5. Banff National Park
6. Banff National Park
7. Calgary
8. Lake Louise
9. Jasper National Park
10. Jasper National Park
11. Wells Grey Prov'l Park
12. Wells Grey Prov'l Park
13. British Columbia
14. Whistler
15. Vancouver
16. Vancouver
17. Pacific Rim National Park
18. Pacific Rim National Park
19. Pacific Rim National Park
20. Victoria
21. Seattle

This Trek may operate in either direction.

Accommodation and Meals
Camping included in the price.

You will contribute to a food kitty of $9 per day. This will provide for 3 meals a day usually; eating fresh food that we purchase as we travel to satisfy the international flavour of the group-a healthy way to travel at an unbeatable price. While on the tour you will take turns cooking meals.

Tour Cost Includes

Transportation by adventure vehicle
Services of a tour leader
All camping fees & equipment
A 2 day overnight wilderness canoe trip all equipment supplied
Whale watching tour
Admission to all National Parks and Monuments

Tour Cost Excluded

International Flights
Travel Insurance
Spending Money
Food (Kitty will be collected USD$9 per day)

Optional Activities
Western saloon evening
Mountain biking
Sea kayaking
Horseback riding
Aerial tramway ride
Guided glacier walk
Whitewater rafting
Scenic glacier flight
Soak in hot springs
Rollerblading in Stanley Park
Seattle Space Needle
Excellent national park hikes

Dates and Prices
The Canadian Parks West tour price varies according to the time of year. Please contact us for exact dates and prices.