Description
Victoria – Whistler – Sun Peaks – Jasper – Lake Louise – Banff – Vernon
Costsaver believe that the most important part of travelling is the memories that you make along the way, and that’s why their holidays are always superb value for money. On your travels, you’ll have an expert Travel Director on hand to help, 3 and 4-star accommodations, luxury coach transport, city tours and lots of meals provided. There’s plenty of time to treat yourself to a range of Optional Experiences or discover the hidden gems in the locations you visit in your own way. Costsaver’s holidays are designed for independent travellers who have the initiative and creativity to search for exciting places to explore; they’ll take care of the finer details so that you can spend more time enjoying your customisable holiday.
On the first day of this scenic Canadian adventure, you’ll arrive in the bustling city of Vancouver, staying at the Pacific Gateway Hotel, fabulously-situated just moments from Vancouver Airport whilst still being nestled among mountain and river views. In the afternoon, meet your Travel Director before settling into your guestroom. The modern rooms at the Pacific Gateway Hotel feature stylish décor, breath-taking mountain or marina views, an LCD flat screen TV with interactive HD programming and movie channels, a hairdryer, Mogiana coffee, tea and kettle, Gilchrist & Soames Reserve Bathroom Collection amenities and complimentary Wi-Fi. It’s not hard to see why the Pacific Gateway Hotel is a popular base for a stay near Vancouver.
The next morning, start the day with a tour featuring Vancouver’s sightseeing highlights, from the historic Gastown, the oldest neighbourhood in Vancouver, to Stanley Park, with its famous collection of totem poles and the picturesque Prospect Point. Catch a glimpse of the many islands in the Strait of Georgia on the ferry from the coast to Swartz Bay. After a short drive, arrive in the charming capital city of British Colombia: Victoria. On a sightseeing tour that’ll introduce you to Victoria, see the waterfront district before passing by the Parliament Buildings and Government Street. This evening, stay at Comfort Inn and Suites, Victoria. Centrally located, it’s near all the sights and attractions Victoria boasts. There’s an extensive collection of amenities at your disposal- from complimentary Wi-Fi and local calls, to a newly-refurbished fitness centre and a free hot breakfast buffet. Rooms feature air conditioning, ironing facilities, an in-room coffee maker, flat screen TV with cable channels and a mini refrigerator.
Today head off to Butchart Gardens for your Iconic Breakfast at the Blue Poppy Restaurant, with spectacular views of the gardens surrounding the restaurant, you’ll enjoy delicious food in this light-filled setting. Discover one of the finest floral collections in the world over the remarkable 55 acres of flower and show gardens. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy some of Victoria’s other delights. Why not treat yourself to a whale watching trip, cruise around the protected waters surrounding Victoria in Haro Strait and the Strait of Juan de Fuca? Travellers have amazing photo opportunities unlike any other, as well as the chance to see some native wildlife, such as bald eagles, porpoises, seals and hopefully some of the resident Orca whales too.
After another cosy night in Victoria, it’s time to travel to Chemainus, a coastal community famed for its Mural Project, a series of enormous outdoor wall murals. Then return on the ferry to the mainland in Horseshoe. Journey along the Sea-to-Sky Highway, with stunning views of the ocean vistas, dramatic mountains and cascading waterfalls. Along the way, stop off at Shannon Falls Provincial Park and see the waterfalls, including the third highest in British Columbia. Finish the day in the alpine oasis of Whistler village, co-host to the Winter Olympics in 2010.
Delta Hotels by Marriott Whistler Village Suites is the ideal place to embrace laid-back mountain living. This hotel boasts an array of facilities to help you unwind, including a 24/7 fitness room, heated outdoor pool and hot tubs and a whirlpool. Other activities offered include a sauna, snow skiing on Whistler or Blackcomb Mountain and bike rentals. Enjoy local restaurant delivery or dine at one of the hotel’s on-site restaurants. Head up to your room to relax, with an abundance of in-room amenities including a mini-refrigerator, microwave, fully-equipped kitchenette, coffee maker and tea service, mini-bar, 37” LCD TV, complimentary Wi-Fi and pay-per-view movies. After a hearty breakfast, have the full day to enjoy Whistler’s natural beauty. Nestled amongst the spectacular Blackcomb and Whistler Mountains, this quaint village has plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. From exhilarating excursions including zip-lining and white-water rafting to a more scenic ride on the Peak-to-Peak Gondola. Another popular activity is the flightseeing tours over the idyllic lakes and ice-capped peaks of Garibaldi Provincial Park.
The next day travel alongside the Duffy and Seton Lakes as you journey along Duffy Lake Road. Pass Lillooet, ‘Mile 0’ of the Gold Rush Route on your travels and follow the Cariboo Wagon Trail, before arriving in Sun Peaks, one of the premier ski resorts in British Columbia. Tonight, you’ll be staying at Sun Peaks Lodge, located in the heart of Sun Peaks village. The hotel is just steps away from the chairlift for skiing, hiking, biking and the 18-hole golf course. Village shops and restaurants are situated outside the front door. Spectacular hotel amenities include the Steakhouse Restaurant with Fondue Stube served during the ski season, and quaint village or breath-taking Mount Morrissey views. Guestrooms feature cosy, traditional décor with armchairs, complimentary coffee, tea and kettle, flat screen TV, free Wi-Fi and mini-refrigerator.
Today pass through picture-perfect ranch lands as you follow along the Yellowhead Highway, seeing the snowy peaks of the Columbia Mountains on the horizon. Take in the magnificent views of Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, before arriving in Jasper, inside Jasper National Park. A tour of Jasper will allow you to quickly get to know this magical, calming mountain resort. Here you will stay at the Lobstick Lodge, amongst the dramatic Canadian Rockies. You can enjoy free Wi-Fi, an indoor pool and hot tub, as well as fitness facilities and charming mountain-inspired guestrooms. There’s an on-site café serving Starbucks for the first time in Jasper, the Skyline Lounge with spectacular mountain views and the Seasons Dining Room serving authentic Canadian cuisine using fresh Albertan ingredients. Standard rooms include two Queen size beds, complimentary coffee and tea making facilities, HD TV, ironing facilities and a hair dryer. They also feature cosy mountain lodge-inspired décor and a plush seating area.
Today is a full day free for you to explore the largest National Park in the Canadian Rockies. Activities focused on the natural beauty of this region include gentle float trip on the Athabasca River, with an experienced guide providing an insightful commentary about the human and natural history of this region, as you float along the same route used by fur traders over 200 years ago, or scenic cruises on Maligne Lake to the famous Spirit Island. If you’re feeling more adventurous, go for a glacier hike on mount Edith Cavell or make use of the abundance of hiking trails nearby. Your Travel Director is on hand at all times to help you plan your day however you’d like to.
Continue your journey along the world-famous Icefields Parkway, one of the most scenic highways in the world. You’ll be surrounded by mountains, luscious forests, glaciers and giant peaks. Stops along this stretch for photo opportunities unlike any other include Athabasca Falls, Columbia Icefield, Bow and Peyto Lakes and Crowfoot Glacier. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife along the way! At Columbia Icefield, you’ll go for a ride on the Ice Explorer, taking you onto the surface of the Athabasca Glacier to learn more about its formation and nearby natural features. Later, stop at the ‘Jewel of the Canadian Rockies’- the tranquil Lake Louise. Your day concludes in Banff after continuing on the TransCanada Highway.
Tonight, it’s time to check in at Inns of Banff, with breath-taking mountain views, set amongst local wildlife and plenty of activities, including hiking trails. There’s a vast range of amenities at this mountain-style hotel, such as a choice of three unique on-site restaurants, a grill, pub and Japanese restaurant, an indoor pool and sauna, as well as complimentary Banff Roam transit passes and free Wi-Fi access. Standard rooms include luxurious beds, coffee makers, 32” flat screen TVs, spacious living areas and a sitting area by the window. In the morning, go on a sightseeing tour of Banff, including the Bow Falls and Tunnel mountain, before enjoying the rest of the day at your own pace, perhaps going on a gondola ride up Sulphur Mountain for fantastic views of six mountain ranges.
Drive across the Continental Divide at Kicking Horse Pass the next day, stopping at Spiral Tunnels before passing through Yoho National park and across Roger’s Pass in Glacier National Park. In Okanagan Valley, stop at a local winery for a tour and private tasting before arriving at the Sandman Hotel & Suites Vernon, perfectly-situated in a city surrounded by grassy hills, mountains and picturesque lakes. Popular attractions in both Kelowna and Kamloops are nearby, as well as Kalamalka and Okanagan lakes. Rooms at the Sandman make the perfect home-from-home with chic, newly-renovated décor, 32” flat screen TV, free Wi-Fi and a small fridge and microwave for your convenience, as well as a seating area.
After a cosy and comfortable night’s sleep, make your way back to Vancouver on the final day of your adventure. Pass through the beautiful Fraser River Valley on your travels, before eventually arriving back in Vancouver.
This superb escorted tour allows you to see many of Canada’s natural landscapes and sweeping scenic views without breaking the bank. There’s so much flexibility and plenty of free time to make this trip your own, with optional excursions along the way. Your Travel Director will also take the stress of making reservations or arranging bookings away, so you can have peace of mind to enjoy the spectacular scenery. Call one of our travel experts to book this fantastic escorted tour offer today!
