Family Holidays in Canada

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This family holiday in Canada is the perfect outdoor adventure with a chance to raft, canoe, hike and bike amongst some of the most breathtaking scenery that Canada has to offer. Float upon the brilliant turquoise water of Lake Louise, spot the diverse wildlife of Wells Gray, or discover Athabasca Glacier on an included guided walk. After busy days, relax by the campfire and share stories from the trail. From glacier walking to soaking in natural hot springs, each new day will be even more exciting than the last.

• Canoeing US$35-US$75
• Horseback riding US$45-$115
• Bicycle rental US$25-$50
• Seattle Space Needle US$18
• Helicopter Flight US$180-$295
• Whitewater rafting (in season) US$100-$200
• Scenic walks and hikes US$FREE

As we know how important it is to match children of similar ages, our 14 August departure is specifically for families with teenagers. Younger siblings are welcome upon request.

If you are spending extra time in our gateway cities, you can now plan in advance by pre-booking unique city sightseeing day tours in addition to your trip.

SEATTLE

All city day tours are operated by local experts who are dedicated to take you behind the scenes so you know it like a local! When booking your trip, simply select your chosen city tours from the Tour Extras section on the online booking form.

> View City Sightseeing Tours

Why not arrange your own Grand American Adventures departure? For groups of 8 or more, we can offer private departures on any of our published itineraries enabling friends, families or organizations to enjoy our style of travel at special rates. Although tours will run as per our standard itinerary shown here, slight modifications may be considered and dates can be chosen to suit your needs. (Subject to seasonal/operational restrictions). So contact us today and start planning your own adventure.

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Trip Itinerary

Our routes have been carefully chosen to include the best night stops and highlights. However, as local and operational conditions may vary and unforeseen circumstances can arise, the following itinerary should be used as a guideline.

As this tour departs at 0730 in the morning we recommend that you book pre-tour accommodation. Please request hotel details at the time of booking.

Day 1: Seattle to Paul Lake Provincial Park

After leaving Seattle, we drive over the border to Canada and continue northeast past the city of Kamloops to our large campground at Paul Lake Provincial Park in the heart of British Columbia. Take a stroll along the water's edge or refresh yourself with a swim in the mountain water.
Accommodation: Camping with meals included

Day 2-3: Yoho National Park

Continuing by road we make our way to Golden and Yoho National Park. 'Yoho' is a native word that means 'awe'. Overshadowed by the neighbouring parks of Banff and Jasper, Yoho National Park is the hidden gem of the Canada national parks system. It is a photographer's dream with several hiking opportunities that take us amongst Yoho's pristine alpine landscape that includes mountains, lakes and waterfalls. In our free time here we can experience the raging Kicking Horse River first-hand with an optional exhilarating half-day white water rafting excursion or choose to canoe and hike at magnificent Emerald Lake. An excellent alternative option is walking the challenging trails overlooking Takakkaw Falls.
Accommodation: Camping with meals included

Day 4-5: Banff National Park

Located in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Banff National Park was established in 1885 and is Canada's oldest national park. Its mountainous terrain encompasses coniferous forests, alpine meadows, icefields and glaciers. It is the veritable outdoor enthusiast's paradise with opportunities for canoeing on Bow River, mountain biking or a ride up the gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain and take in a 360 degree view of the surrounding landscape. Another exciting optional activity is to view all this scenic grandeur from a helicopter. Outstanding hikes are available and, with the abundant wildlife, there is always a good chance of seeing bears from a safe distance. There is nothing better after a hard day of fun than a soak in the Sulphur Mountain Hot Springs. Banff also offers a fun family night out in town.
Accommodation: Camping with meals included

Day 6: Lake Louise

With its snow-capped peaks, ancient pine forests and aquamarine waters, Lake Louise is 'the gem of the Canadian Rockies'. Lake Louise has always been a popular tourist destination, so it is no surprise that it is the most photographed destination in the Canadian Rockies! There are also many walking trails to enjoy. We can wander around the lake and be mesmerised by the turquoise waters and also hike to a teahouse to be rewarded by the chance to eat the best chocolate cake in Canada!
Accommodation: Camping with meals included

Day 7: Icefields Parkway to Jasper National Park

The Icefields Parkway, cutting through the heart of the Rockies, is surely one of the world's ultimate scenic drives, travelling for 230 miles past hanging glaciers, sheer rock walls and broad sweeping valleys. We have a chance to traverse a portion of the imposing Athabasca Glacier on a guided glacier hike before being amazed by Peyto Lake's turquoise hues. We end our day by continuing to Jasper National Park and setting up camp for a two-night stay.
Accommodation: Camping with meals included

Day 8: Jasper National Park

Jasper National Park is the largest national park in Canada, covering an area of 18,878 square kilometres (4200 square miles). It is much less developed than other areas of western Canada and offers a true wilderness feel. There are several options on offer in Jasper. We can start by taking the cable car to Whistler Mountain for a bird's eye view of this splendid park. There are also opportunities for mountain biking or hiking amidst glorious lakeside scenery, or visit Mount Edith Cavell for tremendous views of Angel Glacier and various other hiking options.
Accommodation: Camping with meals included

Day 9: Wells Gray Provincial Park

We make our way from Alberta back to British Columbia. Travelling on the scenic Yellowhead Highway we continue to the edge of large Wells Gray Provincial Park - the fourth largest in British Columbia covering the highest regions of the Cariboo Mountains. If you ever wanted to try dining on a bison burger, this is the place for it! Another option is to hop onto a horse for an optional afternoon ride or taking a walk to check out the impressive Helmcken Falls, named after a guy who never saw the falls himself! Tonight we get to spend the night in a local hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel included with meals paid locally

Day 10: Vancouver

On the edge of the Canadian wilderness lies the cosmopolitan city of Vancouver. With a metropolitan population of over 2.3 million, this is one of the most attractive cities in the world, surrounded by water on many sides. Native American culture is very much alive here as evident by totem poles in the famous Stanley Park. We enjoy a short orientation tour of the city that takes in the popular Gastown area as well as Stanley Park, where we view the totem poles and pay homage to the indigenous heritage of this region. Time permitting, you may wish to pay an optional visit to the fascinating Vancouver Aquarium - home to playful sea otters. Our evening is free to sample the excellent dining options and nightlife that this vibrant city has to offer. Perhaps time for an optional farewell meal together?
Accommodation: Hotel included with meals paid locally

Day 11: Vancouver to Seattle

On the final day, we cross back over the border into the United States and onto Seattle where there's time to visit the famous Pike Place Market or sample America's best coffee. Why not take the optional ride to the top of Seattle's famous Space Needle and check out the city from the observation deck at 605 feet for a fitting end to an impressive, activity-filled tour.

This tour ends at our gateway hotel at approximately 17:00 hrs. We can book you post-tour accommodation at our gateway hotel if required. If you are planning to fly tonight, please do not book a flight that departs before 21:00 hrs.

You can easily book your trip online using our secure booking engine. You only need to pay a 10% deposit or (whichever is greatest) with full payment due 8 weeks before departure. We are members of ABTA (Association of Britsh Travel Agents) and are fully financially bonded so your money is 100% safe & protected at all times whether you pay by debit, bank or credit card. If you prefer to book by telephone, please contact our sales office and speak to one our friendly travel consultants.

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