Canadian Rockies Wildlife Holidays | Canada Wildlife Tours

Overview

The Canadian Rockies are incredible: rugged peaks, untouched fir forests and radiant glaciers interspersed with valleys rich with wildlife, from Black Bears, to deer, moose and coyotes. This tour visits the unmissable sights of the Rockies and Lake Louise, but also delves deeper, venturing far off the beaten track. Bella Coola and Tweedsmuir are rarely visited by tourists and offer a true wilderness experience. You’ll enjoy two dedicated boat trips from Vancouver Island to spot bear and whales in their natural habitat. This trip is a rare blend of the highlights and the lesser visited gems, showcasing Canada's spectacular wilderness and the wildlife which lives here.

Included Highlights

Orca viewing Zodiac tour around Victoria
Bear viewing Zodiac tour in Tofino
Unforgettable Inside Passage ferry journey spotting whales and birdlife
Relax in Miette Hot Springs
Visit remote Tweedsmuir Provincial Park and Bella Coola Valley
Explore Jasper and Banff national parks
Drive along the stunning Icefields Parkway, one of the 'best drives in the world'
See Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies
Endless wildlife viewing opportunities
Many walks and hikes amongst stunning scenery

Need to Know

Tour Style

Group Size

Max 13

Hotel

14 Nights

Other Inclusions

Services of a professional tour leader
All transportation by private vehicle, ferry and zodiac boat
Wi-Fi available in some hotels
All meals paid locally

Essential Information

Prices quoted are land only. Call us on 0330 162 4410 for a flight quote (UK only)
This tour requires a minimum number of five to operate. On rare occasions we may run with lower numbers
The minimum age to join this tour is 16

Trip Dossier

Download the Canada Wildlife & Vancouver Island trip dossier for tour-specific details including full itinerary, pre-departure information, packing tips and more about our style of travel.

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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.

100% Guaranteed departures All departures of this tour in 2020 are guaranteed, so once you've booked you can be sure you're going! This guarantee gives you the confidence to book all of your travel arrangements and simply look forward to your holiday.

Look out for the Trip Advisor logo in the itinerary below to read hotel reviews. On the rare occasion that accommodation is not available we will stay in a local property of a similar standard.

2020 Itinerary

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Day 1: Calgary

Welcome to Calgary, a cosmopolitan Alberta city. Calgary has historically been known for its Wild West roots and is oozing with the Western culture which earned it the nickname 'Cowtown'. This is still evident in the rodeo and the Calgary Stampede, but it has also become a dynamic and vibrant city of skyscrapers at the centre of Canada's oil industry. Wander around the city ahead of your welcome meeting at 18:00 hrs in the hotel lobby, where you'll meet your tour leader and fellow travelling companions.

Trip Advisor

Ramada Plaza Calgary Downtown

Read Trip Advisor Reviews

Accommodation

Ramada Plaza (or similar) included

Meals

Meals paid locally

Day 2: Banff National Park

Banff National Park is one of the highlights of any visit to Western Canada, with its magnificent mountains, lakes and forests. It's Canada's first national park and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Banff town can easily be explored on foot and with plenty of optional activities there's more than enough to fill your time. Check out the iconic Banff Springs Hotel where tourism in the Canadian Rockies first began, visit some of the many souvenir shops in town or take a short trail to the tumbling Bow Falls. You could also walk along Tunnel Mountain trail for a view of Banff and the Bow Valley. Why not take the gondola up to Sulphur Mountain for rewarding panoramic views of the Rockies? Or simply relax in the heated, natural pools of the Banff Hot Springs.

Trip Advisor

Brewster Mountain Lodge (or similar)

Read Trip Advisor Reviews

Accommodation

Brewster's Mountain Lodge (or similar) included

Meals

Meals paid locally

Optional Activities

Aerial gondola/tramway CAD$49-64

Sulphur Mountain hot springs CA$9

Day 3: Banff National Park

It's time to see more of the magnificent mountains, lakes and forests that Banff is so famous for. Drive to Moraine Lake located in the Valley of the Ten Peaks, the highest of which is Deltaform Mountain (3,424m). Next, take a walk on one of the many trails at nearby Lake Louise. A favourite with many visitors is the hike up to the Plain of Six Glaciers, offering incredible views of the valley. Both lakes are famous for their striking blue glacial colour, caused by rock flour carried into the lakes by meltwater from surrounding glaciers. This is picture-perfect scenery at its very best!

Trip Advisor

Brewster Mountain Lodge (or similar)

Read Trip Advisor Reviews

Accommodation

Brewster's Mountain Lodge (or similar) included

Meals

Meals paid locally

Day 4: Icefields Parkway - Jasper National Park

Brace yourself, as this morning you hit one of the most famous and beautiful drives in the world, the Icefields Parkway. This spectacular road traverses the Rockies, running parallel to the Continental Divide. Mountain passes, glaciers and high peaks are some of the many scenic highlights and there are opportunities to see elk, caribou, bears, Bighorn Sheep and goats, which often graze on the vegetation found at the roadside. You'll stop at all of the ‘must see’ sights, including Bow Summit and Bow Lake, Peyto Lake and Crowfoot Glacier. There's also the option for a guided glacier walk along the way. Your overnight location will be approximately forty minutes out of town.

Trip Advisor

Pocahontas Cabins (or similar)

Read Trip Advisor Reviews

Accommodation

Pocahontas Cabins (or similar)

Meals

Meals paid locally

Optional Activities

Guided glacier walk CA$100 (CA$60 for under 17s)

Day 5: Jasper National Park

Jasper is much quieter and less developed than Banff, which means it is much easier to escape the crowds and spend the day getting to know Jasper National Park and its surroundings. One option is to take the SkyTram and walk to the summit, which provides fantastic views over the Canadian Rockies. Alternatively, there are various hikes at Mount Edith Cavell including a short hike in the alpine meadows with chances to see caribou. At the top, you'll enjoy spectacular views of Angel Glacier, a beautiful hanging glacier in the shape of angel wings. An included visit to Miette Hot Springs will relax your muscles after a day of exploring.

Trip Advisor

Pocahontas Cabins (or similar)

Read Trip Advisor Reviews

Accommodation

Pocahontas Cabins (or similar)

Meals

Meals paid locally

Optional Activities

SkyTram cable car CA$50

Float trip on the Athabasca River CA$70

Day 6: Mount Robson - Wells Gray Provincial Park

This morning take in the majestic views of Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Rockies. You will continue your travels to Clearwater, the gateway to Wells Gray Provincial Park where you will explore the parks bewitching waterfalls.

Trip Advisor

Clearwater Lodge (or similar)

Read Trip Advisor Reviews

Accommodation

Clearwater Lodge (or similar) included

Meals

Meals paid locally

Day 7-8: Tweedsmuir Provincial Park

Drive through authentic Canadian wilderness as you head off the beaten track towards Tweedsmuir Provincial Park. The park was named after the 15th Governor General of Canada, Baron Tweedsmuir, who travelled extensively throughout the area by float plane and horseback. The park has varied landscapes on offer, and you can expect to come face to face with rugged mountains, deep lush valleys and spectacular ocean fjords. Your overnight location for the next two nights is close to the shores of Anahim Lake, a popular lake for fly fishing that supports an eclectic mix of wildlife. There's an optional canoeing excursion on the lake which we recommend followed with a relaxing evening unwinding by the fireplace! Please note, this area has very basic facilities but is extremely beautiful and off the tourist trail.

Please note: due to the remote nature of this property, some cabins will be more basic than others, often with shared bathroom facilities with a capacity of two to four people maximum. On rare occasions, you may have to use the bathrooms in the main lodge.

Trip Advisor

Eagle Nest Resort Cabins (or similar)

Read Trip Advisor Reviews

Accommodation

Cabin included (shared bathroom, cabins two or four people)

Meals

Meals paid locally

Optional Activities

Canoeing Anahim Lake CA$12 per hour

Day 9: Tweedsmuir Provincial Park - Bella Coola

Tweedsmuir Provincial Park is completely off the radar for most tour groups, despite being named as British Columbia's most beautiful park. Spend time in the southern area of the park and enjoy a hiking trail through an area of thick forest. A healthy population of Grizzly and Black Bears exist throughout the park, as well as elk, deer, moose and coyotes; it is possible to see any of these whilst visiting Tweedsmuir. Wildlife aside, the colours of the mountains combined with the flora and the wilderness feel will ensure that Tweedsmuir is a park to remember. After some time spent hiking, you'll drive over 'the Hill' with superb views all the way to Bella Coola.

Trip Advisor

Bella Coola Mountain Lodge (or similar)

Read Trip Advisor Reviews

Accommodation

Bella Coola Mountain Lodge (or similar) included

Meals

Meals paid locally

Day 10: Bella Coola

Bella Coola is located at the point where the Bella Coola River joins with the saltwater of the Pacific Ocean. Here, amongst the lush valley bottoms and snow-capped peaks, some of the largest Grizzly Bears in the world reside - this little community is gaining a reputation as one of the finest places to spot them in British Columbia. The best time of year to view Grizzly Bears is late August and September, when they descend from the mountains to catch salmon in the rivers and eat berries. In season, it's possible to join an optional excursion in search of Grizzly Bears. Outside of bear season, there's a selection of excellent hikes on offer and plenty of optional activities, such as fishing and a scenic float excursion.

Trip Advisor

Bella Coola Mountain Lodge (or similar)

Read Trip Advisor Reviews

Accommodation

Bella Coola Mountain Lodge (or similar) included

Meals

Meals paid locally

Optional Activities

Grizzly bear watching (mid Aug - end Sept) CA$195

Wildlife rafting tour CA$100

Day 11: Inside Passage - Port Hardy

An absolute delight for wildlife lovers, the Inside Passage offers one of the most amazing ferry crossings in North America, with everything from frozen fjords to forest-covered hillsides flanking your route. The journey is a 10-hour direct ferry journey and the scenery is simply spectacular: towering, forest-clad peaks surround the deep fjords and those with a keen eye can often spot Bald Eagles and bear. The Inside Passage also supports one of the world's richest marine environments and it may be possible to see Gray, Orca, Pacific White Sided and occasionally Humpback Whales. The remoteness of the Inside Passage is its most stunning feature; this area is largely inaccessible by road and the tiny communities that spread along it, rely on boats for transportation. You’ll spend tonight in Vancouver Island's most northerly town, Port Hardy.

NB: One of the ferries is more basic, without a restaurant or lounge area, but offers an excellent opportunity to spot wildlife.

Trip Advisor

North Shore Inn (or similar)

Read Trip Advisor Reviews

Accommodation

North Shore Inn (or similar) included

Meals

Meals paid locally

Day 12: Tofino - Ucluelet

Drive from the northern side of Vancouver Island to Tofino on the western side through some beautiful scenic areas. Make a stop at Cathedral Grove, where there are many trails which meander through the Douglas Fir, Western Hemlock, Grand Fir and Western Red Cedar trees. Enjoy the scenery and breathe in that fresh island air! You'll stay in Ucluelet for the next two nights.

Trip Advisor

Canadian Princess Lodge (or similar)

Read Trip Advisor Reviews

Accommodation

Canadian Princess Lodge (or similar) included

Meals

Meals paid locally

Day 13: Tofino - Ucluelet

The west coast of Vancouver Island is well-known for its whale and bear sightings, so you’ll board a boat trip which gives you a unique chance to get up close with the iconic Black Bear. You’ll be guided by an experienced on-board specialist. You may even be lucky enough to spot whales on your trip. The afternoon is free for you to enjoy as you wish, with kayaking, hiking or perhaps even a whale watching boat trip.

Trip Advisor

Canadian Princess Lodge (or similar)

Read Trip Advisor Reviews

Accommodation

Canadian Princess Lodge (or similar) included

Meals

Meals paid locally

Optional Activities

Zodiac whale watching adventure CA$130 for half day

Sea kayaking CA$130 for half day

Day 14: Victoria

Travel to Victoria, Vancouver Island's main city and the capital of British Columbia. It's a remarkable mix of English Edwardian, First Nations and even some unique Chinese style buildings, and was home to the first Chinatown in Canada. Victoria is well-known for being the ultimate place to spot Orca, so we’ve included a Zodiac boat tour to search out these magnificent mammals in their natural environment. In the late afternoon, enjoy a brief tour of the city's highlights with free time for you to explore afterwards.

Trip Advisor

Victoria Strathconia (or similar)

Read Trip Advisor Reviews

Accommodation

Victoria Strathcona (or similar) included

Meals

Meals paid locally

Day 15: Victoria - Vancouver

In the morning, you’ll board a ferry across the Salish Sea, admiring the small islands and magnificent panorama of Vancouver City as it comes into view. This cosmopolitan and diverse metropolis is a real contrast to the rest of British Columbia, but always proves to be a highlight. Enjoy a scenic drive through Stanley Park, a 400-hectare green wonderland with authentic totem poles erected in the 1920s; and stop by Prospect Point, a scenic lookout where you can gaze out at spectacular views of Lions Gate Bridge, North Vancouver and West Vancouver.

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.

Accommodation

None included. Tour ends at 17:00 hrs

Meals

Meals paid locally

Tour Extras

We offer a whole range of travel extras, from additional hotel nights to flights and insurance, so you can organise everything you'll need for your trip.

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Book Extra Nights In Calgary

Our tours depart at designated hotels in our gateway cities, so it's a great idea to book a room for the night before and after your tour. It's also worth staying extra nights to explore the city more. You must book these hotels in advance either online with your tour or by contacting our friendly sales team.

CALGARY - HOTEL CLIQUE

24 Aero Cres NE, Calgary, AB T2E 7Y5, Canada

This chic boutique hotel is close to the airport and offers an abundance of modern luxury, including an onsite restaurant, cocktail bar and rooftop hot tub.

Please contact our Sales Team for a quote.

AIRPORT TRANSFER INFORMATION

This hotel offers a free 24 hour shuttle service. It picks up passengers from bay 37 outside the International Terminal at 20 and 40 minutes past the hour, and outside the Domestic Terminal from bay 17 at 15 and 45 minutes past the hour. Please arrange transfers to the airport with the hotel directly.

Book Extra Nights in Vancouver

VANCOUVER - ACCENT INN

10551 St Edwards Dr, Richmond, BC V6X 3L8

This hotel is located in the tourist and commercial area of Richmond, close to the airport and 10 to 15 minutes from downtown Vancouver.

Please contact our Sales Team for a quote.

AIRPORT TRANSFER INFORMATION

The hotel offers a free shuttle from Vancouver Airport and picks up every 15 and 45 minutes past the hour from 4:15am to 12:45am. For international arrivals the pick-up area is located between the arrivals gate and the parking entrance. Follow the "Ground Transportation" sign and look for the yellow "Hotel Courtesy Shuttle" sign on your right. For domestic arrivals the pick-up area is located on the ground floor next to the Gateway Valet Concierge. After passing by the 7-11 and the liquor store on your left, keep going straight until you see the "Ground Transportation" and "Hotel Courtesy Shuttle" signs.

Book City Tours Before/After Your Trip

If you’ve booked pre or post nights in our gateway cities, spend some time exploring. We’ve partnered with GetYourGuide to make sure you take in all the highlights and experience everything these incredible cities have to offer.

Discover our city tours below >

Calgary City tours

Vancouver City tours

Book Flights (UK Only)

Our specialist flights department can offer UK customers a great airline fare to all of our destinations. We have preferred contracts with many international carriers and have secured some of the most competitive prices in the industry.

Why Book Your Flights with Grand American Adventures?

Secure your flight with a deposit of only £125 per person
Date changes free of charge (subject to terms)
We are ATOL protected and IATA licensed
Personal service - you're more than just a number

Call us now on 0330 162 4410 for today's special offers or request a flight quote online

Travel Insurance

At Grand American Adventures we believe that your safety and enjoyment are the most important parts of your holiday. That's why we recommend you take out insurance as soon as your booking is confirmed. We can offer you a comprehensive travel insurance policy which is completely tailored for your trip and is specially designed to include all the activities listed we do.

If you do not take our policy, you must ensure that the policy you do take offers an equivalent level of protection and covers you for the activities involved - be aware that some policies do not include, or restrict, coverage for this type of travel.

See our insurance page for more information.

Optional Activities During Your Tour

There are loads of exciting optional activities available for you to choose from during your trip giving you the flexibility to do the things you want to and leave out the things you don't. A list of optional activities and approximate costs are shown at the end of each day by day itinerary descriptions above.

Your tour leader will arrange your chosen activities during the tour so no need to pre-book. You'll also pay for these locally so ensure you budget for the bucket list items!

As local weather conditions and seasonality can change not all optional activities may be available on your trip and prices can be subject to change.

Ramada Plaza Calgary Downtown

Accommodation

Meals

Brewster Mountain Lodge (or similar)

Accommodation

Meals

Optional Activities

Brewster Mountain Lodge (or similar)

Accommodation

Meals

Pocahontas Cabins (or similar)

Accommodation

Meals

Optional Activities

Pocahontas Cabins (or similar)

Accommodation

Meals

Optional Activities

Clearwater Lodge (or similar)

Accommodation

Meals

Eagle Nest Resort Cabins (or similar)

Accommodation

Meals

Optional Activities

Bella Coola Mountain Lodge (or similar)

Accommodation

Meals

Bella Coola Mountain Lodge (or similar)

Accommodation

Meals

Optional Activities

North Shore Inn (or similar)

Accommodation

Meals

Canadian Princess Lodge (or similar)

Accommodation

Meals

Canadian Princess Lodge (or similar)

Accommodation

Meals

Optional Activities

Victoria Strathconia (or similar)

Accommodation

Meals

Accommodation

Meals

CALGARY - HOTEL CLIQUE

AIRPORT TRANSFER INFORMATION

VANCOUVER - ACCENT INN

AIRPORT TRANSFER INFORMATION

Why Book Your Flights with Grand American Adventures?

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