Introduction
Bring the kids, bring your camera, bring your hunger for adventure on this escape from the ordinary. Western Dreams is a true family affair, with destinations and scenery to stimulate, motivate and rejuvenate both young and old. From the wildly western city of Calgary you will travel in the foot-steps of dinosaurs across the ancient rockscape of Drumheller and the Alberta Badlands. Leaving the plains far below, you ascend the spectacular Rocky Mountains to Banff and the Bow River, before stepping upon a mammoth glacier near Jasper. Harrison Hot Springs brings a warm welcome and wet respite for weary bones amid the natural splendour of Manning Provincial Park. Further west, you reach the Pacific in search of whales, and then the glittering urban spectacle of Vancouver.
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Calgary
Transfer independently to your downtown hotel in Calgary for three nights.
Day 2 Calgary
A day at leisure to explore Calgary. Take a sightseeing tour and enjoy the views from the Calgary Tower.
Optional excursion: Drumheller - visit the Royal Tyrell Museum of Palaeontology, housing the world’s largest display of dinosaurs. Follow the dinosaur trail through rugged terrain marked with mysterious hoodoos.
Day 3 Calgary
Continue to explore the city’s attractions, seeing Olympic Park, the excellent Zoo or the museum at Fort Calgary.
Optional excursion: Head-Smashed-in-Buffalo Jump including admission to the Heritage Site.
Day 4 Calgary to Banff - 130 km
Collect your hire car and drive to Banff National Park, where a range of activities are available, including rafting, or taking a gondola ride up Sulphur Mountain. Three nights in Banff.
Day 5 Banff to National Park
Today you could take a sightseeing tour of Banff.
Optional excursion: Visit Banff's landmarks and historic places. Highlights include: Bow Falls, Banff Springs Hotel, Surprise Corner, Hoodoos & Bow Valley Viewpoint and the Cave & Basin Site.
Day 6 Banff to National Park
Another day at leisure to enjoy Banff’s attractions.
Day 7 Banff to Jasper - 285 km
Your drive today takes you along the spectacular Icefields Parkway to Jasper, one of the world’s most beautiful road journeys. You could take an ‘Ice Explorer’ ride on Columbia Icefield. Stay two nights in Jasper.
Day 8 Jasper National Park
A full day to relax and enjoy Jasper and the surrounding attractions.
Optional excursion: A raft/float trip along the Athabasca River, navigating along calm stretches interspersed by small sets of rapids.
Day 9 Jasper to Sun Peaks - 440 km
Leaving Jasper you drive the Yellowhead Highway to Sun Peaks and visit Wells Gray Provincial Park. Overnight in Sun Peaks.
Day 10 Sun Peaks to Harrison Hot Springs - 400 km
Travel through the Fraser Canyon and see the whitewater rapids of the Fraser River far and Hell’s Gate gorge. Overnight in Harrison Hot Springs.
Day 11 Harrison Hot Springs to Victoria - 290 km (land only)
Arrive on Vancouver Island via a BC Ferry cruise (pay locally) across the scenic Strait of Georgia. Stay in Victoria for two nights.
Day 12 Victoria
At your leisure, explore this elegant provincial capital city. Visit the Royal BC Musuem, the Butchart Gardens or drop in to the Empress Hotel for tea.
Optional excursion: Whale-watching excursion in search of orcas, minke whales, grey whales, porpoises and other marine wildlife.
Day 13 Victoria to Vancouver - 70 km (land only)
Return to Vancouver by ferry and spend the rest of the day exploring this most attractive city. Two nights in Vancouver (CB).
Day 14 Vancouver
Today you could explore the city at your own pace, choosing from the many attractions.
Optional excursion: City-tour including Capilano Suspension bridge, Gastown, Chinatown and Stanley Park with its totem poles.
Day 15 End of Tour
Return your hire car to the Airport before your flight home.
Valid from 01 May - 18 October.
