Experience Overview
Explore Canada’s Rocky Mountains on a thrilling 15-day adventure. Walk the streets of Vancouver, hike the trails of Jasper and Banff to Maligne Lake and Lake Louise, canoe along Clearwater Lake in Wells Gray Provincial Park and soak up the superb alpine scenery. Spot native moose and bears and unleash your inner daredevil with a range of potential escapades – mountain biking or river rafting, anyone? With a mixture of included activities and optional extras, you get to decide just how active or relaxed you want this adventure to be. Jump in feet first and immerse yourself in the beauty of Canada in this outdoor experience.
Highlights
- Get wild in Jasper National Park, where it’s possible to spot moose, elk, deer, bears and coyotes among the sea of evergreen pine and spruce trees.
- Take an included canoeing adventure and camp overnight on the remote shore of Clearwater Lake, where you can fall asleep under a blanket of stars.
- See the Athabasca Glacier up close and personal during a walk to the toe of the glacier, an experience that will feel other-worldly.
- Enjoy plenty of free time to explore Canada’s premier outdoor adventure hub, Whistler, at your own pace. Hike rugged trails or munch on ‘beaver tails’ – the choice is yours.
- See the Rockies’ vast array of striking lakes, mountains and glaciers – no matter what time of year you visit – with a wilderness-loving local as your guide.
Trip Details
Product Code: 2620
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Basic
Transport: Private Vehicle
Guide Language: English
Supplier Code: SSOR
Starts: Vancouver, Canada
Finishes: Vancouver, Canada
Duration: 15 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating: Average
Includes
Accommodation: Camping (with basic facilities) (2 nights),Camping (with facilities) (11 nights),Hotel (1 night)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 4150 (CAD 277 /day)
Itinerary
O Canada! Home of ice hockey and maple syrup, and source of your soon-to-be fondest travel memories. It all starts in Vancouver. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 8 am tomorrow morning where you’ll meet your local leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive early in Vancouver, why not take a walk around the Victorian buildings in the historic Gastown neighbourhood, or maybe wander through the behemoth urban forest that is Stanley Park.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
At 8 am sharp, meet your fellow travellers and leader in the hotel lobby for a welcome meeting. Then, hit the road for the outdoorsy hub that is Whistler. Drive along the Sea to Sky Highway, widely considered one of the most scenic routes in the world, with a stop at Squamish along the way. Once you arrive in Whistler, join your leader for an orientation walk around the pedestrian-only town. Tomorrow’s a free day, so this could be a good chance to get a sense of what’s on offer. Have a chat to your leader about how to go about booking and taking part in hiking, mountain biking, zip-lining, kayaking and more. Then, settle into the campground for the night.
Included Activities:
- Whistler - Leader-led orientation walk
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
Stunning Whistler is ready to be explored, up the mountain or back down in the village. Perhaps buy yourself a ticket to ride the PEAK 2 PEAK gondola to enjoy unparalleled views of towering volcanic peaks and surrounding forest on the world’s longest and highest lift. Once at the top, check out the nearby scenic walking trails, mountaintop restaurants and indoor interpretive displays. Otherwise, you could hire a bike and ride along the Valley Trail to Lost Lake, or go for an easy hike along the Lost Lake Nature Trail. If you're after something a little more cultured, perhaps hit the Audain Art Museum to see a selection of First Nations and British Columbian artwork.
Optional Activities:
- Whistler - PEAK2PEAK Gondola (82 CAD)
- Whistler – Standard Mountain Bike Rental (full day) (90 CAD)
- Whistler - Zip Trek Tour (1.5 hrs) (129 CAD)
- Whistler - Regular Bike Rental (half day) (40 CAD)
- Whistler - Lost Lake Trail hike - Free
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
Make sure you’ve got a book, a podcast or some sparkling conversation ready as you settle in for a long drive to Wells Gray Provincial Park. You’ll arrive in time to set up camp for the evening on a rustic cowboy ranch. Relax with dinner by the campfire. Complete the classic North American campsite by crafting s’mores (marshmallow, chocolate and graham crackers) and sharing stories over the crackle of the flames.
Included Activities:
- Wells Gray Provincial Park
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning you’ll travel deeper into Wells Gray Provincial Park, disembarking at Clearwater Lake. Pack your camping equipment into a canoe, then cruise into the water. On a sunny day the name of the lake is particularly apt, and if you work up a thirst while paddling you can drink the pristine water around you, no filter necessary. After some instruction from the canoeing guides, paddle to a secluded beach campsite. Set up camp for the night, then you can choose to head on a leader-led hike to Eagle’s View. Later, cook dinner and finish the day with some stargazing around the campfire.
Included Activities:
- Overnight Canoe Trip - 2 Nights
Optional Activities:
- Wells Grey Provincial Park - Eagles View Hike - Free
Accommodation:
- Camping (with basic facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
For your second day in the backcountry, the agenda is up to the group! You can take on some more of the trails the park has to offer, do some more paddling around Clearwater Laker, swim – or all three. Your leader will be on hand to provide you with any recommendations you need. Return to your campsite in the evening and enjoy another meal under the stars.
Accommodation:
- Camping (with basic facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
Wake up lakeside and pack up your gear to hit the water again. Back at the starting point, help unload and store the canoes and then hit the road bound for Jasper National Park. It’s a long drive, but you’ll break it up with a short hike to Helmcken and Spahats waterfalls. There’ll also be a stop in at Mt Robson Provincial Park, giving you a chance to stretch your legs on a short walk through the picturesque wildflower meadows. Arrive in Jasper in the early evening, and settle into your campsite.
Included Activities:
- Jasper National Park - Entrance Fee
- Wells Grey - Helmcken & Spahats Waterfalls walk
- Mt Robson Provincial Park
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
Today you’ll make a visit to of Maligne Lake. Make sure you’ve got a charged phone or camera ready to capture shots of the jagged mountains and bright green pine forests that surround these glacial waters. There's an option to pay for a cruise around the lake, including a visit to Spirit Island. This tiny ‘tied’ island is one of the most photographed spots in the Canadian Rockies for a reason! If the lake cruise isn’t your thing, you might like to spend your time seeing the area while hiking either the Mary Schaeffer or the Moose Lake trails. This afternoon, you are free to explore Jasper - perhaps hire a bicycle or canoe to explore from a different perspective!
Included Activities:
- Visit to Maligne Lake
Optional Activities:
- Jasper - Mountain bike rental (non-electric) From (30 CAD)
- Jasper - Cruise on Maligne Lake (79 CAD)
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
Take a scenic morning drive through mountain scenery on the famous Icefields Parkway, which connects Jasper and Banff National Parks. There will be numerous opportunities to stop at viewpoints and waterfalls along the way. This includes visits to the ice fields of Athabasca Glacier, where you can walk to the toe of the glacier with your leader or explore on an optional hike with a local guide (at own expense). Then, continue to your campground in Banff where you'll be spending the next three nights.
Included Activities:
- Banff National Park
- Icefields Parkway - Hike to toe of Athabasca Glacier
Optional Activities:
- Icefields Parkway - Athabasca Glacier Hike with Guide (115 CAD)
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
Today you'll begin exploring the many possibilities that Banff National Park provides. There’ll be an optional hike on the Plain of Six Glaciers trail around Lake Louise, which can also be extended to visit the Lake Agnes teahouse or the aptly named Big Beehive. There are plenty of other trails of different lengths to choose from, or you might like to take a gondola ride up Sulphur Mountain, a dip in the natural hot springs or exploring the hoodoos and falls of Bow Valley by foot. As always, your leader is there to help, so pick their brain for advice on which (if any) you wish to participate in.
Included Activities:
- Visit to Lake Louise
- Visit to Moraine Lake (seasonal)
Optional Activities:
- Banff - Cable Car up Sulphur Mountain (60 CAD)
- Banff - Hot springs (18 CAD)
- Banff - Canoe Hire (70 CAD)
- Banff - Cruiser bike hire (full day) (38 CAD)
- Banff - Mountain bike hire (full day) (45 CAD)
- Banff - Horse Riding (1 hour) (90 CAD)
- Lake Louise - Plain of 6 Glaciers Trail hike - Free
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
Enjoy a free day to explore Banff National Park. You could head out on a steeper walk to the Fairview Lookout for some incredible views from above Lake Louise. There are opportunities for canoeing and mountain biking, as well as checking out the town of Banff itself. After exploring the area, why not make your way back to the Lake Louise Fairmont Hotel? Sitting right on the shores of the lake, it serves as the perfect spot to take in the scenery with some poutine or a cocktail in hand.
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
Today drive to a place so beautiful its name comes from a Cree word that means awe and wonder – Yoho National Park. There nearby town of Golden will serve as your base for the next two nights, giving you ample time to explore the terrain and take part in the many activities the park provides. Be sure to ask your leader for a recommendation that matches your fitness level!
Included Activities:
- Yoho National Park
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
There are a couple of ways to continuing explore Yoho National Park today. If you’d like to break in your boots (and don’t mind heights), there’ll be an optional walk to the Golden Skybridge, which’ll provide some incredible views of the Rockies from 426 feet in the air. Another option (not for the faint of heart) is to battle the wild waters of the aptly-named Kicking Horse River on a guided rafting tour. Please note, this is an optional activity booked through an outside company that will incur an extra cost. If you’d like to take things a little easier, perhaps book a canoeing activity on the calm waters of Emerald Lake. Floored by the scenery? You could always lie back on the riverbank and watch the world float by.
Optional Activities:
- Yoho National Park - Kicking Horse rafting (half day) (109 CAD)
- Yoho National Park - Kicking Horse rafting (full day) (159 CAD)
- Yoho National Park - hiking - Free
- Golden - Golden Skybridge (45 CAD)
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, travel through the high mountain clearing of Rogers Pass to reach Glacier National Park. Stop at Rogers Pass Discovery Centre for a look around and (depending on time and conditions) take a short hike through an old-growth area of cedar and hemlock. As one of the world's most active avalanche areas, most of the rugged, mountainous area of Glacier National Park is inaccessible for day hikes. Pause for lunch at Mount Revelstoke National Park which contains part of the world's only temperate inland rainforest, then set up camp near Salmon Arm, BC.
Included Activities:
- Glacier National Park
- Mt. Revelstoke National Park
- Rogers Pass Discovery Centre
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
Make the journey back to Vancouver. The arrival time depends on a variety of factors such as weather, but you should expect to be back in the city before 3 pm. There are no activities scheduled upon arrival in Vancouver. If you are flying out on this day please don't book a flight before 8 pm, as this will give you enough time to catch a shuttle from the hotel to the airport and be there two hours before departure. Vancouver is the largest city in western Canada and well worth some extra time to explore the city’s delights. Should you choose to stay longer in Vancouver we'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).
Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Rory - Traveled, September 2023
One of the best trips of my life. My guide, Julien's food and enthusiasm made it extra special
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/20/2023
Kay - Traveled, September 2023
Our Canadian Rockies trip was excellent value and a comprehensive itinerary. It was a great mix of activities with choices to suit all. Julien, our leader, was truly exceptional and we can’t recommend him or this trip highly enough. Thankyou
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/22/2023
Aline - Traveled, September 2023
I can highly recommend this trip! The organization is excellent and with the local guide you get a very deep impression and knowledge about the region. A special highlight of this trip was the canoe trip to a lonely bay! Enjoying the time without zivilisation is an amazing experience!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/20/2023
Angela - Traveled, September 2023
This was an amazing trip, filled with many memories and beautiful friends from around the world! Everything about this trip was made so easy thanks to the tour guide. He was very calm but also got the group excited for adventures. In terms of the itinerary, it was awesome! We were able to see a lot in 2 weeks. There were additional activities that we could pay for, but the guide took us to heaps of hikes and joined us on all of them! There were some long days of driving but I actually found it quite relaxing. The trip is pretty full on - having to set up camp every time we moved location and doing lots of hikes, so the long van days are sometimes really nice to get a snooze in. The guide cooked amazing food, even when we had to pack food into the canoe for the overnight trip, he still made the BEST DISH OF THE WHOLE TRIP - salmon and pesto pasta. It says meals are not included in the price, however we paid a small “Kitty” and that covered nearly all meals except for when we were in town, or got extra hungry - which was rare. The also included some traditional Canadian foods, such as poutine, Nanaimo bars and some others. The camping lifestyle was really fun! I have not had experience camping for 2 weeks so this was brand new! It was quite cold in the morning and sometimes through the night but as soon as fire bans were lifted, we had a fire going on the morning and before bed. I would recommend bringing a sleeping bag liner or blanket to help with the cold nights. The trip was incredible, I would highly recommend doing this. Everything is taken care of and the only thing I had to do was TRY and take in all the incredible views.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/09/2023
dieuwke - Traveled, August 2023
This was a wonderful adventure because of the itinerary, the spectacular surroundings, the good arrangements, the tiptop gear and van at our disposal, our awesome trip leader as well as the positive attitude of my fellow travelers. I was the odd on out regarding age, but they were all very inclusive of me. There was a good balance of hiking and other activities like the paddling in the less visited Wells Gray Park where we heard the call of the loon, a symbol of the wilderness, and also viewed two of the most spectacular waterfalls you could ever hope to see, as well as witnessing the futile attempts of salmon to jump up a rapid in the Clearwater river. The other sights in Jasper, and Banff and Yoho and Glacier National Parks were as spectacular as I had imagined them to be, but then, I love the mountains. I shall seek out my next trip with great anticipation.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/17/2023
Cal - Traveled, August 2023
This was a once in a lifetime trip, and was so incredibly memorable. It was great to disconnect digitally and reconnect with the beauty and majesty of the Canadian Rockies. Our guide - Raphael - was amazing and really elevated what was already a fantastic experience. Bucket list ticked!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/13/2023
Abbie - Traveled, August 2023
My Canadian Rockies trip was outstanding. Catherine was a fantastic guide, so full of energy, a brilliant cook & so knowledgeable & organised. My group of 8 was wonderful and we became a little family by the end of the 15 days. We visited so many places & did so many activities - memories that will last a lifetime. I'd highly recommend the zip-lining, Maligne Lake Boat tour, Athabasca Ice Glacier & The Kicking River rafting - expensive but worth every penny! I'd highly recommend Intrepid and look forward to booking again - thank you!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/03/2023
Daniel - Traveled, August 2023
An excellent highly enjoyable tour of the fabulous scenery of western Canada. The experience of being within the glorious landscapes of mountains, lakes, rivers, glaciers and forests of the Canadian Rockies is simply wonderous. Doing this with an experienced guide and a group of fellow adventurers makes for a thoroughly good time, if you put the work in, especially if you take up the optional activities.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/31/2023
Silvia - Traveled, August 2023
The rocky mountains tour is fantastic! 15 days of wildlife: free camping, amazing activities increadible landscapes. We were really lucky with the weather but we esperience the 4 seasons: From 35 to -1 degrees. The canoe camping is unique esperience and the ice walking is a must. Catherine was a fantastic guide and increadible cook. If you want to explore Canada, tgis is the right way to do it.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/10/2023
Lauren - Traveled, August 2023
Don't think twice about booking this trip, just do it! If you love camping, being outdoors and exploring national parks, the Canadian Rockies trip has all that and more! Dusty was an outstanding leader and together with his great personality and insane local knowledge, made me fall in love with Canada!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/25/2023
Meg - Traveled, August 2023
This was a fantastic opportunity to see not only the tourist highlights of the Canadian Rockies but also some hidden gems not featured in glossy brochures. Dusty, our guide, provided me with detailed information about the history, geography and local stories of each place we visited. He also ensured that all members of the tour had the opportunity to hike, paddle, zip line, white water raft, relax and laugh throughout fifteen days - even when it rained for twelve hours non stop! A sometimes challenging but always exciting adventure.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/21/2023
Emily - Traveled, July 2023
This trip is a must do! We hit the jackpot with our guide Raph! He knew the best view points, the best lakes to swim in, the best cafes and restaurants, campsite tips, places to spot wildlife and was fantastic at making sure we all got to experience the activities at a level we felt comfortable with. Hiking, kayaking, white water rafting , cycling , lake swims , wildlife spotting … you name it we did it !
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/13/2023
Lea - Traveled, July 2023
The trip was absolutely amazing, the landscape was incredible and our guide (Raphael) was fantastic, we really hit the jackpot with him! He knows where all the good (and hidden) spots are
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/13/2023
Roselyne - Traveled, July 2023
Great landscapes, camping under the pine trees, fun diligent local leader giving the best advice, fun group…. An excellent trip all together
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/25/2023
Charlotte - Traveled, July 2023
Stunning scenery - the most beautiful you’ve ever seen! So many awesome hikes to do each day. Great camping equipment - super clean, modern and easy to put up. Prepare for all weathers - even in the summer! Just book it - it’s awesome!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/09/2023
Drew - Traveled, July 2023
Our tour leader Dusty is the hardest working guide I've had on any tour I've done to date. He literally did the work of 3 people (Tour Guide, Chef & Driver) and did all 3 of them to an expert level. He went above and beyond in every aspect to make sure each individual in the group got the most out of their travel experience. Give the man a pay rise! - Cheers Dust-machine!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/11/2023
Tamara - Traveled, July 2023
If you want to learn some life skills, whether or not you have a what it takes to be a ‘camper’, fully be immersed into the Canadian wilderness this is the trip for you! We got to see so much of this amazing country and also learned that we were in fact ‘campers’ at heart. It’s the only way to do Canada if you want to really experience how truly wild this place is!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/14/2023
Caitlyn - Traveled, July 2023
This is a must do trip if you want to see the ‘outdoors’ side of The Rockies. Everywhere you look is another incredible view or amazing hike to be done. We had an amazing guide in Raphael who made the trip so much better than expected!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/19/2023
Emma - Traveled, June 2023
The Canadian Rockies was a fantastic trip. The scenery is spectacular…turquoise lakes, snow-capped mountains, glacial rivers and luscious forests! There are plenty of opportunities for hiking, canoeing, zip lining, bike riding, white water rafting etc. However, there is flexibility in the itinerary such that you can do as much or as little of these activities as you want. Dusty was an accomplished tour leader, whose organisation, enthusiasm and expertise, ensured for an amazing adventure!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/09/2023
Sharon - Traveled, June 2023
Intrepid offer value for money trips and this is my 3rd trip with them. Overall the trips are fantastic. I wouldn’t hesitate to book another trip with them in the future.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/30/2023
Share a personalized trip brochure!
Why book with us?
Best Rate Guarantee
Mytours.Travel makes sure you always have the best available rate
Best Selection
The best operators from around the world
Trusted Payments
Secure payments with Stripe
Expert Advice
Our expert agents will assist you in booking the perfect experience