11 Day Majestic Rockies

Welcome to Vancouver!  
At 6:00 p.m., meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome drink.
 

British Columbia Treasures  
Tour Vancouver, including the waterfront, Chinatown, and Stanley Park with its old-growth evergreen forests and totem poles. Catch the BC Ferry over to Vancouver Island and Victoria. See major attractions on your city orientation tour including the Fairmont Empress Hotel, Bastion Square, and Thunderbird Park. Later, visit world-famous Butchart Gardens, followed by a special dinner in the former historic greenhouse. (B,D)
 

Spend Your Day Your Way in Victoria  
Explore more of Victoria with your choice of included Globus Choice excursions. Choose between a visit to the Royal BC Museum and Thunderbird Park or discover the Malahat SkyWalk and TreeWalk .
The rest of the day is free to explore on your own. (B) 
 

Board a BC Ferry for a crossing of the Strait of Georgia through the spectacular Gulf Islands, an archipelago known for its Mediterranean-type climate. En route to Whistler, stop at Shannon Falls, where a boardwalk leads to a viewing platform near the base of the roaring falls. On to the alpine resort of Whistler at the base of the magnificent Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. Time to explore the 2010 Winter Olympics sites, paddleboard, hike, stroll through Whistler Village, or play pickleball. Enjoy a 2-night stay at the Hilton Whistler Resort, with mountain-style elegance in the heart of Whistler Village. (B) 

Alpine Adventures  
Full free day to explore all that Whistler has to offer. (B) 
 

Ancient Traditions  
This morning, enjoy a visit and breakfast at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, dedicated to the history and culture of the First Nations people. Then, journey north through the heart of the magnificent Cariboo region. Spectacular scenery abounds as you pass by rolling hills, deeply incised rivers, and sparkling lakes. Afternoon arrival in Sun Peaks with the balance of the day at leisure. Free time this evening. (B)
 

Sun, Snow & Stars  
Continue north, following Yellowhead Highway and hugging the mighty North Thompson River, into the province of Alberta. See the base of 12,972-foot Mount Robson (the highest point in the Canadian Rockies) before entering Jasper National Park. Marvel at the precipitous gorges, snow-capped summits, and lakes of exquisite blues and greens in this wild mountain wilderness. Before arriving at your hotel, you may wish to take an optional float trip down the historic Athabasca River, where your experienced rafting guide will navigate as you absorb the splendor of Jasper National Park. Tonight, explore the entertainment and culinary choices downtown, then look to the skies for remarkable stargazing when night falls. Jasper was designated as a Dark Sky Preserve by the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada and is one of the largest accessible Dark Sky Preserves in the world. (B) 
 

Spectacular Jasper National Park  
Travel through Jasper’s unspoiled beauty to glacial Maligne Canyon for lunch at the Wilderness Kitchen. Continue to stunning Maligne Lake for a narrated scenic cruise to Spirit Island. Return to Jasper where the balance of the day is at leisure to explore Jasper on your own. (B,L) 
 

Rocky Mountain Majesty  
Head south through Jasper National Park on Icefields Parkway to the Columbia Icefield for a thrilling Ice Explorer ride on Athabasca Glacier. Climb Sunwapta Pass to savour stunning vistas of alpine meadows, waterfalls, and massive glaciers. Next, stop at Lake Louise, whose turquoise waters often reflect Mount Victoria. Continue into Banff for a free evening. (B) 
 

Heavenly Heights  
Take a scenic ride on the Banff Gondola to the top of the mountain and enjoy spectacular views of Bow Valley and the Rocky Mountains. Additional sightseeing in Banff includes a visit to Bow Falls. The balance of the afternoon is at leisure. Consider an optional flightseeing trip for a bird’s-eye view of the Rockies. This evening, join your Tour Director for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)
 

Happy trails until we meet again! 
Morning drive to Calgary. Your vacation ends at Calgary International Airport. Schedule flights to depart from Calgary International Airport after 2:00 p.m. (B)