Canadian Rockies and Vancouver

Day 1 – UK – Calgary – Banff

Titans VIP door-to-door travel service collects you from home for your flight to Calgary. On arrival, we transfer to the little town of Banff – surely one of the loveliest in North America. This small town is the launching point for world-famous Banff National Park, home to an untamed wilderness. Rugged mountaintops, glistening lakes, thick forests and elusive wildlife. Its the stuff that inspires novels and painters. This evening youre free to enjoy your hotel and explore the surrounding area.

Banff Caribou Lodge (3.5-star)

Day 2 – Banff – Lake Louise

We head out on a day of scenic delights are we explore the towns surrounds and Lake Louise (named after Queen Victorias daughter), plus Moraine Lake (subject to seasonal availability). These glassy lakes are filled by waterfalls and flash shades of deep emerald and bright turquoise, reflecting the mountain peaks towering overhead.

Banff Caribou Lodge (3.5-star)

Day 3 – Banff

Today you can enjoy Banff completely at leisure. On the outskirts of town is Sulphur Mountain, with its enclosed gondola ride to the 7,500ft summit from where there are some breathtaking views of the Bow Valley and Banff town below.

Banff Caribou Lodge (3.5-star)

Day 4 – Columbia Icefield – Jasper

Youll want to keep your camera within reach this morning as we journey to Jasper National Park from Banff National Park by way of the Icefields Parkway. This stunningly scenic road links the two great parks, and for over 140 miles well wind through jagged mountain peaks and high forested valleys, passing emerald lakes and mountain-fed streams, waterfalls and rivers. The halfway point is the spectacular Columbia Icefield, one of the biggest accumulations of ice and snow south of the Arctic Circle. Well jump on an Ice Explorer for a ride on the surface of the Athabasca Glacier (subject to weather). Then, heading west, we enter Jasper National Park – 4,200 square miles of alpine forests, natural hot springs, white-water rivers, tranquil valleys and jagged snow-capped mountains.

Day 5 – Jasper

Head out today for an unforgettable sightseeing journey. Beginning with the limestone gorge of Maligne Canyon, well continue along the shores of Medicine Lake and on to the breathtaking Maligne Lake – the largest of the glacier-fed lakes in the Rockies. It really is a sight to behold. We arrive back in Jasper in the afternoon, where youll have the rest of the day to yourself. Well finish off this evening with an interpretative talk at dinner.

Lobstick Lodge, Jasper (3-star)

Day 6 – Kelowna

A spectacular drive this morning as we leave the Rocky Mountains and descend to the lakes of the Okanagan Valley and our next destination, Kelowna.

Day 7 – Victoria

Leaving Kelowna behind this morning, we take the scenic route to Hope. We continue on our drive south through Vancouver to Tsawwassen, to take the ferry through the glorious Gulf Islands region with towering Douglas fir trees climbing the hills on all sides, to Swartz Bay. We continue to the southern-most tip of Vancouver Island and Victoria, the provincial capital of British Columbia. We’ll enjoy an orientation tour on arrival, of this very English city.

Chateau Victoria (4-star)

Day 8 – Victoria

Victoria is perhaps the most British city youll find outside of London. Double-decker buses drive past old English pubs and afternoon tea is a thing. Its true Victoria has a very British lilt, but these days its a city completely of its own. Laid-back lower rises give way to the pretty ports and sprawling gardens of this charming city. Well enjoy a morning tour and stop by the world-famous Butchart Gardens. Then this afternoon is at leisure to get to know the city for yourself.

Day 9 – Victoria

A further day in this enchanting city for you to relax and explore at leisure.

Day 10 – Vancouver

Leaving Victoria behind this morning, we drive to Nanaimo, a deep sea fishing port and major centre for the forest industry, where we take the ferry through the Strait of Georgia to Horseshoe Bay. We end our holiday in Vancouver, staying in the vibrant city centre.

Pinnacle Vancouver Harbourfront (4-star)

Day 11 – Vancouver

Vancouver is considered by many to have one of the most spectacular settings in the world – in the foreground the encircling Pacific Ocean and, as a backdrop, the grandeur of Grouse Mountain. For natural beauty, there is the 1,000-acre Stanley Park, the largest urban park in North America. It is Vancouvers green heart – a wilderness area of forest, marshland and beaches. For excitement and variety, Chinatown, centred on Pender Street, is a city apart. Vancouvers 100,000 Chinese are expected soon to surpass San Franciscos as the largest community outside the Far East. Shops, hotels, markets and restaurants along with incessant activity combine to create a vibrant atmosphere. The Gastown area of the city is distinguished by cobbled walkways, gas lamps, quaint shops and restaurants. As an introduction to this fabulous city we have arranged a short orientation tour; then youre free to discover its wonders for yourself.

Day 12 – Vancouver

A relaxing free day to further enjoy Vancouver as you please. Perhaps discover some of the 9,000 marine and freshwater animals at the aquarium in Stanley Park. Or visit the Classical Chinese Gardens – a replica from the Ming Dynasty. For a local taste of the city, head to Granville Island, a friendly and easy-going spot alive with shops, markets, galleries and a marina. Or, if youre looking for a spot of relaxation, Kitsilano Beach is your best bet, with views out over English Bay towards Stanley Park. Sit outside one of its idyllic cafes and watch the world go by.

Day 13 – Vancouver – In flight

Transfer to the airport for your overnight return flight to the UK.

Vancouver – In flight

Day 14 – UK

Upon arrival, your Titan vehicle will be waiting for the journey home.

UK