Canadian Rockies and the Pacific Coast

13 night tour - Starting in Seattle, Washington - ending in Seattle, Washington or Vancouver, British Columbia.

A Premium Escorted Tour with Insight Vacations.

Insight Vacations Premium Escorted journeys are carefully planned with over 35 years experience, enjoy VIP return private UK airport transfers, deluxe hotels, business class legroom and complimentary WiFi and water onboard luxury motorcoaches.

Discover the majestic landscapes, towering peaks, sparkling turquoise lakes and gushing rivers of the Canadian Rockies teamed with the charming and sometimes quirky Pacific Northwest.

This fabulous journey is as relaxed as the Canadian wilderness is vast. A majority of the time you are at the mercy of Mother Nature's eye-popping palette - a whole day at leisure in Banff National Park, free time in Jasper and Waterton National Parks. And when you not soaking up the scenic splendour, you can while away the hours shopping, or exactly as you please, in the cosmopolitan cities of Vancouver and Seattle.

How about adding an Alaska Cruise onto you tour of the stunning inside passage, for more details please click here.

2016 departure dates:
June 11th & 25th
July 23rd
August 6th & 20th
September 3rd
 
TO BOOK THIS TOUR: CALL US ON FREEPHONE 0800 0336 335 OR EMAIL US RESERVATIONS@PURELYTRAVELGROUP.CO.UK
 
View Itinerary Details

Day 1: Arrive Seattle

Enjoy your complimentary private V.I.P. door-to-door transfer to your UK departure airport. Welcome to beautiful Seattle! On arrival, your airport transfer takes you to your tour hotel. At 6.00 pm, join your Tour Director for a Welcome Reception and an opportunity to mingle over drinks and a light meal.

Hotel: Marriott Vancouver Pinnacle Downtown

Welcome Dinner

Day 2: Cruise the Channel Islands to Victoria

Embark on a guided tour of Vancouver and all its highlights. Explore Gastown, Chinatown and the diverse community of English Bay. See the famous totem poles in Stanley Park. Then board the ferry and sail through the beautiful Gulf Islands to Vancouver Island and onto Victoria, British Columbia's stunning capital city.  Enjoy the rest of the evening relaxing or taking in the city as you please.

Hotel: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel and Suites Victoria

Full Breakfast

Day 3: Butchart Gardens

Start your day with a visit to the world-renowned Butchart Gardens, a National Historic Site of Canada, situated in a former cement quarry covering 55 acres (22 ha) of stunning floral displays. Enjoy a Victoria sightseeing tour with the city's spectacular Inner Harbour, driving past the stately Parliament Buildings, down Government Street to Old Town, Canada's oldest Chinatown and view the last remnants of Fort Victoria. Continue on as you follow Antique Row before passing Craigdarroch Castle and through the Oak Bay residential area.  Stop at the summit of Mount Tolmie for a photo opportunity high above the city and continue on to Uplands and along Marine Drive with vistas of the straits of Juan de Fuca and past Beacon Hill Park, the city's largest park, back to your hotel.  This afternoon is free for you to do as you please before an evening of fine dining at a local restaurant.

Hotel: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel and Suites Victoria

Full Breakfast, Highlight Dinner

Day 4: Victoria, Vancouver’s Bridges, VIA Rail’s The Canadian

Cruise back to the mainland and head to Vancouver's North Shore to experience the Capilano Suspension Bridges, 7 suspended footbridges 100 feet above the forest floor. View towering evergreens, gushing streams and breathe in the fresh cedar-scented rainforest air. Enjoy dinner with your travelling companions at a local restaurant before stepping aboard VIA Rail's The Canadian for your overnight journey to the world-renowned Canadian Rockies. Settle in the newly restored rail cars and celebrate the start of your rail journey with a champagne send-off.  Retire to your private Sleeper Plus Class cabin and let the train gently lull you to sleep.

Hotel: VIA Rail’s The Canadian, Sleeper Plus Class

Full Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5: The Alpine Wonderland of Jasper National Park

Wake up to stunning vistas from your private compartment or from the reserved access seats of the Skyline, Park or brand new Panorama Car, a one-of-a-kind car topped with a full domed window roof.  Enjoy breakfast and lunch onboard, served in the café-style Dining Car, a treat for the taste buds and the eyes as your travel past towering peaks and glaciers, cross the Continental Divide into the province of Alberta. This afternoon, arrive in Jasper National Park, your home for the next two nights and an alpine wonderland of immense forests, jewelled lakes, soaring waterfalls, soothing mineral hot springs, rugged glaciers, colourful meadows, and majestic mountains.

Hotel: Sawridge Inn, Balcony Rooms

Full Breakfast

Day 6: Exploring Jasper National Park

Start the day with an interpretive walk on the trails of Maligne Canyon, one of the most beautiful gorges in the Canadian Rockies. Then, embark on a private, narrated cruise on the serene waters of iconic Maligne Lake, one of the jewels of the Canadian Rockies. Stop at Spirit Island, one of the most photographed sites of the Canadian Rockies, before returning to Jasper where the rest of the day is yours to do as you please.  Perhaps join an optional, fun and easy scenic float trip down the Athabasca River, a designated Canadian Heritage River, your National Park guide will provide commentary on the human and natural history of Jasper while navigating you along the same route used by the “fur traders” over two centuries ago.  This evening, enjoy dinner at the hotel, followed by a presentation about the history and fauna of the area by a local naturalist.

Hotel: Sawridge Inn, Balcony Rooms

Full Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7: Icefields, Glaciers and Lakes to Banff National Park

Get ready for a scenic symphony of glistening glaciers, turquoise lakes and rushing waterfalls as you follow the majestic Icefields Parkway - simply one of the world's most stunning mountain drives. At the Icefield Visitor Center, embark on a specially designed Ice Explorer for a remarkable excursion onto the surface of the Athabasca Glacier. Led by an expert driver-guide, step out onto the frosty flow, formed centuries ago. After your icy adventure, warm up at sumptuous Chateau Lake Louise, where a delightful experience awaits - an afternoon tea in one of the resort's charming venues. Continue to Banff, your home for the next two nights.

Hotel: Rimrock Resort

Full Breakfast

Day 8: Enjoying the Unspoiled Wilderness of Banff National Park

Enjoy the full day exploring the wonders of Banff as you wish. Perhaps take a helicopter flight over the magnificent peaks of the Canadian Rockies or a ride aboard the Banff Gondola. For your dining pleasure tonight, choose from three popular local eateries in the village of Banff. 

Hotel: Rimrock Resort

Full Breakfast, Dine-Around

Day 9: Hunting Buffalo on the way to Waterton Lakes

After breakfast, depart for the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump to discover how the indigenous people used this 36-foot high cliff to hunt stampeding herds of bison. Join a local Blackfoot elder and hear fascinating stories about the Plains people long ago. Continue to Waterton Lakes National Park where windswept mountains rise abruptly from gentle prairie grassland and join a scenic narrated cruise on stunning Waterton Lakes.  

Hotel: Waterton Lakes Resort

Full Breakfast

Day 10: Going-to-the-Sun and the Glacier National Park

Get ready for a one-of-a-kind experience as you cross the US border into the rugged beauty of the mountainous, lake-filled, Glacier National Park. Board the historic Red Buses for a journey along the Going-to-the-Sun Road, an engineering marvel running through the park's wild interior. During your narrated trip, marvel at the stunning views from Logan Pass, before disembarking at Lake MacDonald where you meet a ranger for a more intimate look at the environment. A fine dinner is served at the hotel this evening.

Hotel: Lake MacDonald Lodge

Full Breakfast, Dinner

Day 11: Silver Mine, Lake Coeur d' Alene and Spokane

Keep on travelling through Glacier National Park, exit the park and skirt the spectacular shores of Flathead Lake.  Head east and stop in Wallace, Idaho, where you meet an experienced miner for a personalized visit to the Sierra Silver Mine. Walk through the main drift of an actual underground silver mine as your guide shares with you his personal experiences as a hard-rock miner and you learn about the unique and colourful culture of this historic mining area.  Continue on to the beautiful shores of Lake Coeur d'Alene, one of America's most beautiful lakes, and arrive in Spokane, where you stay at Washington State's grandest hotel, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, with soaring architecture, award-winning amenities and a rich history. This evening, enjoy fine dining at the Steam Plant, an award-winning brewery situated in nationally recognised historic building.  

Hotel: The Historic Davenport

Full Breakfast, Highlight Dinner

Day 12: Wonderful Wines en route to Seattle

On through the wide endless horizons of the wine-producing area of Washington State, ranking second in the United States behind California in the production of wine.  Enjoy a visit behind the cellar doors of Cave B Estate; meet the owners for a guided visit of this award-winning boutique winery and explore the nuances of their fine wine selection with some tastings. Learn how these excellent wines combine with food over a delicious lunch.  Then it's on to Seattle, also known as the “Emerald City” for an evening at leisure at the stunning Olympic Fairmont Seattle, your home for the next two nights.

Hotel: The Olympic Fairmont Seattle

Full Breakfast, Highlight Lunch

Day 13: The Soaring Sights of Seattle

Start your day with a sightseeing tour of Seattle's major sights including Pioneer Square, Pike Place Market – watch out for flying fish and Seattle's iconic Space Needle, with its jaw-dropping panoramic views of the Seattle skyline and Puget Sound.  This afternoon is yours to do as you please, perhaps visit the Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibits, or the Experience Music Project Museum, dedicated to contemporary music culture.  This evening, join your Tour Director and fellow travellers for a Celebration Dinner at one of Seattle's popular waterfront restaurants.

Hotel: The Olympic Fairmont Seattle

Full Breakfast

Day 14: Depart Seattle or Vancouver, extend your stay in either city or take an Alaska Cruise

Your journey comes to an end with a transfer to the airport. On arrival at your UK airport, your driver will greet you and escort you to your waiting car for your return private V.I.P. door-to-door transfer home.

Full Breakfast

Your Insight Vacations Tour Highlights

 

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCES

Victoria: Visit Butchart Gardens, a National Historic Site of Canada.
Jasper: Join your Tour Director for an interpretive talk on the trails of Maligne Canyon and cruise the lake.
Icefields Parkway: Experience Athabasca Glacier on board a specially designed Ice Explorer.
Chateau Lake Louise: Have afternoon tea at this historic location.
Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump: Join a Blackfoot elder and hear fascinating stories about the Plains People.
Glacier National Park: Board a 'Red Jammer' for a narrated trip with stunning views. Stop and meet a ranger for a guided exploration.

ADDITIONAL INCLUDED HIGHLIGHTS

Vancouver: Guided tour, see the totem poles in Stanley Park.
Seattle: Sightseeing tour of the city.
 

SIGNATURE DINING

Banff: Choose from a selection of restaurants for your Dine-Around evening.
Welcome Reception (WD), 14 Full breakfasts (FB),  and 2 lunches (L), 1 Dine Around (DA), 4 table d'hote three-course dinners (D),  8 Full Breakasts (FB), 6 Lunches (L) and 7 Dinners (D).

HIGHLIGHT HOTELS AND LOCATIONS

Hotel Overview: A fabulous range of contrasting hotels awaits your delight. Cosmopolitan. Urban. Stylish. Three words that sum up the Four Diamond Hyatt Regency Vancouver. Be treated to plush amenities and uncompromising service whilst enjoying large, luxurious guestrooms. You'll enjoy stunning views at the cosy and historic Lake McDonald Lodge located on the western side of the beautiful Glacier National Park. The historic Davenport Hotel is a landmark in itself. With soaring architecture and a rich history that dates back to 1914, it has earned the reputation as Spokane's grandest hotel.

ADDITIONAL FIVE STAR SERVICES

An expert Insight Tour Director, at the pinnacle of their career, will guide you on your journey. Serving as your 'travelling concierge', this skilled guide will act as consummate organiser and be your 'friend in a foreign land'.
Enjoy the unique comfort of Insight's luxury air-conditioned 40-seat coach, with extended leg room and an on-board restroom. It's Business Class comfort, complete with complimentary bottled water for you to enjoy during your luxury coaching tour.
A personal radio headset gives you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating insights and commentaries.
At every hotel, you'll be treated to seamless baggage handling with prompt delivery right to your door. Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. Plus, we include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi.
With Insight Flourishes, from time to time, your Tour Director will enchant you with local tidbits, each representing authentic food or beverages unique to the destination.
Included airport transfers on Day 1 and Day 9.
 

VIP DOOR TO DOOR RETURN UK AIRPORT TRANSFERS

Your holiday begins in true style from the moment we collect you from your front door for a relaxed journey to your choice of departure airport. Your wonderfully appointed executive car is reserved exclusively for your use, ensuring an uninterrupted, hassle-free journey to your departure airport.

Each and every Insight tour begins and ends with our unique and truly unrivalled private car door to door transfer service. You will be met at your front door by your driver who will assist with your bags before whisking you to your choice of departure airport in a private executive saloon car, all in plenty of time to make your way to your check-in desk. With Insight you really will experience an exclusive service, enjoying your journey in a standard of car that you would expect to associate with Insight standards. All of our cars are up-to-date models and maintained to the highest standards. We will arrange a convenient pick-up time from your home that suits you, not us or other passengers. Each car is equipped with the latest satellite navigation intelligence to ensure your continued peace of mind and a speedy journey.

At the end of your tour, on arrival at your chosen UK airport, you will be greeted by your waiting driver in the arrivals hall and escorted to your car for the smooth and comfortable journey directly back home.

Should you wish to make your own way to the airport, all you need do is advise us at the time of making your reservation and a discount will be offered.

Terms and conditions apply.

Optional experiences...

Most Insight tours already include a host of bonus highlights and comprehensive sightseeing. There may also be an exciting array of Optional Experiences which will turn an already amazing experience into the trip of a lifetime! These are entirely optional and can be booked through your Tour Director/Local Representative at the commencement of your tour. Please note, many Optional Experiences are operated by independent third party suppliers, not Insight Vacations. The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.

Jasper Rafting - Enjoy a unique perspective of Jasper National Park as you raft down the Athabasca River. This safe, comfortable ride along 10 miles (16 kilometers) of river passes through small sets of rapids and calm stretches for a ride that any first-time rafter will enjoy. Your journey will be narrated by a licensed National Park guide who will point out the natural and human history of Jasper National Park and the famous route that was used by fur traders many years ago. Tour length: 50-90 minutes depending on water levels. (Minimum: 6 guests).

Adult Price: CAN$ 72, Code: YJA-3

Banff Float Trip - Grab your camera and join us for a marvelously scenic float trip down Banff’s Bow River. Friendly, experienced oarsmen will guide you gently downstream along the scenic curves and beneath the majestic Rockies. Don’t worry, you won’t get wet! Look out for spotted elk, deer and even an occasional bear along the banks. The tranquility of the river makes this one of the best opportunities for an intimate experience with nature at her most magnificent. Operates seasonally. Tour length: 50-90 minutes depending on water levels. (Minimum: 10 guests).

Adult Price: CAN$ 58, Code: YNF-1

Banff Scenic Helicopter Flight - Mt. Assiniboine - This sensational flight will transport you to Mt. Assiniboine, “The Matterhorn” of the Canadian Rockies rising majestically to 11,870 feet (3,611 meters) along the Great Divide. The surrounding glaciers and icefalls will astound you and capture your imagination. This is a photographer’s dream come true. Please note that the Mt. Assiniboine Helicopter Flight may be unavailable due to weather conditions; however, an alternative helicopter flight excursion may be offered. Please check with your Travel Director for more details. Flight duration: 30 minutes. Tour length: 2 hours. (Minimum: 2 guests).

Adult Price: CAN$ 300, Code: YNF-2

Banff Scenic Helicopter Flight - Royal Canadian Tour - Your 25 minute journey will take you to new heights through the Goat Range Pass and along the Sundance Range of Banff National Park where you will see mountain peaks, alpine meadows and pristine lakes.  An extraordinary adventure not to be missed! Please note that this flight may be unavailable due to weather conditions; however, an alternative helicopter flight excursion may be offered. Please check with your Travel Director for more details. Flight duration: 25 minutes. Tour length: 2 hours. (Minimum: 2 guests).

Adult Price: CAN$ 260, Code: YNF-2A

Banff Scenic Helicopter Flight - Three Sisters - This will be the most action packed 12 minutes of your life.  Your adventure will take you past the Three Sisters Peaks as you spectacularly escape to the Spray Valley.  You will see the magnificent Goat Range where you will observe the radiant aqua blue/green colors of the Spray Lakes.  Your return flight will provide views of the Bow River as it meanders back towards the Town of Canmore. Please note that this flight may be unavailable due to weather conditions; however, an alternative helicopter flight excursion may be offered. Please check with your Travel Director for more details. Flight duration: 12 minutes.(Minimum: 2 guests).

Adult Price: CAN$ 135, Code: YNF-2B

Waterton Lake Cruise - Enjoy some of the most spectacular mountain scenery the Rocky Mountains have to offer on this scenic, 2 1/4 hour cruise. View majestic towering cliffs, unique geological formations, beautiful waterfalls, snow clad mountain peaks and the International Border. Bring your camera; tour boats make photographic and wildlife stops. Bald eagle, bear, moose, deer, mountain sheep and mountain goats are often seen. A 30 minute stop at Goat Haunt, the Northern Gateway to Glacier National Park is also included. The cruise is accompanied by an informative and entertaining commentary given by experienced local tour guides.

Adult Price: CAN$ 45, Code: WAT-1

Tour Only Cost: All prices quoted below are per adult person, per tour in British Pounds (GBP)

Departure Dates

Single Twin/Double Triple Quad
All departures in 2016 £7434* £4465* £4114* Please call
 
* 2016 Early Payment Discount - Insight's most popular tours fill very quickly. Don't be disappointed, book early and pay your balance in full as below and save up to 10% Off the prices shown above - Ask us at time of booking.
 
Pay for your 2016 tour in full by 29th January 2016 and SAVE 7.5%
Pay for your 2016 tour in full by 29th April 2016 and SAVE 5%
 
Repeat Client Discount - Have you travelled with Insight Vactions before, within the last 5 years ! - if so you qualify for a 5% discount - Ask us at time of booking.
 
Children aged 5-17 may qualify for a discount off up to 10% when sharing a room with 2 adults - Please call us for details. 
 
Not included in your tour cost:
Flights – we can package your tour with flights at very competitive airfares using our airline partners. Please call us to discuss the best airline for your itinerary.
Pre or post accommodation - If you want to extend your stay at the start or the end of your escorted tour or add another destination to your booking please call us and we will be happy to provide a quote.
Meals, other than those listed in the itinerary.
The customary gratuities for the Tour Director and local drivers are not included and are paid locally, if you prefer these can be pre-paid to us in advance for £103.00 per person.
 
FAQs:
There are many questions and considerations you might have when planning an escorted tour with Insight Vactions. For more information please click here.
 

TO BOOK YOUR TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS:

Please call us on FREEPHONE 0800 0336 335 or EMAIL us reservations@purelytravelgroup.co.uk we are open 7 days a week.

We will be happy to answer any questions, check the availability of your tour, offer a quote for flights and any pre or post nights you would like to add.

When you are ready to go ahead with the booking, a non-refundable deposit of 10% will be due at time of booking or the full balance if you are due to travel within 8 weeks.