Home > Canada and Alaska > West Coast Canada > Wilderness Wonders: 11-Day Glaciers, Rails, Bears, and Whales Expedition
WILDERNESS WONDERS: 11-DAY GLACIERS, RAILS, BEARS, AND WHALES EXPEDITION
TRAVEL BY TRAIN THROUGH THE CANADIAN ROCKIES TO THE PACIFIC COAST
Embark on an extraordinary 11-day journey with our Glaciers, Rails, Bears, and Whales Experience. Traverse the breathtaking landscapes of glaciers, ride scenic rails, witness majestic bears, and marvel at the grace of whales. Immerse yourself in the untamed beauty of nature as you explore diverse ecosystems and encounter wildlife in their natural habitats. This comprehensive expedition promises a perfect blend of adventure and serenity, creating memories that last a lifetime. Join us on a remarkable odyssey through the heart of wilderness wonders.
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Start Location: Calgary
End Location: Vancouver
TOP HIGHLIGHTS
- Discover the town of Banff and Banff National Park
- Travel from Banff to Jasper along the Icefields Parkway with a stop in Lake Louise
- Jasper sightseeing in Maligne Valley including Maligne Canyon, Medicine Lake and Maligne Lake
- Luxury Rocky Mountaineer rail journey from Banff to Vancouver
- Vancouver North Shore sightseeing with Capilano Suspension Bridge and Grouse Mountain
- Remote lodge experience for 3 days on the Coast of British Columbia
- Grizzly bear tours and marine life viewings at the lodge
- Vancouver foodie tour
SAMPLE ITINERARY (CUSTOMIZABLE)
Day 1: Calgary to Banff
Arrive in Calgary and board your shuttle transfer from the Calgary Airport to the jewel of the Rockies, Banff. Nestled high in the Canadian Rockies, the town of Banff is located within the Banff National Park. Once “Siding 29” on the Canadian Pacific Railway, the town of Banff was intended to be a tourist town from its very inception. The park’s first superintendent, George Stewart, even oriented the town’s first street so that it offered the best possible view of Cascade Mountain. With easy access to pristine wilderness, outdoor adventures, jaw-dropping landscape, and a vibrant history, there are many places to visit in Banff and Lake Louise.
Overnight: Banff
Day 2: Banff Sightseeing
Visit sights such as Bow Falls, Surprise Corner, the Banff Hoodoos and Lake Minnewanka in the spectacular setting of Banff, widely known as one of the most beautiful places in Canada.
Overnight: Banff
Day 3: Banff - Lake Louise - Jasper
Today’s tour to Jasper takes us through some of the most spectacular mountain landscapes in North America. Following the spine of the Canadian Rockies, view a never-ending procession of mammoth mountains, jagged snowy peaks and over 100 glaciers. The entire day is spent in the majesty of Canada’s two most famous National Parks, Banff and Jasper. Departing Banff we pass Vermilion Lakes and the fortress formations of Castle Mountain before arriving at stunning Lake Louise and the world famous Chateau Lake Louise. After a short break we continue northwards on the Icefields Parkway, one of the most scenic stretches of highway in North America. Stops will be made at Crowfoot Glacier, Bow Lake, Peyto Lake and the Weeping Wall before arriving at the Athabasca Glacier and Columbia Icefield. A stop is made at the Columbia Icefield chalet to view the Athabasca Glacier and time is allowed to ride the Ice Explorer onto the glacier. From here the parkway descends Tangle Ridge and follows the Athabasca River which begins as melt water from the Athabasca Glacier. We then stop at the Athabasca Falls, where the boiling waters of the river plunge into a chasm gouged out of the valley floor.
Overnight: Jasper
Day 4: Jasper Sightseeing
This morning join a local guide for an interpretive tour through the Maligne Valley. The tour will include a stop at Maligne Canyon for a guided walk above the gorge, Medicine Lake and then Maligne Lake where you can either take the boat cruise to Spirit Island or enjoy a guided hike along the Mary Schaffer Loop.
Overnight: Jasper
Day 5: Rocky Mountaineer Rail Experience from Banff to Kamloops
Travel through the legendary Spiral Tunnels and pass by Craigellachie, the spot where the last spike on the Canadian Pacific Railway was driven. This is the only passenger rail service on this historic route, celebrated for connecting Canada from East to West. Traverse the Continental Divide and be inspired by spectacular mountains and dramatic canyons. If you’re a history buff, this route is for you. Travel onboard Rocky Mountaineer from the mountain town of Banff to Kamloops, in the heart of the BC Interior. Enjoy the spectacular array of scenery as you travel between the glacier and snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies, over mountain passes and through remarkable tunnels, along rocky lakeshores and across the ranchlands of the Interior.
Overnight: Kamloops
Day 6: Rocky Mountaineer Rail Experience from Kamloops to Vancouver
Your journey continues towards the Pacific Ocean and the coastal city of Vancouver. You will again see dramatic changes in scenery, from the desert-like environment of the Interior, through winding river canyons and pristine forests, to the Coast and Cascade Mountains and the lush green fields of the Fraser Valley. Highlights include the steep slopes and rock sheds along the Thompson River and the rushing waters of Hell’s Gate in the Fraser Canyon. Your rail journey ends on arrival in Vancouver.
Overnight: Vancouver
Day 7: Vancouver North Shore Sightseeing
Join a fully narrated half-day sightseeing tour where you will visit Vancouver’s North Shore, including Capilano Suspension Bridge and the Treetops Adventure forest canopy walkway, the Capilano Salmon Hatchery, ride the gondola to the top of Grouse Mountain and see grizzly bears in the Refuge for Endangered Wildlife
Overnight: Vancouver
Day 8: Vancouver - Port Hardy - Alder Bay - Farewell Harbour Lodge
Today you will make your way to the Vancouver South Terminal and fly to Port Hardy where a short water taxi transfer takes you to the Farewell Harbour Lodge for a 3 night experience. In the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest at the mouth of Knight Inlet, lies an island chain called the Broughton Archipelago renowned not only for its physical beauty but also for its proximity to some of the best Orca and Grizzly viewing on the British Columbia coast. A jewel in this archipelago is Berry Island, most of which lies protected as part of a BC marine conservation area due to its unique natural and cultural history. Your three day experience includes all meals and snacks, excursions to grizzly viewing areas, a whale watching experience or additional Grizzly Viewing experience depending on the time of year, a short optional excursion on a marine tour, sea kayaking, rain forest walk, or a forest bathing walk on your departure day, with regular evening guide presentations. Upon arrival at Farewell Harbour Lodge, you’ll be warmly greeted by staff and have lunch, a short orientation and then settle into your rooms before heading out onto the water for an afternoon marine mammal viewing excursion. After your afternoon excursion, join your fellow travellers in the lodge dining room for a glass of premium BC wine or beer before dinner. After supper, sit fireside in the lounge for an evening slideshow on coastal ecology.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Farewell Harbour Lodge Grizzly Bear Viewing
After an early morning breakfast, you will head out on your first full-day excursion. Typically, guests opt for a bear viewing excursion on their first full day. A bear viewing excursion will take you deep into one of several different river systems in search of wild bears. You'll travel by water taxi deep into the inlet and then transfer to a zodiac which will motor quietly or propel silently under oar to position ourselves for optimal viewing of bears foraging on the river or in the estuaries. On some excursions you will proceed on foot or motorized vehicles through the lush rainforest in search of bears.. Bear sightings are not guaranteed but you will be with trained guides with many years of experience with bears in the wild.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: Farewell Harbour Lodge Marine Tour
After breakfast embark on a marine tour into the Johnstone Strait renowned for its Northern Resident Orca population. The Orca come into these waters mid to late July and stay into late September and early October. You'll also be in search of majestic Humpback whales, Dall’s porpoises or Pacific White Sided dolphins and Steller sea lions in addition to the many Bald Eagles and seabirds. During marine excursions you'll learn about local history and the cultural traditions of the Kwakwaka’wakw First Nations as we pass ancient villages sites, mysterious rock art called pictographs and other evidence of a rich history and vibrant presence in the region.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11: Farewell Harbour Lodge - Alder Bay - Port Hardy and Vancouver
Your last day affords one more opportunity for a short morning marine excursion or an opportunity to relax around the lodge, try sea kayaking, or go on a rainforest walk or forest bathing (Shinrin yoku) walk before the water taxi departs for the short trip back to Alder Bay with further flight connections. A complimentary shuttle takes you back to Port Hardy for your flight back to Vancouver.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DATES & PRICES
Availability:
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
ACCOMMODATION
START PLACE
END PLACE
PRICE FROM
Package price with Rocky Mountaineer Silver Leaf Rail Experience
Calgary
Vancouver
$8,090 USD
All prices are per person based on double occupancy and subject to local taxes - GST, PST or HST.
Pricing is starting from based on double occupancy. Special pricing subject to change.
Upgrade to Gold Leaf Service on board the train CAD$730 + GST per person.
Pricing is starting from based on double occupancy. Special pricing subject to change.
Upgrade to Gold Leaf Service on board the train CAD$730 + GST per person.
Applicable taxes vary depending on travel destination and are not included. Please ask your sales agent what extra taxes will be payable for your tour.
WHY CHOOSE ANDERSON VACATIONS?
Anderson Vacations
Other Companies
Independent Travel
See what you want, where you want, how you want. Solo, with a friend, or with a group of friends.Canadian Travel Experts
With at least 30 years of experience.Min. 95% Satisfaction Rate
From past guests.Accreditation and Consumer Protection
Feel confident booking because of a membership in all the following organizations:
Sustainability
Planting one tree for every passenger that travels with us.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- 7 nights of hotel accommodation
- 3 night of hotel accommodation at Farewell harbour Lodge
- Flights from Vancouver
- Shuttle transfers from Calgary to Banff
- Silver Leaf Rocky Mountaineer journey from Jasper to Vancouver (upgrades available at an additional cost)
- All meals at Farewell Harbour lodge and onboard the train
- Sightseeing and activities as indicated
EXCLUSIONS
- Meals not specifically mentioned as included in the itinerary
- Gratuities for Local Guides, Tour Managers, and/or Bus Drivers
- Travel Insurance and Cancellation Protection (strongly recommended, ask us for a quote!)
- Taxes as applicable
- Airfare unless specified as included within the itinerary
- Items (attractions and sightseeing & entrance fees) not listed as included in the itinerary
Why Take A Custom Tour?
Private & Customizable
You can see what you want, when you want, how you want. A trip that's perfectly timed and well organized.
Unique Experience
Experiences that help you take in the region in a different way. Can combine your trip with our group tours. Advice to help you get the most out of your trip.
Freedom to Explore
Time to enjoy and take in each place. Add days in places you want to explore. Do only the activities you want to do.
Can't find what you're looking for?
Our specialists can take away the stress and create a custom trip tailored to your exact interests and budget.
Get A Custom Quote
OR CALL
1.866.814.7378
Custom Trip Plans
You can see what you want, when you want, how you want.
Unique Experiences
Experiences that help you take in the region in a different way.
Freedom To Explore
Time to take in each place with only the tours you want to do.
Booking & Flight Questions
Do you arrange airport transfers?
Yes! We can certainly assist with booking airport transfers for you! Some tours have airport transfers included already. Please inquire for further information and pricing.
Can you assist with booking additional accommodation?
Yes! We can certainly assist with booking additional nights of accommodation for you before and/or after your fully escorted tour! Please inquire for further information and pricing.
Can you assist with booking flights?
Yes! We can certainly assist with booking your flights for you! We do not recommend you book any flights until you receive your booking confirmation directly from Anderson Vacations Tours, as some tours are not pre-guaranteed. Please inquire for further information and pricing.
Is it possible to book a triple share accommodation?
Yes, it is possible to book triple share accommodations on select trips. Please inquire about this option, as pricing may also vary and it will be subject to availability.
Can we book this tour with our exclusive group?
Anderson Vacations Tours can work with private groups to customize a tour to your needs. Please inquire for further information and pricing.
Tour Questions
What is the average age of passengers for this tour?
Our tours are suitable for all age demographics. The average age of travelers is typically 45+
I am a solo traveler. Is there a single surcharge?
There are options for single travelers to join most tours. Solo Travelers can choose to pay the single supplement and have their own room throughout the tour. For those willing to share, we also have a Twin Share option that is offered for the majority of our tours. This means you will be sharing the hotel rooms with another single, same gender traveller who also books the Twin Share option. If this is the case, there will be no single supplement charged to either of you. If we are unable to match you with another Twin Share traveler, there may be a single surcharge applied to cover the full cost of the rooms on some of our longer tours. Please enquire before finalizing your booking for full details.
How physically demanding is this tour? Are you able to accommodate people with mobility restrictions/limitations?
This tour has a low level of physical demand, although there may be some activities or sightseeing tours that require walking short distances. Please inquire if you have any mobility restrictions before completing your booking to ensure this tour is right for you.
How much luggage should I bring?
Each passenger may bring one large suitcase and one carry-on bag. The weight limit for this suitcase is 32 kilograms/60 pounds. Baggage handling is provided at the hotels in our tour packages. Please advise our reservations staff if you will be bringing additional items such as a cane, walker or wheelchair. You may also bring one small soft-sided carry-on bag, which should easily fit into the overhead shelf of the coach. Each person is responsible for his/her own carryon luggage. Remember to check your airline baggage restrictions if you are flying, as they may differ from Anderson Vacations Tours guidelines.
What is your recommended spending amount for non-included meals?
The suggested allowance for non-included meals is $40.00 — $60.00 CAD per day (includes tipping).
Can you accommodate passengers with dietary restrictions (food allergies, vegan, vegetarian etc.)?
Yes! There are many meals included on our fully escorted tours. Please inform us of any dietary restrictions at the time of booking so we can ensure there are alternative meal choices and arrangements made for you.
Are gratuities included in the tour cost?
For your convenience, gratuities for local guides and meals stated on the itinerary are included in the price of the tour. For meals not included in your tour package please remember that it is customary to tip your server 15-20% in North America. Gratuities for your Motorcoach Driver and Tour Director are left to your discretion. We recommend $4.00 - $5.00 CAD per person, per day for your Motorcoach Driver and $6.00 - $7.00 CAD per person, per day for your Tour Director. if you can't find your
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INQUIRE ABOUT THIS TRIP
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Space To Breathe
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All Inclusive
No hidden expenses along the way. Competitors offer activities as an extra - we don't
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Tour Code
11GBW
Wilderness Wonders: 11-Day Glaciers, Rails, Bears, and Whales Expedition
11 days
Created On: 27 Apr 2024
Highlights
- Discover the town of Banff and Banff National Park
- Travel from Banff to Jasper along the Icefields Parkway with a stop in Lake Louise
- Jasper sightseeing in Maligne Valley including Maligne Canyon, Medicine Lake and Maligne Lake
- Luxury Rocky Mountaineer rail journey from Banff to Vancouver
- Vancouver North Shore sightseeing with Capilano Suspension Bridge and Grouse Mountain
- Remote lodge experience for 3 days on the Coast of British Columbia
- Grizzly bear tours and marine life viewings at the lodge
- Vancouver foodie tour
Inclusions
- 7 nights of hotel accommodation
- 3 night of hotel accommodation at Farewell harbour Lodge
- Flights from Vancouver
- Shuttle transfers from Calgary to Banff
- Silver Leaf Rocky Mountaineer journey from Jasper to Vancouver (upgrades available at an additional cost)
- All meals at Farewell Harbour lodge and onboard the train
- Sightseeing and activities as indicated
Exclusions
- Meals not specifically mentioned as included in the itinerary
- Gratuities for Local Guides, Tour Managers, and/or Bus Drivers
- Travel Insurance and Cancellation Protection (strongly recommended, ask us for a quote!)
- Taxes as applicable
- Airfare unless specified as included within the itinerary
- Items (attractions and sightseeing & entrance fees) not listed as included in the itinerary
Dates & Prices
ACCOMODATION
START PLACE
END PLACE
PRICE FROM
Package price with Rocky Mountaineer Silver Leaf Rail Experience
Calgary
Vancouver
$8,090 USD
Package price with Rocky Mountaineer Gold Leaf Rail Experience
Calgary
Vancouver
$8,760 USD
All prices are per person based on double occupancy and subject to local taxes - GST, PST or HST.
* Pricing is starting from based on double occupancy. Special pricing subject to change.
Upgrade to Gold Leaf Service on board the train CAD$730 + GST per person.
* Pricing is starting from based on double occupancy. Special pricing subject to change.
Upgrade to Gold Leaf Service on board the train CAD$730 + GST per person.
Itinerary
Day 1: Calgary to Banff
Arrive in Calgary and board your shuttle transfer from the Calgary Airport to the jewel of the Rockies, Banff. Nestled high in the Canadian Rockies, the town of Banff is located within the Banff National Park. Once “Siding 29” on the Canadian Pacific Railway, the town of Banff was intended to be a tourist town from its very inception. The park’s first superintendent, George Stewart, even oriented the town’s first street so that it offered the best possible view of Cascade Mountain. With easy access to pristine wilderness, outdoor adventures, jaw-dropping landscape, and a vibrant history, there are many places to visit in Banff and Lake Louise.
Overnight: Banff
Day 2: Banff Sightseeing
Visit sights such as Bow Falls, Surprise Corner, the Banff Hoodoos and Lake Minnewanka in the spectacular setting of Banff, widely known as one of the most beautiful places in Canada.
Overnight: Banff
Day 3: Banff - Lake Louise - Jasper
Today’s tour to Jasper takes us through some of the most spectacular mountain landscapes in North America. Following the spine of the Canadian Rockies, view a never-ending procession of mammoth mountains, jagged snowy peaks and over 100 glaciers. The entire day is spent in the majesty of Canada’s two most famous National Parks, Banff and Jasper. Departing Banff we pass Vermilion Lakes and the fortress formations of Castle Mountain before arriving at stunning Lake Louise and the world famous Chateau Lake Louise. After a short break we continue northwards on the Icefields Parkway, one of the most scenic stretches of highway in North America. Stops will be made at Crowfoot Glacier, Bow Lake, Peyto Lake and the Weeping Wall before arriving at the Athabasca Glacier and Columbia Icefield. A stop is made at the Columbia Icefield chalet to view the Athabasca Glacier and time is allowed to ride the Ice Explorer onto the glacier. From here the parkway descends Tangle Ridge and follows the Athabasca River which begins as melt water from the Athabasca Glacier. We then stop at the Athabasca Falls, where the boiling waters of the river plunge into a chasm gouged out of the valley floor.
Overnight: Jasper
Day 4: Jasper Sightseeing
This morning join a local guide for an interpretive tour through the Maligne Valley. The tour will include a stop at Maligne Canyon for a guided walk above the gorge, Medicine Lake and then Maligne Lake where you can either take the boat cruise to Spirit Island or enjoy a guided hike along the Mary Schaffer Loop.
Overnight: Jasper
Day 5: Rocky Mountaineer Rail Experience from Banff to Kamloops
Travel through the legendary Spiral Tunnels and pass by Craigellachie, the spot where the last spike on the Canadian Pacific Railway was driven. This is the only passenger rail service on this historic route, celebrated for connecting Canada from East to West. Traverse the Continental Divide and be inspired by spectacular mountains and dramatic canyons. If you’re a history buff, this route is for you. Travel onboard Rocky Mountaineer from the mountain town of Banff to Kamloops, in the heart of the BC Interior. Enjoy the spectacular array of scenery as you travel between the glacier and snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies, over mountain passes and through remarkable tunnels, along rocky lakeshores and across the ranchlands of the Interior.
Overnight: Kamloops
Day 6: Rocky Mountaineer Rail Experience from Kamloops to Vancouver
Your journey continues towards the Pacific Ocean and the coastal city of Vancouver. You will again see dramatic changes in scenery, from the desert-like environment of the Interior, through winding river canyons and pristine forests, to the Coast and Cascade Mountains and the lush green fields of the Fraser Valley. Highlights include the steep slopes and rock sheds along the Thompson River and the rushing waters of Hell’s Gate in the Fraser Canyon. Your rail journey ends on arrival in Vancouver.
Overnight: Vancouver
Day 7: Vancouver North Shore Sightseeing
Join a fully narrated half-day sightseeing tour where you will visit Vancouver’s North Shore, including Capilano Suspension Bridge and the Treetops Adventure forest canopy walkway, the Capilano Salmon Hatchery, ride the gondola to the top of Grouse Mountain and see grizzly bears in the Refuge for Endangered Wildlife
Overnight: Vancouver
Day 8: Vancouver - Port Hardy - Alder Bay - Farewell Harbour Lodge
Today you will make your way to the Vancouver South Terminal and fly to Port Hardy where a short water taxi transfer takes you to the Farewell Harbour Lodge for a 3 night experience. In the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest at the mouth of Knight Inlet, lies an island chain called the Broughton Archipelago renowned not only for its physical beauty but also for its proximity to some of the best Orca and Grizzly viewing on the British Columbia coast. A jewel in this archipelago is Berry Island, most of which lies protected as part of a BC marine conservation area due to its unique natural and cultural history. Your three day experience includes all meals and snacks, excursions to grizzly viewing areas, a whale watching experience or additional Grizzly Viewing experience depending on the time of year, a short optional excursion on a marine tour, sea kayaking, rain forest walk, or a forest bathing walk on your departure day, with regular evening guide presentations. Upon arrival at Farewell Harbour Lodge, you’ll be warmly greeted by staff and have lunch, a short orientation and then settle into your rooms before heading out onto the water for an afternoon marine mammal viewing excursion. After your afternoon excursion, join your fellow travellers in the lodge dining room for a glass of premium BC wine or beer before dinner. After supper, sit fireside in the lounge for an evening slideshow on coastal ecology.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Farewell Harbour Lodge Grizzly Bear Viewing
After an early morning breakfast, you will head out on your first full-day excursion. Typically, guests opt for a bear viewing excursion on their first full day. A bear viewing excursion will take you deep into one of several different river systems in search of wild bears. You'll travel by water taxi deep into the inlet and then transfer to a zodiac which will motor quietly or propel silently under oar to position ourselves for optimal viewing of bears foraging on the river or in the estuaries. On some excursions you will proceed on foot or motorized vehicles through the lush rainforest in search of bears.. Bear sightings are not guaranteed but you will be with trained guides with many years of experience with bears in the wild.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: Farewell Harbour Lodge Marine Tour
After breakfast embark on a marine tour into the Johnstone Strait renowned for its Northern Resident Orca population. The Orca come into these waters mid to late July and stay into late September and early October. You'll also be in search of majestic Humpback whales, Dall’s porpoises or Pacific White Sided dolphins and Steller sea lions in addition to the many Bald Eagles and seabirds. During marine excursions you'll learn about local history and the cultural traditions of the Kwakwaka’wakw First Nations as we pass ancient villages sites, mysterious rock art called pictographs and other evidence of a rich history and vibrant presence in the region.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11: Farewell Harbour Lodge - Alder Bay - Port Hardy and Vancouver
Your last day affords one more opportunity for a short morning marine excursion or an opportunity to relax around the lodge, try sea kayaking, or go on a rainforest walk or forest bathing (Shinrin yoku) walk before the water taxi departs for the short trip back to Alder Bay with further flight connections. A complimentary shuttle takes you back to Port Hardy for your flight back to Vancouver.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
