Evergreen Canada & USA

Day 1: Arrive Victoria (D) Welcome to Canada! You will be met at Victoria International Airport and transferred to your hotel. This evening, meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers for a welcome dinner at your hotel. Two Night Stay: DoubleTree Hotel by Hilton. Day 2: Victoria – Butchart Gardens (FB) Today, visit the world-famous Butchart Gardens, a 22 hectare showplace of magnificent, colourful gardens. Learn about the history and flora while exploring the gardens which have delighted visitors from around the world for over one hundred years. Afterwards, enjoy an orientation tour of Victoria's Inner Harbour, Bastion Square, Beacon Hill and residential areas. There is free time to explore Victoria or allow Evergreen to assist you in discovering more about this historic region. Discover More: Go in search of resident orca pods on a whale watching cruise, or take a relaxing and traditional horse and carriage ride through Victoria. Day 3: Georgia Strait – Whistler (FB) Although the journey from Victoria to Whistler is breathtaking, there is the opportunity to view this spectacular landscape from the air with a one hour floatplane flight over the Georgia Strait and Coastal Mountains to the alpine resort of Whistler (seasonal, must be pre-booked, additional cost). After breakfast, drive north along Vancouver Island through forested roads and towns to Nanaimo. Board the BC Ferry and travel through Georgia Strait to Horseshoe Bay. Journey north along the Sea to Sky Highway as the road follows the rugged coastline with views of Horseshoe Bay, Bowen Island, Gambier Island and Anvil Island on your left and forested parks and mountains on your right. Stop at the awesome Shannon Falls before arriving at the charming alpine resort of Whistler Village. This afternoon and evening, you are free to explore the village's cobbled pathways and plazas. Discover More: Take one of our most incredible opportunities to undertake a bear viewing tour with a local expert. Overnight Stay: Hilton Whistler Resort & Spa. Day 4: Whistler – Sun Peaks (FB,HD) Today, we travel through the historic farming village of Pemberton, along the scenic Duffy Lake Road lined with thick forest and into the town of Lillooet. In the afternoon, we head into the mountains to the relaxed and picturesque ski resort village of Sun Peaks. You're Invited: The fur traders were legendary in Western Canada and lived lives of adventure, gruelling work and camaraderie. This evening, our highlight dinner involves an authentic Fur Traders presentation and feast. Overnight Stay: Sun Peaks Lodge. Day 5: Sun Peaks – Banff (FB) Today, you will be rewarded with astounding views as you reach the grandeur of the Canadian Rockies. Travel through eastern British Columbia and into Alberta, enjoying glimpses of the soaring mountains as you make your way through the three spectacular National Parks of Mount Revelstoke, Glacier and Yoho. Travel from primeval forests to Ice Age glaciers, waterfalls and mountain peaks. Late this afternoon, we arrive into Banff National Park. Two Night Stay: Caribou Lodge. Day 6: Banff at Leisure (HB) This morning, you will have breakfast with one of the best views Canada has to offer. Take the Banff Gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain where you will witness inspiring views and enjoy a sumptuous buffet. The rest of the day is for you to enjoy Banff and its many sights and attractions. Why not discover more of all that this beautiful town has to offer. Discover More: Partake in an enjoyable outback dinner and wagon ride, special opportunity to spend time with magnificent wolfdogs * , take a breathtaking helicopter flight over inspiring mountain scenery, or relax on a float trip along the river. Day 7: Lake Louise (FB,D) Enjoy a morning sightseeing tour including the Bow River, the Hoodoos and Bow Falls before visiting some icons of the Canadian Rockies. See the glacier fed Emerald Lake and the spectacular Natural Bridge, which has been carved by the Kicking Horse River. Prepare yourself for one of the highlights of your journey as you arrive at Canada's "Diamond in the Wilderness", the beautiful Lake Louise where you have the unique opportunity to stay at one of the Rockies most stunning and historic properties. This afternoon, you will have free time to explore this beautiful lake or to sit back, relax and take in the amazing scenery. Overnight Stay: Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Day 8: Glacier 'Ice Explorer' – Jasper (FB,HD) This morning, we travel north along the Icefields Parkway, acclaimed as one of the most spectacular journeys in the world. Enjoy breathtaking mountain scenery as you pass rugged peaks and glaciers fringed by thick forest and shimmering lakes. We make a stop at the Columbia Icefield, North America's largest sub-polar ice pack, where you'll climb aboard the 'Ice Explorer' for a once-in-a- lifetime journey onto the mighty 300 metre thick Athabasca Glacier. The day's end finds us in Jasper National Park, an alpine wonderland of pristine wilderness and abundant wildlife. You're Invited: Be taken through the park to the beautifully carved Maligne Canyon; the deepest canyon in the Rockies, then experience Jasper's newest restaurant, Wilderness Kitchen. Located in a stunning natural setting at the trailhead of the iconic canyon, it is based on an original Canadian smokehouse to bring you an authentic experience amongst the mountains. The dining experience goes beyond the table and the stories of Maligne come alive with a special horns and antlers presentation. Overnight Stay: Lobstick Lodge. Day 9: Jasper – South Thompson River (FB,D) Make our way out of the beautiful Jasper National Park and enjoy spectacular views of the mountains including the towering 3954 metre Mt. Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. Weave through thick forests, winding rivers and jewelled lakes before arriving at your ranch style riverside inn. Overnight Stay: South Thompson Inn or similar. Day 10: Kamloops – Vancouver (FB,D) Travel through lush countryside before reaching the peaks and valleys of the coastal mountain range. Follow the fertile 11 Day Rockies Explorer 44 For reservations and enquiries please call 1300 383 747 or see your local Evergreen Agent Whistler's scenic surroundings

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