Itinerary

Day 1: Vancouver - Whistler

Meet and greet at hotel this morning before leaving the coast via the Sea to Sky Highway to Whistler! Accommodation: Hotel with private or ensuite bathroom Meals: On own

Day 2: Whistler - Gold Bridge (Tyax Resort)

Free morning to enjoy refreshing coast mountain air and explore the resort town of Whistler, famous for its skiing, mountain biking and two-legged wildlife. Take a gondola ride for a view of endless peaks, glacier, paddle a canoe on a serene lake or just go walk about. Lots of interesting shops, cafes and people to watch in this well-known mountain resort. We travel North after coffee/lunch and leave the paved road and highway to work our way to Gold Bridge in the Coast Mountain Range. Along the way we will look out for deer, bears and eagles; to arrive at the deluxe mountain lodge, Tyax Lodge. We spend two nights here, giving us enough time to hike and explore the Coast Mountains, and its historic Gold and Silver mining past. We will have all meals at the Lodge. Accommodation: Tyax Lodge Meals included: Picnic lunch and dinner

Day 3: Gold Bride (Tyax Resort)

Today we have the chance to take some exploratory walks into the mountains where we can find remnants of the Gold and Silver Bonanza days of boom and bust miners and their small operations. Other options at the lodge are canoeing, cycling, scenic glacier fights, and horse riding. Accommodation: Tyax Lodge Meals included: Breakfast, Picnic lunch and dinner

Day 4: Tyax - Clearwater

We bid farewell to our mountain hideaway and cross through to Seton Portage, through the Coast Mountains into the semi-desert region of Kamloops. We'll stop along the way to explore features that tell the jaw dropping tale of British Columbia's silver mining history. As you ponder the tenacity of these brave explorers we'll Continue North, through farm country, following the North Thompson River to Clearwater. Accommodation: Hotel/B&B lodge with private or ensuite bathroom Meals included: Breakfast, picnic lunch

Day 5: Clearwater

There's a reason Wild Goose Tours makes its home here. Clearwater is the gateway to Wells Gray Provincial Park, also known as the "waterfall park". This small, friendly town is named after one of Canada's premier kayaking and whitewater rafting rivers. We will spend the day exploring the Park with its many features with short walks and hikes. Accommodation: Hotel with private or ensuite bathroom Meals included: Picnic lunch

Day 6: Clearwater - Jasper

In the morning have the option of going Whitewater rafting on the Clearwater River, or a scenic Float Cruise on the North Thompson River, or head to Blue River and go on a Bear Watching River Safari. Then head out later in the day to Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Rockies. We travel North through Valemount, stopping then at Mt Terry Fox, Mt Robson and Overlander Falls. Today is a good day for picnics, if the weather cooperates! Accommodation: Hotel with private or ensuite bathroom Meals included: Picnic lunch

Day 7: Jasper - Banff

This morning we spend in and around the well-known Rocky Mountain railway town of Jasper. How we spend it will be determined by the weather and your inclination, but there is lots to see! Your Wild Goose Tour guide will design your day to ensure you don't get caught up in all the big bus traffic. Continuing on to Banff we travel the famous Ice Fields Parkway stopping to capture the sights and sounds of placid lakes, rushing glacier water and the local wildlife! See Athabasca and Dome Glaciers as well as Peyto and Bow Lakes. End the day exploring the iconic Rocky Mountain railway village of Banff. Wild Goose Tours small groups benefit from some of the exclusive dining offered in Banff that is not available to large tour groups. Accommodation: Hotel with private or ensuite bathroom Meals included: Picnic lunch

Day 8: Banff

Enjoy the beauty of Lake Louise and Moraine Lake with a stroll along their shores or take a mountain walk to the famous Lake Agnes Tea House. Return to Banff for free time or optional tours (included) of the Banff Springs Hotel, the Cave and Basin. Or try out Banffs shopping and art scene! The art galleries here have a unique Rocky Mountain flare. Accommodation: Hotel with private or ensuite bathroom Meals included: on own.

Day 9: Waterton - Banff

Today we head south, watching for wildlife as we go. We will travel on the back road out of Canmore and continue South along the dry, east side of the Rocky Mountains to the southern end where it meets Waterton Lakes National Park. We stop along the way to watch the wildlife (mountain goat, deer, elk, bears), and end up in the Bison National Park to see the small remaining heard of Woodland Bison. Continue on through the famous Alberta beef ranch lands and rest for the night in Waterton National Park. Accommodation: Hotel with private or ensuite bathroom Meals included: Picnic lunch

Day 10: Waterton

Waterton Lakes National Park, this is a lesser visited park due to its remoteness – which is why we are here. Spend the day enjoying wildlife, spectacular vistas and take the Waterton Lake Boat Tour (weather permitting) to explore some of the less accessible walks and sites. Accommodation: Hotel with private or ensuite bathroom Meals included: Picnic lunch

Day 11: Waterton - Kimberley

Travel westwards, past historic Fort Steele and some natural hot springs. Overnight at the magnificently located hotel, run by the First Nations, that was formerly a residential school run by nuns. It has since been beautifully converted into an elegant casino hotel. Relax in the sumptuously converted bar and enjoy the irony. Overnight St. Eugene Mission Casino Hotel in Kimberley. Accommodation: Hotel with private or ensuite bathroom Meals: Picnic lunch

Day 12: Kimberley - Nelson

Winding our way through beautiful southern British Columbia we'll visit charming little towns and learn more of Canada's unique cultural history. History and culture buffs are sure to love Nelson - a town of heritage buildings and a friendly local population of musicians and artisans. Nelson was once the bustling regional centre of a gold boom and made an unsuccessful bid to become British Columbia's capital city. The town now is a mix of music, art, dining and shopping. You can enjoy live music in a variety of restaurants and bars. Accommodation: Hotel with private or ensuite bathroom Meals included: Breakfast

Day 13: Nelson

Nelson sits in the valley among soaring mountains. Today we'll take a scenic flight tour and fly high above the jagged granite peaks, glaciers and azure alpine lakes of Kokanee Glacier Provincial Parks – This will take your breath away. Then continue exploring the mining history of the Kootenay region, with the option to head further into the interior to explore some of the older ghost towns, and then we end the day with a soak in Ainsworth Hot springs. Accommodation: Hotel with private or ensuite bathroom Meals included: Breakfast

Day 14: Nelson - Penticton

We’ll continue navigating the effervescent landscape and explore some of the historic sites of Western Canada. Gold and silver exploration and mining paved the way for development of these older towns along the rural southern border of British Columbia. At the southern end of the Okanagan Valley we will sample some of the expertly crafted wines from the First nations vineyards in the Okanagan Valley. Accommodation: Hotel with private or ensuite bathroom Meals included: Breakfast

Day 15: Penticton

This area is steeped in history of pioneers, Gold and Silver miners, and the battle between the USA and Canada to get the ore! We will take some time to trek into some of the old original Kettle Valley Steam Railway trestles, still standing from these disastrous financial train ventures! We also will have time to visit some of the best wineries in Canada, renowned for their wines and scenery. Accommodation: Hotel with private or ensuite bathroom Meals: On own

Day 16: Penticton - Vancouver

Continuing westwards back to Vancouver we will follow the Fraser river through the fertile farmlands of the Fraser River Delta. Arrive into Vancouver around 5.30 (depending on the traffic and the day! Have a great evening. Accommodation: Hotel with private or ensuite bathroom Meals: On own

Day 17: Vancouver

Today is the end of the tour. There are a few options from here, either continue onto the “West Coast Safari” with Wild Goose Tours, or we can get you a transfer to the airport for your flight home, or even book you onto the Rocky Mountaineer! What will you choose?