Heart of the Canadian Rockies

This 9-night Escorted Tour offers a comprehensive journey through Western Canada, designed for travellers who value a well-organised and factual itinerary. Your Canadian Rockies tour begins in Calgary, where you will see the blend of its ranching roots and modern city life. From here, you move into the heart of the mountains, with a two-night stay at Irwin’s Mountain Inn in Banff National Park. Banff is Canada’s oldest national park and provides the perfect introduction to the rugged peaks and turquoise lakes that define this region.
One of the most impressive segments of the trip is the drive between Banff and Jasper. You will visit Lake Louise, famous for its incredible natural colour, and stop at the Columbia Icefield. Here, you will board the Ice Explorer, a specialised vehicle that travels directly onto the 750-foot-thick ice of the Athabasca Glacier. You then settle into Jasper National Park for two nights at the Marmot Lodge. This area is the largest national park in the Rockies and offers ample opportunities to see wildlife like elk and bears, or to take an optional cruise on the serene Maligne Lake.
The journey continues through British Columbia’s dramatic landscapes, following the Fraser River past Mount Robson, the highest peak in the range. After an overnight stay in Kamloops, you travel through the Cascade Mountains to reach the Pacific coast. A scenic ferry crossing brings you to Victoria on Vancouver Island. Your visit here includes admission to the world-renowned Butchart Gardens, where 55 acres of floral displays are meticulously maintained. Victoria itself retains a very traditional feel, and you will have free time to explore its historic harbour or enjoy an optional whale-watching trip.
Finally, you arrive in Vancouver for your last night. This city is celebrated for its natural setting and cultural diversity. A guided tour will show you the best of the city, including the expansive Stanley Park, before you depart for your return flight to Ireland. This holiday is an excelente choice for those seeking a straightforward and informative travel experience. With return flights from Dublin, Cork, or Shannon included, along with national park fees and the expertise of a professional tour leader, you can simply relax and enjoy the spectacular scenery of Western Canada.
What flights are included in this tour?
Are National Park entrance fees included?
Do I need a visa to travel to Canada?
What's Included+
- Booking advice from your Travel Escapes travel advisor
- Return flights from Dublin, Cork or Shannon
- All Airport taxes, charges, and transfers
- 9 nights accommodation on a room only basis
- Guided city sightseeing in Calgary and Vancouver
- Entrance fee to Banff National Park and Jasper National Park
- Orientation tours of Banff, Jasper, and Victoria
- Tickets for the Icefields Explorer Experience at Columbia Icefields
- Ferry to/from Vancouver Island
- Admission to Butchart Gardens, Vancouver Island
- The assistance of a tour leader
Itinerary
1Arrival in Calgary+
Depart from Dublin for your flight to Calgary. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. Your Tour Director will be available in the afternoon to answer any questions and help you settle in for the start of your journey.
2Calgary Sightseeing and Banff National Park+
Explore the highlights of Calgary, including Fort Calgary, Stampede Park, and the Saddledome. Then, travel west into the foothills to Banff National Park, the gateway to the Rockies. Enjoy an orientation tour of Banff's natural beauty before checking into your hotel.
3Exploring Banff at Leisure+
A full free day in Banff allows you to explore this famous resort town. You might choose to go for a hike, visit the local hot springs, or browse the shops. Optional excursions include a helicopter ride over the mountains or a visit to the turquoise waters of Moraine Lake.
4Lake Louise and your Canadian Rockies tour+
Visit the world-famous Lake Louise to see the glacier-fed turquoise waters. Continue to the Columbia Icefield for a ride on the Ice Explorer all-terrain vehicle onto the Athabasca Glacier. Later, enter Jasper National Park and enjoy an orientation tour of the town.
5Discovering Jasper National Park+
Spend the day enjoying the largest national park in the Rockies. You can join an optional narrated cruise on Maligne Lake to see Spirit Island or spend your time walking the local trails and looking out for native wildlife in their natural habitat.
6Mount Robson and Kamloops+
Leave Jasper and follow the Fraser River towards Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. Travel along the Yellowhead Highway with views of the Monashee Mountains before arriving in Kamloops for your overnight stay.
7Victoria and Butchart Gardens+
Travel through the Cascade Mountains and Fraser Valley to the coast. Board a ferry for a scenic crossing to Vancouver Island. Visit the famous Butchart Gardens to see 55 acres of floral displays before continuing to the charming city of Victoria.
8A Free Day in Victoria+
Explore the capital of British Columbia at your own pace. You could enjoy high tea at the Empress Hotel, walk along the Inner Harbour, or take an optional marine wildlife excursion to search for orca whales and other sea life.
9Vancouver City Landmarks+
Ferry across the Strait of Georgia back to the mainland. In Vancouver, enjoy a city tour including the greenery of Stanley Park and the city's historic districts. The rest of the day is free to explore the shops and culture of this Pacific city.
10Final Departure+
After checking out of your hotel, you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight to Ireland, bringing your exploration of Western Canada to a close.
| Date | Acc. | Price | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17 Aug 2026 | Twin | €3,479 | Enquire Now |
| 24 Aug 2026 | Twin | €3,249 | Enquire Now |
| 31 Aug 2026 | Twin | €3,249 | Enquire Now |
| 07 Sep 2026 | Twin | €3,369 | Enquire Now |
| 10 Sep 2026 | Twin | €3,249 | Enquire Now |
| 17 Sep 2026 | Twin | €3,205 | Enquire Now |
- Booking deposit: enquire at time of booking
- Prices are per person based on two sharing.
- Single Supplement applies.
- A non-refundable / non-transferable deposit is required at the time of booking.
- Balance due 16 weeks before departure.
- Optional insurance available (terms & conditions apply).
- Taxes, prices & itinerary subject to change.
- Booking terms & conditions apply.
- Travel Insurance is not included.
Ref: TD

