majestic canadian rockies - wetravel · peak2peak gondola, connecting whistler and blackcomb...
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Majestic
Canadian Rockies
August 2-12, 2020
The Canadian Rockies—a land of majestic mountain scenery, fascinating wildlife, sparkling glaciers, crystal-clear lakes, and interesting towns. If you want to see breathtaking scenery and jagged mountain peaks, this Canadian Rockies tour is for you. Spend time in Vancouver, Victoria, Whistler, Sun Peaks, Jasper National Park, and Banff National Park. A tour highlight is the Ice Explorer ride on the 750-foot-thick Columbia Icefield. It is one of the few places where you can actually ride on an icefield. You’ll also enjoy unsurpassed scenery on the drive between Jasper National Park and Banff National Park. As you parallel the Great Divide, keep an eye out for alpine meadows, waterfalls, massive glaciers, and wildlife, including big horn sheep and elk. Other tour highlights include a stop at gorgeous Lake Louise and a cruise on Maligne Lake, one of the most picturesque spots in the Canadian Rockies with the beautiful lake and towering peaks. After your ferry ride from Vancouver to Victoria, visit Butchart Gardens, where you’ll admire the floral displays on 55 acres and enjoy dinner at the original Butchart family residence. A special private breakfast at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre in Whistler, where you’ll learn about the First Nations people. You’ll have leisure time in the towns to explore on your own or to participate in optional activities. Sample the cuisine offered in the towns, take a scenic walk, relax, and enjoy peace and quiet while surrounded by awe-inspiring scenery. Words and photos cannot adequately capture the beauty of this area.
Canadian Rockies - Full Itinerary
DAY 1: Aug. 2 - Depart Grand Rapids. Trip may leave from Grand Rapids or Chicago depending
on best flight itinerary. If Chicago, private chartered ground transportation will be provided
from NE Grand Rapids location for flight to Vancouver. *Depart from airport of your choosing,
additional cost may apply.
DAY 2: Aug. 3 - VANCOUVER - FERRY CROSSING - VICTORIA
This morning tour Vancouver including the waterfront, Chinatown, and Stanley Park with its old-growth evergreen forests and totem poles. We take the British Columbia FERRY over to Vancouver Island and Victoria. Visit world-famous BUTCHART GARDENS. These world-renowned gardens have impressed Victoria visitors since 1904. Resting on 55 acres and meander along the property's flower-lined paths, which contain more than 900 varieties. Followed by a special DINNER in the former historic greenhouse overlooking the gardens. See major attractions on your city orientation tour including the Fairmont Empress Hotel, Bastion Square, and Thunderbird Park. (B,D)
DAY 3: Aug. 4 - VICTORIA
The day is free to explore on your own. This small Island town punches way above its weight
thanks to its status as British Columbia's capital and its location perched on the ocean. Its
streets are dotted with locally owned cafés and restaurants, bohemian shops, and about a
dozen craft breweries. Long, quiet stretches of beach rimmed with bike paths look across the
Strait of Juan de Fuca to the Olympic Mountains and, for amblers, an array of city and private
gardens earn Victoria the nickname "City of Gardens." Shoppers will love Government
Street’s elegant shops and Market Square’s specialty stores, while history buffs should be sure
to visit the Royal British Columbia Museum. (B)
DAY 4: Aug. 5 - VICTORIA - WHISTLER
Board a British Columbia FERRY and cross the Strait of Georgia and cruise through the
spectacular Gulf Islands, an archipelago known for its Mediterranean-type climate. Stop at
SHANNON FALLS, where a boardwalk leads to a viewing platform near the base of the roaring
falls. On to the alpine resort of Whistler at the base of breathtaking Blackcomb Mountain.
Time to explore the 2010 Winter Olympics’ sites. (B)
DAY 5: Aug. 6 - WHISTLER
Today is free to explore all that Whistler has to offer. You might enjoy a trip on Whistler’s
Peak2Peak Gondola, connecting Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. Enjoy spectacular
scenery and incredible photo opportunities as you travel via the longest unsupported gondola
span in the world. Other options include a walk in the tree tops, a sightseeing excursion by air,
shopping in the village, or just relaxing at your resort. (B)
DAY 6: Aug. 7 - WHISTLER – SUN PEAKS
This morning, enjoy a visit and private breakfast at the SQUAMISH LIL’WAT CULTURAL
CENTRE, dedicated to the history and culture of the First Nations people. Then, journey north
through the heart of the magnificent Cariboo region. Spectacular scenery abounds as you pass
by rolling hills, deeply incised rivers, and sparkling lakes. Afternoon arrival in Sun Peaks with
the balance of the day at leisure. (B)
DAY 7: Aug. 8 - SUN PEAKS – JASPER NATIONAL PARK
Continue north, following Yellowhead Highway and hugging the mighty North Thompson
River, into the province of Alberta. See the base of 12,972-foot Mount Robson (the highest
point in the Canadian Rockies) before entering JASPER NATIONAL PARK. Marvel at the
precipitous gorges, snowcapped summits, and lakes of exquisite blues and greens in this wild
mountain wilderness. The largest national park in the Canadian Rockies, Jasper is wild in every
sense of the word. Its landscape covers an expansive region of rugged backcountry trails and
mountainous terrain juxtaposed against fragile protected ecosystems. It’s also chock-full of
wildlife, home to some of North America’s healthiest populations of grizzly bears, moose, and
elk along with thousands of species of plants. Before arriving at your hotel, perhaps take an
optional float trip down the historic Athabasca River, where your experienced guide will
navigate as you absorb the splendor of Jasper National Park. (B,D)
DAY 8: Aug. 9 - JASPER NATIONAL PARK –
EXCURSION TO MALIGNE LAKE
Enjoy a sightseeing tour to see Jasper’s
unspoiled beauty. Afterward, travel to glacial
Maligne Lake for a narrated CRUISE to Spirit
Island. Declared the “Best Boat Cruise in
Canada” by 8 million Reader’s Digest
subscribers, the Maligne Lake Cruise is an
experience like no other. A panoramic tour
across the crystal waters fed by the glaciers
of Jasper National Park. Glide past the jagged
mountain peaks as we cruise to Spirit Island, a
world-famous destination only accessible by
boat. This second-largest glacier-fed lake in
the world it enchants travelers with its
brilliant turquoise waters and stunning
skylines. The scene enthralls a visitor and just
takes one's breath away. On the return
journey, stop to view Maligne Canyon.
Balance of the day is at leisure to explore
Jasper on your own. (B)
DAY 9: Aug. 10 - JASPER – COLUMBIA
ICEFIELD – LAKE LOUISE – BANFF NAT’L PARK
This morning, travel through Jasper National
Park on Icefields Parkway to the 750-foot-
thick Columbia Icefield for a thrilling ICE
EXPLORER RIDE. Discover the power of
nature on the must-do experience in the
Canadian Rockies. At the heart of the
incredible Icefields Parkway is one of the largest non-polar ice fields in the world. Here, you’ll
travel on a massive Ice Explorer onto the otherworldly surface of the Athabasca Glacier. Then
we travel on our way to Banff traversing the vast beauty of the Canadian Rocky Mountain
Parks World Heritage site. Pass fleecy mountain goats licking mineral-rich silt from wide
rocky riverbeds. Surmount Sunwapta Pass, where the Atlantic and Arctic watersheds divide.
These dramatic 181 miles of Alberta—passing through and by Jasper, Kootenay, Yoho, and
Banff National Parks plus three provincial parks—earn the route a reputation as one of the
Important Travel Notes:
We will make every effort to accommodate
your travel needs and make sure you have
the best possible vacation. At the same time,
it is important to note the following advisories:
Terrain & Transportation: Walking
over uneven walking surfaces and
ground. Travel by passenger coach.
Climate: Average high 72° & low 57°.
Passport & Visa Information: U.S.
citizens do not need a visa for this trip.
Your passport must be valid for at least
6 months after your scheduled return to
the U.S. It must have blank pages.
Pages must be labeled “Visas” at the
top. Pages labeled “Amendments and
Endorsements” are not acceptable.
Vaccinations: None
Disclaimer: weTravel reserves the
right to adjust pricing due to cost
increases regarding changes in
airfares, cruise fares, taxes, fuel
surcharges, promotional changes. Trip
dates and itinerary are subject to
change due to trip availability.
weTravel: Reserves the right to cancel
this tour due to insufficient registration.
Full refund of deposit if tour is
canceled.
* Depart from airport of your choosing,
additional cost may apply.
most spectacular drives in the world. Next, stop at Lake Louise, whose green-blue waters
form a perfect mirror reflection of Mount Victoria. Continue to BANFF NATIONAL PARK. (B,D)
DAY 10: Aug. 11 - BANFF NATIONAL PARK
Breakfast this morning is served on top of Sulphur Mountain. Take a scenic ride on the BANFF GONDOLA to the top of the mountain and then enjoy spectacular views of the valley below as you savor a flavorful meal. Additional sightseeing in Banff includes a visit to Bow Falls. The balance of the day is at leisure. Consider an optional flightseeing trip for a bird’s-eye view of the Rockies. This evening, join your Tour Director for a farewell dinner. (B,D)
DAY 11: Aug. 12 - BANFF - CALGARY Depart Banff for Calgary International Airport for our return to Grand Rapids. (B)
Highlights: Tour of Vancouver, Victoria, Ferry crossings, Butchart Gardens (with dinner), Shannon Falls, Squamish Lil’Wat Cultural Centre, Banff National Park (UNESCO), Jasper National Park (UNESCO), Ice Explorer ride on the Columbia Icefield, Maligne Lake cruise, Spectacular scenery. Globus Experiences: ~ Squamish Lil’Wat Cultural Centre ~ Maligne Lake narrated cruise ~ Ice Explorer ride ~ Jasper and Banff National Parks (both are UNESCO sites) ~ Banff Gondola ride Culinary Inclusions: ~ Butchart Garden dinner ~ Squamish Lil’Wat breakfast
HOTELS:
Day 1: CALGARY- GEORGIAN COURT HOTEL - FIRST CLASS
Day 2-3: VICTORIA - MARRIOTT VICTORIA INNER HARBOUR - SUPERIOR FIRST CLASS
Day 4-5: WHISTLER - FAIRMONT CHATEAU WHISTLER RESORT – DELUXE
Day 6: SUNPEAKS - SUN PEAKS GRAND – FIRST CLASS
Day 7-8: JASPER NATIONAL PARK – SAWBRIDGE INN
Day 9-11: BANFF NATIONAL PARK – DELTA ROYAL CANADIAN LODGE
The Experience weTravel takes pride planning each group trip. Searching through the vast array of choices on the internet to provide their clients with wonderful experiences at the best value. We also provide a pre-trip meeting to go over every detail of the trip. Currency exchange, excursions, packing tips,
trip details and much more to make sure all your questions are answered.
weTravel escorts our travelers on every group trip, making certain that things run as smoothly as possible. Christine Friedt & Debi Termaat, the weTravel owners and trip escorts, advocate for individuals as well as the group to ensure that any problems which crop up are handled quickly, allowing you to enjoy the best possible experience. Our trips provide the best of all worlds, the ability to travel to domestic & foreign destinations in
the most convenient, cost-efficient and stress-free way possible. Your experienced trip escort handles every detail, answers questions and
connects fellow travelers interested in optional excursions and free time exploration. You will have peace of mind knowing your trip escort is available prior to and throughout the trip.
Reservations: For personalized service call Debi or Christine at 616-389-0589 Email at [email protected] www.wetravel.club
Mailing address: 4267 4 Mile Rd. NE, Grand Rapids MI 49525 When you travel with us, you travel with friends.
Snapshot itinerary:
Day 1 – Departure to Vancouver
Day 2 – Victoria, Butchart Gardens
Day 3 – Victoria
Day 4 – Whistler – Shannon Falls
Day 5 – Whistler
Day 6 – Whistler - Sun Peaks -
Squamish Lil’Wat Cultural Centre
Day 7 – Sun Peaks - Jasper Park
Day 8 – Jasper Park - Maligne Lake
Day 9 – Jasper Park – Icefields - Banff
Day 10 – Banff Park – Gondola
Day 11 – Departure for home
Pricing
$4825 per person double occupancy LIMITED TIME SPECIAL $4495 $1135 Single Supplement Included
~Land package, roundtrip airfare (GR),
ground transfers
~ Daily breakfast, 3 Dinners
~Tour escort – Debi Termaat
Extra Options $276 Travel Insurance ($4495 pricing)
$127 Pre-paid tipping Baggage fees are traveler responsibility
*Additional pre & post night available- please contact weTravel for pricing.
How Do I Reserve A Space?
To guarantee a spot, please send a $350
deposit (option of travel ins. check with
deposit) with reservation form to
weTravel. We hold the checks until the
trip has met its minimum passenger
requirement. We will notify you when
the check will be deposited so please do
not date your check. At that point, the
deposit is non-refundable. Complete the
reservation form online & mail the
deposit (see link below). If you prefer
contact us to have the form mailed or
emailed to you.
Mailing address: weTravel, 4267 Four
Mile Rd NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525
http://www.wetravel.club/webook
If you are purchasing travel insurance
please include the $276 with your
deposit.
Final Payment due May 2, 2020 Checks
preferred. Credit card payments will
incur additional fees.