Impossibly blue waterfalls, ancient glaciers, and the wildest wildlife in North America await on this 7-day circuit through the Canadian Rockies. Starting from Seattle, we'll cross the border to explore national parks and dreamy alpine towns.
Tour Details
Day 1: Seattle to Salmon Arm
We'll depart Seattle at 7 am and head to Kamloops, British Columbia, about 5 hours away. Along the way, we'll cross the Canadian border and stop at Bridal Veil Falls Provincial Park to admire its famous 60-meter (197-foot) waterfall that looks just like a bridal veil. Get your cameras ready!
On arrival in Kamloops, we'll find ourselves surrounded by a landscape roamed by cougars, bears, and deer in the Thompson River Valley. We'll end the day at a campsite or hotel in Salmon Arm.
Day 2: Yoho National Park to Banff
Welcome to the Rockies! After breakfast, we'll set off toward Yoho National Park. Did you know its name means "awe" in Cree? We'll stroll around Emerald Lake and cross Kicking Horse Pass over the Continental Divide.
We'll continue through Canada's Glacier National Park before arriving in Banff, a charming mountain town with a lively nightlife scene. You'll find plenty of cafés and restaurants to enjoy dinner before turning in for the night.
Day 3: Lake Louise and Moraine Lake
After breakfast, we'll dedicate the day to one of Canada's natural jewels: Lake Louise. You can canoe on its turquoise waters, hike up to the Lake Agnes Tea House, and tackle the Plain of Six Glaciers trail.
In the afternoon, we'll visit Moraine Lake and the Valley of the Ten Peaks, a postcard-perfect setting at nearly 1,900 meters (6,234 feet) above sea level. You'll spend the night at a campsite or accommodation in Banff.
Day 4: Icefields Parkway to Jasper
Today we'll drive the Icefields Parkway, widely considered one of the most spectacular roads in the world. We'll take in the Bow Glacier and Lake Peyto. Optionally, you can take a helicopter flight over the Columbia Icefield or walk on the Athabasca Glacier with crampons.
We'll wrap up the day at our accommodation in Jasper.
Day 5: Jasper to Clearwater
You'll have a free morning in Jasper, Canada's largest national park, perfect for a hike or a bike ride along its trails before we hit the Yellowhead Highway.
On the way to Clearwater, we'll stop to admire the imposing Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies at 3,954 meters (12,972 feet). We'll rest for the night at our Clearwater accommodation.
Day 6: Whistler
Today we head to Whistler, host of the 2010 Winter Olympics. You'll have free time to explore this famous alpine village at the foot of Whistler and Blackcomb mountains, soak up its cosmopolitan atmosphere, and capture some incredible shots of the surrounding scenery. We'll spend the night in Whistler.
Day 7: Vancouver to Seattle
Ready for the final day of our Rocky Mountains circuit? We'll follow the spectacular Sea to Sky Highway to Vancouver, where we'll tour the city's historic Gastown neighborhood, Chinatown, and the vast Stanley Park. After the visit, we'll head back to Seattle, arriving at around 8 pm to bring this unforgettable adventure to a close.
If you prefer, you also have the option of ending the tour in Vancouver, in which case the circuit would wrap up at approximately 2 pm.
Where Will We Stay?
When booking, you can choose between the following accommodation types:
Camping: ideal for nature lovers looking for an authentic experience under the stars. We'll sleep in shared tents in the heart of nature. You'll need to bring a sleeping bag (or buy one at the destination), a travel pillow, a torch, and a towel.
Hotel accommodation: if you prefer the comfort of a private room, you'll stay at the following 3-star hotels:
- Day 1: Salmon Arm Sure Stay BW or similar
- Days 2 and 3: Banff Bow View Lodge or similar
- Day 4: Jasper Inn and Suites or similar
- Day 5: Clearwater Valley Resort or similar
- Day 6: Whistler Village Inn or similar
