Majestic Rockies with the Calgary Stampede

Welcome to Vancouver! At 6:00 p.m., meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome drink.

British Columbia Treasures Tour Vancouver, including the waterfront, Chinatown, and Stanley Park with its old-growth evergreen forests and totem poles. Catch the BC Ferry over to Vancouver Island and Victoria. See major attractions on your city orientation tour including the Fairmont Empress Hotel, Bastion Square, and Thunderbird Park. Later, visit world-famous [LOCAL FAVORITE] Butchart Gardens, followed by a special dinner in the former historic greenhouse. (B,D) LOCAL FAVORITE Butchart Gardens, named for its founder, Jennie Butchart, is a National Historic Site celebrated for its horticultural legacy. Millions of blooms and more than 900 varieties of plants fill exquisitely landscaped gardens that bring fairytales to life.

Spend your day your way in Victoria Explore more of Victoria with your choice of included Globus Choice excursions. CAPITAL CULTURE Visit the Royal BC Museum showcases the province's natural history, cultural heritage and the stories of Indigenous people. Three permanent galleries, Natural History, Becoming BC, and the First Peoples Gallery, feature exhibits and artifacts on colonial history, the gold rush, early settlers, modern culture and more. Visit adjacent Thunderbird Park, home to many totem poles and other First Nation monuments. BIRD'S EYE VIEWS Discover Vancouver Island at the Malahat SkyWalk in an immersive nature experience. The 10-story spiral tower soars 250 m (820 ft) above sea level for memorable views of fjords, forests, mountains, and islands in Canada and the US. Enjoy majestic views from within the treetops on the TreeWalk, a 20 m (65 ft) elevated boardwalk. Note: The SkyWalk tower features a wide wooden walkway with a gentle incline and no stairs. The rest of the day is free to explore on your own. (B) ENHANCED FREE TIME Explore more in Victoria with a stroll through the quaint downtown , admired for its British colonial architecture, heritage buildings, and stunning gardens, then, relax over proper British afternoon tea. Your Tour Director may suggest an optional marine wildlife and whale-watching trip. Shoppers will love Government Street’s elegant shops and Market Square’s specialty stores. Your Tour Director has tips for the perfect day.

Gulf Dreams Board a BC Ferry for a crossing of the Strait of Georgia through the spectacular Gulf Islands, an archipelago known for its Mediterranean-type climate. En route to Whistler, 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 the magnificent Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. Time to explore the 2010 Winter Olympics sites, paddleboard, hike, stroll through Whistler Village, or play pickleball. Enjoy a 2-night stay at the Hilton Whistler Resort, with mountain-style elegance in the heart of Whistler Village. (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHT Nestled at the base of breathtaking Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains, the Hilton Whistler Resort blends culture, history, and culinary delights together in Whistler’s premier location. Enjoy the natural design elements including Indigenous art from the Sea-to-Sky corridor and an array of shops, restaurants and walking trails at your doorstep.

Alpine Adventures Full free day to explore all that Whistler has to offer. (B) ENHANCED FREE TIME Explore more in Whistler to experience amazing views on the lofty Peak2Peak Gondola, the longest unsupported gondola span in the world, connecting Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. Enjoy spectacular scenery and incredible photo opportunities as you explore via suspension bridges, boardwalks, and trails on a canopy walk in the treetops. Other options include a ziplining adventure, shopping in the village, or relaxing at your resort.

Ancient Traditions This morning, enjoy a visit and breakfast at the [LOCAL FAVORITE] 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. Free time this evening. (B) LOCAL FAVORITE Visit the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre before opening hours, where you will be greeted with a First Nations welcome followed by breakfast. Take in this spectacular setting, which brings to life the history of the Squamish and Lil’wat Nations, whose traditions and beautiful culture continue to thrive today. As part of Globus family of brands Lighthouse Project, this historic site is one example of our commitment to supporting the people and places we share with you.

Sun, Snow & Stars 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, snow-capped summits, and lakes of exquisite blues and greens in this wild mountain wilderness. Before arriving at your hotel, you may wish to take an optional float trip down the historic Athabasca River, where your experienced rafting guide will navigate as you absorb the splendor of Jasper National Park. Tonight, explore the entertainment and culinary choices downtown, then look to the skies for remarkable stargazing when night falls. Jasper was designated as a Dark Sky Preserve by the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada and is one of the largest accessible Dark Sky Preserves in the world. (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHT Spanning nearly 4,250 square miles (11,000 square kilometers) of spectacular natural beauty, Jasper is the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies. Its vast wilderness, majestic peaks, abundant wildlife, and breathtaking scenery are complemented by one of the world’s largest Dark Sky Preserves, making Jasper a spectacular destination for stargazing.

Spectacular Jasper National Park Travel through Jasper’s unspoiled beauty to glacial Maligne Canyon for lunch at the Wilderness Kitchen. Continue to stunning Maligne Lake for a narrated scenic cruise to Spirit Island. Return to Jasper where the balance of the day is at leisure to explore Jasper on your own. (B,L) TOUR HIGHLIGHT A cruise to Spirit Island on the turquoise waters of Maligne Lake is a spectacular sight to behold as one of the most photographed locations in the world for its jaw-dropping beauty. The tranquil Spirit Island holds deep cultural significance for Indigenous peoples, including the Stoney Nakoda.

Rocky Mountain Majesty Head south through Jasper National Park on Icefields Parkway to the Columbia Icefield for a thrilling Ice Explorer ride on Athabasca Glacier. Climb Sunwapta Pass to savor stunning vistas of alpine meadows, waterfalls, and massive glaciers. Next, stop at Lake Louise, whose turquoise waters often reflect Mount Victoria. Continue into Banff for a free evening. (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHT Be moved by an expedition across the Athabasca Glacier. Traverse this massive glacier aboard the all-terrain Columbia Ice Explorer and walk on the surface where the Earth’s geology is changing beneath your feet. Feel the force of nature’s strength on an ancient glacier that still carves the face of the Rocky Mountains today.

Heavenly Heights Take a scenic ride on the [LOCAL FAVORITE] Banff Gondola to the top of the mountain and enjoy spectacular views of Bow Valley and the Rocky Mountains. Additional sightseeing in Banff includes a visit to Bow Falls. The balance of the afternoon 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 at a local restaurant. (B,D) LOCAL FAVORITE Soar to the top of the world on the Banff Gondola ride to the summit of Sulphur Mountain. Visit the mountaintop interpretive centre and be in awe of the magnificent, natural beauty of the Canadian Rockies with breathtaking views you’ll never forget.

Stetsons & Skyscrapers Morning drive to Calgary where you’ll have the afternoon and evening free. (B) ENHANCED FREE TIME Explore more in Calgary with recommendations from your Tour Director on the best places to experience the city’s traditions, cuisine, and cosmopolitan atmosphere. Skyscrapers rise above the western culture that earned Calgary the nickname “Cowtown.”

The Wild Frontier Free time this morning to explore the Calgary Stampede grounds with your included admission, including the First Nations village of [LOCAL FAVORITE] Elbow River Camp. Free time this afternoon before Chuckwagon Races and stage show this evening. (B) LOCAL FAVORITE Step back in time with a visit to Elbow River Camp, an authentic First Nations Village, where you’ll learn about the cultures, traditions, and histories of the First Nations who share their heritage during the Calgary Stampede. TOUR HIGHLIGHT Step through the gates of Stampede Park into a world of wonder, fun, and “Wild West” excitement. Stroll the streets of a recreated frontier town and enjoy a wide variety of exciting talent at the many entertainment stages. This evening, watch the heart-stopping chuckwagon races in an all-out dash for the finish line, an amazing contest of nerves and horsepower. Enjoy an outdoor stage show featuring hundreds of singers, dancers, and musicians in a lavishly produced and choreographed musical variety spectacular.

Ropin’ & Ridin’ Free time this morning. Watch the Calgary Rodeo this afternoon and receive the souvenir program. The remainder of the day is free to enjoy the Calgary Stampede grounds. (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHT Spend another day exploring the traditions of the Wild West on the Calgary Stampede grounds. Visit Rope Square with its variety of Western entertainment and fun. This afternoon, see the best of the best as they saddle up for world-class rodeo action. Top professionals test their skill against some of the West’s toughest rodeo stock. You’ll also enjoy the rodeo’s most famed event—bull riding! Take home a souvenir program to remind you of your time in Calgary.

Happy trails until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)