Canadian Rockies: National Parks Eastbound

Now's the time to explore western Canada on your terms with this tour that's affordable for young travellers. Discover that big mountain mood on this journey along the Pacific Coast from Vancouver to the Canadian Rockies. Do a touch of whale spotting before heading east into the enveloping mountain wilderness of Banff and Jasper National Parks in search of sulphur springs, canoeing excursions, and massive glaciers. Camping out most nights means you could find yourself face-to-face with a moose, deer, or maybe even a bear. (Just don't ask it for a selfie.) The Great Outdoors is the perfect playground for your next adventure.

Day 1 Vancouver
Arrive at any time.

Throw on something fabulous and get to know your group on a night out in Vancouver. From catching a live show with a cold pint, to tearing it up on the dance floor after a few cocktails there’s something for everyone in this western Canadian city. Head to one of your CEO’s favourite friendly spots, sip a craft beer, indulge in a tasty bite, and spend a night out on the town with some of your new friends.

Day 2 Vancouver/Victoria
Discover beautiful, moody, and invigorating Vancouver on a brief orientation drive with your super cool CEO. Pack top sights like Stanley Park, Gastown, and the Vancouver Lookout into your morning before hopping on a ferry with your new pals to get to the capital of British Columbia, Victoria. Get your bearings in your new surroundings on a visit to some of the liveliest pubs downtown. Take in the mountains rising in the distance and smell the salty brine of the ocean before sampling the best fish and chips in Victoria (and arguably all of Canada) at Red Fish Blue Fish. With your stomachs full and your heads buzzing with laughter and talk of tomorrow you will have no problem collapsing into your tent tonight for some much needed rest.

Day 3 Victoria/Tofino
It's off to Tofino today! Breathe in the lush smell of old growth forests and daydream as the island scenery passes you by. Stop at the Old Country Market in Coombs where you can buy souvenirs, grab a bite to eat, or simply sit and watch goats amble by on the roof above. Arrive in Tofino just in time to watch sunset over the water. Then take the rest of the evening to relax in nature or hangout with your group and tell stories because you're bound to have some by now!

Day 4 Tofino
Get up close and personal with mother nature today on a whale watching tour by Zodiac. Make a bet with your group and see who can spot the most orcas and other wildlife off of Tofino's coast. If you're lucky you'll be able to spot sea lions, seals, porpoise, and grey whales. In the afternoon soak in views of this rugged and untamed landscape and spend time exploring endless stretches of beach. From hikes through rainforests to catching waves out in the Pacific Ocean Tofino is an outdoor adventurers' paradise. Whatever you decide the time is yours, just make sure to grab your fill of this unique surfer town before it's time to move inland.

Day 5 Tofino/Whistler
The outdoor adventures are far from over. Dance beneath ancient Douglas firs as you make your way to the ferry. Say good-bye to island time and continue further inland to Whistler. On the way experience stunning scenery, wildlife, and some pretty awesome photo ops.

Day 6 Whistler
Good morning from one of Canada's greatest natural playgrounds. Right when you thought you couldn't fall more in love with this country you most certainly will. The scenery here is almost dreamlike and one of the best ways to take it all in is with a morning hike. Witness incredible views of Daisy Lake, or try your hand at other outdoor adventures like ziplining, rafting, or mountain biking. In the afternoon explore more of Whistler with your pals, grab some food, play some frisbee, or just sit and talk outside.

Day 7 Whistler/Wells Gray Park
Today is a travel day, but never fear you'll have no time to be bored. There will be plenty of opportunities for talking, reflecting, and taking photos as you drive from coastal mountains through the Canadian desert and into the densely wooded forests of Wells Gray PP. Remember, it's often the longer days that create the best bonding experiences for you and your new mates.

Day 8 Wells Gray Park
Head out for an exciting adventure canoeing in the Canadian wilderness. Take this time to laugh and be silly with your friends or paddle off to quieter coves for some peace and reflection. After a lunch on the shore overlooking Clearwater Lake you will stop at some of the most fascinating waterfalls in the park, including Helmcken Falls — world famous for being three times taller than Niagara Falls.

Day 9 Wells Gray Park/Jasper
Get an early start today as you and the group head further into the mountains. Pass the majestic peak of Mount Robson, the tallest mountain in the Canadian Rockies. Stop at the visitor centre and grab your next “Insta” photo on the large viewing deck before jumping back in the van to continue on to the prime wildlife-viewing area of Jasper.

Day 10 Jasper
Wake up in the alpine town of Jasper amid snow-capped mountains and glacier lakes. Stroll through Maligne Canyon, the deepest gorge in the Canadian Rockies. The trail is an easy loop that is full of waterfalls, bridges, dense pine forests, and streams that seem to pop out of nowhere. Take the rest of the morning to explore Jasper NP. Rent a canoe and get out on Maligne Lake with your friends, seek some thrills whitewater rafting on the Athabasca River, or simply take it all in. Spend the afternoon checking out the lively mountain town.

Day 11 Jasper/Lake Louise
Make your way to stunning Lake Louise via the Icefield Parkway. The beauty is so spectacular you may find yourself holding your breath as you drive one of the world’s most scenic routes. Along the way you will stop at Bow Lake and the Columbia Icefield Centre, where you can choose to walk with an expert guide atop the still active Athabasca Glacier. Kick back and relax in Lake Louise for the night.

Day 12 Lake Louise
You’ll be skipping with joy into the beauty that is Yoho NP. Visit Emerald Lake, whose vibrant waters rival those of famed Lake Louise, and Takkakaw Falls – the second highest waterfall in Canada. Choose to go whitewater rafting in the afternoon along the Kicking Horse River. Skip the crowds, sip a cold drink by the aquamarine waters, and simply enjoy the untamed beauty of this lesser-known Canadian park.

Day 13 Lake Louise/Banff
Grab a fellow tour mates' hand and gaze in wonder at the beauty of Lake Louise. Hike with a group to the Agnes Lake Tea House, or lose your sense of time along the Six Glaciers Trail. In the afternoon you will head into good ole' Banff.

Day 14 Banff/Calgary
As the day begins spend some of your time discovering the quiet beauty of Banff, a resort town located within Banff National Park. Take some pictures of the wildlife, stroll the shop-lined streets, or hike up to a remote tea house for some spectacular views of the town below. As you head to Calgary for the end of your trip take some time to reflect, say, "see you later" to new friends, and smile because you came, you saw, and you conquered that Canadian Rockies experience.