Overview Itinerary Dates & prices Reviews Hotels, flights & FAQ

Canadian Rockies: Banff, Kelowna & Vancouver

with Victoria extension

Duration: 9 or 11 days
Group size: 15-35
Reviews: 2

Journey from majestic mountains to charming cities.

Pristine national parks and glittering turquoise lakes often come to mind when you think of the idyllic provinces of Alberta and British Columbia. Travel throughout the region to find that classic scenery in places like Lake Louise while also uncovering some of the area’s unexpected treasures, including the world-renowned Okanagan Valley wine region. From rugged Banff National Park to coastal Vancouver, discover the diversity of western Canada.

Your tour package includes

8 nights in handpicked hotels
8 breakfasts
1 lunch
3 dinners with beer or wine
1 wine tasting

Included highlights

Calgary Tower
Banff National Park
Moraine Lake
Lake Louise Gondola
Glacier National Park of Canada

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Day-by-day itinerary

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Calgary, Alberta1 night

Day 1: Arrival in Calgary

Included meal: Welcome dinner

Welcome to Canada! Settle in to your hotel before getting to know your Tour Director and fellow travelers at tonight’s welcome dinner.

Banff Region, Alberta2 nights

Day 2: Sightseeing tour of Calgary & Banff National Park

Included meal: Breakfast

With your Tour Director leading the way, head out on a guided sightseeing tour of Calgary, site of the 1988 Winter Olympics.

Pass by the Calgary Olympic Park
Enjoy sweeping views of the city from atop the Calgary Tower

Make your way to Banff, a glamorous resort town known for its mix of outdoor activities, art galleries, and vibrant culture. Join your Tour Director to explore the natural wonders in Banff National Park, Canada’s first national park, this afternoon.

Pass by Bow Falls, the Banff Springs Hotel, and Lake Minnewanka
Admire Banff’s beautiful landscapes, which are rich in history and home to a wide variety of wildlife

Day 3: Free day in the Banff Region

Included meal: Breakfast

Spend a free day in the Banff region or add an excursion.

Icefields Parkway & Glacier Experience

Excursion (additional cost)

Canadian Rockies, British Columbia1 night

Day 4: Rockies Region via Moraine Lake & Lake Louise

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Today, discover the showstopping scenery in southwestern Alberta.

Pass through the Valley of the Ten Peaks in Banff National Park to stop at Moraine Lake and take in its beautiful turquoise water (seasonal, June–September)
Soak in panoramic mountain views while you ride the Lake Louise Gondola
View Château Lake Louise and then spend your free time canoeing or walking around the lake

Later, cross into the Rockies region of British Columbia and enjoy an included dinner.

Kelowna, British Colombia2 nights

Day 5: Kelowna via Glacier National Park of Canada & Revelstoke

Included meal: Breakfast

Pass by the beautiful Rocky Mountains and travel through winding valleys en route to the city of Kelowna, which is bordered by Okanagan Lake and the acclaimed Okanagan Valley wine region.

Drive through Glacier National Park of Canada, stopping to take photos of the snow-capped peaks and sprawling forest
Enjoy free time for lunch in Revelstoke, an outdoorsy city nestled between Mount Revelstoke National Park and the Columbia River

Please note: You may visit Glacier National Park of Canada on day 4 instead of day 5.

Spend a free evening in Kelowna or add an excursion.

Okanagan Lake Dinner Cruise

Excursion (additional cost)

Day 6: Okanagan Valley wine tasting

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Spend the afternoon getting to know the flavors and wine making traditions of the Okanagan Valley.

Join a local wine expert for a guided walk through an estate vineyard
Learn about the unique microclimates of the Okanagan Valley and why this new world wine region is often called “the Napa of the North”
Visit the wine cellar to discover the production process
Sample some wines, many of which can only be found locally, including the region’s signature Pinot Noir
Sit down to enjoy an included lunch

Vancouver, British Columbia2 nights

Day 7: Transfer to Vancouver

Included meal: Breakfast

Take in the picturesque views of British Columbia’s coastal range as you travel to the city of Vancouver today.

Day 8: Sightseeing tour of Vancouver

Included meals: Breakfast, Farewell dinner

Today, tour the multicultural, cosmopolitan city of Vancouver with your guide before enjoying a free afternoon for exploration at your leisure.

Visit Granville Island and Stanley Park, a 1,000-acre public space
See the historic Gastown district
View Canada Place and the Vancouver waterfront

Tonight, celebrate your trip at a farewell dinner with your group.

Flight Home

Day 9: Departure

Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home or continue on to explore Victoria.

Extension to Victoria

Head to Victoria to experience the best of the Pacific Northwest. Temperate weather and coastal living make this city one of Canada’s best. Spend a few days visiting some of Vancouver Island’s top spots, including the impressive Butchart Gardens.

Victoria, British Columbia2 nights

Day 9: Ferry to Victoria & sightseeing tour

Included meal: Breakfast

Board a ferry to Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, which is located on Vancouver Island.

Then, set off on a guided sightseeing tour of the city that’s known for having the most beautiful gardens and mildest weather in Canada.

Stroll along the charming Inner Harbour to see the Parliament Buildings and the Empress Hotel
Explore the colorful and eclectic downtown area
Head out into the countryside to visit the 55-acre Butchart Gardens, a National Historic Site of Canada
Learn about the Butchart family and how they turned a former limestone quarry into a sprawling, beautiful green space
Explore the lush gardens to see the wide variety of colorful flowers

Day 10: Free day in Victoria

Included meal: Breakfast

Spend a free day in Victoria or add an excursion.

Raise a toast to your trip with a farewell drink this evening.

Vancouver Island Wildlife Cruise

Excursion (additional cost)

Flight Home

Day 11: Departure

Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

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Reviews

4.5 average

Our reviews are authentic and unedited.

Best tour director ever

08/07/2019 by 3rd time traveler Mary B.

A couple of the hotels with breakfast were fruit loops, and nothing an adult would want. The first dinner was less than eatable. Steak was like eating a boot. The Calgary tower had a broken elevator so we went to Fort Calgary, which everyone Loved. I think it should take the place of the Tower...

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Go Ahead Tours replied on 08/07/2019

Dear Mary, We agree that Patrick is a fabulous Tou...

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Great experience!

07/31/2019 by 3rd time traveler Beth T.

I can honestly say this tour went above and beyond expectations. The Canadian Rockies were breathtaking and the itinerary allowed time to truly experience the beauty and landscape. We made many stops throughout the tour and each one was spectacular. Our tour guide (Patrick) was AMAZING! If I co...

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Hotels, flights & FAQ

Here's the nitty-gritty—where you’ll stay, how you’ll get there, and what to know about your destination before you go.

Hotels

We handpick every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm. Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date, but these are frequently used hotels for this tour and we're confident you'll be satisfied.

Rundlestone Lodge

Situated in Banff National Park, the Rundlestone Lodge is the perfect getaway right in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. After receiving a warm welco...

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Best Western Plus Revelstoke

This modern hotel is located in Revelstoke. Guests enjoy a gym, outdoor hot tubs, and a spa. Nearby, you’ll find Glacier National Park, Mount Revelsto...

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Holiday Inn Vancouver Centre

This modern hotel is located in the upscale Shaughnessy neighborhood. Guests enjoy a fitness center, pool, and restaurant. Nearby, you’ll find the Van...

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Flights

Round-trip flights are one more thing we handle to make your journey as smooth as possible. Our team of travel experts will find the best flight itinerary for you at a competitive rate, thanks to our partnerships with top airlines.

Add our airfare package and you'll get:

Round-trip flight for your tour
Airport transfers at your destination
A great price locked in today
24/7 support from our dedicated service team
Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes

Find out more about flights

Local weather

Kelowna, Canada

Weather averages

Today
High 20°F Low 5°F

Victoria, Canada

Weather averages

Today
High 41°F Low 33°F

Vancouver, Canada

Weather averages

Today
High 37°F Low 32°F

Calgary, Canada

Weather averages

Today
High -17°F Low -23°F

FAQ

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Passport & visa requirements

Canadian citizens need valid government-issued identification for air travel within Canada.
In order to enter Canada, U.S. citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry.
If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact your destination country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.

Tour pace

You will walk for at least 1.5 hours daily across moderately uneven terrain, including paved roads and paths with some steep inclines. During certain seasons, there may be snow or ice on the paths. Some activities will take place at high altitudes.
Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance. Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on your tour.
You should feel comfortable managing your own baggage at times, as well as getting in and out of ferries on the tour extension.
Go Ahead Tours and the Tour Director who accompanies your group are unable to provide special, individual mobility assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Director is to ensure the group as a whole enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing, individualized assistance to any one traveler.
If you have any mobility concerns or physical restrictions, please contact our Customer Experience Team.

Transportation & arrival information

Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in Calgary, Alberta and depart from Vancouver, British Columbia (or Victoria, British Columbia on the tour extension). A representative from Go Ahead Tours will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Please remain in the arrival lounge, as the representative might be escorting one of your fellow travelers to the bus at the time of your arrival.
Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are included for travelers who have purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who purchase their own flights may request airport transfers with Go Ahead Tours for an additional cost.
A ferry ride from Vancouver to Victoria is included in the price of the tour extension.
All other included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach.

Baggage allowance

Please note that our travelers are limited to one checked bag and one carry-on bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches and other transfers, which may include train connections or flights.
Contact your airline(s) for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flights, which may include on-tour flights in addition to your round-trip flights to and from tour. Please note that your included on-tour flights may have more restrictive baggage limits.
Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage or exceed baggage size and weight restrictions. Be advised that you are responsible for any baggage fees incurred on all flights.
Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.

Clothing & packing tips

We recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered to accommodate varying temperatures, as well as a light jacket or rainwear.
To ensure you’re comfortable for outdoor sightseeing during spring and fall departures, we recommend packing a warm coat, hat, and gloves. Avoid wearing cotton whenever possible as it is an ineffective insulator.
A sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers is recommended for sightseeing.
You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.

Health

There are no major health risks associated with traveling to this region.
At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov.
Please be aware that you will be traveling to altitudes as high as 6,000 feet above sea level. These high altitudes can sometimes cause breathing difficulties for travelers who have heart problems or respiratory ailments. If you suffer from any of these conditions, please speak to your doctor regarding any potential health risks.
During the summer months, take proper care with sun exposure and heat.
If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour as well as any possible delays encountered.
If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please call our Customer Experience Team.

Cuisine

Canadian cuisine closely resembles British cuisine, with elements that will be very familiar to Americans as well. While in Canada, you may want to try local favorites like butter tarts, poutine, and anything with maple syrup.
While still largely under-the-radar, Canada’s Okanagan Valley is one of the world’s top wine regions. There are over 60 grape varietals grown in the region, thanks to the wide variety of microclimates, and many of these signature sips can only be found in this corner of the world. Must-try wines include Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

Electricity & air conditioning

All of North America operates on 110-120 volts and uses Type A or B plugs with two flat pins or two flat pins and one round pin, respectively.
The majority of the hotels on this tour will have air conditioning.
Your hotels may provide hairdryers, irons, and other small appliances. However, these amenities cannot be guaranteed.

Connectivity

Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
There is no Wi-Fi on any of the motor coaches.
Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.

Time zones

Alberta is on Mountain Time (MT), which is two hours behind Eastern Time (ET). British Columbia is on Pacific Time (PT), which is three hours behind ET.
When it’s noon in New York City, it’s 10am in Alberta and 9am in British Columbia.

Currency

You will use the Canadian dollar on this tour.
We strongly advise that you take debit/bank cards and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed.
You can use most debit/credit cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
Inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans so that they won’t confuse your purchases for fraudulent charges.
Many banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you do not already have at least one debit or credit card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.

Tipping

At the conclusion of your tour, it’s customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in local currency. Please keep current exchange rates in mind.
We recommend tipping the equivalent of $7USD to $10USD per person per day for your Tour Director and the equivalent of $3USD per person per day for your driver.
If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD per local guide.
Tips can only be paid in cash.

Purchasing excursions on tour

Most optional excursions will be available for purchase while you are on tour.
Your Tour Director will only accept cash (in USD only), Visa, or MasterCard as payment for excursions.
Please be advised that if you pay for an excursion by credit card while on tour, it may take up to three months for your card to be charged.
Some optional excursions may only be purchased in advance. See page four of your tour itinerary for more information.

Dates & prices

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20202021

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2020