Discover the most spectacular highlights of Western Canada and the Rocky Mountains as we move north toward the last frontier. Starting in Vancouver, we’ll make a grand loop through Canada’s original and iconic mountain parks, across the vast interior of British Columbia, then up north on the magnificent Stewart-Cassiar Highway. We will visit numerous charming towns and villages and go as far as the Yukon’s capital city of Whitehorse. This tour is timed to provide the option of travelling onward to the heart of Alaska and the Klondike Gold fields, with our fourteen-day Best of Yukon and Alaska tour.

(To see our Yukon version of this tour, beginning in Whitehorse, click here.)

Information

Season June - September
Departs from Vancouver
Duration 14 days
Skill level None
Language English, German

Available dates

16.06.2025 - 29.06.2025
14.07.2025 - 27.07.2025
11.08.2025 - 24.08.2025
08.09.2025 - 21.09.2025

Available, guaranteed departure
Available departure
On Request
Not Available

Price CAD $5,605.00 / pp

Book now!

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Vancouver

Welcome to the third largest city in Canada! A meet and greet will be provided by your tour guide at the airport, followed by a transfer to the hotel. We’ve planned a brief group meeting this afternoon so you can get to know your fellow travellers and answer any last-minute questions you might have. The evening is free to explore this world-class coastal city. (Overnight hotel accommodation in Vancouver)

Day 2: Vancouver

Vancouver is one of the most beautifully situated cities in the world, framed by the Pacific Ocean on one side and the coastal mountains on the other. We’ve included an entire day here today. We’ll explore the heart of the city, including beautiful Stanley Park with its beaches, forests and ocean-side walking paths. Later you can stroll along bustling Robson Street and Vancouver’s colourful Chinatown. Check out the hip and historic Gastown and let yourself be spoiled by the specialties of local restaurants. A visit to the panoramic view from the Harbour Building is also worthwhile. The possibilities Vancouver are almost unlimited, filled with unique art collections, museums, and parks; your guide will have plenty of tips to suit your personal interests. (Overnight hotel accommodation in Vancouver)

Day 3: Vancouver - Kelowna

Today we’ll leave the Pacific coast behind and travel east to the beautiful Okanagan Valley. The small city of Kelowna is located along the shores of Lake Okanagan, home of “Ogopogo.” The legend of Ogopogo comes from the local First Nations people who tell of a large animal living in the lake for generations. The lake is big enough that anything might still be lurking undiscovered beneath the water. Perhaps challenging your notion of Canada, the sun-drenched region around Kelowna is home to countless award-winning vineyards and abundant orchards. (Overnight hotel accommodation in Kelowna)

Day 4: Kelowna - Banff National Park

Today we’ll leave the Okanagan Valley with its warm dry climate behind and ascend to the striking Canadian Rocky Mountains. We’ll cross over the height of land at famous Rogers Pass, then wind through narrow gorges and canyons to reach Kicking Horse Pass in Yoho National Park. Kicking Horse Pass was named by Palliser, the first European Explorer to cross the southern Rockies. Keep a close eye on the roadsides; wildlife is often spotted here. Our final destination Banff, located in the heart of Banff National Park. (Overnight hotel accommodation in Banff)

Day 5: Banff National Park

Today is completely at your leisure to explore Banff. This 6,641 square kilometre preserve of mountain wilderness was established as Canada’s first national park in 1885 to protect a natural hot spring just above the Banff town-site. It grew into Canada’s prototypic national park. We’ll experience the spectacular canyons, waterfalls and mountain passes, and of course we’ll also visit the picturesque Lake Louise, a mountain lake in a fantastic location on the foot of Victoria Glacier area, a beautiful place to take a stroll. In the afternoon, we’ll return to Banff where you’ll have the opportunity to explore the historic town. Visit the hot springs, take a ride on the Sulphur Mountain Gondola, or take a walk on a trail along the Bow River. (Overnight hotel accommodation in Banff)

Day 6: Banff - Jasper National Park

Today we’ll take the Icefields Parkway, one of the most scenic drives anywhere in the world, north to Jasper. This two-lane paved road wends between snowcapped mountains and the outpouring glaciers of the Columbia Icefield. This is the Canada of postcards and of dreams. Partway between Banff and Jasper you’ll have the opportunity to take an optional tour by Sno-Coach and actually travel on top of the stunning Athabasca Glacier. We’ll also stop in at beautiful Maligne Canyon for views of one of the most impressive waterfalls in Canada before arriving at last in Jasper, the small hub at the centre of Jasper National Park. (Overnight hotel accommodation in Jasper)

Day 7: Jasper National Park - Prince George

On today’s leg, we’ll visit the marvellous Moose Lake and Mount Robson. At over 3950 meters, Mt Robson is the tallest mountain in the Canadian Rockies, soaring with extraordinary vertical relief high above the Yellowhead Valley. We will be leaving the Rocky Mountains and heading west again to Prince George, the largest city and trading centre for the vast, and sparsely populated region of northern British Columbia. (Overnight hotel accommodation in Prince George)

Day 8: Prince George - Smithers

We will continue west today to the town of Smithers. Our route takes us eastbound on the Yellowhead Highway through a sprawling landscape of lakes and rivers, full of beaver dams and surrounded by forests as far as the eye can see. The drive today should give you a sense of Canada’s enormity. Smithers is a small, rustic town that has been heavily influenced by Europeans, who have found the laid-back atmosphere and surrounding mountain ranges a nice contrast to the overcrowded cities of Europe. The steep mountains have given Smithers the nickname of “Little Switzerland”, one of several in the Canadian west. (Overnight hotel accommodation in Smithers)

Day 9: Smithers – Stewart

Departing Smithers, we’ve planned a stop at Moricetown Falls, a canyon where the local First Nation people fish for salmon. We’ll also visit the Ksan Indian Village with its totem poles and long houses, before continuing along the picturesque river reaches of the Skeena River. After a stop at the magnificent Bear Glacier, we will reach the small town of Stewart and have a well-deserved rest from the highway. (Overnight accommodation in Stewart)

Day 10: Stewart

Today we take a break from the highway and we spend the day exploring around the small charming town of Stewart. We will cross the boarder and visit Hyder Alaska, a town of less than a 100 people! Situated about three kilometres from Stewart, is it often described as the “friendliest ghost town in Alaska.” We will then head to another spectacular sight; Salmon Glacier. The first views of the glacier, the largest in the world accessible by a roadway, presented themselves about 37 kilometres northeast of Stewart. Once back in town you can stroll the estuary boardwalk or view artifacts from the town’s rich mining history at the Stewart District Museum. Take the rest of the day to relax, stretch your legs and enjoy a good meal because despite its size, Stewart offers an abundance of restaurant choices! (Overnight hotel accommodation in Stewart)

Day 11: Stewart – Watson Lake

The journey takes us north today as we will be traveling on the majestic Stewart–Cassiar Highway. We will soon be driving to northern British Columbia on this incredibly beautiful road that will bring us on some of the most isolated and wild landscapes Canada has to offer. Keep your eyes open and cameras ready today because the chances of seeing wildlife are enormous! At the end of a long but memorable day we will be reaching the Yukon and the town of Watson Lake. Watson Lake is home to the largest Signpost Forest in the north, you will be able to walk through it and see well over a hundred thousand signs from all around the world. You might even want to leave your own! (Overnight hotel accommodation in Watson Lake)

Day 12: Watson Lake - Skagway

In the morning, we will leave Watson Lake and head to the historical town of Skagway. We will be traveling in the beautiful Yukon on scenic roads that will allow you to understand the vastness and beauty of this wild land. On the famous Alaska highway, we will pass though the First Nation’s villages of Teslin and Tagish then make our way on the South Klondike to the scenic lakeside village of Carcross, and over the alpine tundra of White Pass to Skagway, nestled along the Pacific coast. The gateway to the great gold rush of 1898, Skagway has held onto its frontier style. We suggest a visit to the famous Red Onion Saloon, once a thriving brothel and now a charming bar and restaurant. (Overnight hotel accommodation in Skagway)

Day 13: Skagway – Whitehorse

Today we leave Alaska to head to Whitehorse; the wilderness city and Yukon’s capital. Our route takes us past the smallest desert in the world and the extraordinary colours of Emerald Lake. Once in Whitehorse there will be time to explore the city and some of its main attractions. Enjoy the authentic S.S. Klondike, a paddle wheeler restored from the gold rush time in the Yukon, or any of the many other trails, shops, and historic sites. (Overnight accommodation in Whitehorse)

Day 14: Departure Whitehorse

At the end of your journey, here’s your chance to relax or do a little shopping before returning home. Ruby Range will provide a transfer to the airport or to a connecting program. (End of tour services) (Due to the nature of this tour, last-minute changes to the itinerary are a possibility and are left to the discretion of the guide.)

Details

Tour Duration
14 Days

Tour Price
Double Room: CAD 5,605.00
Single Room: +CAD 2,220.00
Triple Room: CAD 5,145.00
All Rates per person (+ GST)

Group Size
6 – 9 participants per date
(Maxi Van)
10 – 20 participants per date
(Midsize Coach)

Included

14-day trip from Vancouver to Whitehorse
The entire tour individually guided and interpreted
13 nights accommodation in superior middle-class double rooms
All overland transportation
Air-conditioned Maxi Van (capacity 15 seats) or comfortable air-conditioned Midsize Coach
Entrance fees for national parks
Entrance fees as listed in itinerary
Airport Transfers

Not Included

Meals and beverages
Optional tours
Personal extras
Gratuity

Child Policy

Min Age: 7 years

7-11 years: 50% off regular adult rate

12-17 years: 25% off regular adult rate

North to Alaska & Rocky Mountains – Sightseeing Tour from Vancouver to Whitehorse

Information