Compare Haida Gwaii/Queen Charlotte Islands Tour - with Gwaii Haanas by Maple Leaf Adventures vs Spectacular Rockies and Glaciers of Alberta with Rocky Mountaineer Silverleaf Option, Small Group With Rocky Mountaineer Silverleaf Service Small Group by Insight Vacations
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| Duration | 9 days | 9 days |
| Price From | $ 3,894 | $ 6,618 |
| Price Per Day | $ 433 | $ 735 |
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| Trip Style | Small ship cruise | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Premium | Premium |
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| Cities and Attractions | N/A |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description |
Join Maple Leaf for a weeklong adventure tour by land and sea of Haida Gwaii, including the place that's on many peoples' bucket lists: Gwaii Haanas National Park and Marine Conservation Area Reserve and Haida Heritage Site |
Take a spectacular guided tour to the Rocky Mountains and witness Alberta’s breath-taking wilderness. Discover the natural wonders of Banff National Park, the grand Columbia Icefield as well as the Jasper National Park. Glorious views, beautiful scenery, warm hospitality, and outstanding activities ensure a sensational trip to one of the most beautiful corners of the world. |
Day 1
Meet at Masset airport arrivals lounge and welcome. Exploring northern Graham Island regions which typically includes Masset, Old Masset, North Beach, Tow Hill. Dinner and lodge accommodation in Masset area.
Day 2
Tlell, Skidegate, Haida Heritage Centre at KAAY LLNAGAAY, board your boutique expedition ship, orientation, cruising, whale watching, island anchorage and explore ashore.
Day 3
T’aanuu village site, Burnaby Narrows for some of the planet’s densest intertidal life, kayaking, cruising.
Day 4
Sailing southward in Gwaii Haanas, Cape St. James hike (southern tip of Haida Gwaii), Woodruff Bay beach exploration, fishing.
Day 5
Seabirds viewing, UNESCO World Heritage Site visit (SGang Gwaay Haida village site formerly called Ninstints), Rose Harbour visit.
Day 6
Cruising, forest walk, estuary walk, possible bear viewing.
Day 7
Sailing Juan Perez Sound, whale watching, visit seabird researchers at seabird colony.
Day 8
Windy Bay cultural heritage site, whale watching, K'uuna (Skedans) Haida village site.
Day 9
Cruising to Sandspit or Moresby Camp with taxi to Sandspit airport.
Day 1: Welcome to Banff
After your arrival at Calgary Airport, you are transferred to the Castle in the Rockies, your historic mountain resort in Banff. Built in the distinctive Canadian Château style, it is one of the earliest examples of the country’s grand railway hotels. Tonight, join your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a Welcome Dinner.
Day 2: Exploring Banff
Connect with nature as you join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience with your First Nations Cree Iroquois Local Expert. Embark on a guided walk in the Boreal forest and discover the Indigenous world of plant medicines. Learn about the historical and modern day uses of plants and listen to fascinating stories about the First Nations culture.Explore Banff with a few fun optionals. Choose to play nine holes of golf. Alternatively, take the Banff gondola up Sulphur Mountain and go on a hike. Another option is to take a guided horseback ride.
Day 3: A Trip to Lake Louise Relaxed Start
Explore Lake Louise with Insight Choice. Choose a journey on the sightseeing gondola and look out for local wildlife as you enjoy a hike surrounded by panoramic views. Alternatively, join your Travel Director for a relaxed stroll along iconic Lake Louise and put paint to canvas to create your own masterpiece. Indulge in a delicious lunch before returning to Banff and enjoying the rest of your day at leisure.
Day 4: Lakes, Mountains and Glaciers Relaxed Start
Start your day with a visit to the glacier-fed Moraine Lake in the Valley of the Ten Peaks. Take a moment to absorb the view of the stunning turquoise lake hidden among steep mountains, waterfalls, and rock piles. Your journey continues on the Icefields Parkway, one of the most beautiful drives on the planet. Admire the dramatic scenery of the Rockies with plenty of photo opportunities. Later, a warm welcome greets you at the country’s first and only glacier-view resort where you will savour a Canadian inspired, locally sourced dinner. After your meal take advantage of the long daylight hours and set out for a private visit to the Columbia Icefield Skywalk, a glass-floored walkway above the Sunwapta Valley. Once night falls, step out on your hotel’s viewing deck and take your chances at stargazing undisturbed by light pollution.
Day 5: Glacier Adventure
Before other travellers arrive, venture onto the Athabasca Glacier in a massive Ice Explorer for your special visit. Join your Local Expert and walk on the frozen flow of ice. Discover the beauty and immensity of the glacier as you learn about the history and geology of the region. Continue along the magnificent Icefields Parkway and arrive at Jasper National Park with its soothing mineral hot springs, colourful meadows and majestic mountains.
Day 6: Exploring Jasper
Join your Travel Director for an informative walk on the trails of Maligne Canyon, the deepest gorge in the Jasper National Park. Weather permitting, embark on a narrated cruise across the serene waters of Maligne Lake and stop at Spirit Island, one of the most photographed sites in the Canadian Rockies.
Day 7: Relaxing in Kananaskis Relaxed Start
Enjoy your scenic drive to Kananaskis and your upscale hotel nestled in the wilderness. Relax at the resort surrounded by mountainous beauty and modern comforts. Tonight, come together with your fellow travellers for a festive Celebration Dinner and toast to your wonderful trip in the Canadian Rockies.
Day 8: Board the Rocky Mountaineer
This morning, start your spectacular Rocky Mountaineer Journey and get transferred back to Banff from Kananaskis to board the Rocky Mountaineer. Your journey on this luxurious train begins westward bound through the mighty Canadian Rockies and the province of Alberta. With more than three decades experience, Rocky Mountaineer has perfected the art of comfort and service. Prepare for spectacular views and flavourful food as you indulge in this unforgettable experience. You will see a spectacular array of scenery as you travel across ranchlands, along rocky lakeshores, over high mountain passes and through the remarkable tunnels that make up the rich rail history of the Canadian Rockies. Today's highlights include Craigellachie, where the last spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway was driven, the climb over Rogers Pass, Kicking Horse Canyon, the Spiral Tunnels and, of course, the glaciers and snow-capped peaks of the Rockies. This evening you will disembark in Kamloops where you will overnight at your inviting hotel.
Day 9: Continue Your Rocky Mountaineer Journey
Depart Kamloops this morning and continue your journey on the Rocky Mountaineer to the coastal city of Vancouver, in the heart of British Columbia's interior. As you travel along you will see dramatic changes in scenery, from the desert-like environment of the British Columbia interior, the lush green fields of the Fraser Valley, and forests and winding river canyons surrounded by the peaks of the Coast and Cascade Mountains. Highlights include the rushing waters of Hell's Gate in the Fraser Canyon and the steep slopes and rock sheds along the Thompson River. On arrival in Vancouver you will bid farewell to this incredible experience and transfer to the airport for your flight home, or alternatively choose to extend your stay in this exciting city. Airport arrival time is between 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm.
