Family Canadian Adventure

14 days
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Small Group Tour
Adventure awaits on this family tour of western Canada. From exploring the surface of the Athabasca Glacier to whale watching off the coast of Victoria Island and meeting grizzlies at a bear sanctuary, there's an awe-inspiring experience at every turn. Whether we're canoeing or tree-top walking, drum making or totem pole spotting, there'll be no time for bore...
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$5,166
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate

Highlights

    • Visit some of Canada's most spectacular national parks including Yoho, Jasper and Banff
    • Stay in a variety of accommodation including a cowboy cabin and yurts
    • Exciting activities available such as whale watching, canoeing and travelling in an ice explorer

What's this trip about?

    Adventure awaits on this family tour of western Canada. From exploring the surface of the Athabasca Glacier to whale watching off the coast of Victoria Island and meeting grizzlies at a bear sanctuary, there's an awe-inspiring experience at every turn. Whether we're canoeing or tree-top walking, drum making or totem pole spotting, there'll be no time for boredom. Each night, we'll make Canada's lush nature our temporary home, camping under the stars and roasting marshmallows over an open fire. Canada's rugged icons - Traverse the Rockies and beyond, taking in Canada's must-see sites from Banff National Park to the Icefield Parkway. Non-stop adventure - From tree-top suspension bridges to nature trails and canoe excursions to glacier explorations, this tour is packed with thrilling activities. Camping under the stars - Get even closer to nature, camping amidst forests and at the edge of lakes.

Details

Itinerary focusOff the Beaten Path
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 20 people
Age range16 to 85 years
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityVancouver
End CityCalgary

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Hiking & Walking

Destinations

  • North America
  • Canada

Attractions

  • Banff
  • Banff National Park
  • Calgary
  • Canadian Rockies
  • Jasper
  • Lake Louise
  • Vancouver

Activities

  • Hiking

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Trip starts in Vancouver

Our Canadian family tour begins in Vancouver. Known as the Jewel of North America, and easily one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Canada, Vancouver eases us into the country's wonderous nature, backed by Mount Seymour and set on the Pacific Coast. Due to the nu...

Day 2 Explore Vancouver and catch ferry to Vancouver Island

This morning, we'll explore Vancouver including visiting Granville Island and its public market, Chinatown, the Gastown area of the city and Stanley Park. We'll enjoy a picnic in one of Vancouver's parks that overlook the bay and catch the afternoon ferry to Victoria ...

Day 3 Whale watching trip and discover Victoria and its totem poles

Vancouver Island is one of the best places in the world to spot marine wildlife, being situated on the main migration route of several species of whale including Orca, Humpback, Grey Whales, and Minke. We'll board a catamaran for a whale-watching excursion around the ...

Day 4 Return to the mainland, treetop adventure at Capilano Suspension Bridge and drive to Squamish

We'll take the morning ferry back to the mainland and stop off at Capilano Suspension Bridge for a treetop adventure 70 metres above the Capilano River. Manoeuvre from one Douglas Fir tree to another on a series of elevated suspension bridges, some reaching as high as...

Day 5 Visit a First Nations cultural centre and make a traditional drum, continue to Hat Creek campground

This morning, we'll visit the Squamish Lil'Wat Cultural Centre and learn about the indigenous people of the region who'll show us how to make a traditional mini drum. In the afternoon, we'll drive northeast to the Hat Creek campground, in the grounds of a historic ranch built in the Gold Rush era.

Meals Provided : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6 Drive to Clearwater via Spahats Creek Falls viewpoint, canoe in Wells Gray Provincial Park

Today, we'll explore more of the historic Hat Creek site and indigenous village. Continuing towards Wells Gray Park, we'll make a stop at Spahats Creek Falls viewpoint and take in the scenery while we tuck into a picnic lunch in the park. Upon arrival at Wells Gra...

Day 7 Full day in Wells Gray Provincial Park, canoe on Clearwater Lake and wild camp

After a hearty breakfast, we'll head back out onto Clearwater Lake to further explore the waters. After an hour of canoeing, we'll reach Eagle's View, where we can take in the vistas over the lake. There's a beach where we'll stop with time to enjoy a dip in the lake....

Day 8 Walk along the Fraser Canyon and stay in Jasper

This morning, we'll paddle back to the launch and swap our canoes for our bus. If time permits, we'll make another stop along the road to complete our Wells Gray Park exploration, visiting either Helmcken Falls or Bailey's Chute. Heading northeast towards Mount Ro...

Day 9 Visit Maligne Canyon and walk the Bald Hill Trail

We'll dedicate today to Maligne Canyon. The canyon has a reputation for being one of the most spectacular gorges in the Canadian Rockies, with sheer, limestone walls that plunge 50 metres into the waters of the Maligne River. We'll take a short walk along the canyon p...

Day 10 Drive Icefield Parkway, snow glacier tour and arrive in Golden

Today's drive takes us along the Icefield Parkway to Golden. The road negotiates its way through a landscape of coniferous forests, towering mountain peaks, turquoise lakes, and impressive glaciers. Possible scenic stops en route include Bow Lake, Peyto Lake, and Atha...

Day 11 Visit grizzly bear refuge and walk in Yoho National Park

This morning, we'll head to the remarkable Kicking Horse Grizzly Bear Refuge, the world's largest enclosed grizzly bear habitat. It offers us a unique opportunity to watch a grizzly behaving exactly as it would in the wild. After a short hike to the reserve, you'll ha...

Day 12 Walk by Lake Louise and Moraine Lake and drive to Banff

This morning, we'll drive for around three hours to Banff National Park - a landscape of mountains, meadows, and crystal-clear lakes. On our way, we'll stop for a walk around the postcard-perfect Lake Louise and Moraine Lake - the walk will be based on the groups\ ab...

Day 13 Explore Banff before hiking in Banff National Park and drive to Calgary

This morning, we'll take a hike in Banff National Park, which is rich in wildlife with over 60 species of mammals and 280 species of birds being recorded here, including golden eagles, cougars, and black bears. We'll then drive to Calgary and spend the afternoon ...

Day 14 Trip ends in Calgary

There are no activities planned today, so you\ re free to depart at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you\ d like an airport transfer, you need to depart from Calgary International Airport (YYC), around a 20-minute drive from the hotel.

Meals Provided : None

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Dates & Availability

Price From $4,200
Price per day$300
Last Updated: 5/10/2024

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Explore!.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Tour Operator

Explore!

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About Explore

We've been taking small groups on adventure vacations for over 41 years. Our authentic adventure travel experiences explore the sights and culture of a country, with hand-picked accommodation that balances comfort and location. Our average group tour size is just 11; perfect for meeting new people and getting to the heart of our destinations. Explore is one of the world's most trusted adventure travel companies with over 350 trips to more than 100 countries. We are passionate about travel and have developed a wide range of unique activities and adventures which give our customers an unforgettable experience with a team of award-winning Explore leaders. With Explore, you'll get to see your destination from a whole new perspective that takes you away from the typical well-trodden tourist track. You'll have the chance to meet, dine and stay with local people, rest in authentic accommodation with other like-minded explorers and travel to must-see destinations with a unique Explore twist. From family holidays to trips for solo travelers; cycling tours to wildlife safaris; trekking on mountains or exploring miles of scenic coastline, there is something for every kind of traveler with Explore. We will provide our expert knowledge, exciting itineraries and outstanding service as part of our sustainable travel experiences which take you under the skin of the country you're visiting for the adventure of a lifetime.


Why we love this operator
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Famous for our expert local guides that help ease the unknowns of adventure travel while bringing a unique richness and spontaneity to each and every

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Logistics

Transportation & Flights

Maxiwagon,

Transportation & flights

Maxiwagon
Guides
Explore Tour Leader
Cancellation policy
These conditions are applicable to Discovery & Wildlife, Cycling, Walking and Family Trips. These conditions were updated November 2022. Booked a Polar trip? Please refer to our Polar booking conditions. To make it easy to know the detail of our flexibility, we’ve put it in a grid (these terms apply to all trips apart from our Polar Voyages.) Standard cancellations or changes within 69 days of travel If you’re getting closer to your trip, cancellation charges will apply as follows: For trips confirmed by 31st December 2022: 59-42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100% For trips confirmed from 1st January 2023: 69 -42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100%
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Canada: (Including those in transit) Citizens of the UK, New Zealand, Australia and passport holders from several EU countries can enter Canada with an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). An electronic travel authorisation (ETA) is required when flying into Canada or transiting via Canada. For more information and to apply see the official Canadian government website: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/eta.asp. Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office. Please note you must also ensure you get an entry stamp when going through immigration on arrival. In most cases the border agents will provide this stamp automatically but if for any reason they do not provide one, please ensure you request one to ensure a smooth exit on departure. USA: If your flights pass through the USA, even if only in transit, you will require either a visa or an ESTA (an e-visa). Please read on for more information. Citizens of the UK, New Zealand, Australia, Canada and passport holders from several EU countries can apply for an ESTA under certain conditions. This applies if you enter the country by sea or by air, and this must be done online via https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov, no later than 72 hours prior to travel. Travellers who have not registered before their trip are likely be refused boarding. You must have a biometric passport to apply for an ESTA. UK passports which are biometric feature a small gold symbol (camera) at the bottom of the front cover. If you have visited Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen since 2011 or are dual nationals of these countries, you cannot travel with an ESTA and instead you will need to apply for a visa from the nearest US Embassy or Consulate. If you are unable to provide a valid visa before boarding flights to the US, or entering via another method, you may not be permitted to travel. You should also be aware that if you have travelled to or have been in Cuba since the 12th of January 2021, you will not be eligible for an ESTA visa waiver and will need to apply for a US visa. You should consult the US State Department website to determine which you will need. Your ESTA application will ask for Point of Contact information. Please note that if you're only transiting through the USA then this is not required. If you're visiting or staying in the USA on an Explore trip, then our USA contact information will be listed on your final documentation which you will receive approximately 3-4 weeks before departure. Entry requirements for the USA can change regularly, therefore, please ensure you have the most up to date information before you travel by checking the US embassy website. Visa applications - http://london.usembassy.gov/niv/apply.html
Health & Safety
Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against tetanus, typhoid, infectious hepatitis and polio. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at <a href="https://www.explore.co.uk/essential-information/know-before-you-go/travel-health">Explore Travel Health</a> and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast : 11
  • Dinner : 8
  • Lunch : 10
Age Requirements
16 to 85 years
Additional Information
Trip ID
explore-FCN

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