Tour Itinerary
The Big West is a jump on jump off trip. This minimum 9 day (14 days recommended) circuit starting and finishing in Vancouver can be extended if you wish to stay longer anywhere as it is valid from May to October. Start from the picturesque city of Vancouver and let us lead you up to Whistler and back then through the infamous rocky mountains and surrounding areas of B.C. and Alberta. This trip will take you to the following:
Leg 1 - Vancouver to Whistler
Leaving Vancouver, we head north along the Sea to Sky highway, stopping to check out an impressive waterfall, jagged mountain peaks, sparkling glaciers, and for lunch at a peaceful lake. We'll arrive in Whistler in the afternoon with time for relaxing, swimming in the nearby lake, or exploring the village. Enjoy an included dinner and then rip it up in the bars and nightclubs!
Leg 2 - Whistler to Vancouver
We don't leave until the afternoon today, so get your thrill on by zip lining, bungee jumping or downhill mountain biking, go for a hike up Whistler Mountain, or relax in one of the beautiful parks. The day is yours to enjoy as you please! When we do leave, we'll stop to check out another picturesque waterfall and the old mining centre at Britannia Beach before returning to Vancouver in the evening.
Leg 3 - Vancouver to Kelowna
Leaving the city behind, we travel east through the Fraser Valley, stopping for a short walk in a west coast rainforest to check out Bridal Veil Falls, and for lunch at an idyllic lake. We'll then pass through the Coastal Mountains and into the much drier interior of British Columbia. The night is spent in Kelowna and a houseboat and jet boat tour are included.
Leg 4- Shuswap Lake to Banff
We cross into the province of Alberta and will be in four National Parks today, including Canada's oldest and most famous - Banff! The Rocky Mountains await us, as does Emerald Lake, the first of many aqua blue glacier lakes we'll see. We'll settle for the night in the historic town of Banff, in the heart of the Rockies.
Leg 5 - Banff to Jasper
Today, we'll soak up the awe inspiring scenery along the Icefields Parkway - Lake Louise, jagged mountain peaks, raging rivers, the Columbia Icefields, waterfalls, wildlife and more. The Jasper townsite is Banff's little cousin, but Jasper National Park is the definition of great Canadian wilderness! Enjoy a campfire and look for the Northern Lights.
Leg 6 - Jasper to Banff
It's another day of jaw dropping vistas, and scenic hikes as we make our way back to Banff. Highlights include Parker Ridge (seasonal), Peyto Lake and Moraine Lake (seasonal). Tonight we explore the great nightlife in the pubs, bar and clubs of Banff!
Leg 7 - Free Day in Banff
Take an included tour of the sites in the Banff area, hike a local mountain, or for an optional extra cost, go whitewater rafting, horse riding or mountain biking.
Leg 8 - Banff to Kelowna
We leave the Rockies today, but not without first stopping to visit Takakkaw Falls, one of the highest waterfalls in Canada (seasonal). Then it's on to the Okanagan Valley for sandy beaches on crystal clear lakes, and lots of fun in the sun. Rock out in Kelowna tonight - it's a university city with plenty of bars and nightclubs!
Leg 9 - Kelowna to Vancouver
Today we climb over high mountain passes and through the beautiful grasslands of the Nicola Valley before returning to the coast. Pump yourself up because once we hit Abbotsford, it's time for tandem skydiving from up to 14,000 feet (optional extra cost)! Then it's back to Vancouver and time to say goodbye to your new friends.
