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Pacific Northwest and the Canadian Rockies
Visit: Seattle - Portland - Newport - Bend - Boise - Jackson Hole - Yellowstone - Kalispell - Calgary - Jasper - Sun Peaks/Kamloops - Whistler - Vancouver
Welcome to Seattle! The Pacific Northwest is all about the outdoors, great food, arts & culture. Take a walk around the waterfront and the renowned Pike Place Market, head to the Starbucks Reserve Roastery, which is one of the first Starbucks ever that opened in Seattle or go visit the iconic ‘Space Needle’ observation tower.
Depart this morning for Portland, Oregon’s largest city and one of the world’s best walking cities. On route, visit Mount Rainier National Park and Mount St. Helens, both active volcanoes and part of the Northwest “ring of fire”. Ascending to 14,410 feet above sea level, Mount Rainier is the most glaciated peak in the contiguous U.S. and just south of Mount Rainier is Mount St Helens, the youngest and most active volcano in the contiguous U.S. Portland’s downtown is ideal for strolling and flanked by leafy parks along the Willamette River and evergreen-shrouded forests laced with hiking trails in the foothills to the west.
Bid farewell to Portland for a short drive to Cannon Beach where the extraordinary meets the beautiful. Take a walk on the sandy beach crowned by Haystack Rock, an Oregon icon and explore the artsy town. Onward through the town of Tillamook, that is home to one of America’s most well-known cheese factories, to Newport. Nestled between the Coast Mountains, the Pacific Ocean and Yaquina Bay, the natural beauty of the Newport draws those who are seeking a unique and exciting coastal experience. Visit the Bayfront, an area where visitors can enjoy shops, galleries, chowder houses, restaurants, and fish processing plants in turn-of-the-century storefronts from a bygone era. Experience the raucous barking of the sea lions before you see them lolling about on the sunny docks, explore the rich tide pool of the Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area — home to colorful sea stars, bright sea anemones and scuttling crabs or see the 93-foot-tall Lighthouse which is Oregon’s second oldest continuously operating lighthouse.
Embark on a short drive inland, where you’ll discover one of the world’s most renowned regions for Pinot Noir wine. The fertile and refreshingly unpretentious Willamette Valley is home to more than 500 wineries. Elevate your wine tasting and excite your senses during a tour of one of the many renowned wineries (included). Afterwards you will continue inland on a scenic drive to Bend, Oregon, which is well known for its craft beer scene and is said to be the microbrew capital of the West. Trek and tour the largest beer trail in the West. The Bend Ale Trail is a self guided tour of craft brew establishments in Bend and Central Oregon.
Head east across Oregon’s countryside to Idaho, known as the “Gem State” because of its natural beauty, Idaho is also well known for its large potato crop. You will discover the state, Capital, Boise, which is one of the fastest growing cities in America. Nature is a big part of Boise. The Rocky Mountains serve as a backdrop, the Boise River and its riverfront paths wind through the city. Take a walking tour through Boise neighborhoods with your guide and enjoy dinner at one of its trendy restaurants, catering to the many new residents who have recently relocated to this idyllic small city setting.
Continuing our eastward journey, explore the Craters of the Moon National Monument, which features an otherworldly moon like landscape created by 15,000 year old volcanic activity and lava flows. We head onward to famous Jackson Hole, located in the valley between the Teton Mountain Range and the Gros Ventre Range in Wyoming. Explore Downtown Jackson which is a cultural adventure filled with local art, jewelry, fashion and one-of-a-kind souvenirs.
Walk through the Antler arch monument and afterwards immerse yourself in the Town Square Shootout. This Wyoming tradition attracts visitors from around the world who gather to witness the longest gunfight in the USA. In the evening, visit the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar or perch yourself on a saddle-style bar stool and enjoy dancing and live entertainment. Yee-haw!
From Jackson, you will stop at the awe inspiring Grand Teton National Park along your 57-mile drive north on the John D. Rockefeller Jr. Highway up to Yellowstone. Grand Teton is one of America’s finest National Parks and a hiker’s paradise. It exudes a sense of tranquility and is home to bears, elks and other extraordinary wildlife. The snow-capped Teton Range dominates the park’s skyline and stands as a monument to the people who fought to protect it.
Head out on a driving tour of Yellowstone National Park, America’s first National Park, where you will capture all the stunning scenery natural wonder has to offer, from cascading waterfalls to picturesque lakes, colored hot springs to explosive geysers. Look out and you might see grey wolves, grizzly and black bears, bison, elks, wolves, eagles and much more. Along the way you will get to experience the iconic spots – Old Faithful Geyser, Mammoth Hot Springs, the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, Lower Falls, Upper Falls, boiling mud pots and other thermal features along the trails or boardwalk. It is truly a unique national park and an immense geothermal wonderland.
Crossing the Continental Divide, you’ll leave the wonder of Yellowstone behind as you make your way alongside the impressive Mission Mountain Range and beautiful shore of Flathead Lake to Kalispell. Explore Kalispell’s Main Street, and the vintage signs and rustic storefronts that scream history. The oldest buildings on Main Street date back to 1891 and you will find myriad opportunities for dining, shopping or enjoying a pint at Kalispell Malting and Brewing Company.
This morning, visit the Crown of the Continent, Glacier National Park. Travel along the famed 50-mile Going-to-the-Sun Road, a National Historic Landmark and one of the most epic engineering feats in the World, before crossing the U.S./Canada border into Calgary. Set dramatically between prairies and peaks, Calgary is surrounded by incomparable natural grandeur and offers an unparalleled urban experience. This capital of Alberta province also hosts the world famous Calgary Stampede, the “greatest outdoor show on earth” each summer.
Ascend into the mountains during a short drive to Banff, passing pristine lakes framed by stunning peaks. It is a spirited place, alive with adventure and wonder. In all directions you’re surrounded by strikingly beautiful and rugged mountains that seem to burst straight out of the ground. You might see a herd of deer wandering down the main street during your walk down the lively streets of downtown. You will find top class restaurants, bars, and shops, as well as a
vibrant range of art galleries and museums. The locals are warm, open, and genuinely connected to the inspiring environment. The town of Banff offers you endless options for rejuvenation and exploration every day. Afterwards you will visit Canada’s “Diamond in the Wilderness,” Lake Louise. Set against the stark backdrop of Victoria Glacier the emerald colors and grandiose setting of Lake Louise render it Canada’s most famous lake, and probably the most photographed scene in the Canadian Rockies. Continue along the Ice fields Parkway, one of the world’s most stunning roadways, to Banff’s northern counterpart, Jasper National Park.
In the morning we take a ride in the Jasper Sky Tram, the longest aerial tramway in Canada for incredible views of six different mountain ranges, town of Jasper, lakes and the Athabasca River (included). Afterwards we drive along the Yellow head Highway that allows you to enjoy British Columbia’s stunning scenery the
moment you cross the provincial border and enter Mount Robson Provincial Park. Mount Robson is the second oldest park in British Columbia’s park system and the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. Continue to Kamloops and the stunning mountain paradise of Sun Peaks.
Traverse the mountain passes south toward famed Canadian mountain resort, Whistler, where upon arrival you can enjoy free time at the charming village exploring the bustling hub of shops, plenty of bars, cafes and restaurants. Take the gondola up to Peak 2 Peak enjoy unparalleled views of towering volcanic peaks and surrounding forest on the world’s longest and highest lift. You might be lucky and see some bears along the way.
Continue through the lower Fraser Valley to the port city of Vancouver. Nestled between the mountains and the ocean, Vancouver offers visitors an exciting cityscape set within a landscape of stunning, rugged beauty. After shopping and visiting one of the vibrant coffee shops, experience the deep valleys through which wild rivers rush with Fly Over Canada’s Flight simulation ride (optional). Feel the wind in your hair as you glide over magnificent prairies. Gaze at snow-capped mountains that tower above the land. Seek the thrill of buzzing urban
environments that pulse from morning till night. Afterwards head to Granville Island, which is both a locals’ favorite and a huge draw for visitors. The neighborhood sits just south of the downtown peninsula, right under the Granville Bridge. The Granville Island Public Market acts as a hub of activity, but it’s also one of the city’s most important cultural districts with theatres, artisan workshops and craft studios.
A full day at leisure provides ample time to take in more of Vancouver’s sights and attractions or to take a ferry across the island dotted Strait of Georgia to Vancouver Island (optional). The capital city of British Columbia, Victoria is a unique blend of old world charm and new world experiences. Combined with the beauty of the Pacific Ocean and rain-forest set against a backdrop of the Olympic Mountains, a visit to the world famous Butchart Garden and whale watching makes a perfect day trip.
Our journey today takes you across the Canada/U.S. border back to the jewel of the Pacific Northwest, Seattle. Enjoy all that this world-class city, a hub of American ingenuity and technological innovation, has to offer.
Transfer independently to the airport for your return flight.
Inclusion
+ 6 complimentary breakfast*
+ Tour of a winery in Willamette Valley & wine tasting
+ Walking Tour of Boise and Dinner
+ Jasper Sky Train
+ Jasper National Park entrance
+ Banff National Park entrance
+ Peak 2 Peak Gondola in Whistler
+ Fly Over Canada (Experience Canada’s most awe-inspiring sights as you have never seen them before. You will hang suspended, feet dangling, before a 20-metre spherical screen while a film whisks you away on an exhilarating 8-minute
journey across Canada, from east to west)
+ Free time
Exclusion
International airfares
Optional activities
Other meals, drinks, tips and other personal expenses or services not specified on the program
Personal equipment
Travel insurance
Gratuities
Voluntary tips for guides or drivers
Travel and medical insurance
Any items not mentioned as included
Note
Hotels Used Seattle - Hotel 116, a Coast Hotel
Portland - The Benson Portland, Curio Collection by Hilton
Newport - Elizabeth Oceanfront Suites, an Ascend Hotel Collection*
Bend - Campfire Hotel
Boise- Fairfield Inn & Suites Boise West*
Jackson Hole - 49’er Inn & Suites/The Virginian Lodge*
Yellowstone - Gray Wolf Inn
Kalispell - Red Lion Kalispell*
Calgary - Best Western Premier Calgary Plaza Hotel & Conference Centre*
Jasper - Best Western Plus Hinton Inn & Suites*
Sun Peaks/Kamloops - Sun Peaks Lodge
Whistler - Aava Whistler
Vancouver - Sandman Signature Vancouver Airport
Seattle - Courtyard by Marriott Seattle Northgate
*Complimentary breakfast offered by a hotel may be discontinued at any time with or without notice.
ALL DEPARTURE DATES ARE GUARANTEED TO OPERATE.
EXPERIENCE MORE (OPTIONALS) Rates available on request + + Ferry to Vancouver Island
+ Butchart Garden
+ Whale watching Trip
+ Space Needle - Seattle
Tour Category
Tour Vehicle
Car or Small Van AC
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