Accommodation

NORTH AMERICA CAMPING: The campsites that we use are selected for either their scenic beauty, their convenient location to places of interest and/or the facilities available. We aim to offer you a selection of different types of campsites. If you’ve never camped before - no problem! We provide a complete set of camping and cooking equipment. This includes roomy easy-to-pitch tents, which are shared by only two people and are equipped with thin foam rubber sleping mats and vinyl floors. Your leader will show you how to pitch a tent on the first day. On many trips we also spend a few nights in reasonably priced hotels/motels/hostels (as per the itinerary). Remember that sleeping bags and a pillow are not provided. Check out the Packing section for more information. You’ll find the necessary facilities - toilets and in most cases showers, washing machines and dryers - at our campsites. The showers at some campsites may require a payment (usually no more than US$1-$3 for a quick shower). This is payable locally and is a contribution towards the cost of a limited water supply. Rarely, a campsite may only have cold water available for showers. In all campsites there are strict quiet hours when no loud noise is allowed, typically from 10pm to 7am. This means that all music, singing and noisy group gatherings must stop. We request that all our travellers respect these campsite rules. For trips where there are lodges/cabins used, couples travelling together may be separated when our rooming arrangements are based on single gender, however in some accommodations the group will be in mixed gender rooms. Our high-quality camping equipment (including tents) can be affected by bad weather conditions. This can result in some wet and cold conditions inside the tent. Your spirit of adventure and flexibility will help make your adventure trip an exciting and unforgettable experience. On nights where the group is camping, and weather conditions are extreme (such as snow or heavy rain), there may be an opportunity for the group (if everyone agrees) to stay at an alternative location such as a nearby hostel or hotel. When this is the case the upgrade is at your own expense. Hostel (multishare) (1 night), Camping (with facilities) (11 nights)

Others

Mt. Revelstoke National Park Glacier National Park Rogers Pass Discovery Centre Golden - Rocky Mountain Buffalo Ranch Yoho National Park Banff National Park Banff - Vermilion Lakes Banff - Camp Barbecue Dinner Banff - Tunnel Mountain Trail Visit to Lake Louise Visit to Moraine Lake (seasonal) Jasper - Path of the Glacier hike (seasonal) Jasper National Park - Entrance Fee Visit to Maligne Lake Jasper - Sunrise at Pyramid Lake Wells Gray Provincial Park Lillooet - Lillooet Brewing Company Visit Lillooet - Old Suspension Bridge Whistler - Ghost town visit Whistler - Train Wreck trail Vancouver orientation tour

Guide

All group trips are accompanied by one of our group leader or local representative. The aim of the group leader or local representative is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced group leader or local representative however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your group leader or local representative is new to a particular region or training other group leader or local representative. Your group leader or local representative will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. At Intrepid we aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. If you are interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your group leader or local representative can recommend a local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip. NORTH AMERICAN LEADERS ON CAMPING TRIPS: Our leaders in the US and Canada are also responsible for driving the van and navigating across the country. The allowable driving times for drivers is strictly controlled in North America. This ensures our drivers are well rested and are not over-tired from too many hours on the roads. Our North American camping trips are built around the co-operation and participation of all the group members under the supervision of the leader. Your leader will show the group how to set up and use the camp equipment, and form work groups to take turns cooking, cleaning and shopping. Everyone is expected participate and carry their share of the workload, making camp chores easier. If the whole group participates it will be quicker, easier and more fun. It’s strictly forbidden for non-qualified rangers to present any information about some National Parks in North America, therefore we adopt a system (as requested by the park rangers) where our leader will encourage travellers to visit the information centres in the National Parks for details about the site.

Transport

AIRPORT TRANSFERS IN THE USA : & CANADA: We recommend taxis and rideshare services like Lyft and Uber when traveling to and from hotels in the USA : and Canada. These services are widely available across North America, offering convenient and accessible transportation options. Private transfers in North America incur high costs and present an increased risk of missed connections due to their fixed schedules. In contrast, taxis and rideshares offer both cost-effectiveness and flexibility, ensuring a smoother journey. With transparent pricing, GPS : tracking, and on-demand availability, we believe that taxis and rideshare apps not only offer a reliable alternative to private transfers but also provide a secure, trustworthy, and budget-friendly transportation option for our customers. NORTH AMERICA VEHICLES: Our large fleet of 15-passenger vans are fully equipped with air-conditioning system, V8 engines and any camping or cooking equipment needed for your trip. Most have cloth-upholstered seats and carpeted interior with radio or CD players. Your luggage is typically transported in a trailer which is towed behind the van. The vans are regularly serviced by a well-established network of maintenance and service facilities throughout the continent. However, unforeseen maintenance problems can still occur while on the road and we appreciate the patience of our travellers as we make necessary repairs as quickly as possible. While your group will have a van for all included activities on the trip, the services of the van and leader may not be available for your use during free time, or after you have arrived for the day. If you need a special trip into town you may need to arrange transport or a taxi. Private vehicle

Not included:

Optional

Other activities and services not included

Flights

International flights are not included.

Insurance

Insurance is not included. Travel insurance is required for this tour. Please make sure you are adequately covered. If you require travel insurance, TourRadar has partnered up with World Nomads to provide a hassle-free experience. More information can be found here (https://www.tourradar.com/travel-insurance).

Meals

1 dinner

Others

Other activities and services not included

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Vancouver
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Vancouver

O Canada! Home of ice hockey and maple syrup, and source of your soon-to-be fondest travel memories. It all starts in Vancouver. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight where you’ll meet your local leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive early in Vancouver, why not take a walk around the Victorian buildings in the historic Gastown neighbourhood, or maybe pick up a donut and a ’double-double’ (that’s coffee with two cream and two sugars) from Tim Hortons.
Day 2 Day 2: Kamloops
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Kamloops

Say goodbye to Vancouver this morning and hit the road for Kamloops. You’ve got a long drive ahead today, but you’ll also get your first glimpses of Canada’s incredible scenery along the way. Stop in at the town of Hope for the chance to stretch your legs and grab some lunch, then carry on to the hills of the Kamloops region for a night of camping. Settle into your peaceful surroundings and enjoy a night of swapping stories beneath the stars.
Day 3 Day 3: Golden
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Golden

Rise and shine for your first real taste of Canada’s great outdoors. Visit Mt Revelstoke National Park, home to the world’s only inland temperate rainforests. What does that mean? Evergreen woodland with ancient trees and moss-covered ground, just like the forests in fairy tales. The park is home to a small herd of woodland caribous plus grizzly bears and moose, along with a population of banana slugs. Get your fill of bush and beasties and then travel over Rogers Pass to Glacier National Park. Stop at the visitor centre and take in the panoramic views from lookouts along the way. Continue to Golden where you’ll spend the night.
Day 4 Day 4: Golden
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Golden

This morning, head out to the Rocky Mountain Buffalo Ranch for a tour with the owner of the property. You’ll get to learn about the history of the area and buffalo behaviours as you watch the incredible animals roam pastures backdropped by mountains. Then, return to Golden for a free afternoon. If you’d like to break in your boots (and don’t mind heights), there’ll be an optional walk to the Golden Skybridge, which’ll provide some incredible views of the Rockies from 426 feet in the air. Another option (not for the faint of heart) is to battle the wild waters of the aptly-named Kicking Horse River on a guided rafting tour. Please note, this is an optional activity booked through an outside company that will incur an extra cost.
Day 5 Day 5: Banff National Park
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Banff National Park

Say goodbye to Golden, then drive through the stunning mountainous landscape of Yoho National Park. There are a couple of ways to explore the terrain. If you’d like to wander, your leader can point you toward the best trails to tackle. You could also choose to battle the wild waters of the aptly named Kicking Horse River on a guided rafting tour. To take things a little easier, perhaps book a canoeing activity on the calm waters of Emerald Lake, or simply lie back on the riverbank and watch the world float by. Later, reconvene with the group and head to Takkakaw Falls, stop for a photo op and then continue to Banff National Park.
Day 6 Day 6: Banff National Park
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Banff National Park

Today’s your chance to explore Banff at your own pace! Established in 1885, Banff is the oldest national park in the country and contains over 1600 kilometres (995 miles) of hiking trails. Your leader will have some activities planned for the group, or you might like to explore on your own. Why not join the group for a hike at Tunnel Mountain for the best views over Banff and head to Vermilion Lakes for an incredible view of the reflection of Mount Rundle, which towers over the town of Banff. There’s an option to unwind in the steamy waters of Banff Hot Springs. Return to your campsite in the evening for an included barbecue dinner.
Day 7 Day 7: Banff National Park
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Banff National Park

Today you’ll visit two of national park’s most striking glacier-fed lakes. First is the lovely Lake Louise. With the snowcapped peaks providing an incredible backdrop, the lake is beautiful no matter what time of year you visit. Next is Moraine Lake, where the strikingly blue water sits in-between the Valley of the Ten Peaks. The view is sure to knock you off your feet! Spend time exploring both lakes and their surrounding areas, then return to camp.
Day 8 Day 8: Jasper National Park
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Jasper National Park

Ready for even more spectacular scenery? Today’s drive takes us along the famous Icefields Parkway past the Rocky Mountains. We’ll stop at a few lookouts, lakes and waterfalls along the way, so there will be plenty of opportunities to take the perfect photo. Stop at Athabasca Glacier where you can choose to take an optional glacier hike with a professional guide. Then, stop in for a walk on the Path of the Glacier trail and admire the views of glacial lakes, mountains and Angel Glacier. Continue on to Jasper National Park and set up camp for the evening.
Day 9 Day 9: Jasper National Park
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Jasper National Park

Today is as clear as the air in the Canadian Rockies. You could start the day with an early trip to see the sunrise at Pyramid Lake, taking iconic photos along the walkway to Pyramid Island. Then head to Maligne Lake, where you can hike and explore on arrival. If you like, you can pay for an optional cruise on the lake and check out the famous Spirit Island. If you’d prefer to strike out on your own, you may wish to stay behind and head out on one of the many trails in the area. Jasper National Park is famous for wildlife such as elk, moose, deer, bears and mountain lions, and if you’re lucky you’ll spot some of these wild animals. Just remember to admire them from afar.
Day 10 Day 10: Wells Gray Provincial Park
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Wells Gray Provincial Park

After breakfast, watch Jasper National Park retreat in the rearview mirror as you drive west to Wells Gray Provincial Park. It’ll be a day on the road, but it’ll be broken up with plenty of sightseeing! Travel under the watchful eye of Mt Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. Stop off at Mount Robson Provincial Park where you’ll have plenty of time to admire the towering peak and hit the trails to discover the park’s flora and fauna, including more than 182 species of birds as well as mules, whitetail deer, moose, elk and black bears. Then, continue through the beautiful Cariboo Mountains to Wells Gray Provincial Park. In the afternoon, take a short hike to the dramatic Wells Gray waterfalls.
Day 11 Day 11: Whistler
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Whistler

This morning, settle in for a long day on the road as you head toward the outdoorsy hub of Whistler. The drive will be broken up with a visit to the riverside town of Lillooet. First, stop in at a suspension bridge built in 1913, which has been recently updated with bat houses to support the local bat population. Then, pay a visit to a local brewery making highly localised beers. Ingredients from local growers, farmers and foragers all get used in their brewing process, so why not taste the results for yourself? Continue on to Whistler. While there won’t be much time to explore today, you might want to gather a group and hit Whistler Village.
Day 12 Day 12: Whistler
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Whistler

Today is free for you to choose your own adventure in (and around) Whistler. You could join your leader this morning on a visit to the Parkhurst Ghost Town, an abandoned logging outpost that is slowly being reclaimed by the surrounding forest. Then, take a short hike to a graffiti-covered train wreck hidden in the trees. If you choose to stay in Whistler, zip-lining tours are an amazing opportunity to get an aerial view of Fitzsimmons Creek and, if you’re lucky, see some bears along the way. There are also some great cycle networks in Whistler, so you have the option of paying for bike hire and riding to one of the nearby lakes.
Day 13 Day 13: Vancouver
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 13: Vancouver

After a short drive this morning, arrive back in Vancouver and set out on an orientation tour with your leader. Stroll a section of the 400-hectare Stanley Park, one of the largest urban green spaces in North America, then hop over to Granville Island, overflowing with galleries, markets and lively restaurants. Here, bid farewell to your leader and your fellow travellers, as your tour has come to an end.

+10

13 days tour

Real Canadian Rockies

This tour includes:

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Itinerary of your trip Real Canadian Rockies

Day 1: Vancouver

Day 2: Kamloops

Day 3: Golden

Day 4: Golden

Day 5: Banff National Park

Day 6: Banff National Park

Day 7: Banff National Park

Day 8: Jasper National Park

Day 9: Jasper National Park

Day 10: Wells Gray Provincial Park

Day 11: Whistler

Day 12: Whistler

Day 13: Vancouver

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