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Islands, Rockies, and Bears Adventure

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A road trip, rail journey and the Inside Passage cruise

Journey through Canada's Pacific Northwest to the Rockies. View breaching whales and foraging grizzly bears in the Great Bear Rainforest, before taking the train to the stunning Canadian Rockies. Here you’ll walk on glaciers millions of years old, see turquoise lakes and rivers, and Rocky Mountain wildlife such as black bears.

Journey off the beaten path without sacrificing comfort

Spend two days traveling by train through northern British Columbia

Explore Vancouver Island and the stunning Rocky Mountains

See whales and grizzly bears in the wild

Discover the cities of Vancouver and Victoria

Take a day cruise along the spectacular Inside Passage

Suggested length

16 days / 15 nights

Price

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When to go

ExperienceItineraryPricesAccommodationFAQs
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The insider
Experience

  • Three friends wave from deck of ferry boat

    Inside Passage Ferry

    Inhale the fresh clean air on the deck of the ship as you admire the views along the Inside Passage.

  • Grizzly bear about to eat a salmon on the Chilko River.

    Bears of the West Coast

    Black, grizzly and the elusive spirit bear: all are found among Canada’s forests and mountains, and along the country’s wild western coastline.

  • VIA Rail train going over the bridge through a forest in the mountains

    VIA Rail Train Between Prince Rupert and Jasper

    Take in spectacular scenery and endless wildlife spotting opportunities as the train makes its way alongside the mighty Skeena River.

  • A small red tram car floats above the clouds in the Rocky Mountains

    Jasper Skytram

    Soak up scenic views of Jasper, the mountains, and the nature around you, on a Skytram ride up Marmot Basin Mountain.

  • People overlooking Sunshine Meadows in Banff National Park

    Sunshine Village Nature Walk

    Hike through pristine forests, along clear mountain creeks, and past fields of mountain wildflowers, to reach turquoise alpine lakes - all without the crowds.

  • Couple walking down an icy glacier in the Canadian Rockies

    Glacier Icewalk

    Enjoy an ice walk adventure on the Athabasca glacier, as you learn about active glaciation.

  • Couple wearing backpacks looking over the viewpoint at Lake Louise

    Lake Louise

    Lake Louise, known for its sparkling blue water, is situated at the base of impressive glacier-clad peaks that have long been at the heart of Canadian mountaineering.

  • Islands and mountains by the ocean during dusk
  • Three friends wave from deck of ferry boat
  • Grizzly bear about to eat a salmon on the Chilko River.
  • VIA Rail train going over the bridge through a forest in the mountains
  • A small red tram car floats above the clouds in the Rocky Mountains
  • People overlooking Sunshine Meadows in Banff National Park
  • Couple walking down an icy glacier in the Canadian Rockies
  • Couple wearing backpacks looking over the viewpoint at Lake Louise
Trip

Itinerary

Below is a day by day overview of this trip. Complete details are available for download.
Indicates featured activities
Day
  • Arrive in Vancouver
  • 1

    Arrive in Vancouver

    Welcome to Vancouver! Surrounded by mountains and the ocean, Vancouver has a reputation for being one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Spend the day exploring all the city has to offer.

  • 2

    Explore Vancouver

    Enjoy Vancouver with your choice of activity today. With a mild-climate and so much to do, it's no wonder people flock to this beautiful west coast city!

    • Vancouver and the North Shore Tour
    • Squamish Sea to Sky Sightseeing Tour
    • The Grand Vancouver Bicycle Tour
  • Explore Vancouver
  • Vancouver to Victoria
  • 3

    Vancouver to Victoria

    Today, travel to the city of Victoria, located on Vancouver Island. The quaint, seaside city blends West Coast culture with British charm. 

    • Whale Watching Tour to Victoria
  • 4

    Discover Victoria

    Victoria has much more to offer than initially meets the eye. Discover the city’s hidden treasures with your choice of activity. 

    • Victoria Harbour Urban Kayak Tour
    • Victoria Downtown Food and City Tour
    • Butchart Gardens Tour
  • Discover Victoria
  • Victoria to Port Hardy
  • 5

    Victoria to Port Hardy

    As you travel north today, along the stunning east coast of Vancouver Island, be sure to visit the charming seaside towns and take in the spectacular vistas. 

  • 6

    Wildlife Viewing Experience

    Start your day with an intimate and immersive tour that lets you reconnect with nature. Learn about the First Nations culture, and get up close to grizzly bears and other wildlife that call the Great Bear Rainforest home. 

    • Wildlife Viewing and Cultural Experience
  • Wildlife Viewing Experience
  • Explore Northern Vancouver Island
  • 7

    Explore Northern Vancouver Island

    Explore the beautiful beaches and coves of San Josef Bay with a guide.

    • San Josef Bay Tour
  • 8

    Port Hardy to Prince Rupert – The Inside Passage Ferry

    Stand on the ship's deck, inhale the fresh, clean air, and admire the awe-inspiring views along the Inside Passage. Lush coastal mountains, thick old-growth forests, tranquil grey-blue water, and perhaps a soaring hawk or eagle — this unspoiled scenery will captivate your imagination. 

  • Port Hardy to Prince Rupert – The Inside Passage Ferry
Trip PDF Download

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Download the full itinerary including your options to personalize this trip.

Have a question?

We can answer any questions or make suggestions to create your ideal trip plan.
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Prices

This trip is available on multiple dates. Please download the full itinerary or get in touch with us to explore what suits you best.

Comfort Level

Hotel Accommodation

3 to 3.5 Star

VIA Rail Service

Economy Class
From Loading... pp

Superior Level

Hotel Accommodation

4 to 4.5 Star

VIA Rail Service

Economy Class
From Loading... pp
'From' prices are per person, based on double occupancy and exclude taxes. Prices vary by departure date, the choice of activities, hotel selection and availability at time of booking.
Note: This trip can also be taken in reverse directions.
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Personalize this

Itinerary

Here are some of the most popular ways to personalize this journey.

02
03
Include a car and explore on your own

Include a car and explore on your own

For the days you're not onboard the train, ask us about adding a car rental and exploring on your own. We'll provide points of interest, admission to attractions, and information on all the best places to visit along the way.
Stay

IN STYLE

These are examples of the places you can stay on this trip. Please get in touch to discuss your options and to check availability.

  • Hotel high-rise in vancouver with mountains in the distance
    01
    04
    Exterior of the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre Hotel

    Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre Hotel

    Example of a Superior hotel in Vancouver

    Right in the heart of downtown, the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre Hotel offers easy access to Vancouver’s top attractions. Fall asleep quickly in one of the hotel’s well-appointed rooms and wake up to beautiful ocean and city views.

  • Fairmont main lodge in Jasper National Park with mountains, trees, and lake
    01
    04
    Exterior of the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge in summer

    Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge

    Example of a Deluxe hotel in Jasper

    Nestled within Alberta’s magnificent Jasper National Park, the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge is surrounded by stunning mountain scenery and plenty of wildlife. Amenities include a heated outdoor pool, world-class golf course, and award-winning spa.

  • Fairmont Banff Springs with mountains and river
    01
    04
    Exterior of hotel in summer (photo courtesy Fairmont Banff Springs)

    Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel

    Example of a Deluxe hotel in Banff

    Often referred to as Canada's "Castle in the Rockies," the Fairmont Banff Springs is an iconic landmark in the town of Banff. In the summer, play a round of golf at the hotel’s stunning golf course.

Insider's tip

From the peaks of the Canadian Rockies to the uninhabited islands off the coast of BC, via sunny resort towns of wine country, temperate rainforests that are home to some of the world's most charismatic creatures, crystal-clear waters, hoodoos and canyons and some of the most incredible sunsets you'll ever see, Western Canada really has to be experienced to be believed!

Lucy F

Lucy

Canadian Insider

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your questions answered

What's included

Hotel accommodation
Daylight train journey on VIA's Skeena train
Meals whilst onboard the train
Choice of unique guided activities
Transportation to and from airports, timed with your flights
Feature dining experience at one of our favorite local restaurants
Electronic travel documentation package
Personalized Fresh Tracks Canada customer service support

Frequently asked questions

Our vacations are not typically ‘escorted.’ You are not tied into a specific group, or a rigid daily itinerary but rather have the freedom of ‘independent’ travel. This allows you, with the help of our Canadian Insiders, to personalize your trip to suit your occasion, interests, timeframe and budget. We’ll guide you through the process and provide the reassurance of seamless connections, customer service support, and scheduled activities tailored to your taste.
Your trip can be as rich as you’d like, and completely arranged around your interests and needs. The greatest benefit of working with us is our local knowledge. You can customize your trip and decide what you’d like to see and do. If your trip is a special occasion, we’ll make sure it is unforgettable. Or if you’re traveling with a group, we’ll take care of the logistics so you can share time together stress-free.
Absolutely! We personalize all our clients’ trips to fit their exact tastes and needs. You can add days at locations that you’d like to explore and spend more time at. Or leave out certain areas that don’t interest you as much. Discuss your travel goals with our Canadian Insiders who make sure that your trip fits your needs and budget.
We partner with many hotels across the country that offer a variety of service levels and unique experiences. Choosing a hotel is based on local availability and personal preference, and our Insiders will help you find the perfect place to rest your head so that you can have the best experience possible.
On some of our trips, you’ll see that we categorize our hotel rooms by Comfort, Superior and Deluxe class, which generally translates into the traditional 3-, 4- or 5-star designation (equivalent to Best Western, Sheraton and Fairmont). However, sometimes we use the same hotel for more than one category and distinguish the room by size, floor level or view. Our Comfort Level hotels include our favorite 3 star hotels, in great locations and with excellent service. Our Superior Level hotels provide amazing value for clients wanting something more upscale but not at the price of a top-end 5 star resort. Superior level hotels are some of our favorites because of the character and unique charm that you won't find at the average chain hotel. In Deluxe Level hotels, it's likely you'll be staying at one of the iconic Canadian Fairmont Hotels in a room with a view. Built for the Canadian Pacific Railway in the early 20th century, these hotels are luxurious and full of history – ensuring an experience you'll never forget.
All our trips are personalized to fit our clients’ schedule and budget. The price of your trip generally depends on the travel season, train service, accommodations, and the sightseeing tours you take. When you request a quote you’ll be provided with the detailed information you need
Most of our trips include stops to get off the train to explore Canada’s beautiful locations, national parks and unique cities. However, if you’re keen to maximize your time onboard, we’ll pair you up with the perfect train experience.
The safest way to see a grizzly bear in the wild is on a guided tour. Most times you will see the bears from a boat, not on land. Our guides understand bear behaviour and are equipped to keep you safe, which usually means maintaining a respectful distance (so, no bear selfies — bring a good camera with a telephoto lens) and making sure the bears know you are there. Guides also carry bear spray, VHF radios in case of an emergency, and they are trained in first aid. Always listen to your guide's expert advice for a safe and memorable experience.
Whales sightings are common on the east coast in Halifax, Nova Scotia and on the north coast in Churchill, Manitoba. They're also common on the west coast off of Vancouver and Vancouver Island.
Aerial view of the town of Banff in the Rockies
Limited Time Offer

Expires May 31

Spring Savings for Your Canadian Adventure

Book a qualifying 2022 Canadian train trip and receive up to $1,000 per couple in FREE travel credits.

  • You can use your credits for extra hotel nights, upgrades, or dining experiences – don’t miss this opportunity to make the most of that train vacation you’ve been dreaming about.

Learn more about this special offer from a Canadian Insider by scheduling a call or call us at undefined.

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