Canadian Masterpiece

Canadian Masterpiece

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12 Days From

$4587

$4193

Canadian Masterpiece

12 Days Starting and ending in Vancouver, Canada

Visiting: Vancouver, Kamloops, Banff National Park, Jasper National Park, Whistler, Victoria

Tour operator:

Cosmos

Tour code:

8920-2025

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Medium

Activities:

Walking, Whale Watching

From: $4587 $4193 Barrhead discount: -$394

NB: Prices correct on 04-Oct-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Embark on the "Canadian Masterpiece" tour, a breathtaking journey through Canada's most stunning landscapes. Begin in vibrant Vancouver, exploring iconic sites like Stanley Park and Chinatown. Board the Rocky Mountaineer for a two-day scenic rail adventure through the Fraser and Thompson River canyons to Kamloops and Banff National Park. Discover the majestic beauty of Lake Louise and the Columbia Icefield, and enjoy leisure time in Banff and Jasper National Parks. Continue to Sun Peaks and Whistler, where optional adventures like helicopter rides and gondola tours await. Sail to Vancouver Island to explore Victoria's Butchart Gardens and historic sites. Conclude your journey with a scenic ferry ride back to Vancouver. This tour offers a perfect blend of guided exploration and free time, with opportunities for wildlife watching, hiking, and cultural experiences. Enjoy comfortable accommodations throughout, including stays in Vancouver, Banff, Jasper, Sun Peaks, Whistler, and Victoria.

Highlights

  • Explore the vibrant city of Vancouver, including Stanley Park, Chinatown, and Granville Island.

  • Experience the breathtaking journey on the Rocky Mountaineer through Fraser and Thompson River canyons.

  • Discover the natural beauty of Banff National Park with opportunities for hiking, wildlife watching, and hot springs.

  • Visit the stunning Lake Louise and travel along the Icefields Parkway to the Columbia Icefield.

  • Take an optional cruise on Maligne Lake to Spirit Island in Jasper National Park.

  • Enjoy the scenic drive along the Cariboo Wagon Trail to Whistler, with optional flightseeing over glaciated peaks.

  • Explore the beautiful Butchart Gardens and historic sites in Victoria, including the Empress Hotel and Legislative Buildings.

  • Embark on an optional Marine Wildlife and Whale Watching Expedition in the waters around Victoria.

Places You'll See

Sandman Hotel Vancouver City Center

Lake Louise Inn

Mountaineer Lodge

Rundlestone Lodge

Banff High Country Inn

Tonquin Inn

Nancy Greene's Cahilty Hotel & Suites

Listel Whistler Hotel

Royal Scot Hotel & Suites

Sandman Suites On Davie

Irwin's Mountain Inn

Lobstick Lodge

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Vancouver

Location: Vancouver

Accommodation Name: Sandman Hotel Vancouver City Center or Sandman Suites on Davie

Welcome to Vancouver! Your Tour Director is on hand late this afternoon to answer any questions.
VANCOUVER Welcome to Vancouver! Your Tour Director is on hand late this afternoon to answer any questions.

Day 2: Vancouver

Location: Vancouver

Accommodation Name: Sandman Hotel Vancouver City Center or Sandman Suites on Davie

This morning, an included city tour highlights Stanley Park, Chinatown, the harbour, beaches, and more. The remainder of the day is at leisure. You could take a water-taxi to lively Granville Island with its outdoor markets, street musicians, and waterfront cafés, or visit historic Gastown with its steam-powered clock, antique shops, and art galleries!
VANCOUVER This morning, an included city tour highlights Stanley Park, Chinatown, the harbour, beaches, and more. The remainder of the day is at leisure. You could take a water-taxi to lively Granville Island with its outdoor markets, street musicians, and waterfront cafés, or visit historic Gastown with its steam-powered clock, antique shops, and art galleries!

Day 3: Vancouver,Rocky Mountaineer,Kamloops

Location: Kamloops

Accommodation Name: Hotel in Kamloops

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Board the Rocky Mountaineer for a 2-day, all-daylight adventure through some of Canada’s most spectacular scenery. Travel along the Fraser and Thompson River canyons, before arriving in the city of Kamloops.
VANCOUVER–ROCKY MOUNTAINEER–KAMLOOPS Board the Rocky Mountaineer for a 2-day, all-daylight adventure through some of Canada’s most spectacular scenery. Travel along the Fraser and Thompson River canyons, before arriving in the city of Kamloops. (B,L)

Day 4: Kamloops,Rocky Mountaineer,Banff National Park

Location: Banff National Park

Accommodation Name: Rundlestone Lodge or Irwin's Mountain Inn

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Reboard the train and continue your adventure as you travel along Shuswap Lake, through the Columbia Mountains, and into the Canadian Rockies. Wind your way through the Spiral Tunnels while climbing Kicking Horse Pass to cross the Continental Divide into the province of Alberta. Enter Banff National Park for a two-night stay.
KAMLOOPS–ROCKY MOUNTAINEER–BANFF NATIONAL PARK Reboard the train and continue your adventure as you travel along Shuswap Lake, through the Columbia Mountains, and into the Canadian Rockies. Wind your way through the Spiral Tunnels while climbing Kicking Horse Pass to cross the Continental Divide into the province of Alberta. Enter Banff National Park for a two-night stay. (B,L)

Day 5: Banff National Park

Location: Banff National Park

Accommodation Name: Rundlestone Lodge or Irwin's Mountain Inn

After an orientation tour, today is at leisure. Hike the many wilderness trails in the area, golf, horseback ride, stroll through Banff townsite, or simply relax at the hot springs. Banff National Park is the perfect place for photographers and wildlife watching, and as a visitor you may be lucky enough to encounter some of these amazing creatures, like elk, deer, or big-horn sheep, in their natural habitat. Perhaps elevate your experience with an optional helicopter ride over the awe-inspiring Canadian Rockies – a once-in-a-lifetime experience you won’t soon forget!
BANFF NATIONAL PARK After an orientation tour, today is at leisure. Hike the many wilderness trails in the area, golf, horseback ride, stroll through Banff townsite, or simply relax at the hot springs. Banff National Park is the perfect place for photographers and wildlife watching, and as a visitor you may be lucky enough to encounter some of these amazing creatures, like elk, deer, or big-horn sheep, in their natural habitat. Perhaps elevate your experience with an optional helicopter ride over the awe-inspiring Canadian Rockies – a once-in-a-lifetime experience you won’t soon forget!

Day 6: Banff National Park,Lake Louise,Columbia Icefield,Jasper National Park

Location: Banff National Park

Accommodation Name: Lobstick Lodge or Tonquin Inn

Enjoy a day of scenic grandeur. First visit famous Lake Louise, where green-blue waters create a perfect reflection of the surrounding mountains. Then travel the stunning Icefields Parkway where you’ll stop to ride the Ice Explorer all-terrain vehicle over ice that’s 750 feet thick! This afternoon, take the opportunity to glide down the Athabasca River on an optional scenic float trip. Enjoy an orientation tour of the town of Jasper upon arrival.
BANFF NATIONAL PARK–LAKE LOUISE–COLUMBIA ICEFIELD–JASPER NATIONAL PARK Enjoy a day of scenic grandeur. First visit famous Lake Louise, where green-blue waters create a perfect reflection of the surrounding mountains. Then travel the stunning Icefields Parkway where you’ll stop to ride the Ice Explorer all-terrain vehicle over ice that’s 750 feet thick! This afternoon, take the opportunity to glide down the Athabasca River on an optional scenic float trip. Enjoy an orientation tour of the town of Jasper upon arrival.

Day 7: Jasper National Park,Mount Robson,Sun Peaks

Location: Jasper National Park

Accommodation Name: Nancy Greene's Cahilty Hotel & Suites

Start your day with a magical optional cruise on Maligne Lake to the much-photographed, Spirit Island*. Then travel to the base of 12,972-foot Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. Continue through British Columbia’s Fur Trade and Cariboo regions for glimpses of the soaring granite mountains. Watch for wildlife as you continue to the internationally renowned Sun Peaks ski resort for an overnight stay.*This optional excursion begins operating in late May/early June.
JASPER NATIONAL PARK–MOUNT ROBSON–SUN PEAKS Start your day with a magical optional cruise on Maligne Lake to the much-photographed, Spirit Island*. Then travel to the base of 12,972-foot Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. Continue through British Columbia’s Fur Trade and Cariboo regions for glimpses of the soaring granite mountains. Watch for wildlife as you continue to the internationally renowned Sun Peaks ski resort for an overnight stay.

*This optional excursion begins operating in late May/early June.

Day 8: Sun Peaks,Lillooet,Whistler

Location: Whistler

Accommodation Name: Listel Whistler Hotel

Head south, following the once-treacherous Cariboo Wagon Trail. From Lillooet, “Mile 0 of the Gold Rush Route,” you’ll follow the shores of Seton and Duffey Lakes, with an afternoon arrival and orientation in Whistler. Perhaps enjoy an optional flightseeing by floatplane over the glaciated peaks for amazing views!
SUN PEAKS–LILLOOET–WHISTLER Head south, following the once-treacherous Cariboo Wagon Trail. From Lillooet, “Mile 0 of the Gold Rush Route,” you’ll follow the shores of Seton and Duffey Lakes, with an afternoon arrival and orientation in Whistler. Perhaps enjoy an optional flightseeing by floatplane over the glaciated peaks for amazing views!

Day 9: Whistler

Location: Whistler

Accommodation Name: Listel Whistler Hotel

Today is at leisure. Explore on your own or soar to new heights on an optional Peak 2 Peak Gondola ride which spans the distance between Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains and is the world’s longest unsupported span for a lift of this kind. Or if you’d prefer staying closer to the ground, visit Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, a First Nations Museum and Art Gallery, for an authentic Indigenous experience.
WHISTLER Today is at leisure. Explore on your own or soar to new heights on an optional Peak 2 Peak Gondola ride which spans the distance between Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains and is the world’s longest unsupported span for a lift of this kind. Or if you’d prefer staying closer to the ground, visit Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, a First Nations Museum and Art Gallery, for an authentic Indigenous experience.

Day 10: Whistler,Ferry Crossing,Victoria

Location: Victoria

Accommodation Name: Royal Scot Hotel & Suites

Set sail across the Strait of Georgia to Vancouver Island. In Victoria, sightseeing includes a visit to gorgeous Butchart Gardens and their 55-acres of floral displays, and seeing the Empress Hotel, Legislative Buildings, Bastion Square, and Thunderbird Park. In your free time this evening, perhaps take a stroll along the scenic harbour front.
WHISTLER–FERRY CROSSING–VICTORIA Set sail across the Strait of Georgia to Vancouver Island. In Victoria, sightseeing includes a visit to gorgeous Butchart Gardens and their 55-acres of floral displays, and seeing the Empress Hotel, Legislative Buildings, Bastion Square, and Thunderbird Park. In your free time this evening, perhaps take a stroll along the scenic harbour front.

Day 11: Victoria

Location: Victoria

Accommodation Name: Royal Scot Hotel & Suites

A day at leisure gives you the chance to have high tea at the Empress Hotel, go shopping on Government Street, or have lunch in one of the many pubs. Your Tour Director will have suggestions for shopping, dining, and additional sightseeing. Take home a whale of a tale by embarking on an optional Marine Wildlife and Whale Watching Expedition where you’ll cruise the beautiful waters of the San Juan and Gulf Islands, looking for whales, porpoises, seals, and eagles.
VICTORIA A day at leisure gives you the chance to have high tea at the Empress Hotel, go shopping on Government Street, or have lunch in one of the many pubs. Your Tour Director will have suggestions for shopping, dining, and additional sightseeing. Take home a whale of a tale by embarking on an optional Marine Wildlife and Whale Watching Expedition where you’ll cruise the beautiful waters of the San Juan and Gulf Islands, looking for whales, porpoises, seals, and eagles.

Day 12: Victoria,Vancouver

Location: Vancouver

A scenic ferry crossing to the mainland, where the trip ends with guests departing on individual schedules. Transfers to Vancouver International Airport are included. Please schedule flights after 2:00 pm.
VICTORIA–VANCOUVER A scenic ferry crossing to the mainland, where the trip ends with guests departing on individual schedules. Transfers to Vancouver International Airport are included. Please schedule flights after 2:00 pm.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation is provided at various hotels including Sandman Hotel Vancouver City Center, Rundlestone Lodge in Banff National Park, Lobstick Lodge in Jasper, and Royal Scot Hotel & Suites in Victoria.

  • City Tour

    An included city tour in Vancouver highlights Stanley Park, Chinatown, the harbour, beaches, and more.

  • Rocky Mountaineer Train Journey

    A 2-day, all-daylight adventure on the Rocky Mountaineer through Canada's spectacular scenery is included.

  • Meals

    The tour includes 2 breakfasts and 2 lunches.

  • Transfers

    Transfers to Vancouver International Airport are included at the end of the tour.

  • Ferry Crossing

    A scenic ferry crossing to Vancouver Island is included.

  • Butchart Gardens Visit

    Sightseeing in Victoria includes a visit to the gorgeous Butchart Gardens.

What's Not Included

  • Optional Activities

    Optional activities such as a helicopter ride over the Canadian Rockies, a scenic float trip on the Athabasca River, a cruise on Maligne Lake, and a Peak 2 Peak Gondola ride in Whistler are not included.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as shopping, dining, and additional sightseeing are not included.

  • Early Departures

    Early departures may not be able to visit Columbia Icefield or take the Maligne Lake & Spirit Island optional excursion.

Meals

2 breakfast, 2 lunches

Notes

Early departures may not be able to visit Columbia Icefield, which opens in early May, or take the Maligne Lake & Spirit Island optional excursion, which opens in mid to late May. Visiting and participating in other activities in this region may be subject to favorable weather conditions and vendor dates of operation.

Maximum elevation on tour: 7,500 ft.

UNESCO Sites

Banff National Park|Jasper National Park|Yoho National Park

Accommodation

Stay at the Sandman Hotel Vancouver City Center and Sandman Suites on Davie in Vancouver, Rundlestone Lodge and Irwin's Mountain Inn in Banff National Park, Lobstick Lodge and Tonquin Inn in Jasper, Nancy Greene's Cahilty Hotel & Suites in Sun Peaks, Listel Whistler Hotel in Whistler, and Royal Scot Hotel & Suites in Victoria.

Mode of Transport

Travel through Canada's breathtaking landscapes aboard the Rocky Mountaineer train, with scenic ferry crossings to Vancouver Island, and transfers included to Vancouver International Airport.

Check out our Q&As

  • What can I expect on the first day of the Canadian Masterpiece tour?

    On the first day, you will arrive in Vancouver where your Tour Director will be available in the late afternoon to answer any questions you may have.

  • What activities are included in Vancouver on the second day?

    On the second day, there is an included city tour that highlights Stanley Park, Chinatown, the harbour, and beaches. The rest of the day is at your leisure to explore places like Granville Island or historic Gastown.

  • What is the Rocky Mountaineer experience like?

    The Rocky Mountaineer offers a 2-day, all-daylight adventure through Canada's spectacular scenery, including the Fraser and Thompson River canyons, Shuswap Lake, the Columbia Mountains, and the Canadian Rockies.

  • What can I do during my leisure time in Banff National Park?

    In Banff National Park, you can hike wilderness trails, golf, horseback ride, stroll through Banff townsite, relax at the hot springs, or take an optional helicopter ride over the Canadian Rockies.

  • What unique experiences are available at the Columbia Icefield?

    At the Columbia Icefield, you can ride the Ice Explorer all-terrain vehicle over ice that is 750 feet thick.

  • What optional activities are available in Jasper National Park?

    In Jasper National Park, you can take an optional cruise on Maligne Lake to Spirit Island or enjoy a scenic float trip down the Athabasca River.

  • What is the significance of Lillooet on the tour?

    Lillooet is known as 'Mile 0 of the Gold Rush Route,' and you will follow the shores of Seton and Duffey Lakes from there to Whistler.

  • What can I do during my leisure day in Whistler?

    In Whistler, you can explore on your own, take an optional Peak 2 Peak Gondola ride, or visit the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre for an Indigenous experience.

  • What are the highlights of the visit to Victoria?

    In Victoria, you will visit Butchart Gardens, see the Empress Hotel, Legislative Buildings, Bastion Square, and Thunderbird Park. You can also enjoy a stroll along the scenic harbour front.

  • What wildlife might I see during the optional Marine Wildlife and Whale Watching Expedition in Victoria?

    During the optional Marine Wildlife and Whale Watching Expedition, you may see whales, porpoises, seals, and eagles.

  • What should I consider when planning my departure from Vancouver?

    Transfers to Vancouver International Airport are included, and you should schedule flights after 2:00 pm on the last day of the tour.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1961

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Cosmos is committed to minimizing our impact on the environment and to reducing dependence on non-renewable resources. In this endeavor, we have implemented policies to support this mission and are working carefully to enhance our products with this mission and our values combined. We are committed to complying with all relevant legislation and/or regulations.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    All guests are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for travel through February, 2023. Beginning March 1, 2023, while we highly recommend vaccination, we will no longer require it. We ask all guests to comply with airline and destination requirements, which still may apply. To check your destination requirements for your travel dates, view the Latest Travel & Health Restrictions for Travel.

Reviews of this operator

Mrs Susan Hyland  

We have just returned from a Cosmos…

28-Sep-2022

We have just returned from a Cosmos tour- Gourmet Tuscany. We stayed in Montecatini Terme and traveled from there to many wonderful places, in towns and the fabulous Tuscan countryside. We visit Vineyards for wine tastings, farms for cooking lessons and lunches and dinners in authentic Italian restaurants. All assisted by a friendly, informative tour director. First class holiday

Trustpilot
Rick  

Excellent in every respect

08-Dec-2022

I recently did a 2-week "best of Italy" tour with this company. Our guide, Daniella, was fantastic, the itinerary was excellent and they catered for my rather difficult dietary requirements really well. Really happy and will certainly book with them again

Trustpilot
John Lomanno  

A wonderrful experience

09-Nov-2022

WE saw so much. The tour director Mladin was very knowledgeable and made the experience so enjoyable. The bus driver Paul was so nice and helpful. A couple of the hotels had no refrigerators to keep the water cold. We had to carry our own luggage to and from the rooms. There should have been porters to help us. Over all we had a great time.

Trustpilot
Bruce  

Old South &Florida tour

27-Oct-2022

Great organisation, tour guide(Kris) and driver(Tony) who went extra mile and good group of people from all over world. The hotels were excellent in New Orleans and Nashville and very good in other cities. The itinerary was well thought out with visits to Gracelands and Grande ole Oprey topping the bill. We added 3extra nights in New Orleans (giving us 6nights) which was absolutely fab and would advise anyone doing this tour that they consider some extra nights to see and do as much as you can

Trustpilot
Francine Ramos  

The tour director expertise and…

18-Dec-2022

The tour director expertise and personality made the trip all the more pleasant. No stress. The local guides as well added to the beauty of this trip. They were knowledgeable and personable. I also have to mention the travelers (the group of 21). The people were friendly an accommodating. This is my third trip with this tour company and I will continue to travel with this company due to excellent planning and customer service. Thank you

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Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.

    Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.

    At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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