Spirit of the Rockies
Spirit of the Rockies
Spirit of the Rockies
12 Days Starting and ending in Vancouver, Canada
Visiting: Vancouver, Banff, Jasper, Whistler, Victoria
Tour operator:
Tour code:
CR-2025
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Cultural, Gardens & Nature Tours, Rail Tours, Wildlife Tours
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Spirit of the Rockies" adventure tour through the breathtaking landscapes of Canada. This journey begins in vibrant Vancouver, where you'll explore the city's waterfront, Chinatown, and Stanley Park. Board the legendary Rocky Mountaineer train for a scenic ride through Fraser Canyon and Thompson River to Kamloops, and continue to Banff National Park, where you'll stay at the iconic Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. Discover the stunning beauty of Lake Louise, Jasper National Park, and the Columbia Icefield. Travel along the Yellowhead Highway to Sun Peaks, and experience the rugged beauty of Whistler. Conclude your tour with a visit to Victoria, including a private presentation at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre and a tour of the world-famous Butchart Gardens. This tour offers a perfect blend of rail journeys, wildlife encounters, and luxurious accommodations, making it an unforgettable adventure.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In Vancouver,British Columbia
Location: Vancouver
Accommodation Name: Sheraton Wall Centre Hotel
At 6pm, meet your travel companions for a welcome drink. Your Tour Director will prepare you for your upcoming adventure.ARRIVE IN VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA Welcome to Vancouver! At 6pm, meet your travel companions for a welcome drink. Your Tour Director will prepare you for your upcoming adventure.
Day 2: Vancouver
Location: Vancouver
Accommodation Name: Sheraton Wall Centre Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
VANCOUVER British Columbia Treasures Tour Vancouver, including the waterfront, Chinatown, and Stanley Park with its old-growth evergreen forests and totem poles. The afternoon is free to explore the many attractions at your leisure before dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHT CITY SIGHTS Created in 1888, Stanley Park is considered the 'crown jewel' of Vancouver. The oldest park in the city of Vancouver, the dramatically beautiful and panoramic setting of Stanley Park spans more than 1000+ acres right next to downtown. Native culture is preserved with a striking collection of First Nations Totem Poles, carved from western red cedar and each carving tells of a real or mythical event illustrating significant meanings – the eagle representing the kingdom of air; the whale as the lord of the sea; and the wolf as the genius of the land – to name a few.
Day 3: Vancouver,Rocky Mountaineer,Kamloops
Location: Vancouver
Accommodation Name: Kamloops Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
VANCOUVER–ROCKY MOUNTAINEER–KAMLOOPS Riding the Rails Board the Rocky Mountaineer train to follow the Fraser Canyon and Thompson River through beautiful landscapes from Vancouver to historic Kamloops. Tonight, enjoy free time in Kamloops. (B,L)TOUR HIGHLIGHT TRAIN SPOTLIGHT Travel in style aboard the legendary Rocky Mountaineer train service from Vancouver to Kamloops. Ride in style with exceptional service as you take in the panoramic views through your custom-designed glass-dome coach. Snap perfect shots of spectacular landscapes from the comfort of your seat or step out on the outdoor viewing area for a wide-open view. Enjoy Rocky Mountaineer’s SilverLeaf service with everything you need and more to experience the majesty of the Rocky Mountains in luxury: panoramic views, delicious meals and beverages brought right to your seat, friendly hosts and miles and miles of memories.
Day 4: Kamloops,Rocky Mountaineer,Banff,Alberta
Location: Banff
Accommodation Name: Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
KAMLOOPS–ROCKY MOUNTAINEER–BANFF, ALBERTA The Continental Divide Back aboard the Rocky Mountaineer, journey from Kamloops eastward to scenic Shuswap Lake. Follow the Kicking Horse River and pass over the Continental Divide into Banff National Park. (B,L)TOUR HIGHLIGHT ACCOMMODATION SPOTLIGHT Spend two nights at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, internationally recognized as the “Castle in the Rockies,” and a symbol of Canadian hospitality. Opened by Canadian Pacific Railway in 1888, this majestic chateau-style hotel is in the heart of Banff National Park.
Day 5: Banff
Location: Banff
Accommodation Name: Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
BANFF Breathtaking Banff Breathe in the fresh mountain air! This morning, tour the highlights of Banff: Bow Falls, Tunnel Mountain, and Surprise Corner. The remainder of the day is at leisure to enjoy all that Banff has to offer. You may wish to ride on the Banff Gondola, visit the shops on Main Street, or perhaps take an optional helicopter flightseeing trip for impressive views of the Rocky Mountains and Banff. (B,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHT PICTURE PERFECT Get ready for a spectacular adventure to explore the beauty of Rocky Mountain peaks and turquoise glacial lakes in Banff National Park - Canada’s first national park. Banff is part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks UNESCO World Heritage Site. This awe-inspiring natural wonder, where soaring peaks and sapphire lakes meet the heavens for a breathtaking experience like no other on Earth!
Day 6: Banff,Lake Louise
Location: Banff
Accommodation Name: Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
BANFF–LAKE LOUISE Rocky Mountain Majesty En route to Lake Louise, a side trip showcases one of the crown jewels of the Rockies—Moraine Lake and the Valley of the Ten Peaks (weather permitting). Here, 10 mountain peaks soar above 10,000 feet and surround the tranquil waters of the lake. Take delight in the enchanting Lake Louise with a [LF] guided heritage walk along the lake. Enjoy an overnight and dinner at the exclusive Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. (B,D)LOCAL FAVORITE NATURAL WONDERS Today, you’ll also enjoy a guided walk along Lake Louise to hear about the area’s first settlers, some unique characters, and the history of this incredible setting. The lakeshore trail offers memorable views of Fairview Mountain and the Victoria Glacier, which feeds the brilliant turquoise waters of Lake Louise. TOUR HIGHLIGHTACCOMMODATION SPOTLIGHT Stay overnight at the spectacular Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Built as a log cabin in 1890, the historic chateau has become world famous, hosting celebrities and royalty, including Queen Elizabeth II, Alfred Hitchcock, and Marilyn Monroe. Take a leisurely stroll along the pristine lake, pamper yourself in the spa, or relax with afternoon tea.
Day 7: Lake Louise,Columbia Icefield,Jasper
Location: Jasper
Accommodation Name: Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Travel on awe-inspiring Icefields Parkway past towering peaks and immense hanging glaciers to Jasper National Park. Take an exciting ride on an all-terrain Ice Explorer to the Athabasca Glacier and thundering Athabasca Falls. Consider an optional guided raft excursion on the Athabasca River to admire the scenery of the Jasper National Park and the Canadian Rockies from the water. Your overnight destination is the charming village of Jasper in Jasper National Park.LAKE LOUISE–COLUMBIA ICEFIELD–JASPER On the Ice Travel on awe-inspiring Icefields Parkway past towering peaks and immense hanging glaciers to Jasper National Park. Take an exciting ride on an all-terrain Ice Explorer to the Athabasca Glacier and thundering Athabasca Falls. Consider an optional guided raft excursion on the Athabasca River to admire the scenery of the Jasper National Park and the Canadian Rockies from the water. Your overnight destination is the charming village of Jasper in Jasper National Park. (B,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHTACCOMMODATION SPOTLIGHT Spend the night at the beautiful Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. Originally built by the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway and called “Tent City,” it is now a 4-star resort nestled between majestic mountains and enchanting lakes. Take a nature hike, play a game of croquet, enjoy a canoe trip on the lake, or just bask in the beauty of this tranquil setting.
Day 8: Jasper,Sun Peaks,British Columbia
Location: Jasper
Accommodation Name: Sun Peaks Grand Hotel & Conference Centre
Meals Included: Breakfast
JASPER–SUN PEAKS, BRITISH COLUMBIA Legendary Pathways Departing Jasper, watch the scenery unfold while traveling the Yellowhead Highway to the year-round alpine resort of Sun Peaks in British Columbia. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHT ICONIC FOOTSTEPS Travel on the legendary Yellowhead Highway along the Fraser and Thompson Rivers – the same route followed by the early fur brigades of the Hudson’s Bay Company as they paddled fully laden canoes to the Pacific Coast. Pass regal Mount Robson; at 12,972 feet, it is the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies on this inspiring and mesmerizing road.
Day 9: Sun Peaks,Whistler
Location: Whistler
Accommodation Name: Fairmont Chateau Whistler Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast
SUN PEAKS–WHISTLER Rugged Beauty A spectacular day lies ahead! This morning, travel past some of the most beautiful and rugged lakes and mountains in British Columbia. This afternoon, we arrive in Whistler—one of Canada’s newest and most exciting mountain resorts, and host of the 2010 Winter Olympics— and settle into the deluxe Fairmont Chateau Whistler. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHT ACCOMMODATION SPOTLIGHT The luxurious Fairmont Chateau Whistler resort is located at the base of Blackcomb and Whistler Mountains, where you’ll enjoy the spectacular mountain setting and stunning architecture that blends with the natural alpine views. Relax in the spa, by the pool, on a gondola ride, or with a stroll through the Olympic village. Your Tour Director and GlobusGO mobile app have plenty of expert tips, maps, and more.
Day 10: Whistler,Victoria
Location: Victoria
Accommodation Name: Marriott Victoria Inner Harbour
Meals Included: Breakfast
WHISTLER–VICTORIA Ancient Traditions Visit the [LF] Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, dedicated to the history and culture of First Nations, for a private presentation and breakfast. Afterward, Victoria awaits! Board a BC Ferry for a picturesque cruise to Vancouver Island and the charming, very British “Garden City” of Victoria. This afternoon, discover the beauty and rich history of British Columbia’s capital on a city highlights tour. Later, you may want to stroll around the Parliament buildings or do some shopping. Enjoy dinner on your own at one of the many restaurants in this delightful harbor city. (B)LOCAL FAVORITECULTURAL GEMS Visit the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre before opening hours where you will be greeted with a First Nations welcome followed by breakfast. The First Nations Museum and Art Gallery bring the history, traditions and beautiful culture to life, and the Cultural Ambassadors on-site share stories, music, and handicrafts in the spectacular setting.
Day 11: Victoria
Location: Victoria
Accommodation Name: Marriott Victoria Inner Harbour
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
VICTORIA City of Gardens Free time this morning before an afternoon visit to world-famous [LF] Butchart Gardens. (B,D)LOCAL FAVORITE PICTURE PERFECT Butchart Gardens, named for the woman who founded this botanical oasis of blooming shades and horticultural design. A National Historic site recognized for its legacy and lush treasure - millions of flowering beds and over 900 varieties of plants in exquisitely landscaped gardens bring fairytales to life. Enjoy the gardens and a special farewell dinner in the original, now restored, greenhouse.
Day 12: Victoria,Vancouver
Location: Vancouver
Meals Included: Breakfast
Travel on a scenic BC Ferry crossing through the Gulf Islands to Vancouver. Your vacation ends at the Vancouver International Airport or the Vancouver tour hotel for those with post-nights. Schedule flights from Vancouver International Airport after 2 pm.VICTORIA–VANCOUVER Safe travels until we meet again! Travel on a scenic BC Ferry crossing through the Gulf Islands to Vancouver. Your vacation ends at the Vancouver International Airport or the Vancouver tour hotel for those with post-nights. Schedule flights from Vancouver International Airport after 2 pm. (B)
What's Included
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Accommodation
Stay at luxurious hotels including Sheraton Wall Centre Hotel in Vancouver, Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel in Banff, Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise in Lake Louise, Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge in Jasper, Sun Peaks Grand Hotel & Conference Centre in Sun Peaks, Fairmont Chateau Whistler Resort in Whistler, and Marriott Victoria Inner Harbour in Victoria.
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Meals
Breakfast daily, 2 lunches, and 5 dinners are included.
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Rocky Mountaineer Train
Travel aboard the Rocky Mountaineer train from Vancouver to Kamloops and Kamloops to Banff with SilverLeaf service.
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Guided Tours
Guided tours of Vancouver, Banff, and Victoria, including visits to Stanley Park, Bow Falls, Tunnel Mountain, and Butchart Gardens.
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Heritage Walk
Guided heritage walk along Lake Louise.
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Ice Explorer Ride
Ride an all-terrain Ice Explorer on the Athabasca Glacier.
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Cultural Experience
Visit the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre for a private presentation and breakfast.
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BC Ferry
BC Ferry crossing through the Gulf Islands to Vancouver Island.
What's Not Included
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Optional Activities
Optional activities such as the Banff Gondola ride, helicopter flightseeing trip, and guided raft excursion on the Athabasca River are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
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Flights
Flights to and from Vancouver are not included.
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Gratuities
Gratuities for the Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides are not included.
Meals
Breakfast daily, 2 lunches, 5 dinners
Notes
Guests with mobility concerns may experience uneven or wet surfaces specifically for ferry loading and unloading. Visiting and participating in activities in this region may be subject to favorable weather conditions.
Small Group
Globus offers Small-Group Discoveries on select North America dates. A Small-Group Discovery is limited to an average of just 24 guests per departure. There’s always room to roam with extra space between you and other travelers—while still getting up close and personal to the experiences you’ve been dreaming of. Small-Group Discoveries include all the features of a traditional Globus escorted tour, complete with expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides who ensure that your health and safety is our top priority. A Small-Group Discovery trip is the perfectly sized tour—without the crowds.
UNESCO Sites
Banff National Park|Jasper National Park
Accommodation
Vancouver: Sheraton Wall Centre Hotel, Banff: Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, Lake Louise: Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, Jasper: Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, Sun Peaks: Sun Peaks Grand Hotel & Conference Centre, Whistler: Fairmont Chateau Whistler Resort, Victoria: Marriott Victoria Inner Harbour.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation can I expect on the Spirit of the Rockies tour?
The Spirit of the Rockies tour offers stays at several luxurious and well-known hotels, including the Sheraton Wall Centre Hotel in Vancouver, Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel in Banff, Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise in Lake Louise, Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge in Jasper, Sun Peaks Grand Hotel & Conference Centre in Sun Peaks, Fairmont Chateau Whistler Resort in Whistler, and Marriott Victoria Inner Harbour in Victoria.
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What activities are available during the free time in Banff?
During your free time in Banff, you can ride the Banff Gondola, visit the shops on Main Street, or take an optional helicopter flightseeing trip for impressive views of the Rocky Mountains and Banff.
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What is included in the Rocky Mountaineer train experience?
The Rocky Mountaineer train experience includes travel in a custom-designed glass-dome coach with panoramic views, delicious meals and beverages brought to your seat, friendly Hosts, and an outdoor viewing area for wide-open views. The service provided is the SilverLeaf service.
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What can I expect during the visit to the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre?
At the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, you will be greeted with a First Nations welcome followed by breakfast. The centre is dedicated to the history and culture of the First Nations people and offers a private presentation.
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What is special about the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise?
The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is a historic chateau built as a log cabin in 1890. It has hosted celebrities and royalty, including Queen Elizabeth II, Alfred Hitchcock, and Marilyn Monroe. Guests can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the pristine lake, pamper themselves in the spa, or relax with afternoon tea.
-
What are the highlights of the visit to Butchart Gardens?
Butchart Gardens is a National Historic site known for its millions of flowering beds and over 900 varieties of plants in exquisitely landscaped gardens. The visit includes a special farewell dinner in the original, now restored, greenhouse.
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What kind of activities are available in Jasper National Park?
In Jasper National Park, you can take an exciting ride on an all-terrain Ice Explorer to the Athabasca Glacier, see the thundering Athabasca Falls, and consider an optional guided raft excursion on the Athabasca River to admire the scenery of the park and the Canadian Rockies from the water.
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What is the significance of Stanley Park in Vancouver?
Stanley Park, created in 1888, is considered the 'crown jewel' of Vancouver. It spans more than 1000 acres next to downtown Vancouver and features old-growth evergreen forests and a striking collection of First Nations Totem Poles, each with significant meanings.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
For over 90 years.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies
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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.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
The Globus Lighthouse Project - an illuminating initiative where we can all come together to tread lightly and give generously for the globe's greater good. Globus, along with sister companies Avalon Waterways and Cosmos, invite our travellers and partners to help us in supporting causes that provide for a more sustainable planet and a brighter tomorrow.
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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.
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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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Terms and Conditions
Why book with Barrhead?
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