Things To Do: Vancouver, Whistler, Jasper, Lake Louise, Banff
If you’re taking a trip on the Rocky Mountaineer, here are suggestions about some of the best things to do in Vancouver, Whistler and the Rockies. We can make your reservations for any of the following activities. Call for more information and reservations: 1-800-913-9207 or 604-990-9299 or Email
VANCOUVER
City and Capilano Bridge Tour
Vancouver city tour including Vancouver highlights and a visit to Capilano Suspension Bridge.
BC’s most popular attraction, Capilano Suspension Bridge and Park has, besides a jaw dropping Suspension Bridge, a cliff walk, Tree Top Adventure, totem poles, fantastic gift shop and restaurants. It is located 20 minutes from downtown Vancouver. Tours and shuttles are available.
Grouse Mountain Tour
Grouse Mountain, one of three local mountains is accessible by a 12 minute tram ride. The base of Grouse Mountain is located on the same road as the Capilano Suspension Bridge and Park and it’s a good idea to do them together.
FlyOver Canada
This virtual but very immersive experience is not to be missed.
Sea to Sky Gondola Tour
Located in Squamish, on the way to Whistler, the Sea to Sky Gondola tour includes hotel pick up and drop off, stops at Horseshoe Bay, Shannon Falls, Britannia Beach Mining Museum, and a ride on the new Sea to Sky Gondola. At the top of the mountain, there are walking and hiking trails, a suspension bridge, remarkable views of Howe Sound and the mountains surrounding it and great food and views at the Gondola restaurant.
Victoria and the Butchart Gardens
The Butchart Gardens, located 30 minutes from downtown Victoria is one of the most famous gardens in the world. You can fly by float plane to Victoria, (35 minutes) on Vancouver Island, tour the Butchart Gardens and return to Vancouver by bus and ferry (4 hours). Includes float plane flight from Vancouver to Victoria, admission and transportation to the Butchart Gardens, bus and ferry return to Vancouver in the evening.
JASPER NATIONAL PARK
All Jasper Tours
Jasper Tramway
The Jasper Tramway, first opened in 1964, goes from the outskirts of Jasper to the top of Whistler’s Mountain, an elevation gain of nearly 4000 feet. At this elevvation, 2277 m or 7472 feet, you’ll be treated to a landscape you’d only have access to if you embarked on a very strenuous hike. The views and the experience are extraordinary.
Maligne Valley and Lake Tour
This amazing tour is a guided interpretive drive up the Maligne Valley. Our exploration will include a stop at Maligne Canyon for a gentle guided walk to the first two bridges above the gorge, a short stop at the “disappearing” Medicine Lake, and finally Maligne Lake. You can either relax aboard the famous Maligne Lake boat cruise to Spirit Island or enjoy a guided hike along the Mary Schaffer Loop (3.2km / 2mile – weather and trail conditions permitting).
Whitewater Canyon Run Rafting Trip
This safe, exciting three hour rafting trip along the Athabasca river offers the thrills and magnificent scenery the Athabasca River has to offer.
Jasper Wildlife Tour
Daily Wildlife Discovery Tour with knowledgeable guides who are trained to seek out all of the park’s most iconic creatures. Big or small, there are lots of animals to see in Jasper! Elk, deer, big horned sheep, mountain goats, foxes, coyotes, wolves, and moose, are just a sample of Jasper’s many wild mountain animals. $65 per person – 5:30 PM
The Jasper Park Lodge has a beautiful spa where you can spend the day or just an hour. You’ll also find wonderful spas at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and the Fairmont Banff Springs.
LAKE LOUISE
Hiking at Lake Louise
The Chateau Lake Louise has a long and proud guiding tradition. Hike with an accredited naturalists for a hike of your choosing. The first guest to book decides where the day goes. We can go for a classic walk up to one of the historic tea houses, challenge the summit of Mt Fairview or drive away and hike one of the more remote trails in the park. Half day Hikes: $49 per person
Lake Agnes and the Tea House
This lovely walk is one of the most popular hikes. On the way up we pass Mirror Lake tucked under the sheer cliffs of the Big Beehive.
7 km / 4.4 mi | 385 m/1,260 ft | 4 Hours
Consolation Lake Hike
The hike to Consolation Lakes is the shortest of the popular hikes at Moraine Lake but the rugged scenery is as rewarding as that found on many longer journeys. After walking through a cool spruce/fir forest, the trail opens up into a lush meadow with vibrant wildflowers through most of summer.
6 km/3.6 mi | 100 m / 335 ft | 4 Hours
Canoe on Lake Louise
Enjoy stunning scenery, aquamarine water and the dramatic peaks of the Victoria Glacier. Canoe rentals are available at the boathouse, located on the west shore of Lake Louise. $55 an hour
Sunrise Canoe
Experience canoeing on Lake Louise at the break of dawn. Enjoy the stillness of the water, the crispness of the air, and the great photo opportunity this excursion affords. $85 per person – begins at 5:30 AM and reservations required.
Lake Louise Sightseeing Gondola
The fourteen-minute ride travels to a top elevation of 2088 meters (6850 feet) where you can enjoy the magnificent view from your choice of an open chair or fully enclosed gondola.
Discover why this magical place is home to so many grizzly bears as you explore one of the most important bear habitats in the Rockies. Interpretive wildlife programs and guided walks are available.
Includes complimentary shuttle service to and from the Chateau Lake Louise $30 per person
BANFF NATIONAL PARK
Sulphur Moutain Gondola
Banff Gondola is just 5 minutes from Banff, on the shoulder of Sulphur Mountain.The 360 degree views from the upper gondola terminal, view-decks and Summit Ridge interpretive boardwalk are spectacular. $36 per person
Bow River Safari
An extraordinary late afternoon and early evening wilderness sightseeing experience on the Bow River. We launch at the base of the Bow Falls and float for three hours, traveling 17Km to the eastern
boundary of Banff National Parl. The scenery is fantastic and wildlife, waterfowl, and wildflowers are abundant on this section on the Bow River. Our guides land the rafts on the Riverbank and lead you on a 20-minute nature walk through the forest to meet your bus – will require mild physical activity.
3 hours | $85 per person
Lake Minnewanka Cruise
Just outside the townsite of Banff, this beautiful lake is surrounded by towering mountains and offers oppotunites for guided or non guided boating activities. Learn about the history and landscape of the Minnewanka lake area on this guided boat cruise. $50 per person
Cave & Basin National Historic Site
The Cave and Basin National Historic Site of Canada commemorates the birthplace of Canada’s National Park System, dating back to 1885. The growth and development of Canada’s national parks are celebrated in interactive displays and exhibits. Naturally occurring, warm mineral springs can be found inside the cave, and outside in an emerald coloured basin.
Banff Upper Hot Springs
Banff Hot Springs are formed naturally when water seeps deep into the earth where it is heated and pressurized. The water is forced back to the surface, laden with minerals such as sulphate, calcium, bicarbonate, magnesium and sodium. All the amenities of a modern facility are featured in this splendid and historic spa against a backdrop of spectacular alpine scenery. $8 per person
The Whyte Museum of the Rockies
Located at 111 Bear Street in Banff, The Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies introduces visitors to the
history and culture of this unique mountain area. The museum offers a glimpse of the “spirit of the wilderness” through displays and programs. Its galleries feature the largest collection of Canadian Rockies art and historical artifacts. $Donation
Call today for details:
1-800-913-9207 or
604-990-9299