If exploring the Canadian Rocky Mountains is on your must-see [bucket?] list, then our 6 day Wapiti tour is for you! Starting in Banff, you will travel the world famous Icefields Parkway through Banff and Jasper National Parks, stopping at stunning lakes and raging waterfalls, while hiking, swimming and spotting wildlife as you go. You’ll also visit the Okanagan desert region and will travel the Fraser Canyon where you’ll learn about Nlaka’pamux Indigenous history and culture before finishing in Vancouver. Come ride the Moose!
Note: the Wapiti is the final 6 days of the 8 day Caribou tour. Some of your fellow travellers will have started together in Vancouver before you join them.
What is included in the tour
- Accommodation
- Private Coach
- Meals
- Transport
- Entrance Fees
What is NOT included in the tour
- Travel Insurance
- Domestic and International Flights
- Service Tax
- Visit Blue Lakes
- Exploring Jasper National Park
Day 1: Banff to Rampart Creek via Lake Louise
It’s time to visit those famous blue lakes! Lake Louise is calling, as is Moraine Lake (seasonal) before heading onto the Icefields Parkway for breath-taking views of jagged mountain peaks, glaciers, raging rivers and more turquoise lakes. Keep your eyes peeled for large furry animals as we make stops at the Crowfoot Glacier, Peyto Lake (our favourite) and Mistaya Canyon before arriving at our rustic wilderness hostel alongside Rampart Creek. We invite you to really take in your surroundings with a dip and a sauna, and perhaps a campfire under the stars. Moose Accommodation: HI Rampart Creek.
Please note: there are no alternative accommodation options at this location, but we know you’ll love having a true taste of Canada at Rampart Creek’s rustic wilderness hostel.
Day 2: Rampart Creek to Jasper
Jasper National Park today! But first we’ll stop at Big Bend lookout for a great view of the U-shaped North Saskatchewan River Valley. Get your legs ready because next up is the Columbia Icefield, the largest ice field in the Rocky Mountains at 325 square kilometres, where we’ll hike to the toe of the Athabasca Glacier (conditions permitting.) Then on to Maligne Canyon, the deepest canyon in Jasper National Park, for a hike that crosses several bridges over the canyon with jaw-dropping views. Jasper townsite is our destination, and if you’re seeking an adrenaline rush, there is an option to take a guided mountain bike tour on arrival.
Moose Accommodation: HI Jasper
Day 3: Jasper to Banff
Our first stop: Athabasca Falls, one of the most powerful and picturesque in the Rockies! This is followed by a bit of mountain goat spotting (we’re still amazed at how they hold on) at the Goats and Glaciers viewpoint. Then on to Waterfowl Lakes to soak in the backdrop of Mount Chephren, which was named after the 4th Dynasty Egyptian Pharaoh. After this, we’ll return to Banff for a group dinner, and once our bellies are full, the night is yours! See what Banff nightlife has to offer or take a relaxing dip in the Banff Upper Hot Springs. Who doesn’t love a giant bathtub?
Meal inclusions: Dinner at Samesun Banff
Moose Accommodation: Samesun Banff
Day 4: Banff Free Day
Today is yours to do as you please! And where better to have a free day than in the heart of the Rocky Mountains! Go hiking, enjoy the sites of Banff or for an optional extra cost, go whitewater rafting, canoeing or mountain biking. Enjoy!
Meal inclusions: Breakfast at Samesun Banff
Moose Accommodation: Samesun Banff
Day 5: Banff to Kelowna
Sadly, we leave the Rockies today, but we’ll go out with a bang, stopping at some of the most breathtaking scenic points in Western Canada. We will visit the Takakkaw Falls (seasonal), the pristine Emerald Lake and the Natural Bridge, as well as stop for a photo at the stunning Kalamalka Lake viewpoint once we reach the Okanagan Valley. Here you will find beautiful sandy beaches on crystal clear lakes and plenty of sun-filled activities! Night time it’s downtown Kelowna for a plethora of bars and nightclubs in this university city!
Meal inclusions: Breakfast at Samesun Banff
Moose Accommodation: Samesun Banff
Day 6: Kelowna to Vancouver
On our final day, we’ll climb over a high mountain pass, travel along the Nicola Valley and enter the Fraser Canyon. Our main destination of the day is Tuckkwiowhum Village, an Indigenous heritage site, where we’ll enjoy a guided tour and interact with a Traditional Knowledge Keeper. We’ll then continue down the canyon to Hope, where we’ll explore the Othello Tunnels on a magical walk across bridges and through old train tunnels that cut through solid granite walls! The finale is near – we’ll finish in Vancouver where it’s all hugs and Insta handle swapping as you say goodbye to your Moose mates and head home – but armed with a whole bunch of amazing adventures to talk about! Activity
Inclusions: Guided tour of Tuckkwiowhum Village
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast at Samesun Kelowna
Moose Accommodation: There is no accommodation included tonight. You will need to make your own arrangements. We recommend that you do not book onward travel on this day in case of traffic or weather delays.
