North AmericaCanadian Rockies: Banff to Vancouver

Canadian Rockies: Banff to Vancouver

9 days, 5 cities

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From $2749 with flightsPayments as low as $58

A beautiful clear lake in Canada surrounded by rocky mountains

The sun shining through a group of tall trees and beautiful pink flowers

A reflection of the city of Vancouver on a lake during dusk

Wooden stairs high up in the Banff mountains overlooking the view with a pink sky

Overview

Travel Styles:

Why Go?

Spend nine days exploring the glittering lakes, sky-high peaks, and seaside cities that make up southwest Canada. From rugged Banff National Park to coastal Vancouver, discover the diversity of Canada and why it is simultaneously the hottest and coolest place to be. After hiking past glaciers, lakes, and peaks in Banff, head to the Canadian Rockies for unmatched views of jagged ice-capped peaks. Once you have your fill of fresh air, go west toward Kelowna and Vancouver for a taste of Okanagan wine country and seaport-metropolis living.

What are the top highlights?

Enjoy Banff National Park, Banff Upper Hot Springs, Banff Gondola, and never get tired of saying “Banff”
Get stoked in Revelstoke and Glacier National Park as you drive through the Canadian Rockies
Take in epic views of pure, unfiltered Canadian nature from Moraine Lake & Lake Louise
Feel as though you are living inside a postcard as you trek through Glacier National Park
Taste local wines and learn about the wine-making process in the town of Kelowna
Tour the multicultural, multidimensional, multi-things-to-do city of Vancouver

Your trip includes

Round-trip flights & airport transfers
Tour Director & local guides
Entrance to Banff National Park and other select attractions
8 nights in hand-picked accommodations
Private deluxe motorcoach
Welcome Mixer with appetizers and drinks
Daily breakfast & Farewell Dinner

Accommodations

You’ll stay at accommodations hand-picked by our team of local experts, in rooms only for EF Ultimate Break travelers. Each property is located in a safe, convenient area. You’ll receive your exact accommodations 30 days before your trip departs.

Flights

Admit it, booking flights is the worst. Here's why you should let us do it for you:

Flight costs are included in your monthly payment plan, so you can pay over time
Airport transfers are included, so we’ll be waiting, sign in hand
Flights are booked with major airlines
24/7 support no matter what time zone you’re in
One checked bag included on most flights
Option to make changes to your trip up to 99 days before departure

Booking with a friend? Let us know and we’ll do our best to make sure you’re on the same flight. Still want to book your own flights? That’s cool, simply select ‘No flights included’ instead of your departure city in the ‘Flights from’ dropdown.

Full trip itinerary

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Calgary & Welcome Dinner
O Canada! Known for its hockey, maple syrup, and stunning scenery straight out of a National Geographic Magazine, the Great White North will leave you breathless.

Today’s Highlights:
- Arrive in Calgary where you’ll meet an EF representative.
- Transfer to your hotel to check in and check out your room.
- Receive the latest schedule from your Tour Director.
- Meet your fellow travelers at a Welcome Mixer.
In the evening, it’s time for your Welcome Mixer. Enjoy appetizers and drinks with fellow travelers while you get to know one another.
Day 2: Explore Banff Town
Dust off your Canadian cowboy boots this morning with a tour of Calgary before driving to Canada’s main attraction, Big Bad Banff. In this town, the Rocky Mountains stand tall above you and the wilderness of Banff National Park calls your name in the distance. Poetic, we know. Oh, and remember, this is just the beginning.

Today’s Highlights
- Travel by bus from Calgary to Banff Town and explore the town before settling into your hotel in Banff region.
- Soak your post-travel, pre-adventure muscles in a 100% natural mineral water hot spring bath at the Banff Upper Hot Springs.
- Ride the Banff Gondola to the peak of Sulphur Mountain, where birds-eye-views of six different mountain ranges await.
Day 3: Banff National Park & Lake Agnes Teahouse Hike
Today’s limited-edition Banff menu consists of an appetizing scenic drive to Bow Valley Parkway, a wilderness hotspot where you might see elk, deer, bighorn sheep, or even a grizzly bear. Next, dive into the main course at the upper canyon falls of Johnston Canyon where you’ll cross over bridges, waterfalls, ridges, and blue “ink pot” spring pools. And finally, for dessert, feast your eyes on the succulent, turquoise Lake Louise.

Today’s Highlights:
- Drive through Bow Valley Parkway, a 51km scenic route that links Banff and Lake Louise.
- Get your GoPro ready for big horn sheep, deer, elk, and grizzly sightings.
- Hear the rushing waters and feel the cool air of Johnston Canyon Upper Falls, as you hike through the steep canyon walls towards the blue pools of the creeks below.
- Breathe in the bounties of Lake Louise with views from the Fairmont, or a stroll around the perimeter.
- Stretch out your legs on a 4.5-mile walk around Lake Agnes, Lake Louise’s neighbor with equally-stunning views.
Day 4: Lake Louise Gondola, Moraine Lake Shoreline Hike & Canadian Rockies
Didn’t get enough #nofilter shots of glacier lakes yesterday? Don’t fret, you’re going back for more. Hit the mountainous ground running with a drive to see your old friend, Louise. Lake Louise. You’ll ride up a gondola for 2,101m-high views of peaks, valleys, and lakes. Then take in more, yes MORE, natural beauty at Moraine Lake, the best way to appreciate the indigo waters and striking peaks of the alpine valley of Banff.

Today’s Highlights:
- Ride the Grizzly Express Gondola to 2,101m (6,893ft) for views of the Rocky Mountains, wildflowers, springs, and wildlife below.
- Hike 3km (1.9 miles) around Moraine Lake and enjoy breathtaking views of Ten Peaks, a dramatic row of summits all over 10,000 feet.
- Continue your adventure in the Canadian Rockies and check in to your accommodation in Golden, BC.
Day 5: Glacier National Park, Revelstoke, and Kelowna
Spoiler: Adventure is still out there! Start your trek in Glacier National Park, part of the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park – because nothing brings people together like 43 sprawling parks and reserves of peaks, glaciers, forests, and alpines. There’s no time to move at a glacial pace today though—there’s too much to see. Like a famous ski resort town known as Canada’s “best winter playground”, for example.

Today’s Highlights:
- Drive through Glacier National Park of Canada, stopping to take photos of the snow-capped peaks and sprawling forest.
- Enjoy free time for lunch in Revelstoke, an outdoorsy city nestled between Mount Revelstoke National Park and the Columbia River.
- Arrive in Kelowna, a wine-country city known for its delicious—you guessed it—adult grape juice.
Day 6: Okanagan Lake Cruise & Optional Okanagan Wine Tasting
See Kelowna’s captivating skyline and the diverse landscapes that surround the city from the waters of Okanagan Lake. After admiring the scenery, circle back under the bridge to snap a photo of the sparkling cityscape. In the afternoon, indulge in an optional excursion to wine country where you can get to know the flavors and wine making traditions of the Okanagan Valley (19+).

Today’s Highlights:
- Join a local wine expert for a guided walk through an estate vineyard.
- Learn about the unique microclimates of the Okanagan Valley and why this new world wine region is often called the Napa of the North.
- Visit the wine cellar to discover the production process.
- Sample some wines, many of which can only be found locally, including the region’s signature Pinot Noir.
- Sit down to enjoy an included lunch.
Okanagan Valley Wine Tasting & Lunch (extra cost)
Spend the afternoon getting to know the flavors and wine making traditions of the Okanagan Valley. Join a local wine expert for a guided walk through an estate vineyard and learn why this new world wine region is called the Napa of the North! After a visit to the wine cellar to discover the production process, enjoy samples of some local wines including Okanagan’s signature Pinot Noir. Finally, feast on an included lunch!
Day 7: Tour Vancouver
Take in the picturesque views of British Columbia’s coastal range as you travel to the city of Vancouver. You’ll tour this multicultural, cosmopolitan city with your guide before enjoying a free afternoon for exploration at your leisure.

Today’s Highlights:
- Drive through downtown Vancouver, Canada’s bustling seaport city with art, theater, music, and more.
- Head to the waterfront to see Canada Place, a sail-inspired building, which houses the Vancouver Convention Center and World Trade Center.
- Pass by Stanley Park and Queen Elizabeth Park to take in spectacular views of the city.
- Enjoy free time to explore Granville Island, located directly across the water from downtown Vancouver.
Day 8: Free Day in Vancouver or Optional Capilano Suspension Bridge
Today is your last full day in Canada (for now), so live it up! Spend the day exploring the shops, restaurants, and city life of Vancouver, or get a final taste of adventure with an optional excursion to the Capilano Suspension Bridge. Vancouver #views guaranteed.

Farewell Dinner

Share some last laughs (and maybe shed a few tears) at an included farewell dinner and drinks with the group.

Capilano Suspension Bridge & Lookout (extra cost)
See Canada from above on Vancouver’s Capilano Suspension Bridge. Stretching 450 feet long, and 230 feet high above the Capilano River, this bridge is as tall as the Statue of Liberty’s shoulder and can hold up to 96 elephants! There’s no better way to spend your last day in Canada than with this epic forest adventure.
Day 9: Travel Home
Goodbye, friends. Your next destination awaits—home. Before you head to the airport, enjoy your last few moments together. Take one more group photo. Grab that final drink. (Fine, maybe a couple of drinks.) But this isn’t goodbye. It’s “See you late