ROCKIES SUMMER PREMIUM
Overview
This tour provides a unique and truly Canadian experience. Its circular route explores the North Thompson Valley and its large wilderness area, including Wells Gray Provincial Park. Stay overnight in a beautiful hotel in Revelstoke, a centrally located hotel in Banff, and an authentic wood cabin in the quaint town of Blue River. Travel the notorious Yellowhead Highway to the Rockies’ iconic town of Jasper and through Banff National Park, where you can gaze at snow-capped peaks and glacially fed blue lakes. With 2 nights in Banff, you will have plenty of time to participate in exciting optional activities in the heart of the Rockies, as well as enjoying a breakfast at the summit of Sulphur Mountain after riding the renowned Banff Gondola, included in this package.
Itinerary
Please note that this is a sample itinerary and is subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances, such as weather or road closures.
Vancouver to Revelstoke
- Depart downtown Vancouver from Canada Place (please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your departure time)
- Travel through the Fraser Valley
- Stop in Kelowna for lunch
- After lunch, enjoy a wine tasting at one of the Okanagan Valley’s many wineries
- Visit Craigellachie and the Last Spike
- Check into your beautiful hotel at Revelstoke Mountain Resort
- Enjoy an included group dinner in Revelstoke
- After dinner, option to relax at the hotel or to explore the historic downtown
Revelstoke to Banff
- Enjoy breakfast included at your hotel
- Travel through Rogers Pass this morning
- Visit Emerald Lake with the option to rent a canoe on site at an additional cost (seasonal)
- Explore beautiful Lake Louise & Moraine Lake
- Arrive in Banff and check into your centrally located hotel on Banff Avenue
- Evening at leisure in Banff
Banff
- Start the day off with a gondola ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain where you will take in the magnificent views of the Rockies
- Enjoy a scenic tour around Lake Minnewanka & Two Jack Lake Loop
- Enjoy a tour of Banff townsite including Bow Falls, HooDoos, Banff Springs Hotel
- Free time for shopping and sightseeing on Banff Avenue or participate in an exciting outdoor activity for a discounted price such as horseback riding, canoeing (bow river float), hiking, e-biking, hot springs, etc
- Evening at leisure in Banff
Banff to Blue River/Valemount
- After breakfast this morning (included), travel the famous Icefields Parkway, gradually making your way towards Jasper National Park
- While touring through the Columbia Icefields, you will visit another beautiful lake and can choose to take part in the world-renowned Ice Explorer Glacier Tour¹ (additional cost)
- Stop in the mountain town of Jasper with free time to purchase dinner
- Arrive at the beautiful Mike Wiegele cabins in Blue River*
*Please note that shoulder season tours (mid-September to October 31) will stay in a hotel in Valemount with pool and hot tub, as the Mike Wiegele Resort closes in mid-September (exact date TBD).
Blue River/Valemount to Vancouver
- Enjoy breakfast this morning (included)
- Option to take part in the River Safari (additional cost), or relax at the cabins
- Travel to Clearwater and visit Spahats Falls, in Wells Gray Provincial Park
- Stop for lunch in Kamloops
- Return to Vancouver at approximately 7:30pm
FAQs
What is the weather like in the Canadian Rockies?
During summertime, weather in the Rockies is sunny and temperatures tend to be mild and warm. However, it is important to note that weather in the mountains is ever-changing and hard to predict, so we highly recommend packing up layers in case of light rain or chilly nights.
In the summer months, you can participate in a number of activities that the winter frost wouldn’t allow, such as kayaking, hiking, and river rafting. In addition, after the spring bloom, chances are you’ll be able to see lots of wildlife, like bears and elk!
Am I going to see the blue lakes in the Rocky Mountains?
Lakes in the Canadian Rockies are frozen during the winter months, and start to melt in late April. Usually, you will need to wait until late June to be able to swim in them, and they’ll stay blue until October.
There are a number of factors that contribute to the lakes in the Rockies displaying the captivating shades of blue and turquoise, such as glacial and rock sediments, and the refraction of the sunlight on the water.
What is the difference between the Rockies Classic and Rockies Premium tours?
Our Rockies Summer Classic tour is the very first itinerary that Discover Canada Tours created and guided in 2005. It offers an essential, must-have experience in the Canadian Rocky Mountains in only 4 days and 3 nights, with a stay in Revelstoke, Banff and Valemount. While the route is similar to the Rockies Summer Premium tour, the pace of the trip is faster, with slightly shorter stops along the way, slightly less inclusions, and only 1 night in Banff.
On the other hand, our Rockies Summer Premium tour offers a premier experience with stays in higher-end hotels, like the world-renowned cabins of Mike Wiegele, admission with breakfast to the Banff Gondola, and an extra full day and night in Banff with ample time to enjoy the heart of the Rockies.
How do I book optional activities for this tour?
Discover Canada Tours offers special rates in the most popular attractions of the Canadian Rockies while on tour. To benefit from the best prices and secure your spots, we strongly advise that you book your optional activities in advance. Here’s how you can do it:
- Online: While booking on our website, you can add your optional activities before checking out, after adding your tour to the cart, and on the second step of the reservation.
- Email: After you complete your tour booking, you will receive a confirmation email with a list of optional activities that you can book by emailing us at hello@discovercanadatours.com.
- Call: Contact our office by calling the toll free number 1-855-689-8128, and one of our agents will be happy to book your optional activities for you. Our opening hours are Monday to Friday, 9 am – 5:30 pm PST.
In addition to optional activities, we can also help arrange pre and post tour travel arrangements, including flights, accommodation, and travel insurance through Uniglobe Specialty Travel. Please contact our travel consultant specialist, Sepideh Sajjadi, at sepideh@uniglobespecialty.com.
The 2025 Earlybird Promotion only applies to 2025 tour departures. Valid until December 31, 2024.
Please contact us for assistance.
Use code EBD25 and save up to $245 CAD*!
Duration
Size
Quad
Triple
Double
Single
Highlights
- Sightseeing through the most beautiful parts of Western Canada & the Rockies
- Many chances to see wildlife (deer, elk, bighorn sheep & more!)
- Learn about Canadian heritage & traditions with your friendly tour guide
- Have breakfast at the top of Sulphur Mountain in Banff (gondola included)
- Wine tasting included in the Okanagan Valley
Inclusions
What to Bring:
- Light, waterproof layers
- Comfortable shoes for walking and hiking
- Swimsuit, flip flops and towel
- 2 pieces of ID
- Reusable water bottle
- Bug spray
- Sunglasses & sunscreen
- River shoes (recommended)