Best of Canada's West 2013

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Banff National Park in Alberta, CanadaBow River in Alberta, CanadaLake Louise in Alberta, CanadaThe Strait of Georgia, Canada
Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada
Bow River in Alberta, Canada
Lake Louise in Alberta, Canada
The Strait of Georgia, Canada
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Optionals

On every itinerary, we offer a range of optional excursions that allow you to further enhance your experience should you so choose. These are purchased when you are on your trip, via your Trafalgar Travel Director. Depending on the region visited these can be paid with cash or credit card.

  • BANFF

    • + BANFF FLOAT TRIP Grab your camera and join us for a marvelously scenic float trip down Banff's Bow River. Friendly, experienced oarsmen will guide you gently downstream along the scenic curves and beneath the majestic Rockies. Don't worry, you won't get wet! Look out for spotted elk, deer and even an occasional bear along the banks. The tranquility of the river makes this one of the best opportunities for an intimate experience with nature at her most magnificent. Operates seasonally. Tour length: 2.5 hours. (Minimum: 10 passengers).

    • + BANFF SCENIC HELICOPTER 30 MINUTE FLIGHT MT ASSINIBOINE This sensational flight will transport you to Mt. Assiniboine, “The Matterhorn” of the Canadian Rockies rising majestically to 11,870 feet (3,611 meters) along the Great Divide. The surrounding glaciers and icefalls will astound you and capture your imagination. This is a photographer's dream come true. Please note that the Mt. Assiniboine Helicopter Flight may be unavailable due to weather conditions; however, an alternative helicopter flight excursion may be offered. Please check with your Travel Director for more details. Flight duration 30 minutes. Tour length: 2 hours. (Minimum: 2 passengers).

    • + OH CANADA EH Take a short drive from Banff to experience “Oh Canada, Eh?!,” a popular two-hour dinner theater featuring all- Canadian music from maritime folk songs to modern pop. Meet the singing Mountie, Hockey Player, Anne of Green Gables, Klondike Kitty and more. While you're enjoying the show, the performers, dressed in stereotypical and period costumes of Canada, serve you a hearty all-Canadian, family-style meal including French Canadian Pea Soup and salad, choice of entrée and ending with Maple Chocolate Cake. Full of laughs, this musical celebration of Canada will delight audiences of all ages. Tour duration: 3.5 hours. (Minimum: 15 passengers).

  • JASPER

    • + COTTONWOOD NATURE WALK This moderately flat trail circles around wetland habitat while crossing through forests containing aspen, conifer and grasslands. Watch for beavers, birds and other wildlife and view the Maligne, Trident and Colin Mountain ranges. This walk covers 1.2 to 2.5 miles (2 to 4 kilometers) depending on the ability of the group. Transportation to the tour start is provided. Operates seasonally. Tour length: 3 hours. (Minimum: 10 passengers)

    • + JASPER RAFTING Enjoy a unique perspective of Jasper National Park as you raft down the Athabasca River. This safe, comfortable ride along 10 miles (16 kilometers) of river passes through small sets of rapids and calm stretches for a ride that any first-time rafter will enjoy. Your journey will be narrated by a licensed National Park guide who will point out the natural and human history of Jasper National Park and the famous route that was used by fur traders many years ago. Tour length: 3.5 hours. (Min: 6 passengers).

    • + MALIGNE LAKE BOAT CRUISE Maligne Lake is Jasper's oldest attraction and one of the most photographed lakes in the world. It is the largest lake in the Canadian Rockies and was known to the Stoney Indians as “Chaba Imne” or Great Beaver Lake. This 90-minute boat cruise will take you past glacier studded mountain peaks to world famous Spirit Island.Unsurpassed for the scenery it affords, this cruise is also known for its insightful interpretation of the area. Bring your cameras and binoculars – this cruise is a true photographer's delight! Operates Jun – Sep, subject to weather conditions. Tour length: 4.5 hours. (Minimum: 20 passengers).

    • + MOUNT EDITH CAVELL GUIDED WALK Join your guide on the “Path of the Glaciers” with Mount Edith Cavell's snow-capped peak towering a mile overhead. See the emerald green of the “Lake of Forgiveness” and look out for incredible glacial formations, including icebergs and ice avalanches. Be sure to wear your good walking shoes for this 90-minute moderate walk. You'll have plenty of stops for picture taking, enjoying the scenery and learning about the local history and geography. You may also spot wildlife during the 40-minute drive to and from this area. Operates seasonally. Tour length: 3 hours. (Minimum: 10 passengers).

  • VICTORIA

    • + HARBOR CRUISE Enjoy a relaxing cruise along Victoria's historic harbour in a fully enclosed 60 ft catamaran, featuring a 150-gallon touch tank aquarium filled with animals that live in these southern waters. A marine biologist will be on hand to facilitate your discovery of this unique ecosystem. The highlight of the tour will be a true taste of the coast with a sample of half crab with garlic butter. Tour Length: 2 hours (Minimum: 12 Passengers)

    • + OLD CHINATOWN AND BEYOND WITH CHINESE DINNER Travel back in time to Canada's oldest Chinatown and learn about the little known history of the Chinese in Canada. You'll be granted exclusive access to the heart of Old Chinatown and get personal and up-close with the locals. Smell the rich teas, herbs and medicines, and explore Fan Tan Alley, Canada's narrowest street, named after a Chinese gambling game. Visit a Chinese doctor and sample Chinese candy. Then, enjoy a delicious, multi-course Chinese dinner and receive a parting memento at your tour's end. (There are only 18 stairs, so the walk is generally suitable for all.) Tour length: 3 hours. (Minimum: 3 Passengers).

    • + VICTORIA WHALE WATCHING EXCURSION Board your vessel to enjoy a three-hour whale-watching expedition in the waters off Victoria. While it can't be guaranteed in advance which of the abundant marine wildlife you'll see on your journey, chances are you'll also spot magnificent bald eagles, porpoises or seals. Spring and summer are the best times of the year to see the resident Orca whales in all their glory. Tour length: 4 hours.

Disclaimer
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Hotel Class Key
  • SF= Superior First Class, F = First Class, MF = Moderate First Class, ST = Superior Tourist, D = Deluxe and MD = Moderate Deluxe.
  • Hotels are subject to change.
Notes
  • * For single travellers purchasing the twin-share option, please note that there is a no smoking policy in all shared rooms.
  • ^Twin-share option not available for trips to South America., Costa Rica, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii or for any holiday & cruise combination, or in Asia and Eastern Mediterranean except Highlights of Turkey (without cruise) & Best of Turkey.

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