Join OU Trips on a long haul 11 day (10 night) trip to West Canada - Alberta and British Columbia
Calgary – Banff
Day 1 Depart MK by coach to London Heathrow and Fly to Calgary.
Arrive in Calgary where you will be met and transferred to Banff National Park to start your Canadian adventure. Afternoon at leisure.
Surrounded by the towering peaks of the Rocky Mountains, the bustling town of Banff and was one of Canada’s first tourist resorts and over 130 years later remains an unmissable part of any Alberta itinerary. The town itself provides a wide choice of shopping and dining options and a number of natural attractions are right on the doorstep, including the scenic Bow River, Vermilion Lakes, Cave and Basin Hot Springs, Hoo-Doos on Tunnel Mountain and spectacular views from Sulphur Mountain. Further afield explore the many wonders of Banff National Park, whether by foot, bike, horseback, raft, kayak or helicopter – whatever your perspective the view can’t fail to impress!
Staying 2 nights at the Charltons Banff The hotel is located 4 blocks from downtown Banff and has 57 guestrooms. Hotel amenities include: indoor pool and hot tub, free covered parking, ski storage, safety deposit boxes. Suite Rooms feature: either 1 Queen bed // 2 Queen beds // OR 1 King bed. Free wifi, bathrobes, mini fridge, TV, coffee makers and tea kettles, ironing board, air conditioning.
Day 2 Private tour today showing the group some of the highlights of the area whilst keeping an eye out for some of Canada's famous wildlife!
Private Discover Banff and its Wildlife plus Gondola ride
This small group tour is the perfect introduction to Banff and includes some of Banff's most scenic and historically significant highlights such as the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, Bow Falls, Surprise Corner Lookout, and Banff's largest lake, Lake Minnewanka. Plus, enjoy hot chocolate or fresh water (depending on the time of year) and maple cookies at one of the scenic stops. You'll then be transported to the base of Sulphur Mountain and ride the Banff Gondola to the top at 7,486 feet. At the summit, marvel at the unsurpassed view of Banff, the Bow Valley and a 360-degree view of six scenic mountain ranges. You'll feel like you're on top of the world when you are standing on the spacious main level observation deck. After your download on the Banff Gondola, the guide will transport you back to your Banff hotel. It's a great tour for seeing wildlife, so don't forget your camera!
Day 3 travel from Baff to Jasper
Journey along the spectacular Icefields Parkway, a chain of massive icefields straddling the Continental Divide. At the immense Columbia Icefield you will take a ride in a specially-designed Ice Explorer onto the Athabasca Glacier. Continue along the parkway and enjoy vistas of glaciers, lakes and wildlife on your way to Jasper.
Your sightseeing tour today will encompass the ultimate glacier exploration as you travel along the spectacular Icefields Parkway past sweeping glaciers, immense waterfalls and shimmering lakes. From walking on ancient ice at the Glacier Adventure (included), to standing on a glass platform almost one thousand feet in the air at the Glacier Skywalk (included), today's experiences will leave you with a special appreciation for this treasured region of the Rockies. Your interpretive guide will share stories and explain more about the geographical and historical significance of the region as you make your way to Athabasca Falls, the Weeping Wall, Bow Lake, the Crowfoot Glacier and Lake Louise. Today Enjoy a delicious gourmet picnic lunch packed in a classic wicker basket. Our guide will find the perfect secluded location for you to indulge in a delightfully presented picnic lunch. Your choice of hearty sandwiches or wraps surrounded by an assortment of fresh fruit, salads, sweets and condiments. A lovely Canadian wine is the perfect accompaniment to this delicious wilderness experience!
Accommodation in The Crimson Jasper for 2 nights
After a long day of exploring, this modern and comfortable hotel is the perfect place to relax. Surrounded by spectacular mountain peaks and just a few minutes walk from downtown Jasper, this is the ideal location to enjoy all this mountain town has to offer. Hotel amenities include: Restaurant and lounge, indoor pool, hot tub, fitness centre, complimentary parking, wireless internet.
Set within Jasper National Park, the small town of Jasper is easily accessible by road and by rail, and makes for a friendly base from which to explore the surrounding mountains, lakes, canyons and forests. Jasper National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the second largest Dark Sky Preserve in the world, offering exceptional stargazing as well as its numerous daytime attractions. The largest of the Canadian Rockies National Parks, Jasper covers 11,228 square kilometres, is home to a variety of wildlife (including black bears, grizzlies, elks, mountain goats, moose, wolves and more) and is a natural playground for adventurers of all levels. Raft the rapids, explore deep canyons, take a scenic cruise on Maligne Lake, hike the mountain trails, enjoy a picnic in the wilderness or simply soak up the scenery with a well-deserved drink in hand.
Day 4 Jasper
Head out to Maligne Valley today for a gentle guided hike before joining a cruise on Maligne Lake. This introduction to Jasper begins with a short tour of the town before heading across the Athabasca River to Maligne Lake. A century after Mary Schaeffer's remarkable adventure, come discover the world-renowned Maligne Lake for yourself! A stop at Maligne Canyon offers staggering views of the river thundering through a series of magnificent waterfalls in a gorge 10,000 years in the making. Farther up the valley, stop to solve the mystery of "disappearing" Medicine Lake. Next we'll carry on to the pinnacle of our tour, breathtaking Maligne Lake! Enjoy a gentle guided walk along the shores of this pristine lake before heading back to Jasper.
Day 5 Jasper to Clearwater
Leaving Jasper National Park, travel the historic ‘Yellowhead’ route past the sprawling grandeur of Mount Robson and along the banks of the mighty Thompson River, before arriving in the alpine village of Clearwater on the edge of Wells Gray Provincial Park.
Accommodation Best Western Plus Gateway to the Falls 1 night bed and breakfast A modern hotel design featuring stylish white and grey rooms. Conveniently situated in the heart of Clearwater, close to many restaurants and shops. Ideally located for exploring the beautiful Wells Gray Provincial Park, home to stunning waterfalls and lakes.
Day 6 Clearwater to Whistler
Continue to Lillooet, known as the land of the Gold Rush Trail and ‘Mile Zero’ of the Old Caribou Wagon Road. Leaving Lillooet travel the Duffey Lake Road to Whistler. Be sure to stop at Joffre Lake for breathtaking views of Joffre Glacier before arriving in the charming alpine resort of Whistler, which lies nestled between the world-renowned Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains.
Accommodation 2 nights in Delta Whistler Village Suites - Whistler by Marriott.A beautifully appointed hotel conveniently located in the heart of Whistler Village. Hotel amenities include room service, grocery service, complimentary high speed internet.
The busy alpine resort of Whistler is nestled between the Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. Outside of the winter ski season the area is renowned for its lakes, hiking opportunities and mountain top vistas. Explore the local trails by bike or on foot, try kayaking on one of the local lakes or take the Peak to Peak gondola for unsurpassed views over town and the surrounding peaks.
Day 7 Whistler and Ziptrek Eagle Tour ( some might look for alternatives to this!!)
Head up into the trees for a ziplining adventure! Whistler is known as Canada's adventure playground so activities here are endless! This breathtaking tour features 5 different ziplines, including a monster zipline with a 30-storey descent. The final zipline zips you right back to Whistler Village. Perfect if you've zipped before or crave an adrenaline rush. Ziptrek provides each guest with a harness, helmet, and zipline pulley.
Day 8 Whistler to Vancouver
Accommodation 2 nights at the Sutton Place Vancouver A stylish and elegant hotel, conveniently situated in the heart of downtown Vancouver and close to a variety of shops and restaurants, as well as the entertainment and arts districts. Hotel amenities include: complementary Wi-Fi, restaurant, bar, spa, indoor heated swimming pool, hot tub, fitness centre, on-site parking (extra cost).
Free time in Vancouver The beautiful harbour city of Vancouver, the gateway to British Columbia, is a relaxed cosmopolitan city boasting historic districts, bustling markets, waterfront dining and wilderness parks. Enjoy the markets of Granville Island, shopping on Robson Street and a well-deserved drink on the Waterfront, then head out to Grouse Mountain to stretch your legs and enjoy the views.
Day 9 Vancouver
Head out on a guided tour showing you some of Vancouver's highlights including the beautiful Stanley Park.
Your personal Urban & Eco-Guide will guide you through a series of walking tours and scenic drives throughout Vancouver's North Shore. Begin with the history and stories of the Stanley Park Totem Pole Garden followed by a tour of the spectacular Capilano River Canyon. Finish at Grouse Mountain, "The Peak of Vancouver", to experience incredible vistas and fun live performances. The Gourmet Lunch Bag picnic is set up by the Guide in an ancient rainforest, beachfront or mountain top and includes a delicious sandwich, snacks, dessert, and beverages all in a 'fancy' lunch bag
Day 10 Morning at leisure then travel to Vancouver International Airport for flight back to the UK and the end of our Canadian Adventure
In the region of £4500 - price to be confirmed depending on numbers
Single Supplement to be confirmed
1st June 2026 to 11th June 2026
20
As you can imagine this trip hasn't been the easiest to organise and will be dependent on confirmed numbers. We will need deposits of £850 to confirm your place once number of bookers is reached.
At this stage we are asking for expression of interest - we will be able to tailor the trip to what people want to do and will confirm prices before booking places.
The remainder will be due in February 2026
By submitting your booking you are confirming you have read and will abide by our terms and conditions. Please note, you are responsible for the full payment once the place request deadline date is past. OU Trips does not have any reserves to cover cancelled places.
At this stage we are asking for expression of interest - we will be able to tailor the trip to what people want to do and will confrim prices before booking places.
BOOKING FORM for OU Trips goes to Canada
PLEASE NOTE:
Do not submit your request more than once. We would ask you to remember that we are all volunteers, therefore, please don’t be offended if you don’t receive an immediate response.
The remainder will be due in February 2026
Image: Get your Guide
Image: Get your Guide
Image: Get your Guide
Image: Get your Guide
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