Embark on a trip from emerald-green lakes and snowy mountain tops to the wild Pacific Coast - an expedition into some of the most amazing scenery anywhere. Heading down trails first used by Amerindian native hunters, we will discover Canada's Jurassic past, ice-age glaciers and majestic forested valleys abundant with plant and animal life. You will be transported back to this nation's pioneering era of discovery in a larger-than-life natural setting, with its bears, elk and mountain goats. This is the authentic western Canadian journey.

WALKING WITH DINOSAURS
Arriving in Calgary, we first head east to the badlands, an other-worldly landscape where over 300 complete dinosaur skeletons have been found. Exploring this incredible region on foot with a park ranger, keep your eyes peeled for dinosaur fossils. Leaving the prairies we climb into the Rockies stopping at Banff, a village steeped in cowboy and pioneer heritage. Here there's the chance to ascend Sulphur Mountain by aerial tram for amazing panoramic views of the snow-capped summits and take a walk above the rushing falls in Johnston Canyon.

HOODOOS & GLACIERS
Travelling north along the Icefields Parkway, we will experience one of the world's most scenic drives on our way to Jasper. En route we plan to visit the Athabasca Falls and take a walk along the base of the Columbia Glacier. Continuing on to Yoho National Park, we discover some of the most stunning scenery and landscapes in the country. After crossing natural rock bridges over tumultuous rivers, feeling the spray in your face at Takakkaw Falls and exploring the Hoodoos, you can wrap it all off with an unforgettable whitewater adventure on the Kicking Horse River.

GRIZZLY BEARS & PACIFIC COAST
Today we are whisked high into the mountains on chair lifts to the Kicking Horse Grizzly Bear Sanctuary where we have the chance to observe bears in their natural habitat and learn about the good work the refuge does. Heading further west, we make stops at Kamloops and Whistler where we follow trails to emerald lakes and have the chance to go horse riding, mountain biking or canoeing. Arriving in Vancouver, our last days are spent discovering this laid-back city and you have the opportunity to take a trip across incomparable Vancouver Island.

Itinerary:

Day 1 Join Calgary. 2 Drive to Dinosaur Provincial Park; fossil hunting with Park Ranger. 3 Drive to Banff; optional ascent by aerial tram up Sulphur Mountain. 4 In Banff; walk through Johnston Canyon; optional horse riding. 5 Drive along Icefields Parkway to Jasper via Athabasca Falls and Columbia glacier. 6 In Jasper; walking at Maligne Lake and Canyon; optional canoeing. 7 Drive Yoho NP via Lake Louise; explore Hoodoos. 8 In Yoho NP; visit Takakkaw Falls and Emerald Lake. 9 Visit Kicking Horse Grizzly Bear Sanctuary; drive Galcier NP. 10 Explore Glacier NP; drive Kamloops. 11 Drive Whistler; walk amongst mountain lakes. 12 In Whistler; optional horse riding, mountain biking or canoeing. 13 Drive Vancouver; orientation tour, free afternoon. 14 Free day, optional trip to Vancouver Island. 15 End Vancouver.
Certain departures operate in reverse (ref: FRKR). Itinerary Day 1 Join Vancouver. 2 Free day in Vancouver. 3 AM in Vancouver, PM drive Whistler. 4 In Whistler. 5 AM walks in Whistler, PM Drive Kamloops. 6 In Glacier NP. 7 Visit Grizzly Bear Sanctuary, drive Yoho NP and Hoodoos. 8 In Yoho NP. 9 Drive via Lake Louise to Jasper NP. 10 In Jasper NP. 11 Drive Icefields Parkway to Banff. 12 In Banff. 13 AM in Banff, PM drive Dinosaur Provincial Park. 14 Full day fossil hunting, drive Calgary. 15 End Calgary.

** The following tour dates operate on a reverse itinerary so start tour in Vancouver and end in Calgary.

02 Aug 08 - 16 Aug 08

01 Aug 09 - 15 Aug 09

Accommodation: 3nts hotel, 11nts camping; 13 breakfasts, 11 lunches & 11 dinners included.
Transport: Maxiwagons/On foot.
Comment: A great participation camping adventure - this is an ideal active introduction to the Western Canada's stunning scenery and fascinating past. Walks are easy (average 6-8 kms) - all of which are optional. If you wish to have sleeping bags provided locally, please let us know when booking your holiday (at an additional cost).
Group: Approx. 15 to 20.
Staff: Trained outdoor Leaders/drivers and specialist local guides as required.
Trip Reference: FRK