Itinerary - Full Details
Pre Tour Calgery Stampede Experience,
Sunday, July 10
Upon arrival, please make your own way to the Marriott Palliser Hotel Calgary. (For assistance with these arrangements, please contact our office)
This is a special time to be in Calgary sine it is the week of the famous Calgary Stampede.
The cost for the night is $140 per person on a share twin. Kosher food is available not far from the hotel (details TBA)
Day 1
Monday, July 11
If you are arriving today, upon arrival you will be met at the hotel. Please arrive in the early to mid afternoon - but no later than 3:00pm.
Upon arrival, we will take a panoramic city tour. The tour will take you around the cosmopolitan city of Calgary, a major business centre and cultural trendsetter for the region and will include Calgary Tower, the Pengrowth Saddledome, Olympic Plaza and the eclectic Eau Claire Market.
We will then enjoy hot dinner before departing for Baniff.
Overnight in Banff.
Day 2
Tuesday, July 12
Today you will enjoy the breathtaking scenery of Jasper National Park including Maligne Lake, one of the prettiest bodies of water in the Canadian Rockies. While watching moose lazily wander the shoreline and looking out for other wildlife native to the area, you will learn all about the local history, geology, wildlife and glaciology of Maligne Lake and of Jasper National Park. All this, while experiencing some of the most spectacular scenery in the Rockies.
Lovely Jasper is surrounded by spectacular mountain vistas and prior to returning to Banff, you will also visit Maligne Canyon, located at the junction of the Athabasca and Miette River Valleys.
Day 3
Wednesday, July 13
Today we will travel along one of the most spectacular highways in North America and indeed one of the most spectacular mountain roads in the world. The Icefield Parkway is highlighted by frequent wildlife sightings, towering mountain peaks, tranquil lakes and cascading waterfalls. On your tour today, you will view the mighty Athabasca Falls and the two monumental peaks: Snow Dome and Mount Athabasca, framing Athabasca Glacier. The glacier is one of many "rivers of ice" flowing from the Columbia Icefield, whose melting waters spawn a host of rivers flowing into the Atlantic, Pacific and Arctic Oceans.
By the time we reach the day’s highlight, you will most likely have seen bears, mountain goats, furry marmots, and stately dear amongst some of the most breathtaking scenery that you will have ever witnessed.
Then, an experience of a lifetime awaits you at the Columbia Icefield!
Upon arrival at the Icefield Centre, shuttle to the toe of the Athabasca Glacier where you will board a unique, specially designed Snow coach, (a special glacier vehicle that travels along the surface of the glacier) for a guided tour onto the surface of the Glacier across the Columbia Icefields - a mass of glacial ice more that 1,000 feet thick!
At the icefall below the glacier headwall, you will step onto ice formed from snow falling several hundreds of years ago - a true Ice Age adventure!
While at the Columbia Icefield, a digital photo will be taken with the magnificent Athabasca Glacier in the background. Upon completion of your Snowcoach tour, your personal photo will be ready to take home to remember this amazing adventure.
Evening in Banff.
Day 4
Thursday, July 14
Today we will discover the charming mountain resort of Banff, one of the best known destinations in the Rockies.
Baniff is Canada's oldest National Park and highest located town. Located amid the rugged alpine beauty of the Rocky Mountains, Banff is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Our morning tour takes us through the town of Banff and its surrounding areas. We will ascend Tunnel Mountain Drive for a panoramic 360' view of the Banff area and beautiful town. Then, a visit to the Cave and Basin National Historic Site with its natural hot springs. Finally, we conclude at the Banff Gondola in enclosed cars to the peak of Sulphur Mountain for a spectacular view of the village and valley below.
This afternoon you will also visit two of the most beautiful lakes in North America; Emerald Lake and Lake Louise. You will journey into the Canadian Rockies traveling across the Continental Divide through Kicking Horse Pass to Emerald Lake, a true jewel among towering peaks. See the Spiral Tunnels and the Natural Bridge before visiting Moraine Lake (conditions permitting) which is nestled in the Valley of the Ten Peaks.
Day 5
Friday, July 15
This morning you will enter the scenic heart of the Canadian Rockies - Banff National Park. Besides being Canada's first National Park, Banff is one of its largest. Icefields, snow-capped mountains, blue glaciers, deep evergreen forests, and rugged alpine meadows blend together to create a magnificent panorama.
The village of Banff lies in a storybook setting, surrounded by magnificent alpine beauty. Our sightseeing tour today will include stops at the spectacular Bow Falls and the fascinating Hoodoos, land of sleeping giants. We will then proceed on a cruise to Lake Minnewanka, one of Alberta's largest bodies of water.
Day 6
Shabbat, July 16
We will spend Shabbat in Baniff.
The day is free. Take advantage of your day to explore this quaint village at your own leisure - real 'oneg shabbat'!
Day 7
Sunday, July 17
Depart Banff for Calgary. On the morning tour see Calgary's major sights, including Stampede Park and the Saddledome Stadium, and visit Fort Calgary. Later in the day, proceed for your flight home or continue to Vancouver and Victoria for your optional extension into Western Canada's showcase cities.
Vancouver / Victoria Extension
Day 7
Sunday, July 17
VANCOUVER
Welcome to Vancouver, the "Gem of the Pacific!"
Enjoying this perfect setting between the Coast Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, this city is a cosmopolitan blend of multicultural diversity, rich historic legacies, and corporate ingenuity.
We invite you to join us this evening at Vancouver’s Jewish Community Center for a welcome dinner.
Day 8
Monday, July 18
VANCOUVER
Your day begins with a comprehensive city sightseeing tour of Vancouver's landmark attractions. Today we will discover why Vancouver is one of Canada's most popular destinations.
Your city tour encompasses many of the attractions that in addition to the natural beauty of its mountain backdrop and blue Pacific waters make Vancouver such a special place.
Visit the Harbour Center, a 548-foot tower overlooking Vancouver; explore Stanley Park, with its 1000 acres of majestic evergreens, see West Coast Native Totem Poles and visit British-flavoured Gastown with its unique steam clock as well as colourful and historic Chinatown second in size only to San Francisco's and dating back to the gold rush, showcased by Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Garden. Also, highlighted in the day's sightseeing will be Lions's Gate Bridge, Prospect Point, English Bay and the meticulously manicured Queen Elizabeth Park.
You will then enjoy the spectacular views on an aerial tramway "up" Grouse Mountain at approximately 3700 feet above sea level. Visit the Grouse Mountain Refuge for Endangered Wildlife, where orphaned grizzly bear cubs are cared for in their natural environment.
Continue to the Museum of Anthropology for a guided tour exploring the collections of First nations art. The building itself is a design masterpiece, providing a suitable home to the totem poles, carvings, sculpture and art of the people of the Northwest and beyond.
Finish your day in Gastown, Vancouver's turn-of-the-century pedestrian mall filled with art galleries, pubs, specialty stores, and the world-famous steam-powered clock.
Day 9
Monday, July 19
VICTORIA
Today we embark on a full day sightseeing tour of Victoria, capital city of the province of British Columbia and one of Canada's loveliest cities.
A ferry journey brings you to Victoria, capital of British Columbia, where traces of a deep British heritage are witnessed from the moment you arrive.
Visit the world famous Butchart Gardens, a spectacular example of the English-style gardens that are found throughout the island. The 55-acre floral displays contain over one million bedding plants, an exquisite rose garden, a Japanese garden and an Italian garden, as well as its popular centerpiece, the Sunken Garden.
Return to Vancouver in the late afternoon where the remaining day is at leisure.
Day 10
Tuesday, July 20
VANCOUVER
Proceed to the airport for your flight home.
Price
- $1,795 per person sharing (Land Only)
- $ 575 - Vancouver/Victoria Extension
- $550 - Single Supplement
- Costs Include
- 3 kosher meals daily
- Modern, air-conditioned transportation
- Four to Five Star accommodations
- Professional tour guides
- Costs Do Not Include
- Airfares, airport taxes
- Travel Insurance
- Driver & Guide gratuities ($50 per person)
- Porterage
NOTE: Final Itinerary subject to change with or without notice.