Best of Canada's West

Day 1 (Door to Door)

Arrive Vancouver

Enjoy your private car door to door transfer to your departure airport before your scheduled flight to Vancouver, where a transfer is provided to your first hotel. This afternoon, meet your Tour Director who can answer any questions you may have about the exciting days ahead. At 6 p.m., gather at the hotel with your Tour Director and fellow companions for a Welcome Reception.
Hotel: Vancouver Marriott Pinnacle

Day 2

Downtown Hotel (SFC)

Vancouver - Strait of Georgia - Victoria (2) This morning we set out for Stanley Park and its towering totem poles and explore the vibrant neighbourhoods of Chinatown and Gastown with its cobbled streets. We then travel by ferry to Vancouver Island and Victoria, home to fashionable tearooms and old English charm. Though the wooden fort is long gone, Bastion Square welcomes visitors with lovely architecture and a bustling market. We see the lovely Inner Harbour and the impressive Parliament Buildings. Then we travel north to the seaside community of Cobble Hill and visit a family-owned ciderhouse and taste the bubbly fresh flavours of apple cider pressed from local apples accompanied by artisan breads. After a private tour of the apple orchards and distilling room, the family will host us for an alfresco Be My Guest Dinner featuring delectable cuisine paired with locally produced cider. (FB)
Hotel: Marriott Inner Harbour Hotel (FC)

Day 3

Victoria sightseeing and at leisure

We greet the day with breakfast at Butchart Gardens, a 55- acre preserve of gorgeous floral gardens. Site of an old cement works in the early 20th century, these gardens were transformed by the Butchart family into a world-famous preserve of exotic plants and flowers. We meet with a representative of the gardens who can answer any questions you have, and then spend some time exploring the gardens on your own, strolling the winding pathways, spotting butterflies and taking in their unique natural beauty. Back in Victoria, enjoy the rest of your day at leisure. Walk around town, do some shopping or perhaps join an optional whale-watching trip. (FB)

Day 4

Victoria - Sea-to-Sky Highway - Whistler

We return to the mainland and board our coach for the scenic drive along the Sea-to-Sky Highway, which winds between the glittering waters of Howe Sound and the soaring Coastal Mountains. Feel the spray on your face and listen to the thunder of the water at the 1,105-foot (337- metre) Shannon Falls near the town of Squamish, once the southern terminal of the Pacific Great Eastern Railway. This afternoon we arrive in Whistler and stretch our legs on a guided walking tour of the village that hosted part of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. (FB)
Hotel: Hilton Whistler Resort and Spa (SFC)

Day 5

Whistler - Cache Creek - Kamloops

We head east and cross the Coast Mountains and travel along remote Duffy Lake Road through some of the most beautiful scenery in Canada. At Historic Hat Creek Ranch we chat with costumed interpreters who introduce us to what life was like in the midst of the great gold rush of the 1860s. Before the gold rush brought prospectors and fortune seekers, the Shuswap people lived in this verdant valley and we visit a local village where we can meet and talk with these native people who still live close to the land. This evening, savour a Highlight Dinner at a local restaurant in Kamloops, a translated Shuswap word meaning "the meeting of the waters." (FB, HD)
Hotel: The Thompson Hotel (FC)

Day 6

Kamloops - Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks - Banff (2)

Today we sample the best of Canada's natural treasures in the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks. We visit Mount Revelstoke National Park and view old-growth rainforest of giant red cedars and alpine meadows rich with wildflowers. Next we enter Glacier National Park and climb over stunning Rogers Pass. Keep an eye out for native wildlife such as caribou, mountain goats and grizzly bears. After crossing the Columbia River, we will be on the western slopes of the Rocky Mountains in Yoho National Park with its towering waterfalls, ice-clad peaks and natural bridge that spans the Kicking Horse River. We surmount the Continental Divide and enter Banff National Park where we arrive at our quintessential alpine resort. (FB, D)
Hotel: Banff Park Lodge (FC)

Day 7

Banff sightseeing and at leisure

Immerse yourself in the natural glories of Banff including the classic viewpoint of Surprise Corner, spectacular Bow Falls and the hoodoo rock formations. Then we board the Banff Gondola for a ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain for a bird's-eye view of six mountain ranges. Spend the rest of the day as you like; explore the shops along Banff Avenue, or join one of the many optional activities, including a scenic helicopter flight over Mount Assiniboine, a river float trip down the Bow River or a guided nature walk. (FB)
Hotel: Banff Park Lodge (FC)

Day 8

Banff - Lake Louise - Icefields Parkway - Jasper (2)

We arrive on the shores of lovely Lake Louise where we learn about the history and geology of the area on a short interpretive walk. Then, soak in the stunning scenery with its azure glacial waters surrounded by deep green forests and jagged snow-covered mountains. We head north amidst a landscape of towering peaks, thundering waterfalls and ancient glaciers, keeping an eye out for elk, black bear and mountain goat. Get ready for a unique adventure at the Columbia Icefield when we board an Ice Explorer on the massive Athabasca Glacier. More action is in store if you'd like to take an optional float trip on the Athabasca River on the way to Jasper National Park. We stay in the heart of the park where we learn about the wildlife that call these stunning mountains home at an interactive, after-dinner presentation by a local naturalist. (FB, D)
Hotel: Chateau Jasper (SFC)

Day 9

Jasper National Park sightseeing and at leisure

We can start the day with an optional cruise on Maligne Lake before embarking on an interpretive walk at Maligne Canyon. We learn about the underground river system while following the canyon's trail past beautiful waterfalls and spectacular rock formations. The rest of the day is yours to spend as you like; relish the superb vistas, stroll the quaint streets of Jasper or join an optional guided alpine excursion to Mount Edith Cavell. (FB)
Hotel: Chateau Jasper (SFC)

Day 10

Jasper - Mount Robson - Lac Le Jeune

This morning we head west over Yellowhead Pass and arrive at Mount Robson, the Rockies' tallest peak at 12,989 feet (3959 metres). We follow the Thompson River descending through the Columbia Mountains and arrive at our resort on the shores of Lac Le Jeune. We take a nature walk with a local expert to the beaver dam at the end of the lake. This evening, enjoy a Farewell Dinner with your travelling companions. (FB, FD)
Hotel: Lac Le Jeune Resort (MFC)

Day 11

Lac Le Jeune - Vancouver

Today we travel back to Vancouver for a leisurely two night independent conclusion to our tour, exclusive to Milestones customers. Perhaps take time to ride the gondola to the summit of Grouse Mountain or experience the world's highest suspension bridge, Capilano. Vancouver can cater for every taste and this evening you are free to dine at one of the city's many restaurants. (FB)
Hotel: Marriott Pinnacle Downtown Hotel (SFC)

Day 12

Vancouver at leisure

A further day at leisure to make your own discoveries and enjoy the excellent dining and entertainment on offer in this cosmopolitan city. (FB)

Day 13

Depart Vancouver

There is perhaps time for some last minute shopping before your complimentary transfer to Vancouver International Airport for your return scheduled flight back to the UK. (FB)

Day 14 (Door to Door)

Arrive UK

On arrival at your UK airport, your driver will greet you and escort you to your waiting private car for your door to door transfer to your home.

Dates and prices

Destination Info

Overall customer rating 5 () 7 Reviews

• • Product :
    Brilliant tour guide, right balance of included meals, included visits etc.

  • Service Rating :
    Excellent contact point at Milestones - Maria Hitchins - could not be more helpful.
    

  • Response :
    Thank you for your kind words. Our Personal Travel Consultants really help make the whole experience first class and try their best to give you as much information as you need. I know Maria is also very pleased to hear that you found her both excellent and helpful.
    
    I am very pleased you also enjoyed the tour. Please do look at our new tours for 2012 and call Maria if you have any questions.
    
    Chris Fundell
    Marketing Manager

  • Left 117 days ago

• • Product :
    Very good tour, one or two minor blemishes

  • Service Rating :
    Happy with the service
    

  • Response :
    Thank you for taking the time to write on Feefo.
    
    Please remember as you have travelled with us previously you will now qualify for a 5% discount off any future tour with us.
    
    Kind Regards
    Shasheen Norton-Laver
    Customer Relations

  • Left 127 days ago

• • Product :
    Visited all the most interesting places, good standard of hotels and excellent tour guide.

  • Service Rating :
    Very well organised trip
    

  • Response :
    Milestones offer the very best in award winning itineraries. Worldwide our sister companies combine to create undoubtedly the largest and most comprehensive programme of quality escorted holidays.
    
    Thank you for taking the time to write on Feefo your high scores is positive news and will be shared with the team.
    
    Kind Regards
    Shasheen Norton-Laver
    Customer Relations

  • Left 127 days ago

• • Product :
    The mark for this section is in between good and poor. Mainly the same as above. The passengers were mainly elderly and the stops could have been phased for longer stays in some the towns with daily excusions.

  • Service Rating :
    The tour was overall quite good although there are areas that could be improved such as the Trafalgar team on the bus and their organisation
    

  • Response :
    We are pleased to hear that you thought your tour to Canada was good, so thank you for taking the time to give us your feedback.
    
    Your comments about the Trafalgar team and the organisation will be passed on to the head office, as they are very valuable to us.
    
    This tour to Canada is quite lively and in our new worldwide brochure you will now find a lot more 'At Leisure' touring styles giving you more free time at each location, later morning starts and a minimum of two nights in each location which may be of interest to you.
    
    Thank you for choosng to travel with Milestones.
    
    Kind regards,
    
    Debbie Pullum
    Customer Relations

  • Left 128 days ago

• • Product :
    An excellent tour with a very good standard of hotels a first class coach driver and an excellent tour guide , loved it all

  • Service Rating :
    First time we booked with Milestones and we can not find anything wrong with any of is "First Class "
    

  • Response :
    In all of the markets where we operate our tours, including the UK, we have been the recipients of multiple prestigious awards. At Milestones we take pride in offering a fist class service with first class tours and products.
    
    Thank you for taking the time to write on Feefo and to write such glowing praise, recognition such as yours, ensures that we continue to make every effort to maintain and improve upon our services.
    
    As you have already travelled with us before, please remember that any future bookings that you make, you will receive a 5% discount as a frequent traveller.
    
    Kind Regards
    Shasheen Norton-Laver
    Customer Relations

  • Left 128 days ago

• • Product :
    really good tour with very good tour guide lots of scenic views and places to see

  • Service Rating :
    excellent thoughtful company, whose main concern is the passenger
    

  • Response :
    At Milestones we aim to provide you with the finest and most experienced Tour Directors, the most up-to-date models of coaches and top name hotels in excellent locations. All of these combined will fulfil your travel dreams.
    
    Thank you for taking the time to write on Feefo, your comments are valued and will be passed onto the Milestones Team.
    
    We look forward to welcoming you onto another Milestones holiday soon.
    
    Kind Regards
    Shasheen Norton-Laver
    Customer Relations

  • Left 128 days ago

• • Product

  • Service Rating :
    The service would have been excellent except that the transport to the airport was not ordered correctly as 4 of us were traveling together and only a normal car had been ordered. Fortunately the taxi company phoned me on the evening prior to our departure and rectified the situation. British Airways were not aware that I am diabetic and had not reserved the correct food for me. That may be their fault or Milestones, I do not know.

  • Response :
    Our apologies that you experienced problems with your Private Transfers to the airport, this is most unusual. We organise to take all clients details so that arrangements for transfers can be confirmed prior to departure. This ensures that our first class services runs smoothly on the day.
    
    Your diabetic meal was requested within our system, so our apologies once again that this was not organised for you.
    
    We hope that you enjoyed the rest of your holiday and will be travelling with Milestones in the futre, thank you for taking the time to write your comments on Feefo.
    
    Kind Regards
    Shasheen Norton-Laver
    Customer Relations

  • Left 128 days ago