|
Day 1 Calgary to Banff
(128km) Arrive at Calgary airport and collect your car (not included
see pages 12 – 15) and drive to Banff. We suggest dinner at
the Maple Leaf Grille, featuring fine dining with a distinctly Canadian
flair.
Overnight: (2 nights) Banff Park Lodge.
Day 2 Banff
Enjoy the sights in Banff and Lake Louise surrounding areas. We
suggest a hike or a trip along the Icefield Parkway with a ride
on the Snocoach. Dining options in Lake Louise include sumptous
Chateau Lake Louise and
the Post Hotel offering renowned fine dining and an award winning
wine cellar featuring more than 1500 selections.
Day 3 Banff to Kelowna
(487km) Travel along the TransCanada Highway across the Continental
Divide into Yoho National Park. Stop for lunch at Kicking Horse
Resort's Eagle's Eye Restaurant, offering a 360° view of the
surrounding
mountains. Next stop, Armstrong Cheese Factory to sample their unique
artisan cheeses. The Okanagan Region is the top wine-producing region
of BC, famed for its fruit production. We suggest dinner at Quail's
Gate Winery; enjoy the magnificent view of the vineyards overlooking
Lake Okanagan and the renowned cuisine of chef Judith Knight.
Overnight: (2 nights) Manteo Resort.
Day 4 Kelowna
Enjoy a full-day sightseeing in the Okanagan Valley. Spend the day
visiting wineries or enjoy optional activities including workshops
& seminars (Mission Hill Family Estate), Okanagan Wine Country
Tours, The Okanagan Valley Wine Train or Okanagan Lake Cruise.
Day 5 Kelowna to Victoria
(486km land only) Travel south to Penticton then west via the small
towns of Keremeos and Princeton into Manning Park. En route, visit
McLennan Creek Dairy, producing organic goat cheese and milk. Continue
to the Tsawwassen ferry terminal to board a BC Ferry for the 1.5
hour crossing through the Gulf Islands to Vancouver Island. Upon
arrival in Swartz Bay travel to Victoria. We suggest dinner at The
Aerie Resort (Gourmet Trail participant); located high above the
Malahat Summit
viewpoint, a European interpretation of a Pacific coast theme inspires
the cuisine, served in a series of small dining rooms.
Overnight: (2 nights) Marriott Hotel.
Day 6 Victoria
Full day to explore the city! We suggest optional activities including
a whale watching cruise and Farm Tours & Cooking Classes, just
a short drive outside of the city. Dining options include Empress
Hotel (Gourmet Trail participant); traditional high tea and Sooke
Harbour
House (Gourmet Trail participant); renowned as one of the finest
gourmet experiences on the Island.
|
|
Day 7 Victoria to Tofino
(323km) Today travel north along the Island Highway. We suggest
visits en route to Cherry Points Vineyards Farm Winery, Cobble Hill
and VINOTECA – Vigneti Zanatta Vineyards, Duncan. Continue
to Parksville;
from where you will turn west travel cross island to Tofino. En
route, stop at Cathedral Grove for a walk among the towering Yellow
Cedars. Late afternoon arrive in Tofino, with long rugged beaches
and trails through the surrounding rainforest to secret coves and
beaches. We suggest dinner at Wickaninish Inn (Gourmet Trail participant);
offering a combination
of wilderness beauty and innovative regional coastal cuisine.
Overnight: (2 nights) Tauca Lea Resort (Ucluelet).
Day 8 Tofino
Enjoy a full day in Pacific Rim National Park! We suggest taking
optional excursions including whale and/or bear watching or hot
springs explorer zodiac tours, sea kayaking tours or simply enjoy
a rainforest or beach walk or shopping in one of the many excellent
Native Art shops.
Day 9 Tofino to Vancouver
(222km land only) This morning is at leisure before returning to
Nanaimo to take the BC Ferry back to the mainland. Upon arrival
in Horseshoe Bay, travel via West Vancouver then across the Lions
Gate Bridge to Vancouver. Highlights include the Capilano Suspension
Bridge and Grouse Mountain.
Overnight: (2 nights) Pacific Palisades Hotel.
Day 10 Vancouver
Today enjoy a day at leisure. Visit Vancouver's Chinatown, North
America's second largest or Granville Island Farmer's Market, which
offers an abundance of fresh local produce, restaurants and a beautiful
marina setting. We could suggest taking a cooking classs or enjoy
a special dinner at the Stanley Park Pavilion, part of Dubrulle
International Culinary & Hotel Institute of Canada. The city
offers excellent first class dining with several restaurants to
suit your taste for the evening it being Contemporary Regional,
French, Italian or Seafood cuisine!
Day 11 Tour Ends
Return your car to Vancouver International Airport and check in
for your return flight home.
|
