Alberta/British Columbia
Western Canada by Train & Ferry: Grizzlies, Orcas & Totems
Program No. 21439RJ
Breathtaking vistas, unique wildlife, ancient cultures and traditional ways of life — discover this and more as you explore Western Canada from Alberta to the Inside Passage.
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Itinerary
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date.
Read More.
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
13 days
12 nights
What's Included
28 meals (
11B, 9L, 8D
)
5 expert-led lectures
14 expert-led field trips
An experienced Group Leader
12 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
Check-in, Registration, Welcome Dinner, Orientation
Location:
Calgary, Alberta
Meals:
D
Stay:
Best Western Plus Port O'Call Calgary Airport Hotel
Activity Note
Hotel check-in available from 3:00 p.m. Remember to bring your nametag (sent previously).
Afternoon:
Program Registration: 4:00 p.m. After you check in and have your room assignment, join us at the Road Scholar table in the lobby to register with the program staff, get any updated information, and confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please locate your Group Leader and let them know you have arrived.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
Orientation: 7:30 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Our knowledgeable Group Leader will provide expert commentary on certain field trips, and a series of local experts will conduct field trips. Program-related travel and transfers will be via private motorcoach unless noted otherwise. Meals will feature local cuisine in a variety of settings. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Day
2
Yoho National Park, Great Divide, Cave & Basin
Location:
Banff, Alberta
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
The Rundlestone Lodge
Activity Note
Walking up to 2 miles on pavement and well-maintained trails. Some stairs and uneven terrain at the historic site. Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 140 miles, approximately 3 hours riding time.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will travel to explore Yoho National Park, including Emerald Lake. We’ll learn about the interesting local plant species at the Burgess Shale quarries along Fossil Ridge with a local expert. We’ll then visit the Burgess Shale itself; rich in fossils, it has preserved marine ecosystems dating back 500 million years. We’ll also observe the diverse landscape at the Great Divide in Yoho National Park, offering a view of huge avalanche paths, the interior rainforest, and lakeside riparian zones.
Lunch:
We’ll enjoy a boxed lunch in a scenic area.
Afternoon:
Next, we will travel to the Cave & Basin by motorcoach, with a geologist providing us with an overview of the area's history and geology of the Canadian Rockies along the way. We’ll then explore the Cave and Basin with an expert, gaining insight into the origin and development of Canada’s national parks and historic sites during a visit to the hot spring, which became the centerpiece of Canada’s first (and the world’s third) national park.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
3
Sharing Land with the Grizzlies, Lake Louise, High Tea
Location:
Banff, Alberta
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
The Rundlestone Lodge
Activity Note
Walking up to 1.5 miles for approximately 2 hours on well-maintained trails. Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving 80 miles, approximately 1.5 hours riding time. Getting on/off a gondola; top elevation 8650 ft.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We’ll take the motorcoach to Lake Louise, where a wildlife expert and conservationist will explain how to share the land with grizzly bears and how Parks Canada is conducting land use and management for conservation areas. We’ll then board the Lake Louise Gondola and enjoy views of Lake Louise and Moraine Lake within the Valley of the Ten Peaks.
Lunch:
Enjoy afternoon tea at the Fairmont Château Lake Louise.
Afternoon:
We’ll stop for a visit to Moraine Lake while returning to Banff. Moraine Lake’s turquoise waters increase in intensity during the summer while the glaciers melt. Nestled in the Valley of the Ten Peaks, the lake is surrounded by waterfalls, mountains, and rock piles.
Dinner:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Day
4
Icefields Parkway
Location:
Jasper, Alberta
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Tonquin Inn
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 160 miles, approximately 5 hours riding time with stops along the way.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We’ll check out of the hotel and board the motorcoach to travel along the famed scenic Icefields Parkway, one of the most impressive stretches of scenic driving in Canada. The highway follows a lake-lined valley between the Eastern Main Ranges which make up the Continental Divide. The Group Leader will divulge interesting facts about the geological history and glaciology of the Athabasca Glacier as we move along.
Lunch:
A boxed lunch will be enjoyed at a scenic spot along the parkway.
Afternoon:
Continuing our motorcoarch exploration of the Icefields Parkway, we’ll make our way to Jasper National Park traveling past beautiful mountain lakes and more than 100 glaciers. En route we will stop at scenic overlooks to enjoy the turquoise lakes, mountain-framed valleys and raging waterfalls.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
5
Maligne Canyon, Pyramid Lake, Jasper National Park
Location:
Jasper, Alberta
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Tonquin Inn
Activity Note
Walking up to 2 miles throughout the day on paved or maintained trails. Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving for about 60 miles, approximately 2.5 hours total riding time with stops along the way.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
This morning our local expert will examine Jasper from a historical perspective giving us the opportunity to learn about the early settlers and the First Nations people. Afterwards, we will board our motorcoach with our expert naturalist and explore Jasper National Park, Maligne Canyon and Pyramid Lake. We’ll make a stop for a walk along the Maligne Canyon Trail, which is rich in natural history, impressive geologic features and wildlife. On our walk, we’ll search for fossils and find out how this deep canyon formed during glacial ages. The forests of these wilderness areas are home to mountain goats, elk, moose, and bears as well as a variety of birds, including bald eagles. These scenic trails will allow us to explore the spectacular vantage points, flower meadows, and sapphire blue mountain lakes.
Lunch:
We’ll enjoy a boxed lunch at a scenic spot along our journey.
Afternoon:
We’ll continue our expert-led exploration in Jasper National Park by motorcoach, making some stops for expert interpretation. Canada's largest and most northerly Rocky Mountain park, Jasper encompasses over 4,200 square miles and boasts healthy wildlife populations, including grizzly bears and wolves, which live among its grand peaks and emerald-green lakes. The combination of these startling blue-green mountain lakes, soaring peaks and broad, forested valleys makes this one of the world's premiere national parks.
Dinner:
On your own to enjoy local fare.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer to Prince George tomorrow.
Day
6
Skeena Train: Jasper to Prince George
Location:
Prince George, British Columbia
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Ramada Prince George
Activity Note
Getting on/off a train; riding 235 miles, approximately 6.5 hours or more today, depending on rail conditions. Train schedules are subject to change and delays are possible due to rail traffic or other conditions. Bring only a carry-on bag, larger luggage will be delivered to the hotel in Prince Rupert. Walking up to 1 mile, approximately 30 minutes.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We’ll board the motorcoach and transfer to the Jasper Train Station before embarking on a two-day train journey aboard Via Rail’s Skeena Train from Jasper, A.B. to Prince Rupert, B.C., with an overnight stop in Prince George, B.C. We’ll enjoy the haunting splendor and the rugged beauty of the Canadian wilderness from the comfort of the train. We will travel past Jasper National Park, the Canadian Rockies, northern rural communities, and the gorgeous Pacific Coast.
Lunch:
Served aboard the train.
Afternoon:
We’ll continue our journey through the Canadian Rocky Mountains towards Prince George, B.C. Prince George is situated at the confluence of the Fraser and Nechako Rivers. The origin of Prince George can be traced to the fur trading post of Fort George, established in 1807 by Simon Fraser.
Dinner:
At the hotel in Prince George.
Evening:
Arrival in Prince George will occur around 5:00 p.m. local time. Train schedules are subject to change and delays are possible due to rail traffic or other conditions. Your patience is appreciated. The hotel is a short distance from the train station. Prepare for check-out and continued transfer in the morning.
Day
7
Skeena Train: Prince George to Prince Rupert
Location:
Prince Rupert, British Columbia
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
The Crest Hotel
Activity Note
Getting on/off a train; riding 450 miles for approximately 13.5 hours or more. Train schedules are subject to change and delays are possible due to rail traffic or other conditions. Your patience is appreciated.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Back on the train, we’ll experience the magnificent scenery as we journey from Prince George to Prince Rupert along the Yellowhead Pass, and across British Columbia’s interior plateau astride the Skeena River. Glimpse northern rural communities where industries such as forestry, agriculture, mining, fishing, and travel are essential.
Lunch:
Aboard the train.
Afternoon:
The train ride continues as we pass the coastal mountains of northwestern B.C., at the edge of the Spacsizi Plateau, where the Skeena River begins its 354-mile trek to the Pacific Ocean. The Skeena is the second largest river in the province, and one of the longest undammed rivers in the world.
Dinner:
Aboard the train.
Evening:
We’ll arrive in Prince Rupert at approximately 8:25 p.m. local time (depending on rail conditions), and we’ll transfer to the hotel. The remainder of the evening may be enjoyed at leisure.
Day
8
Museum of Northern B.C., Pacific Northwest Cannery
Location:
Prince Rupert, British Columbia
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
The Crest Hotel
Activity Note
Walking up to 2 miles during field trips throughout the day. Getting on/off a motorcoach.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Arriving by motorcoach, we’ll ruminate over the splendor of the Museum of Northern British Columbia, housed in a magnificent Northwest Coast longhouse overlooking Prince Rupert Harbour. Here, we’ll discover the natural and cultural heritage of the Northwest Coast through exhibitions and interpretation, and learn a local expert about the history of the Tsimshian, Haida, Tlingit, and Kwakwakawakw peoples. Observe the beauty of this region, with its fjords, inlets, rainforests, lagoons, sandy beaches, and haunting abandoned villages.
Lunch:
At the North Pacific Cannery Historic Site.
Afternoon:
The Pacific Northwest Cannery Historic Site offers insight into life at remote salmon canneries and elucidates on how the industry shaped the economy and culture of the province. This field trip includes walking along historic boardwalks, and exploring the industrial buildings, residences, and wilderness surroundings of the salmon canning industry. We will hear about the people, living conditions, workspaces, and the functions of a remote cannery. We’ll witness live demonstrations of cannery machinery and meditate on what it must have been like for workers. This visit will explore canning practices from its earliest days to modern methods.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
9
Khutzeymateen Grizzly Bear Sanctuary Full-Day Field Trip
Location:
Prince Rupert, British Columbia
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
The Crest Hotel
Activity Note
Walking about 1 mile throughout the day on paved streets. Getting on/off a 60- to 72-foot all-weather vessel with a maximum capacity of 100 passengers; approximately 6 hours riding time. Vessels are equipped with onboard washrooms, comfortable seating, viewing from the cabin and outside deck.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Take this opportunity to explore Prince Rupert at your own pace and pursue what interests you most. Feel free to ask the Group Leader for recommendations.
Lunch:
Aboard the vessel.
Afternoon:
This afternoon's field trip takes place aboard the Prince Rupert Adventure Tours boats. Once aboard experts will discuss the diverse marine life within the Khutzeymateen Inlet. Keep an eye out for porpoises, seals, sea lions, bald eagles, and blue herons while basking in the inlet peaks, which are over 6,500 feet high. Within the Khutzeymateen Valley lies an ancient spruce forest and the Grizzly Bear Sanctuary. Khutzeymateen Valley is home to one of the highest concentrations of grizzly bears in North America. We’ll wander the Khutzeymateen (K’tsim-a-deen) Grizzly Bear Sanctuary and glimpse at these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. We’ll continue to enjoy the Khutzeymateen Provincial Park, the first area in Canada to be protected specifically for grizzly bears. This is the first undisturbed estuary of its size to be protected along the northern coast of B.C. An abundance of wildlife shares this area of rugged peaks towering up to 19,685 feet above a valley of wetlands, and old growth temperate rainforests.
Dinner:
On your own to enjoy local fare in Prince Rupert.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for early check-out and transfer to the ferry in the morning.
Day
10
B.C. Ferry to Port Hardy, Canada’s Inside Passage
Location:
Port Hardy, British Columbia
Stay:
Kwa’lilas Hotel
Activity Note
Early hotel check-out at 5:45 a.m. for transfer to the ferry dock. Getting on/off a motorcoach. Getting on/off a ferry; riding about 274 nautical miles, approximately 16 hours riding time. Participants will have onboard cabins.
Breakfast:
On your own to enjoy on the ferry.
Morning:
The ferry ride will take us along the awe-inspiring Inside Passage route. This 16-hour journey will take us past spectacular coastal rainforests and majestic coastal mountains. We’ll learn about the ecological issues of this area while passing noted villages, first-contact sites, and possibly some friendly sea mammals.
Lunch:
On your own to enjoy aboard the ferry.
Afternoon:
We’ll continue cruising through Canada’s Inside Passage, forged by glaciers millions of years ago, the fjords of the Inside Passage provide vistas of spectacular coastal rainforests, beaches, waterfalls, and mountains.
Dinner:
Enjoy dinner on your own while aboard the ferry.
Evening:
We’ll arrive in Port Hardy on Vancouver Island around 11:30 p.m. Port Hardy is the terminus for the Inside Passage Ferry and nestled on the edge of the Queen Charlotte Strait in Hardy Bay. Prepare for check-out and transfer tomorrow.
Day
11
Telegraph Cove, Orca Whale Watching
Location:
Port Hardy, British Columbia
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Kwa’lilas Hotel
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 70 miles, round trip approximately 1 hour each way. Walking and standing at museum for approximately 1 hour. Getting on/off a whale watching boat; cruising for approximately 3 hours Vessels carry up to 74 passengers and include a heated indoor cabin, two open air decks, onboard washrooms, and a snack bar (available at participants’ expense). Jackets and rain gear are recommended. Hats, gloves, and jackets are available for passengers upon request.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We’ll depart from the hotel by motorcoach to Telegraph Cove to ruminate at the Whale Interpretive Centre with a docent from the museum.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
After lunch we will walk to the dock to embark on the whale watching vessel. We will discover one of the best locations to observe orca (killer) whales while whale watching. Hopefully, we’ll see orcas, humpback whales, Dall’s porpoises, Pacific white-sided dolphins, harbor seals, and Stellar sea lions. Vessels are equipped with underwater microphones (hydrophones) enabling us to listen to the squeaks and whistles characteristic of echolocation used by orcas and dolphins to locate food.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
We’ll board the motorcoach to head back to Port Hardy.
Day
12
Motorcoach Exploration, Ferry to Vancouver
Location:
Vancouver, British Columbia
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
Sylvia Hotel
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 260 miles, approximately 5 hours total riding time. Getting on/off a ferry from Nanaimo to Vancouver; riding about 30 nautical miles, approximately 1.5 hours. There will be minimal walking.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
After check-out, we’ll travel to the ferry terminal in Nanaimo for the journey to Vancouver. With stops along the way.
Lunch:
On your own. Lunch may be purchased aboard the ferry.
Afternoon:
We continue our travels on the ferry.
Dinner:
At the hotel. Share favorite experiences and enjoy camaraderie with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.
Evening:
At your leisure. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.
Day
13
Program Concludes
Location:
Vancouver, British Columbia
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Hotel check-out by 12:00 Noon.
Breakfast:
At the hotel. This concludes our program.
Morning:
If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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Please Note:
This program has itinerary variations on certain dates.
Jun 13, 2025 - Jun 25, 2025 (Calgary, Alberta to Vancouver, British Columbia)
Jun 13, 2025 - Jun 25, 2025 (Calgary, Alberta to Vancouver, British Columbia)
Jun 15, 2025 - Jun 27, 2025 (Calgary, Alberta to Vancouver, British Columbia)
Jun 27, 2025 - Jul 09, 2025 (Calgary, Alberta to Vancouver, British Columbia)
Aug 14, 2025 - Aug 26, 2025 (Vancouver, British Columbia to Banff, Alberta)
Jun 13 - Jun 25, 2025 Itinerary Differences:
This departure travels Westbound, starting in Calgary, Alberta and ending in Vancouver, B.C.
