5-Day Summer Tour of the Rocky Mountains: Seattle, Vancouver, Banff National Park & Columbia Icefield

Day 1: Seattle → Vancouver

Stanley Park

Vancouver Chinatown

Steam Clock

FlyOver Canada

Canada Place

Granville Island

Today we will depart from Seattle and head to Vancouver, the major political, economic, cultural, tourist and transportation center in western Canada. Vancouver has a pleasant climate, diverse culture and high standard of living, and has been rated as one of the most livable cities in the world by the United Nations Human Settlements Program for many years.

Itinerary:

Seattle → Vancouver → Stanley Park (60 mins) → Chinatown (pass by) → Canada Place (60 mins, you can participate in the FlyOver Canada 4D experience for 30 minutes at your own expense) → Gastown Steam Clock (20 mins) → Granville Island (60 mins)

Stanley park

Stanley Park is rated as one of the best city parks in the world because of its perfect fusion of city and nature. It is the largest city park in North America and one of the most famous parks in the world. The park consists of three large beaches, a zoo, an aquarium, a small golf course, a rose garden, a small train and countless giant round totem poles. Walking into the park is like walking into a natural oxygen bar. There are dense forests that cover the sky and the sun, and a wide and calm lake in the park. The Lions Gate Bridge and Five Sails Square can be seen on the river bank. On the other side is North Vancouver, where you can have a panoramic view of the Vancouver skyline.

Vancouver Chinatown

Vancouver Chinatown consists of several streets and alleys. In terms of area, it is the second largest Chinatown in North America, second only to San Francisco Chinatown in the United States. Walking into here, various Chinese elements give people the illusion of being in China. At the entrance, there is also a landmark building of Vancouver Chinatown - a Millennium Gate built for the arrival of the millennium. The archway, glazed tiles and stone lions combine ancient and modern Chinese architectural elements. The four characters "Carry on the past and open up the future" on the back of the archway express the deep expectation of local Chinese to build the Millennium Gate.

Gastown Steam Clock

Gastown is located in Vancouver, Canada. Among the many attractions in downtown Vancouver, Gastown is a must-see for tourists. The 2-ton steam clock is the iconic landscape of Gastown and has stood here since 1977. As the world's first steam-driven clock, the tradition of sounding the whistle every 15 minutes has lasted for hundreds of years. Standing next to the steam clock, watching the white steam whistling out, accompanied by the sound of the whistle, it seems as if you have returned to the ancient steam era.

Canada Place

Canada Place is a beautiful spot to walk around, sightsee and take amazing photos! It is a building located on the Burrard Inlet waterfront of Vancouver. It is the home of the Vancouver Convention Centre, the Pan Pacific Vancouver Hotel, Vancouver's World Trade Centre, and the virtual flight ride FlyOver Canada.

FlyOver Canada

This simulated flight entertainment project took a total of 2.5 years and $16 million. You will see attractions such as Newfoundland's icebergs and Niagara Falls. The theater uses a 20-meter-high hemispherical screen to play ultra-high-definition clips made with new electronic technology, and the effect is breathtaking. In addition to the shocking audio and video, the project also has moving seats that move with the flight of the aircraft, allowing you to experience the thrill of flying across Canada in a helicopter and feel the magnificence of this country. In addition, Flying Over Canada also uses water mist, wind and fragrance to make the audience more involved in this flight experience. The whole journey takes everyone from the east coast of Canada to the west coast, and enjoys the beautiful natural landscape and cities that make people intoxicated.

Granville Island

Granville Island was formerly an industrial peninsula, with abandoned railway factories scattered throughout the streets and alleys. After renovation, it has a brand new look and is full of modern art. There is also a traditional farmer'smarket outdoors in summer. The leisurely atmosphere here allows you to experience the casual lifestyle of Vancouver locals.

• Accent Inns Vancouver Airport / Hampton Inn by Hilton Vancouver-Airport / similar

Day 2: Vancouver → Kelowna → Revelstoke / Salmon Arm

Grizzli Winery

Kalamalka Lake

Depart from Vancouver in the morning, passing through the scenic Fraser Valley and Merritt, which is the filming location of the movie Jurassic. After lunch, go to Kelowna, the fruit town of BC, to visit the famous "VQA" precious winery, taste red and white wines and buy world-famous Canadian ice wine. Next, we will visit the Changing Color Lake, where the lake surface changes color with the seasons. Overnight in Salmon Bay/Grizzly Town.

Itinerary:

Vancouver → Merritt (Pass by) → Kelowna → Winery (45 mins) → Kalamalka Lake (15 mins) → Revelstoke / Salmon Arm

Grizzli Winery/Summer Hill Winery

The winery is rooted in the heart of Canada's Okanagan region. Surrounded by mountains and lakes, with long sunshine and large temperature differences between day and night, unique wines are created here. Here, you can taste red and white wines and buy world-famous Canadian ice wine.

Kalamalka Lake

Kalamalka Lake, also known as "Color Changing Lake", is a large lake in the interior plateau of south-central British Columbia, Canada, east of Lake Okanagan. At different times of the year, the color of the lake water changes from cyan to indigo, and it appears simultaneously in different areas, so it is called "Lake of a Thousand Colors". During the period of warm weather and enhanced photosynthesis of phytoplankton, calcium, carbonate ions and phosphorus in the water will precipitate, changing the color of the water and increasing turbidity.

• Hilltop Inn Salmon Arm / Comfort Inn & Suites Salmon Arm / Sandman Hotel Revelstoke / similar

Day 3: Revelstoke/Salmon Arm → Columbia Icefield → Banff

Glacier National Park

Yoho National Park

Banff National Park

Columbia Icefield

Bow Lake

Banff Town Area

In the morning, we headed to the Rocky Mountains along Highway 1, passing through the famous Rogers Canyon Passage in Glacier National Park. Then enter Banff National Park via Yoho National Park.Then arrive at Columbia Glacier. You can take an icefield snowmobile to feel the temperature of the ice and snow of Athabasca Glacier and touch it for thousands of years. Glaciers leave beautiful memories of your travels. Finally arrive in Banff city. Guests can go to the gift shop and taste a variety of different delicacies on their own.

Itinerary：

Revelstoke/Salmon Arm → Glacier National Park (Pass by) → Yoho National Park (Pass by) → Banff National Park → Crowfoot Glacier (Pass by) → Columbia lcefield (2.5 hours, Ice Explorer and Icefield Skywalk) → Bow Lake (Pass by) → Banff Town (60 mins)

On the day of the tour, you may add the Banff Night Tour (Price: USD$70.00 / CAD$85.00 per person). Catch the iconic “Golden Mountain” glow and picture-perfect lake reflections at sunset with gorgeous layered light and shadow, and keep an eye out for wild elk, bighorn sheep and even bears along the way for unforgettable natural surprises.

Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is located in the Rocky Mountains of British Columbia, Canada. The park is famous for its glaciers and railway museums. It was established in 1886 and covers an area of about 1,394 square kilometers. After the glaciers retreated, they left behind many beautiful mountains, lakes, and waterfalls. The scenery is ever-changing from large to small and very beautiful.

Yoho National Park

Yoho National Park lies on the western slopes of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Vertical rock walls, waterfalls and high peaks draw visitors from all around the world to this unique national park! Yoho offers exceptional hiking and sightseeing for everyone to enjoy! The park even offers a unique glimpse of Canada’s natural wonders and an insight of this alpine majesty!

Banff National Park

Banff National Park is famously known for its colored lakes, majestic mountains, and endless outdoor adventures that it has to offer! It is also Canada’s very first national park and the world’s third! It has a rich heritage and is one of the world’s most awe-inspiring mountain destinations to discover! Make sure to even take a special look at its easy access and close proximity that it has to the vast unspoiled wilderness of the Canadian Rockies. The park itself spans 6,641 square kilometers (2,564 square miles) of pure mountainous terrain. It is greatly packed with spectacular scenic valleys, peaks, glaciers, forests, meadows, and rivers. Take a look at what makes Banff National Park so unique!

Columbia Icefield

The Columbia Glacier was formed in ancient times. It is located on the plateau and close to the North Pole. It is one of the 17 glaciers in the Rocky Mountains. It is a famous ancient ice sheet relic in the world and a great watershed between the Pacific Ocean, the Atlantic Ocean and the Arctic Ocean. The Columbia Glacier provides clean water and fresh air for the entire North America, and affects the ecological environment of animals and plants.

Bow Lake

Bow Lake is located approximately 30 minutes north of Lake Louise and off the Icefields Parkway (Hwy 93) in the Canadian Rockies. It is half a mile north of the Crowfoot Glacier. It sits at an elevation of 1,920 m (6,300 ft) and is one of the largest lakes at the Banff National Park. It is fed by the meltwater from the Bow Glacier in the Wapta Icefield. Bow Lake is a wonderful place for a picnic and to enjoy scenic breathtaking views.

Town of Banff

Banff is a small town within Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada. It is one of Canada's most popular tourist destinations. It is known for its mountainous environment and hot springs, and is a popular destination for outdoor activities and hiking, biking, climbing, and skiing.

Due to limited hotel availability in the Banff area, specific room types cannot be guaranteed. The hotel will assign either a king-bed room or twin-bed room based on availability upon check-in. Thank you for your understanding!

• Elk + Avenue Hotel / Irwin's Mountain Inn / Red Carpet Inn / The Rundlestone Lodge / Banff Caribou Lodge / similar

Day 4: Banff → Lake Louise → Revelstoke/Salmon Arm

Banff Gondola

Bow Falls

Lake Louise

Moraine Lake

The Last Spike

Bidding farewell to the beautiful Banff morning light, we'll first ride the Banff Sulphur Mountain Gondola, gazing out at the majestic Chateau Spa Hotel and breathtaking views of Banff and the Rocky Mountains. We'll then journey to Lake Louise Village, surrounded by towering snow-capped mountains and tranquil forests, offering an ideal spot for relaxation and dining. Lunch can be arranged flexibly to suit your preferences. We'll then journey to Lake Louise, known as the "Sapphire of the Rockies," to experience its tranquility and beauty. We'll then visit Moraine Lake, another glacial lake in Banff, with its tranquil, shimmering waters. Finally, we visited the Last Nail Monument, erected to commemorate the completion of the transcontinental railway here 100 years ago.We'll conclude our tour by passing through Glacier National Park, enjoying stunning views of the glacial valley. We'll spend the night in Grizzliestown/Salmon Arm.

Itinerary:

Banff → Banff Gondola (60 mins) → Bow Falls (10 mins) → Lake Louise Village (optional lunch) → Lake Louise (90mins) → Moraine Lake (30 mins) → The Last Spike (20mins)→ Glacier National Park (Pass by) → Revelstoke/Salmon Arm

Tips：

Moraine Lake is open from June to mid-October; if the attraction is not open by then, the attraction will be canceled and the tour time of Lake Louise will be increased accordingly.

Banff Gondola

It only takes 8 minutes to reach the top of Sulphur Mountain, 2,281 meters high, by taking the Banff Gondola. At the top, you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of Banff National Park, Banff Town and the Bow River Valley, and take in the unparalleled beauty of the Rocky Mountains. There is a restaurant and interactive experience hall on the top of the mountain. From new restaurants and interactive exhibits to multi-sensory theaters and amazing 360-degree observation decks, the new Banff Gondola experience allows you to gain a richer sensory experience.

Bow Falls

The movie "River of No Return" starring Marilyn Monroe in the 1950s was filmed here. In the movie, the sexy goddess Marilyn Monroe hung clothes by the river. Since then, Bow Falls has attracted a large number of backpackers to come and watch every year.

Lake Louise

Lake Louise, located on the south side of Highway 1, is a famous attraction in Banff National Park. With Mount Victoria as its barrier and surrounded by dense forests, the mountains and waters are interdependent, forming a perfect landscape photo. Lake Louise is like a pearl, otherworldly and otherworldly, so it is known as the "Sapphire in the Rocky Mountains" and has become a lake favored by photographers.

Moraine Lake

Moraine Lake is a glacial lake in Banff National Park in Canada. It is located in the famous Valley of the Ten Peaks. The bottom of the lake is filled with mineral-rich gravel. Over the years, the sedimentation has formed ever-changing blue water. It is recognized as the most photographed lake in the world. The lake surface is sapphire blue and crystal clear, like a shining pearl.

The Last Spike

The "Last Nail" monument was built in 1985 to commemorate the completion of the cross-Canada railway 100 years ago. At that time, Donald, chairman of the Pacific Railway Company, nailed the last gold nail of historical significance here, which was called the "Last Nail", marking the successful completion of this railway artery. The monument is not large, and the base is inlaid with 13 pieces of jade and granite of various colors donated by 13 different provinces in Canada. They symbolize the opening of this railway, like a bond, closely connecting the provinces across Canada.

• Comfort Inn & Suites Salmon Arm / Sandman Hotel Revelstoke / Hilltop Inn Salmon Arm / similar

Day 5: Revelstoke / Salmon Arm → Kamloops → Vancouver → Seattle

Kamloops Ginseng Factory

Hope

Today, we will proceed to the famous "Last Spike" in the Pacific Railroad Memorial Park. Then, we will head to visit Kamloops, which is the hometown of Ginseng. Then go to the gold rush town—Hope Town. Finally, we will drive back to Seattle.

Itinerary:

Revelstoke → Kamloops Sunmore Ginseng Factory (45 mins) → Hope (30 mins) → Fraser Valley (Pass-by) → Vancouver → Seattle

Kamloops Ginseng Factory

The largest producer of American ginseng in North America was originally in the United States, and Kamloops later began to grow American ginseng. Because Kamloops has unpolluted fertile soil and a semi-desert dry climate, it has become the largest producer of American ginseng in North America and is known as the "Ginseng Capital". It has a long history and culture of Aboriginal people, with a total of 17 Aboriginal tribal communities, making it the most important Aboriginal community in the interior of British Columbia.

Hope

Hope town is the perfect place to walk around and explore. It is filled with beautiful nature views and have an experience of instant relaxation. Take a look at all that this town has to offer.