Canada

12-day Canadian Rockies & Vancouver Island Wildlife & Scenic Wonders

Wildlife Expectations: We have designed this itinerary with an equal and complimentary emphasis on both wildlife and natural wonders. As with any Wild Planet adventure, our itinerary is specially designed by wildlife experts to maximize wildlife sightings – including extremely unique opportunities that we hope will increase the chance of seeing animals that are otherwise not often seen. But the unsurpassed beauty of the region and the wildlife diversity is different than a trip to Africa or the rainforest, so we’ve adjusted our emphasis accordingly. The must-see natural wonders of the region – the magnificent Rocky mountain peaks of Banff and Jasper, the cobalt-blue Lake Louise & Moraine, the pristine wild rivers and wetlands, and Vancouver Island’s breathtaking beauty, all demand an equal amount of our attention, while also being prime habitat for the wildlife we seek.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Banff National Park
Upon your arrival to the Calgary airport transfer to Banff mid-afternoon. This evening we’ll enjoy an easy walk along the Bow River to introduce you to the Canadian Rockies and get to know your guide and fellow travelers. The Bow River Valley is home to many river birds and small mammals, and it is not uncommon for elk to walk right through town. A 1.4km trail from town leads to Surprise Corner Viewpoint, aptly named for the spectacular and surprising views overlooking the Bow River.

Day 2: Banff National Park - Kananaskis
Today we will enjoy a wildlife spotting excursion into the Kananaskis Country on a mix of well-maintained gravel road and pavement. A 200km (3.5hrs if we just drove non-stop) driving loop with plenty of stops for photos, wildlife, and short hikes makes this a full day in Kananaskis. The jagged peaks and dramatic valleys of Kananaskis Country are 12,000-year-old reminders of the last ice age. They were carved as kilometer-thick, million-year-old glaciers melted to mere remnants. The name comes from the Cree "Kin-e-a-kis" - the name of a warrior who survived an axe blow to the head!

Many small and large carnivores live in the Kananaskis country, such as the pine marten, three species of weasel, lynx, cougar, bobcat, wolf, coyote, grizzly bear, black bear, and wolverine. However, carnivores can be elusive so some of these sightings can be rare, although others like bears, pine martins, weasels and many other mammals are regularly seen. Coyotes, in particular are quite common and sometimes seen travelling along the road.

The road winds through the mountains and foothills where we’ll have a great chance to see bears, elk, moose and coyote, as well as bighorn sheep which can often be seen licking salt alongside the highway. Mountain goats, who are more wary, can be seen high on the mountain slopes with the help of binoculars. The spectacular views and photo stops along our route way showcase the vast expance of this mostly roadless and wild area, formerly a part of Banff National Park itself. About 130 species of birds also nest in Kananaskis Country, with highlights being the ruby-crowned kinglet singing from the treetops and the unique spiraling song of the Swainson’s thrush in the early evening hours. Many birds of prey include goshawk, red-tailed hawk, osprey, and spectacular golden eagle.

Day 3: Banff National Park, Lake Louise, & Lake Moraine, Gondola Ride, Tunnel Mountain Hike
A visit to the Canadian Rockies would not be complete without seeing the iconic cobalt blue waters of Lake Louise and Lake Moraine Lake. Enjoy the view from the shore and then join our guide for a short hike on a lesser-known trail for different perspective than most travelers get to see. An option to savor the view over tea in the Chateau is available if you prefer not to hike. Lake Louise and Moraine Lake are iconic, must-see destinations and can be crowded, but we will have enough time here to savor the rich blue of the water, green trees, granite mountains and crystal-clear skies which offer an unforgettable palate of color for the photographer in you.

Then we’ll enjoy an exciting ride on the Lake Louise gondola over the ski resort, which, during summer, offers a bird’s eye view of a favorite grizzly bear hang out. In addition to the impressive vistas from the gondola, the clear alpine tracks make perfect grizzly bear habitat. At the top, our guide will lead a short hike for further exploration. This evening our guide will lead an interpretive walk at Tunnel Mountain with views of the Bow Valley and another opportunity to spot wildlife.

Day 4: Jasper National Park, Icefield Parkway
Rated as one of the top drives in the world by Condé Nast Traveler, the Icefield Parkway winds along the Continental Divide through soaring snow-capped rocky mountain peaks, magical icefields, cascading waterfalls, clear emerald lakes, dramatic rock spires and vast sweeping valleys. The Icefield Parkway was so named because its dotted with more than 100 ancient glaciers!

The abundance of wildlife in Jasper National Park and along the Icefield Parkway is legendary and includes woodland caribou, bears, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, marmots, pika and the carnivores that hunt them. In order to take advantage of the best opportunities for viewing wildlife we will start early and arrive in Jasper close to dusk, with the particular intention to be on the road at dawn and dusk, which are the best times for wildlife viewing. This timeline also allows for plenty of stops for views, short hikes, photos and wildlife encounters.

Day 5: Jasper National Park - Maligne Lake Road, Cottonwood Slough
This morning we’ll start with an early morning drive on Maligne Lake Road which offers excellent wildlife viewing and leads us to Maligne lake where woodland caribou and moose are known to call home. It is 50km from Jasper to Maligne Lake, and the road up to the lake can be great for wildlife spotting. Once at the lake there are an assortment of trails, from short walks to 16km round trips that we will choose from based on our group’s desires and makeup. This will take somewhere in the neighborhood of 4-5 hours including drive time, hiking and time spent with wildlife.

The Cottonwood Slough is a wetland area on the Pyramid Bench in aspen and fir forest. Great habitat for elk, moose and more, having time in the forest near dusk is perfect for animal viewing. The guide will enhance this experience with facts and interpretation. Allow 2-3 hours.

Wild Planet Adventures Exclusive: Nocturnal Wolf-Pack Howl / Dark Night Stargaze

After dinner join our guide for an incredible evening at Cottonwood Slough. Designated a “Dark Sky Reserve” by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA). Canada has established an extensive and even more stringent standard for dark sky preserves, that addresses lighting within the DSP and influences from skyglow from developed areas, based on the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada. We’ll go on a short hike to look for nocturnal wildlife and listen for the howling of a wolf pack that has been seen in this area. While the chances of seeing them may be slim, we’ll certainly give it our best shot and keep our eyes open, however, the howls themselves are a wonder to hear. Here, even if the wildlife alludes us, the stars are noticeably brighter and are awe inspiring on their own. After some stargazing and perhaps a display of meteors, we’ll head back to our lodge for the night.

Day 6: Hinton – Athabasca River Rafting, Switzer Wetlands Wildlife Canoeing, Active Beaver Dam
Today we’ll take to the water to search for wildlife from a different perspective. This morning we’ll raft downriver on the Athabasca River. This gentle stretch of water is the backdrop for spotting deer, elk, eagle, bear and more. We’ll be in comfortable rafts for this easy Class I flat-water float trip with wildlife spotting as our main goal.

Wild Planet Adventures exclusive! William Switzer Wetlands Wildlife Canoe Paddling & Active Beaver Dam

After our morning on the river, we’ll switch to two-person canoes to easily maneuver in the quiet bays and inlets of William Switzer Park. The network of interconnected lakes, creeks and wetlands is rarely visited by people, making it a spectacular opportunity to view wildlife undisturbed, including beaver, moose, eagles, loon and more. We’ll start on a small lake nestled in the foothills and then paddle up a narrow creek through fantastic wetlands habitat for an unparalleled chance to spot birds and with a little luck, a family of beavers hard at work. Our intention is to paddle to an area where beavers have been known to be active, ideally in the process of making or maintaining their dams. If the beavers are present, we’ll spend some time observing them and their activity before continuing to explore what other animals we might find in this rich wetlands habitat. We’ll make the most of this exclusive opportunity with no pressure to end the evening until we’re ready to go. Overnight Hinton.

Day 7: Edmonton - Elk Island National Park
This morning we’ll depart the Rocky Mountains and head east to Edmonton, arriving early afternoon at Elk Island National Park. This small National Park boasts more than forty-two species of mammals including plains and wood bison, elk, moose and more, as well as 250 species of birds plus amphibians, reptiles and fish. Its diverse landscape includes rolling woodlands, meadows dotted with lakes, wetlands and grasslands. We’ll try to visit several of these different wildlife habitats this afternoon. A short lakeshore hike can be good for water birds, beavers and muskrats, and a trail in the woodlands is often excellent to safely spot moose or bison. After our hike we’ll drive another hour to Edmonton for a 7pm check in to the hotel and dinner.

Day 8: Vancouver Island / Campbell River
Morning flight from Edmonton to Courtney/Comox, Vancouver Island, priced separately.

Transfer to the airport for your morning flight from Edmonton, arriving at Comox airport on Vancouver Island and guide briefing at 14:00. Then travel north along Vancouver Island’s coast to the town of Campbell River, a fishermen’s paradise aptly named the Salmon Capital of the World. Your hotel for the next two nights is a legendary lodge and gateway to nature. The lodge overlooks the Discovery Passage, home of bald eagles, whales, dolphins, seals, sea lions and a wide diversity of marine wildlife. Spotting whales, seals and other wildlife right from the town pier is the perfect beginning of our first day on Vancouver Island. Unwind after our day of travel with a short guided hike to Elk Falls in the lush forests just north of town, where a suspension bridge brings us to a waterfall, and we’ll have a chance to see salmon, owls, beavers, bald eagles, and more.

Day 9: Campell River - Private Whales & Wildlife Watching Cruise, River Snorkeling with Salmon
It is tempting to just relax and soak in the scenery at the Lodge, but we have exciting wildlife viewing plans! First, we’ll enjoy a four-hour private (private for groups of 5+) whale and wildlife watching boat cruise on a covered vessel with an onboard naturalist. We’ll explore the narrow passages between the Discovery Islands and into Johnstone Strait, while keeping a lookout for orcas, minke whales, pacific white-sided dolphins, porpoise, sea lions, seals, black bears and plenty of coastal birds. Our crew 'tracks' and predicts the location of the whales and we’ll stop the boat to allow plenty of time for thrilling observation. Our crew are whale experts, and you will thrill to their knowledge and tales of specific resident whales. If the whales are vocalizing, then hydrophones are used so you can listen to the whale song too!

From late July through September our afternoon will include an incredibly unique three-hour trip to snorkel with salmon in the waters of the Campbell River, if conditions allow. Depending on the time of year, five different species of salmon can be in the river! In late July pink salmon, followed by chinook, coho, sockeye through August and into September chum salmon. The lucky may see steelhead salmon. Salmon can usually be seen year-round, however, when they aren’t spawning the number of fish is lower and may not be suitable for snorkeling. If snorkeling is not an option we will attempt to witness them swimming upstream from the shore or an alternative activity. Wetsuits, floatation device, snorkel, masks and fins will be provided for the river snorkeling activity.

Day 10: Tofino, Cathedral Cove, Pacific Rim National Park, Nocturnal Wolf & Wildlife Walk
This morning we’ll drive on the coastal highway and then head west across Vancouver Island with a stop at Cathedral Cove to walk through an 800-year-old ancient Douglas Fir forest. In mid-afternoon arrive at the once sleepy fishing village of Tofino. A walk in picturesque Pacific Rim National Park has a magical quality to it with mysterious trails, boardwalks and stairs in a fairytale forest of ferns, lichens, mosses and thousand-year-old trees.

This evening join our guide for a walk on the beach, a natural corridor for many animals. Though rarely seen, Vancouver Island wolves, a subspecies of the grey wolf, frequents the beach habitat to hunt for food there and use as a travel corridor.

Wild Planet Adventures exclusive! Evening Wolves & Nocturnal Wildlife Walk

When we first arrive on Vancouver Island, our naturalist guide will inquire with our local contacts regarding recent sightings of wolves and other nocturnal wildlife. While coastal wolves are rarely seen, the beach is a natural corridor for many animals, and it is ideal habitat for wolves. We’ll give it our best Wild Planet effort --which is a strong intention because of our wildlife focus, not just a cursory “check”. Even if we don’t spot wolves, we are likely to see other wildlife such as seals, eagles and even bears, for whom the coastline is also an excellent source of food.

Day 11: Tofino - Whales & Wildlife Sea-kayaking, Bear viewing by Zodiac, Tide Pools
Today we’ll sea-kayak for about 2.5-hours through the calm, pristine waters of Clayoquot Sound (suitable for all abilities, no experience necessary.) This may be at sunrise or sunset, scheduled according to tides, and the wildlife sightings are usually the highlight of this trip. The scenery is sensational, and wildlife like Gray Whales, sea lions, seals, porpoise, orca, sea birds; tufted puffins and resident bald eagles can all be spotted, sometimes even coming close to our kayaks!

For the second part of the day we’ll board a zodiac vessel and head out for a quiet-water excursion along gorgeous fjord inlets and sheltered bays on the lookout for black (grizzly) bears who come out of the rainforest to feed on crab, clams and barnacles. Our knowledgeable guide will share information about black bears and other wildlife we’re likely to see.

Back on land join our guide for tide pool exploration on the beach. The tide pools are full of unique creatures that are food for larger animals, and there will be plenty of birds busy eating including eagles. When the tide is low it's also prime time for other animals such as bears, to come to the shore to find food.

Day 12: Torfino / Vancouver (Optional Scenic Float Plane Return)
For a farewell to the island’s west coast join the guide this early morning for an opportunity to see some of the more than three hundred species of birds known in the Tofino area, among the most readily visible bald eagles, stellar jay and blue heron. After breakfast head east across Vancouver Island and onto the ferry to the mainland. The ninety-minute cruise to Horseshoe Bay and the city of Vancouver is not a wildlife experience, simply public transport, but anytime you cross the bay you can often spot wildlife if you're looking. The ferry doesn't usually stop, but sometimes the boat has to slow down because the whales are swimming too close to the route; the whales have the right of way!

Optional Scenic Float Plane Return Only one road leads in and out of Tofino; for those who prefer to avoid drive, we can pre-arrange a scenic float plane trip and save the six hours of van and ferry travel. If you choose the scenic float plane, the flight arrives in Vancouver Harbor at 2pm, and we can arrange for transfer to Vancouver Airport for your flight home, or a hotel (overnight at additional cost).

Special Note: Meals and Optional Activities not included in tour price