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A colorful, carved wooden totem pole stands amongst lush green trees under a blue sky in Western Canada.

Alberta/British Columbia

Wild Canada by Rail and Sea: The Inside Passage & The Rockies

Program No. 21439RJ

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Experience the spectacular breadth of western Canada on a journey that connects the soaring peaks of Banff and Jasper national parks with the remote waterways of British Columbia’s Inside Passage. Journey along legendary rail routes through the Canadian Rockies and across northern British Columbia, then continue west by water into a maze of fjords, temperate rainforest, and protected marine habitats, where grizzly bears roam salmon-rich estuaries and whales navigate sheltered channels. Along the way, learn from expert naturalists as you explore alpine ecosystems, coastal mountains, and the Great Bear Rainforest, discovering how land and sea are linked through migration routes, marine corridors, and Indigenous stewardship. By train, coach, ferry, and small boat, encounter a Canada defined not only by dramatic scenery, but by the living systems that sustain it.

Best of all, you'll...

Journey through two of Western Canada’s most scenic routes — the Canadian Rockies and along the Skeena rail corridor — before continuing by water through the storied Inside Passage.
Observe grizzly bears up close from a specially designed wildlife boat, venturing into remote coastal estuaries where salmon-rich ecosystems support these powerful animals.
Explore the waters off northern Vancouver Island — through the Broughton Archipelago and surrounding marine corridors — in search of orcas, humpback whales and other marine life.

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General Notes

This program operates in two directions, depending on the date, to optimize seasonal wildlife viewing opportunities. As a result, there are small variations in the British Columbia locations visited. •Early summer departures travel westbound from Calgary to Vancouver, including a visit to Khutzeymateen Provincial Park, renowned for its grizzly bear habitat. •Late summer departures travel eastbound from Vancouver to Calgary, featuring exploration of Knight Inlet in the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest. Please review your program date carefully prior to booking to confirm the direction of travel and included destinations.

Featured Expert

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Marie-Pierre Flipo-Bergeron

Marie-Pierre Flipo-Bergeron moved to Jasper from a French community in Quebec in 2007, and fully embraced the mountain lifestyle. She has worked as a boater, naturalist, hiking expert, and ski instructor for the last 17 years. Marie has an education in protection and exploitation of wildlife territories, as well as training in outdoor leadership. A talented musician, Marie performs at local venues as a singer and guitarist. Marie has two children who love nature as much as she does.

Please Note:

This expert may not be available for every date of the program

Please Note:

These experts may not be available for every date of the program

Brent MacDonald

Brent Macdonald has been a resident of the Canadian Rockies for almost 30 years. As a geology expert, he provides a wealth of knowledge about geography and geomorphology. Brent has had a diverse career as a freelance natural history interpreter, also working as a consultant for a geotechnical engineering company. He has shared his knowledge of geology and natural history as an interpreter and guest lecturer. Brent is also a certified mountain leader and ski instructor.

Colleen Campbell

Colleen is a Victoria, British Columbia native who has lived all over Canada and in many parts of the world. She holds three degrees in visual arts, has studied in the sciences and has worked as a wildlife field researcher, concentrating on coyotes and grizzly bears. She believes that studying wildlife means learning about all their interactions — plants and other animals — and about how and where they travel. Colleen was also full-time faculty at Mount Royal in Calgary for more than 30 years.

Patricia Thomson

Patricia Thomson not only loves nature, she’s made it her life’s calling. Having had a broad environmental education career including working for Parks Canada, B.C. Parks, and the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre, Patricia enjoys passing her passion on to others. Since 2004, she has been the executive director of Stanley Park Ecology Society (SPES), leading a team of twelve conservation biologists and educators. Patricia is excited to take others with her and show to them the reasons she loves her home.

Lynne Brookes

Lynne Brookes has taught courses in biology, ecology, and environmental studies as well as teachers’ workshops in the U.S., Latin America, and Canada. A former president of an Audubon Society chapter, she served as president of the Arrowsmith Naturalists from 2014-17. “Retired” on mid-Vancouver Island, Lynne is a volunteer teacher focusing on native plants, ecology, and wildlife-friendly gardening for the Vancouver Island University ElderCollege program. She also conducts programs and workshops at the North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre in Errington, British Columbia.

Marie-Pierre Flipo-Bergeron

Ian McDonald

Ian McDonald was born in Santa Monica, California to English and Canadian parents, later settling in Vancouver. Before his career in travel, he worked in radio, community policing, higher education, casino surveillance, and as a museum interpreter and bus driver. He is a storyteller first, weaving tales of historical figures and the places visited. When not traveling, Ian can be found at home with his wife and sons at their home near Vancouver. He is an avid photographer, fishkeeper, nature lover, and podcaster.

Activity Level

Keep the Pace

Walking up to 2 miles per day generally at a moderate pace of 2 mph over varied terrain, including pavement, boardwalks, both groomed and uneven terrain, and steps. Program will require approximately 11 miles of walking over 13 days. Standing up to 2 hours per program event. Sitting up to 5 hours on a motorcoach with stops. Extended time on the train and ferry. Getting on/off a motorcoach and train by high steps. Getting on/off the ferry and a boat with possibly steep ramps. Must be physically capable of participating in all planned program activities.

Suggested Books and Resources

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You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.

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Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?

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Call 800-454-5768

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Peace of Mind

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.

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Assurance Plan

Road Scholar is committed to the well-being of every participant, whether on a program in the United States or abroad. That’s why all participants are covered under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan, which provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program, as well as insurance for emergency medical evacuation.

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Want to Protect Your Investment?

Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.

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Sustainable Travel

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.

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Peace of Mind

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.
Assurance Plan

Road Scholar is committed to the well-being of every participant, whether on a program in the United States or abroad. That’s why all participants are covered under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan, which provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program, as well as insurance for emergency medical evacuation.
Want to Protect Your Investment?

Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.
Sustainable Travel

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.

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