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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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National ParksTrain TreksOn the RoadSmall Group
Length
13 days
Rating (4.88)
Activity Level
Starts at
7,699

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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
29 meals ( 11B, 9L, 9D )
4 expert-led lectures
15 expert-led field trips
An experienced Group Leader
12 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
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Activity Note
Check-in begins 4:00 pm.
Afternoon:
Program registration begins at 4:00 pm. After you have your room assignment, join us at the Road Scholar table in the lobby to register with the program staff and get your welcome packet containing the up-to-date schedule that reflects any changes, other important information, and to confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please ask for your packet when you check in.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
Orientation. 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. 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.
Activity Note
Getting on and off the ferry; crossing from Vancouver to Nanaimo is about 30 nautical miles; approx. 1.5 hours. Driving from Nanaimo to Telegraph Cove is approx. 220 miles; about 4 hours. Walking up to 2 miles on groomed trails, paths, and mulch trails.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Board the ferry to Vancouver Island, the largest island on the west coast of North America, separated from the Canadian mainland by the Georgia Strait, Johnstone Strait, and Queen Charlotte Strait. Enjoy insightful commentary by a local expert about natural and human history while travelling by motorcoach to Qualicum Beach. Learn about First Nations medicinal plants and culture while wandering through an old growth Douglas fir forest.
Lunch:
Lunch on Own.
Afternoon:
Travel by coach to Telegraph Cove. Telegraph Cove was once populated by a single telegraph shack from which fisherman, pioneers, and loggers communicated. The town grew with the arrival of a school, general store, and sawmill and many of the early settlements were built on stilts over the water, making it an iconic destination for thousands of visitors today.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant in Telegraph Cove
Evening:
Check-in to the hotel. The evening may be enjoyed at your leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off the boat, possibly on steep ramps (tide levels depending); walking on boardwalks; distances vary depending location of sightings; vessels carry up to 74 passengers. About 3 hours on the water. Heated indoor cabin, two open air decks, on-board washrooms, and snack bar. Bring a light jacket or rain gear. Hats, gloves and jackets provided for all passengers on request.
Breakfast:
At a nearby restaurant.
Morning:
Ruminate at the Whale Interpretive Centre with a docent from the museum. This facility was established in order to provide public awareness of the biology, habitat needs, and existing threats to local marine mammals. This area is home to a variety of marine wildlife, including humpback whales, sea lions, dolphins, porpoises, bald eagles, and much more. Explore collections of marine mammal skeletons housed at the museum.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant
Afternoon:
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:
Enjoy a meal at a scenic waterside restaurant, known for its yellow cedar post-and-beam style, and beautiful copper tables, surrounded by stained-glass windows.
Evening:
Enjoy the evening at your leisure. Prepare for early check out in the morning.
Activity Note
Getting on/off 12 passenger aluminum boats; approximately 2 hours each way; vessels are covered and have onboard toilets. Dress warmly in dark layers with a waterproof shell; bring a hat and a water bottle. No perfume/aftershave. We will always stay at least 55 yards (50 meters) from bears.
Breakfast:
Enjoy breakfast on board the boats.
Morning:
Travel to Knight Inlet aboard water taxis for an exciting bear and wildlife spotting adventure. At a prime bear viewing location, we’ll transfer to large flat-bottomed observation skiffs, which include an elevated platform, and a crow’s nest to maximize viewing. The shallow draft of these former herring fishing vessels allows us to get close to the action. Explore the hidden habitat of black and grizzly bears and learn about the ecosystem from an expert who will explain the vital role bears play in sustaining the bioregion As a courtesy to the bears and to ensure the longevity of viewing for years to come, we will always stay at least 50 meters from bears as per recommended guidelines; please do not wear perfumes or aftershave on the bear viewing trip.
Lunch:
Enjoy a packed lunch on board the boats. Eating in the bear viewing area is not bear friendly; we don’t want bears confusing humans with food.
Afternoon:
Our grizzly bear adventure will continue amid great towering mountains rising out of the sea, with forested islands and beautiful channels providing ever new views. The bear habitat cuts through the Coast Range Mountains, including the highest mountain in British Columbia, Mount Waddington, which supports an abundance of wildlife and salmon take advantage of the phenomenal river systems. While our local experts will make their best effort to get us to the best places for bear viewing, they cannot guarantee sightings – they would like to be able to book an appointment with the bears but sometimes they do not show up! We will transfer to Port Hardy in the late afternoon.
Dinner:
Dinner at the hotel in Port Hardy.
Evening:
At your leisure.Prepare for early check out (5:15 a.m.) and transfer to the ferry in the morning
Activity Note
Early hotel check-out (5:15 a.m.) for transfer to the ferry dock; less than an hour driving. Board ferry for a ride of 274 nautical miles; about 16 hours. Participants will have onboard cabins for the duration of the journey. Late night arrival in Prince Rupert.
Breakfast:
On your own to enjoy on the ferry.
Morning:
Enjoy a cruise on the famously awe-inspiring Inside Passage route. This 16-hour journey will take us past spectacular coastal rainforests and majestic coastal mountains. Learn about coastal ecological issues while passing noted villages, first contact sites and maybe even some sea mammals.
Lunch:
On your own to enjoy aboard the ferry.
Afternoon:
We’ll continue to cruise through Canada's Inside Passage. Cut from the coastal mountains by glaciers millions of years ago, the fjords of Canada’s Inside Passage provide vistas of coastal rainforests, beaches, waterfalls and mountains.
Dinner:
On your own on the ferry.
Evening:
We’ll transfer to the hotel upon late arrival in Prince Rupert, BC.
Activity Note
Walking up to 2 miles throughout the day; paved streets and boardwalks. Less than 1 hour spent aboard the motorcoach.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Boarding the motorcoach we will travel to the Museum of Northern British Columbia to discover the natural and cultural heritage of the Northwest Coast. The museum is housed in a magnificent Northwest Coast longhouse overlooking Prince Rupert Harbour. Learn about the cultural and geological origins of this region, including the history of the Tsimshian, Haida, Tlingit, and Kwakwakawakw peoples.
Lunch:
Enjoy 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, the exploration of industrial buildings, residences, and the wilderness surroundings the salmon canning industry. You’ll hear about the people, living conditions, workspaces, and the functions of a remote cannery. Witness live demonstrations of cannery machinery and meditate on what it must have been like for workers. This excursion will explore canning practices from its earliest days to modern methods.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At your leisure. Prepare for check-out in the morning.
Activity Note
Train travel is approximately 723 miles; about 13 hours. Train schedules are subject to change and delays are possible due to rail traffic or other conditions. Bring only a carry-on bag with what you will need for 2 days travel including medication, larger luggage will be delivered to the hotel in Jasper. Walking up to 1 mile, about 30 minutes.
Breakfast:
Aboard the train.
Morning:
Embark on a two-day train journey aboard Via Rail’s Skeena Train from Prince Rupert, BC to Jasper, AB with an overnight stop in Prince George, BC. Enjoy the haunting splendor and rugged beauty of the great Canadian wilderness from the comfort of the train.
Lunch:
Aboard the train
Afternoon:
Our rail journey will continue past the edge of the Spasizi Plateau, along the Skeena River, towards Prince George, BC. 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:
Aboard the train.
Evening:
We are scheduled to arrive in Prince George in the mid evening. Upon arrival, we’ll transfer to the hotel and enjoy time at your leisure for the remainder of the evening. Be sure to prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Activity Note
Check-out of the hotel early and transfer to the station to board the train for travel to Jasper, AB. Train travel is approximately 205 miles; about 7 hours. Train schedules are subject to change and delays are possible due to rail traffic or other conditions.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Continue to relax and enjoy the scenery as we make our way to Jasper aboard the train. We will start making our way into Alberta as we travel through majestic mountains and beautiful lakes and communities.
Lunch:
Aboard the train.
Afternoon:
The railroad adventure continues as we journey to Jasper. We’ll be travelling through Jasper National Park, in the Canadian Rockies. Arrival in Jasper in late afternoon. Transfer to the hotel and check in.
Dinner:
At the hotel
Evening:
The remainder of the evening will be at your leisure.
Activity Note
Walking up to 2 miles throughout the day; paved and/or maintained trails. Driving approx. 60 miles about 2.5 hours total aboard coach with stops for interpretation.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Our local expert naturalist will meet us at the hotel and accompany us in our explorations of Jasper National Park, Maligne Canyon and Pyramid Lake by motorcoach. 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 boxed lunches at a scenic spot in the park
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:
Dinner on your own to enjoy local fare.
Evening:
At your leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Activity Note
Getting on and off the motorcoach driving approximately 150 miles (241.4 km) throughout the day for approximately 5 hours total.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We’ll start the day traveling along the famed and scenic Icefields Parkway, one of the most impressive stretches of scenic driving in Canada. The highway follows a lake-lined valley between two chains of the Eastern Main Ranges, which make up the Continental Divide. The mountains here are the highest, craggiest, and maybe the most scenic in all of the Canadian Rockies. En route, we’ll learn more from our Group Leader about the geological history and glaciology of the Athabasca Glacier, and about the ever-changing landscape. At several points along the way we’ll stop to enjoy some scenic overlooks.
Lunch:
We’ll enjoy boxed lunches at a scenic spot along the Parkway.
Afternoon:
We’ll continue our journey to Banff along the famed scenic Icefields Parkway. 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 your leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on an off the motorcoach, traveling 80 miles. Walking up to 2 miles on pavement and groomed trails, some stairs and uneven terrain at historic site.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Board the coach and travel to Lake Louise Gondola to meet a wildlife expert and conservationist who will explain how to share the land with grizzly bears and how Parks Canada is conducting land use and management for conservation areas. Learn about the role of The Bow Valley as a migration corridor and the valley’s position as a critical location for grizzly bears, lynx, elk, bighorn sheep, and mountain goats. Board the Lake Louise Gondola and enjoy views of Lake Louise and Moraine Lake within the Valley of the Ten Peaks.
Lunch:
We’ll be served afternoon tea with assorted pastries and traditional finger sandwiches at Château Lake Louise.
Afternoon:
Enjoy a visit to Moraine Lake with the group leader 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. Arrive in Banff late afternoon to enjoy free time for the rest of the afternoon.
Dinner:
On your own to enjoy local fare.
Evening:
At your leisure.
Activity Note
Walking up to 1.5 miles; approximately 2 hours over the course of the day; well-maintained trails and pathways; easy, flat lakeside trail at Emerald Lake with no elevation gain. Stops along the way for interpretation. Driving approximately 140 miles; about 3 hours.
Breakfast:
At the hotel
Morning:
Explore Spiral Tunnels, an engineering feat which allowed for safe and efficient train travel through the difficult Kicking Horse Pass. Journey to Emerald Lake and learn about the plant species found in the region from an expert. Visit the Burgess Shale, rich in fossils, it has preserved marine ecosystems dating back 500 million years.
Lunch:
We’ll have boxed lunches at a scenic location.
Afternoon:
Continue exploring the area. Learn about the interesting local plant species along Fossil Ridge with a local expert. 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.
Dinner:
Enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant
Evening:
At your leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and transfer to Calgary in the morning.
Activity Note
Transfer by motorcoach to Calgary airport 88 miles, approximately 2 hours travel time.
Breakfast:
Breakfast will be served at the hotel prior to the transfer to Calgary. 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.
Aug 14, 2025 - Aug 26, 2025 (Vancouver, British Columbia to Banff, Alberta)
Aug 14, 2025 - Aug 26, 2025 (Vancouver, British Columbia to Banff, Alberta)
Aug 14 - Aug 26, 2025 Itinerary Differences: This departure travels Eastbound, starting in Vancouver, B.C. and ending in Calgary, Alberta.