Western Canada

Flight from Zurich via Frankfurt to Seattle. On arrival, you will be welcomed by the local tour guide. The journey from Seattle to Vancouver takes you through the scenic north-west of the USA and into Canada. After entry formalities, the route passes through the suburbs of Vancouver and finally into the city centre of this modern metropolis of over a million people. Vancouver impresses with its unique location between the Pacific coast and the Coast Mountains, and with a successful blend of urban flair and spectacular nature. Overnight stay in the Vancouver area.

On a city tour, you will discover the most beautiful sides of Vancouver. Spectacularly situated between the Pacific and the coastal mountains, the metropolis captivates with its unique location and sights such as Chinatown and the historic Gastown. The afternoon is at your leisure. As an optional extra, you can visit the famous Stanley Park with its extensive waterfront paths and impressive totem poles. To end the day with a special view, you may visit Vancouver Lookout (opt.).

You travel by ferry through the beautiful island landscape to Victoria on Vancouver Island. Sheltered from the mainland of Washington State, the southern part of Vancouver Island enjoys one of the mildest climates in all of Canada. The rest of the day is devoted to the charming city of Victoria and its highlights. These include the many buildings in English colonial style, such as the Parliament Buildings of the Province of British Columbia and the traditional Empress Hotel.

After breakfast, you cross back to Vancouver by ferry and enjoy the journey through the picturesque island scenery. With a little luck, you may even spot whales along the way. You then follow the spectacular Sea-to-Sky Highway along the Pacific to Squamish. As an optional extra, you can ride the Sea-to-Sky Gondola, rewarded with a magnificent panoramic view over Howe Sound. The journey continues to Whistler. The former venue of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games captivates with its alpine atmosphere and impressive mountain backdrop. As an option, you can experience the spectacular Peak 2 Peak Gondola, which links Whistler Mountain with Blackcomb Peak.

Today’s leg takes you through the impressive landscapes of British Columbia to Clearwater. Along the way you will see wide valleys, lakes and dense forests. Clearwater is considered the gateway to Wells Gray Provincial Park with its spectacular waterfalls.

Drive along the Yellowhead Highway into the majestic Rocky Mountains. You reach Jasper National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town of Jasper nestles in a magnificent mountain setting and offers excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing.

Today the journey follows the Icefield Parkway through the narrow corridor of the majestic Rocky Mountains, past huge glacier tongues, heading south to Banff National Park. The scenic road offers spectacular views time and again. During numerous stops you can enjoy the magnificent landscape. Athabasca Falls and the Columbia Icefield, where you will travel onto the Athabasca Glacier in a special vehicle, are just some of the highlights you will experience today. Past glaciers, turquoise lakes and imposing mountain peaks, you arrive in Banff National Park.

The morning is devoted to Banff, Canada’s ‘St. Moritz’. You can take the cable car to the summit of Sulphur Mountain (opt.), where you will enjoy an overwhelming view of the Rocky Mountains. The highlights include the world-famous Lake Louise and the spectacular Moraine Lake. Free time for walks or optional excursions.

Today you visit the impressive Yoho National Park with its massive mountain scenery and waterfalls. Afterwards, you continue to Golden.

With its 28 peaks, Glacier National Park is one of the most spectacular mountain regions in Western Canada. With a little luck, you may also spot black bears here. The journey continues along the Trans-Canada Highway to Revelstoke, known above all for its railway history.

Through varied landscapes you reach Kamloops. The city lies at the confluence of two rivers and is considered the gateway to the interior of British Columbia.

In the morning, the journey continues south. After Merritt, you follow the Nicola River and reach Spences Bridge on the Thompson River. The Fraser River is the longest river located entirely within the Canadian province of British Columbia. Further highlights of this spectacular drive along the Fraser Canyon include Hells Gate, where the Fraser River squeezes through a narrow gorge (gondola ride included). You reach Vancouver in the evening, passing over the fertile Fraser Valley.

The morning is at your leisure. In the afternoon, return flight.

Arrival in Zurich and individual journey home.

For entry into the USA, Swiss citizens require an electronic travel authorisation (ESTA), which must be applied for online independently before departure. No further entry permit is required for onward travel to Canada, as entry is by land.