CARIBOU

We kick off our Rocky Mountains Tour adventure by heading east through the Fraser Valley. Our first stop is a short walk through a lush West Coast rainforest to the stunning Bridal Veil Falls. We then pass through the town of Hope, famous for its stunning landscapes and as the filming location for parts of the iconic Rambo movie. Next, we journey through the Cascade Mountains, exploring the serene beauty of Lightning Lake in EC Manning Provincial Park. We then head to Penticton for some seasonal paddleboarding on the tranquil waters of Skaha Lake. Finally, we settle in for the evening in Kelowna, where we enjoy a delicious dinner at Kekuli Café, known for its Indigenous-inspired cuisine.

Meal Inclusions: Indigenous-inspired dinner in Kelowna
Accommodation: HI Kelowna

Today we start our day with a visit to Frind Estate Winery bakery in Kelowna, where you can enjoy delicious pastries while taking in stunning views of the vineyards and Okanagan Lake. Keep an eye out—you might even spot the legendary Ogopogo monster! From there, we embark on an action-packed journey, crossing three mountain ranges and traveling through four national parks en route to Banff National Park. In the afternoon, you’ll have the option to kayak on the pristine Lake Revelstoke, paddling through crystal-clear waters surrounded by towering mountains. We’ll then stop at Craigellachie, where the historic Last Spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway was driven, marking a pivotal moment in Canadian history. Afterward, we’ll continue our journey through breathtaking scenery, crossing the Kicking Horse Pass into Alberta, and finish the tour at the iconic Lake Louise, surrounded by the majestic Rocky Mountains.

Meal Inclusions: Morning beverage and pastry at Frind Estate Winery bakery
Optional Activity: Kayaking on Lake Revelstoke
Accommodation: HI Lake Louise Alpine Centre

It’s time to visit those iconic blue lakes you’ve seen on postcards! Lake Louise is calling, along with Moraine Lake (seasonal), before we journey along the Icefields Parkway, offering breathtaking views of jagged peaks, glaciers, raging rivers, and more turquoise lakes. Keep an eye out for Canadian wildlife like bears, moose, and elk as we stop at the stunning Crowfoot Glacier, Peyto Lake (a favorite of ours), and Mistaya Canyon. Finally, we’ll arrive at our rustic wilderness hostel, where you can relax with a dip and sauna, enjoy a campfire under the stars, and share a home-cooked potluck dinner with fellow travelers.

Accommodation: HI Wilderness Hostel
Optional Meal: Home-style group dinner

Please note: There are no alternative accommodation options at this location, but we’re confident you’ll enjoy the authentic Canadian experience of staying at our wilderness hostel.

Today, we explore Jasper National Park! First, we’ll stop at Big Bend Lookout for a breathtaking view of the North Saskatchewan River Valley. Then, we’ll head to the Columbia Icefield, the largest icefield in the Rocky Mountains at 325 square kilometres, where we’ll hike to the toe of the Athabasca Glacier (conditions permitting). Afterward, we’ll stop at Sunwapta Falls (parking permitting), a stunning pair of waterfalls surrounded by rugged wilderness. Next, we’ll visit Athabasca Falls, a powerful waterfall known for its dramatic beauty. Our day’s journey concludes in Banff, where we’ll spend the night in this iconic mountain town, nestled in the very heart of the Canadian Rockies.

Accommodation: HI Banff Alpine Centre
Meal Inclusions: Dinner at Cougar Pete’s Restaurant and Lookout

Today is yours to do as you please! Where better to have a free day than in the heart of the Rocky Mountains? Go hiking, enjoy the sights of Banff, spend the day sampling some of Banff’s great breweries and restaurants, or for an optional extra cost, go whitewater rafting, canoeing, or mountain biking. Our guide can help you decide on the best activities for your day. Enjoy!

Accommodation: HI Banff Alpine Centre

Sadly, we say goodbye to the Rockies today, but don’t worry – the charming town of Revelstoke awaits, and more adventure is just around the corner! We’ll go out with a bang, stopping at some of the most breathtaking scenic points in Western Canada. First, we’ll visit the stunning Takakkaw Falls (seasonal), the sparkling beauty of Emerald Lake, and the impressive Natural Bridge. Next, we’ll make a thrilling stop in Revelstoke, where you can unleash your inner adventurer at the Aerial Adventure Park or race down the mountain on The Pipe Mountain Coaster – an adrenaline-pumping ride you won’t forget! We’ll end the day with a relaxed evening in Revelstoke, the perfect time to unwind and share stories of the day’s adventures.

Accommodation: Sandman Hotel Revelstoke

Today, we bid farewell to the charming town of Revelstoke and make our way to the world-renowned resort town of Whistler. Along the way, take in breathtaking views of rugged landscapes, lush forests, towering mountains, and crystal-clear lakes. Upon arrival in Whistler, which hosted events of the 2010 Winter Olympics, the majestic Coast Mountains will provide a dramatic backdrop for the evening ahead. After settling in, immerse yourself in Whistler’s vibrant nightlife with lively bars and buzzing clubs, ensuring we make the most of our final night in this iconic mountain town.

Accommodation: Sandman Hotel Revelstoke

On our final day, we’ll journey from Whistler to Vancouver, a vibrant coastal city known for its striking skyline, picturesque harbour, and breathtaking mountain backdrop. Along the way, we’ll travel the scenic Sea to Sky Highway, one of the most stunning routes in British Columbia. Our first stop will be at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre in Whistler, where you’ll immerse yourself in the rich heritage and traditions of the local Indigenous communities. We’ll then pass the towering Stawamus Chief near Squamish, an iconic granite peak renowned for its world-class rock climbing. Not far from there, we’ll stop to admire Brandywine Falls, a dramatic waterfall that plunges 230 feet into a deep gorge, offering a striking display of nature’s power. Shortly after, we’ll visit Shannon Falls, where the water cascades down the rugged rock face. The journey continues as we travel along the shores of Burrard Inlet, offering jaw-dropping views of the coastal mountains, the ocean, and the city skyline. Finally, we’ll arrive in Vancouver, where our Rocky Mountains Tour concludes, and you’ll say goodbye to your new lifelong friends!

Meal Inclusions: Breakfast at Denny’s, Sandman Hotel Revelstoke (6.30am)
Accommodation: HI Whistler

The Caribou Rocky Mountains Tour through Western Canada offers many adventure activities so you can make the most of your trip. Go mountain biking, kayaking, white-water rafting, and more. Moose offers dozens of options to soak in the scenery in a more relaxed way, like enjoying the hot springs or riding the Banff gondola for incredible mountain vistas.

Optional activities can be easily booked and paid for through your Moose tour guide during the trip—no need to pre-book! The following exciting activities are available on the Caribou Rocky Mountains Tour:

The Caribou Rocky Mountains Tour includes accommodation for all nights of the tour in mixed-gender hostel dormitory rooms. While you can request female-only dorm rooms, we usually can accommodate this request, though we cannot guarantee it.

We choose hostels for their affordability, excellent facilities, and friendly atmosphere. Staying in shared dorm rooms allows you to meet more people, interact with other tour guests, and keep costs as low as possible.

If dormitory-style accommodation isn’t suitable for your trip and you’d prefer private accommodation, please reach out to us directly, and we’ll be happy to discuss alternative options for your tour. Please note, however, that no alternatives are available for our HI Wilderness stays.

The Caribou Rocky Mountains Tour is part of numerous combination tours that we offer. There will also be travelers joining and leaving your tour in Banff at various times.

Some sites on this tour are only available seasonally. Moraine Lake and the road to Takakkaw Falls are open from June to mid-October. Choose a departure within this timeframe to experience these breathtaking locations.

Please note that our itineraries are subject to change, and activities may be canceled without notice due to circumstances beyond our control, such as weather, traffic, or unforeseen events. If this happens, alternative options may be available, or you may have the opportunity to enjoy more free time to explore on your own!

Flexible about when you can travel? Consider the pros and cons of our travel seasons. In Low Season (May and October), you’ll get the BEST VALUE on our tours, with less traffic and far fewer people at the most popular sites. The trade-off is that the weather is typically more variable, cooler, and wetter. Additionally, some sites may be closed, and the glacial lakes could still be frozen in the spring—though that’s a stunning sight in itself! In Peak Season (June to September), everything is open, the weather is more consistent, warmer, and generally drier, with the glacial lakes in their full splendor. However, tours are more expensive, traffic is heavier, and the most popular spots can be quite crowded.

We take your safety, along with the safety of our staff and partners, very seriously. You can review our Safety Policy here.