VANCOUVER & THE CANADIAN ROCKIES
Rockies are the northern section of this mountain range that runs the length of North America. Exploring the Rockies is a wondrous experience of exhilarating natural beauty, forests and lakes, jagged mountain tops, glaciers and snowy plains, mountainside towns and villages, testimonies of volcanic activity - and even bears! Itinerary
Day 1, Thursday Tel Aviv - Vancouver
From Ben Gurion Airport we'll fly to Vancouver via an intermediate stop en route. Upon arrival to Vancouver International Airport we'll transfer to our hotel.
Day 2, Friday Vancouver
Today's excursion will include the city of Vancouver, including Chinatown, Gas Town, Stanley Park and more. We'll continue to Capilano Canyon and its amazing suspension bridge - the longest of its kind in the world. Then we'll climb Grouse Mountain via the Sky Train for an incredible view of the entire city, all the way to Mount Ranier near Seattle. In the afternoon we'll head back to our hotel to prepare for Shabbat, Shabbat services and dinner.
Day 3, Shabbat Vancouver
After Shabbat services and lunch, we'll take a walking tour of the area near the hotel.
Day 4, Sunday Victoria, British Columbia
This morning we'll board the B.C. Ferry departing from Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay for the 90 minute cruise through the Gulf Islands and across the Strait of Georgia, to Victoria. Here we'll visit the world famous Butchart Gardens. With over 50 acres of gardens including the fragrant Rose Garden, the relaxing Japanese Garden, the unique Sunken Garden, the Italian Garden, the Concert Lawn, and Ross Fountain - just to name a few, a visit to Butchart Gardens is a treat for all our senses! Originally Fort Victoria, Victoria was the first European settlement on Vancouver Island and is the oldest city on Canada's west coast. It was chosen in 1843 by James Douglas to be the Hudson's Bay Company's westernmost outpost, and it became the capital of British Columbia in 1868. This city, 71 km (44 mi) south of Vancouver and 2½ hours away from Seattle by high-speed ferry, has since evolved into a walk able, livable seaside town of gardens, waterfront walks, and restored 19th-century architecture. It is often called the most British city in Canada. These days, though, except for the odd red phone box, good beer, and well-mannered drivers, this very Canadian town is working to shed its tea-cozy image, preferring to celebrate its combined native, Asian, and European heritage. Another ferry ride across the Strait of Georgia takes us back to the mainland and a short transfer brings us back to our hotel in Vancouver.
Day 5, Monday Vancouver - Kamloops
Today we head out for a full day's activities on the way to Kamloops. Following the Thompson and Fraser Rivers, we'll will visit the world famous Hell's Gate, north of the town of Hope, BC. "Hell's Gate is just beyond Hope," say the locals. The rapids of the Fraser River are at their wildest in this location and we dare you to ride on the Hell's Gate Airtram, a cable car crossing the river gorge [admission not included]. From here we'll continue northeast up the Fraser River Canyon, until we reach the city of Kamloops, where we'll spend the night.
Day 6, Tuesday Kamloops - Jasper
Today we'll continue east to Wells Gray Provincial Park to view the grandeur of Spahats Falls which drop over a sheer volcanic precipice. We'll proceed along the Yellowhead Highway to the Village of Blue River which developed as the major center during the turn of the century as pioneers blazed a passage through the rugged mountain. Then we'll travel through Mount Robson Provincial Park, home to impressive Mount Robson, the highest mountain in the Canadian Rockies at 3954 meters. From Mount Robson, we'll make our way to our hotel for our overnight stay in Jasper.
Day 7, Wednesday Jasper - Banff
This morning we'll travel southward along one of the most spectacular highways in North America. The Icefield Parkway is highlighted by occasional wildlife sightings, towering mountain peaks, tranquil lakes and cascading waterfalls. Our travels include a stop at Athabasca Falls before arriving at the Columbia Icefield. An experience of a lifetime awaits us at the Columbia Icefield! Upon arrival at the Icefield Centre, we'll shuttle to the Athabasca Glacier where we'll board a unique, specially designed Ice Explorer for a guided tour onto the surface of the Glacier - a true Ice Age adventure! After visiting what is considered to be one of the largest bodies of ice below the Arctic Circle, we'll continue south to view Peyto Lake, Bow Lake, and Crowfoot Glacier as we approach our destination of Banff.
Day 8, Thursday Banff - Lake Louise - Banff
Today we'll travel the scenic Bow Valley Parkway to Lake Louise, passing Vermilion Lakes and Castle Mountain. We'll take some time at Johnston Canyon to walk to the Lower Falls of the river before arriving at Lake Louise. If time is available, we'll do some sightseeing at the world-renowned Chateau Lake Louise before returning to Banff via the Trans Canada Highway. On the way back to Banff we'll visit Moraine Lake in the Valley of the Ten Peaks.
Day 9, Friday Banff
We'll set out to discover the charming town site of Banff, a thriving, four season resort of wood and stone, with activities all year round. Today's sightseeing will highlight many local delights including Bow Falls, the HooDoo Lookout, Lake Minnewanka, and Surprise Corner. We will take a ride up the Banff Gondola for a panoramic 360 degree view of the entire Banff area. Afterwards we'll return to the hotel to prepare for Shabbat, Shabbat services and dinner.
Day 10, Shabbat Banff
After Shabbat services and lunch, we'll stroll around the township to take in some of the local sites and sights.
Day 11, Sunday Banff - Calgary - Tel Aviv
This morning we'll pack our things and set out by bus to Calgary, city of the famous rodeo, the "Calgary Stampede" and the center of Canada's oil industry. We'll make our way to the airport to check in for our flight home via an intermediary stop or two.
Day 12, Monday Tel Aviv
Home sweet home - with a whole load of memories of one of the most amazingly beautiful areas of our wonderful planet.
Price Includes
- . International and Domestic Flights
- First tourist class hotels or the best available locally
- Comfortable air-conditioned touring coach for travelling
- Breakfast and dinner daily and supplies for making sandwiches for lunch
- Professional experienced Israeli guide
- Local Guide as required
- Entrance to all sites mentioned in the tour plan
Price Excludes
- Travel and baggage Insurance
- Tips for local service providers US$170 per person
- Evening entertainment that are not included in the tour plan
- Personal expenses
- USA Visa
- Tips for local service providers: $110
- Changes in air fares due to increases in fuel airport tax and security tax surcharges
- Tip for Israeli guide (Recommended: $3 per person per day)
Important TO Know
There may be changes to the schedule and hotel reservations dependent upon international flights. We will make every effort to visit every place mentioned in the itinerary.
Day of departure and arrival are included in the total days of the tour. Insurance is required for 12 days.
Insurance
We urge all passengers to purchase travel and cancellation insurance immediately upon registration for the tour. This ensures a refund of expenses in case of cancellation due to emergency, illness or bereavement.
IMPORTANT
The tour organizers have no control over services provided by the airline companies, such as catering, seating, change of flight times or delays. Responsibility for these services is that of the airline alone.
Date And Prices
Tour code |
Start date |
End Date |
Days |
Price |
Single supplement |
Comments |
ECAR2008 |
20/08/2009 |
30/08/2009 |
11 |
5460 $ |
1980 $ |
|
Terms
More than 50 working days prior to departure: $47 per passenger registration fee only 30-49 working days prior to departure: $700 + $47 8-29 working days prior to departure: $1,000+ $47 0-7 working days prior to departure: Passenger will be liable for full payment of all expenses connected to the tour (including visas, etc.) Fridays, Shabbat and Holidays (including Chol Hamoed in Israel), and Sundays and Public Holidays abroad are not considered working days. If flight tickets have already been issued and/or any other services have already been purchased (visas, etc.) their costs will be added to the cancellation penalties mentioned above. We are obliged to purchase domestic flights ahead of time. These tickets are not refundable and therefore their cost will be added to all cancellation penalties. Prices are subject to currency fluctuations, flight tariffs and cost of land services. If Visas and/or tickets have been issued their costs will be added to the penalties mentioned above.
