The desert is calling! To begin our adventure, we’re going east through the Fraser Valley, where we’ll take a short walk through a West Coast rainforest to Bridal Veil Falls. Then, we’ll traverse the Coastal Mountains, stopping at Lightning Lake in Manning Park at lunchtime. The semi-arid desert grasslands of the Okanagan are next on our itinerary, where we’ll go paddle boarding on the beautiful Skaha Lake. We’ll be replenishing ourselves with a special dinner at Kekuli Café in Westbank, where you’ll get to try Indigenous cuisine, before settling in for the night on Lake Okanagan in Kelowna.
Activity Inclusions: Paddle boarding on Skaha Lake
Meal inclusions: Indigenous cuisine dinner
Moose Accommodation: Samesun Kelowna
Being a little greedy with mountain ranges today, crossing not one, not two - but three of them, as we travel through four National Parks towards Banff! We’ll stop in Revelstoke where you can go lake kayaking or simply enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery. Finally we’ll enter the Rocky Mountains and cross over the Kicking Horse Pass into Alberta and Banff National Park, spending the night in the historic town of Banff itself, right in the heart of the mountains.
Note
During May and from mid-September onwards, we will cross over the Vermillion Pass to enter Alberta and Banff National Park.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast at Samesun Kelowna
Moose Accommodation: HI Banff
It’s time to visit those famous blue lakes! Lake Louise is calling, as is Moraine Lake (seasonal) before heading onto the Icefields Parkway for breath-taking views of jagged mountain peaks, glaciers, raging rivers and more turquoise lakes. Keep your eyes peeled for large furry animals as we make stops at the Crowfoot Glacier, Peyto Lake (our favourite) and Mistaya Canyon before arriving at our rustic wilderness hostel alongside Rampart Creek. We invite you to really take in your surroundings with a dip and a sauna, and perhaps a campfire under the stars.
Moose Accommodation: HI Rampart Creek.
Rampart Creek offers a truly rustic wilderness experience and is the only accommodation available - we’re sure you’ll love it!
Jasper National Park today! But first we’ll stop at Big Bend lookout for a great view of the U-shaped North Saskatchewan River Valley. Get your legs ready because next up is the Columbia Icefield, the largest ice field in the Rocky Mountains at 325 square kilometres, where we’ll hike to the toe of the Athabasca Glacier (conditions permitting.) Then on to Maligne Canyon, the deepest canyon in Jasper National Park, for a hike that crosses several bridges over the canyon with jaw-dropping views. Jasper townsite is our destination, and if you’re seeking an adrenaline rush, there is an option to take a guided mountain bike tour on arrival.
Moose Accommodation: HI Jasper
Our first stop: Athabasca Falls, one of the most powerful and picturesque in the Rockies! This is followed by a bit of mountain goat spotting (we’re still amazed at how they hold on) at the Goats and Glaciers viewpoint. Then on to Waterfowl Lakes to soak in the backdrop of Mount Chephren, which was named after the 4th Dynasty Egyptian Pharaoh. After this, we’ll return to Banff for a group dinner, and once our bellies are full, the night is yours! See what Banff nightlife has to offer or take a relaxing dip in the Banff Upper Hot Springs. Who doesn’t love a giant bathtub?
Meal inclusions: Dinner at Samesun Banff
Moose Accommodation: Samesun Banff
Today is yours to do as you please! And where better to have a free day than in the heart of the Rocky Mountains! Go hiking, enjoy the sites of Banff or for an optional extra cost, go whitewater rafting, canoeing or mountain biking. Enjoy!
Meal inclusions: Breakfast at Samesun Banff
Moose Accommodation: Samesun Banff
Sadly, we leave the Rockies today, but we’ll go out with a bang, stopping at some of the most breathtaking scenic points in Western Canada. We will visit the Takakkaw Falls (seasonal), the pristine Emerald Lake and the Natural Bridge, as well as stopping for a photo at the stunning Kalamalka Lake viewpoint once we reach the Okanagan Valley. Here you will find beautiful sandy beaches on crystal clear lakes and plenty of sun-filled activities! Night time it’s downtown Kelowna for a plethora of bars and nightclubs in this university city!
Note
During May and from mid-September onwards, we will visit Kootenay National Park instead of seeing Takakkaw Falls, Emerald Lake and the Natural Bridge.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast at Samesun Banff
Moose Accommodation: Samesun Kelowna
On our final day, we’ll climb over a high mountain pass, travel along the Nicola Valley and enter the Fraser Canyon. Our main destination of the day is Tuckkwiowhum Village, an Indigenous heritage site, where we’ll enjoy a guided tour and interact with a Traditional Knowledge Keeper. We’ll then continue down the canyon to Hope, where we’ll explore the Othello Tunnels on a magical walk across bridges and through old train tunnels that cut through solid granite walls! The finale is near - we’ll finish in Vancouver where it’s all hugs and Insta handle swapping as you say goodbye to your Moose mates and head home - but armed with a whole bunch of amazing adventures to talk about!
Activity Inclusions: Guided tour of Tuckkwiowhum Village
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast at Samesun Kelowna
Moose Accommodation: There is no accommodation included tonight. You will need to make your own arrangements. We recommend that you do not book onward travel on this day in case of traffic or weather delays.
- 7 nights mixed gender, hostel dormitory style accommodation
- Moose Bus transportation
- Services of a professional & fun tour guide/driver
- Guided tour of Tuckkwiowhum Village Indigenous heritage site
- Paddleboarding on Skaha Lake
- 2 dinners, including an Indigenous cuisine meal
- 4 breakfasts (at the Samesun hostels)
- National Park fees
