VIU International students

Rockies Thanksgiving Tour

Oct
06
When: Friday, Oct 6, 2023 - Monday, Oct 9, 2023, 7:15AM - 12:00PM PST
Where:
Add to CalendarRockies Thanksgiving Tour10/06/2023 07:15 AM10/09/2023 12:00 PMMM/DD/YYYYAmerica/VancouverfalseaYqCFcQpUzxLBYhTummH26494

Rockies Thanksgiving Tour

This tour is the ultimate mountain experience! Stay overnight at three of the famous mountain towns, Valemount, Banff & Golden and have plenty of time to participate in activities and see the most beautiful places in the Rockies. This tour includes the best sightseeing stops in the Rocky Mountains and also allows more time to explore and hike, including the option to go on a hike at Lake Louise.

Duration:

4 Days, 3 Nights

Meeting/Pickup Location:

1025 Canada Place, Vancouver, BC - You will need to make arrangements to spend the Thursday night in Vancouver as the ferry will not get you there in time for the departure time of 7:15am, Friday morning. 

Cost:

  • Adult (18+): from $649 (non student price)
  • Youth/Student with ID: from $594

Included:

  • 3-nights hotel accommodation in three different mountain towns: Valemount, Banff and Golden
  • 3 breakfasts
  • Deluxe coach transportation, games, entertainment and prizes
  • Friendly Experienced Tour Guide to make sure you have the best trip ever!
  • Bonfire & marshmallow roast (weather dependent)
  • Park passes

Optional Add Ons:

  • Sulphur Mountain Gondola (Banff)
  • Ice Explorer on the Athabasca Glacier
  • Banff GondolaAthabasca Glacier

Itinerary:

This itinerary is  subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances such as weather. Departure times may vary by date, please see your confirmation email for exact departure times.

Day 1: Vancouver to Valemount

  • 7:15am – Depart Vancouver from Canada Place (please arrive at 7am)
  • The fun begins! Your friendly and experienced tour guide will start off the tour with introductions and games so you can meet the other passengers.
  • Hear interesting facts about Vancouver as you make your way out of the city and into the mountains!
  • Visit Bridal Falls and Spahat Falls
  • Stop for lunch in Kamloops
  • Check into the hotel in Valemount 

Day 2: Valemount to Banff

  • Breakfast (included)
  • After breakfast depart hotel
  • Visit the famous town of Jasper and the Athabasca Falls
  • Tour through the Columbia Icefields. Choose to take part in the world-renowned Ice Explorer Glacier Tour here! (additional cost) 
  • Visit Peyto Lake and Bow Lake
  • Check into your centrally located Banff hotel
  • Evening – Free time to go shopping on Banff Avenue or join your guide for a night out!

Day 3: Banff to Golden

  • Breakfast (included)
  • Option to go on the Banff Gondola 
  • Afterwards, enjoy a sightseeing tour in the town of Banff – among the highlights are visits to Banff Ave, Bow Falls and Banff Springs Hot
  • Visit Lake Louise in the afternoon and have free time to enjoy the views or go for a hike
  • Visit Moraine Lake (seasonal) & Emerald Lake
  • After dinner join your guide for an end of tour party including a campfire & marshmallow roast!

Day 4: Golden to Vancouver

  • Depart Golden after breakfast
  • Photo stop at Rogers Pass
  • Stop at Craigellachie (the Last Spike of the Canadian Railway) and learn about its importance in the Canadian history
  • Return to Vancouver at approximately 7:30pm

How to Sign Up

DC Tours are available to all current VIU Students and general public. Sign up with the Cultural Connections Team in person in Building 255.

You will need to have your:

  1. Student card,
  2. Proof of medical insurance (BC Care Card or Guard.me Insurance Policy)
  3. Payment (credit card is the only form of payment taken by DC Tours)

Hours & Location for Signing Up with us:

Sign up with us in person, next to the Front Reception Desk in the "Glassroom" on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12pm – 1:30pm in Building 255 - Second Floor.

Cancellations:

Should you need to cancel your trip, you (or your authorized travel agent) must notify us in writing by letter, e-mail, or by fax. Notification of cancellation is based on the working week in Canada. Weekend days or statutory holidays cannot be calculated in day’s prior policies for cancellation fee avoidance. An acknowledgement of cancellation notice will be sent; should you not receive this advice then cancellation has not been received by Discover Canada Tours and must be resent. We recommend independent purchase of travel insurance.

If you cancel your overnight tour:

  • Up to 60-days prior to your scheduled tour departure:
    • 100% credit to rebook to another future tour, or receive a full refund less the 10% deposit
  • Between 60-15 days prior to your scheduled tour departure:
    • 100% credit to rebook to another future tour, non-refundable
  • Within 14-days prior to your tour departure, your trip is non-refundable, non-transferable

Contact

Robin Lemmens, Activity Program Coordinator
phone: 250-753-3245, Ext. 2228
e-mail: Robin.lemmens@viu.ca