Here's a list of optional excursions you can enjoy during your vacation. Whether it's a special dinner, a local show or a special behind-the-scenes glimpse into an historical site, optional excursions are a wonderful way to enrich your vacation even further. Plus, they give you flexibility. We include the must-see sites and experiences, and we also understand that people take interest in different activities and may want to craft a more personal vacation by hand-picking optional excursions that appeal to them.
Availability is subject to sufficient participation, weather conditions, seasonal suitability, days of operation, group interests, and general feasibility for your vacation. The approximate value listed gives you a good, general idea of what you can expect to pay but may vary once you are on your vacation. Some information provided might be in a foreign currency; you can use our online
currency converter for exchange rate information.
CITY: Banff
Heritage Homes Tour And Dinner At Le Beaujolais Step into the 1931 home of visual artists Peter and Catharine Whyte and feel its worldly yet simple charm. Marvel at the eclectic 1907 home of Philip and Pearl Moore. These homes tell a story of lifestyles in the mountain wilderness and reflect the cultural roots of the Banff community. Just a block away, your table will be waiting at the award winning Le Beaujolais restaurant where you will sit back and enjoy the delicacies of their French cuisine.
Approximate value: CAD $80 per person
Float Trip Down The Bow River A chance to really experience the beauty and tranquility of the Canadian Rockies with a peaceful one-hour float trip down the Bow River past Tunnel Mountain, the Hoodoos and Mount Rundle. No experience necessary & guide does all the paddling; these custom rafts have a floorboard so your shoes should stay dry! Lifejackets are required and provided. (subject to favorable weather & water conditions)
Approximate value: CAD $39 per person
Royal Canadian Helicopter Tour This 25-minute helicopter flight offers a magnificent overview of the Rocky Mountains and the Banff area. The Olympic Nordic Center, Sundance Range, and Spray Lakes are just some of the highlights you will see. Additional helicopter excursions available; please consult your Tour Director.
Approximate value: CAD $230 per person
CITY: Jasper
Jasper Raft On The Athabasca River Follow the route of the old fur traders while traveling down the Athabasca River in rubber rafts. The excursion is under the supervision of experienced guides who will also point out the natural and human history of the area. This is a moderate trip with a few easy sets of rapids (class II) and calm stretches; guides do all the rowing so you can sit back & enjoy the majestic scenery. A truly remarkable way to experience Jasper! (Subject to favorable weather and water conditions.)
Approximate value: CAD $58 per person
Mount Edith Cavell Nature Walk An absolute must for the most snow and ice avalanche activity! Join your experienced guide on this two-hour hike on the "Path of the Glacier" walk with Mount Edith Cavell's snowcapped peak towering a mile overhead. Experience three kinds of glacier formations, icebergs, waterfalls and the emerald green of "Lake of Forgiveness." An exceptional "soft adventure" to one of Jasper's gems. You need to wear good walking shoes, but no previous hiking experience is necessary. This excursion operates mid June to the first week in October.
Approximate value: CAD $68 per person
Cottonwood Nature Walk Enjoy the freshness of an early morning walk or after the heat of the day. A walk through one of the best bird and beaver habitats near Jasper. On this casual walk the guides' knowledge of birds and animal habits and habitats and the flowers and the plants adds to this experience. You will be provided with walking sticks, binoculars and raincoats as needed. Bring your camera, comfortable walking shoes and clothing suitable for the weather. Allow up to three hours for this excursion.
Approximate value: Please check back later per person
Behind The Scenery - Dinner & Discovery This is a wildlife safari that may include some walking with a Jasper Naturalist. The emphasis will be on animals, but topics of conversation may cover Fire Controls, the Park and its many ecosystems, the habits and habitats of the locals (animals) and how the maturing ecosystems are affecting these locals. Dinner is included at one of Jasper's most eclectic hot spots, where the atmosphere is casual and the food is gourmet.
Approximate value: CAD $81 per person
Nature Walk / Birding & Beaver Enjoy the freshness of an early morning walk or after the heat of the day. A walk through one of the best bird and beaver habitats near Jasper. On this casual walk the guides' knowledge of birds and animal habits and habitats and the flowers and the plants adds to this experience. You will be provided with walking sticks, binoculars and raincoats as needed. Bring your camera, comfortable walking shoes and clothing suitable for the weather. Allow up to three hours for this excursion.
Approximate value: CAD $58 per person
CITY: Kamloops
Rhythms On The Rails During your stay in Kamloops, take a musical journey with a young singer/songwriter on his quest to write his one great legacy song, while travelling across Canada by rail. This highly energetic show features internationally known hit music from the past 50 years. The show follows a sumptuous buffet dinner.
Approximate value: CAD $83 per person
Rhythms On The Rails - Red Leaf During your stay in Kamloops, take a musical journey with a young singer/songwriter on his quest to write his one great legacy song, while travelling across Canada by rail. This highly energetic show features internationally known hit music from the past 50 years. The show follows a sumptuous buffet dinner.
Approximate value: Please check back later per person
CITY: Victoria
Victoria Panorama This half-hour flight is an ideal introduction to seaplane aviation and includes spectacular vistas of downtown Victoria, and the Strait of Juan de Fuca with the Olympic Mountains in the distance. Enjoy unique views of the buildings ringing the harbour and grand houses perched above the rugged coastline. The exhilarating spray of the water is always a highlight during take-off and landing.
Approximate value: CAD $111 per person
Marine And Wildlife Whale Watching Whale watching is an experience many say they will never forget. Spend two to three hours cruising the waters of the beautiful San Juan and Gulf islands, looking for whales, porpoises, seals, and eagles. A marine biologist will be on hand to answer all your questions. Bring your camera and your excitement because this will be a trip you will remember forever!
Approximate value: CAD $111 per person