Bears, Ranch & Rockies - Canada Uncovered
This in-depth, thrill-a-minute itinerary is just the ticket for an epic summertime vacation exploring the best of Canada’s great outdoors. Experience off-the-beaten track “cowboy country”, visit the iconic Rocky Mountains and discover some of the country’s lesser visited but arguably even more impressive National Parks.
Journey highlights
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Fasten your seatbelt and start your engine. With your own vehicle, you decide the pace at which you want to discover Western Canada’s rugged outdoor beauty and view its wildlife.
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With a plethora of National Parks and protected sites, glacial lakes, jagged mountains, scenic hiking trails and close encounters with whales and bears, Canada is home to more than its fair share of excitement!
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There are activities to get your heart racing at every location, from adrenaline pumping water sports such as kayaking and rafting, to riding horses across vast open spaces, dramatic coastal walks and hikes to lookout points. There is something to suit all adventurers.
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Stay at charming traditional style lodges oozing with character and enjoy Canada’s famously relaxed and welcoming hospitality.
Our tailor made journeys include:
- Your dedicated Travel Consultant who will take care of arrangements
- Private international airport transfers in destination
- Your own private, English-speaking local guides
- Unique experiences, hand-picked by our Journeys team
- Entrance to must-see local sites
- Dedicated 24/7 team providing in-country support and guidance
- Complimentary access to My Scott Dunn – industry-leading travel app providing pre-departure information and in-journey support
When to visit
- J
- F
- M
- A
- M
- J
- J
- A
- S
- O
- N
- D
The Canadian Rockies and BC are blessed with long summers to enjoy the great outdoors. May signals the start of spring, with many lodges just opening, and there can still be some snow at higher elevations in Alberta. June is considered the best month to visit for wildflowers, pleasant temperatures, wildlife coming alive and fewer crowds. July and August are the most popular months for travel. We encourage early booking to confirm preferred lodges. These summer months are fantastic for outdoor activities making the most of mountains and lakes. Wildlife viewing is also good during this time too, particularly bears. While temperatures throughout Alberta and BC are fairly consistent during these months (low to mid-twenty degrees Celsius), it is best to come prepared for all weathers in the mountains.
Itinerary
Fly to Calgary
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At a Glance
Upon arrival into Calgary, pick up the keys to your hire car and drive to your boutique hotel in the vibrant center of town. Just fifty miles or so from the Rocky Mountains, it’s the perfect spot to recharge after a long flight and prepare yourself for exploring Canada’s unspoiled wilderness. Enjoy a delicious dinner at one of the nearby restaurants, reflecting Calgary’s cosmopolitan nature, before a much-needed good night’s sleep.
If you’re planning to visit in early July, you might want to extend your stay here by a few days so that you are able witness the legendary Calgary Stampede. Once billed as the “Greatest Show on Earth” this event has a festival-like atmosphere, that spans ten days of shows, rodeos and nightly firework displays.Where to stay
Hotel Le Germain Calgary (1 night)
Alternative Places to Stay Nearby
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At a Glance
After breakfast, wave goodbye to the urban city landscape, jump in your car and begin your Rocky Mountain adventure, next stop is the magnificent Banff National Park! Flanked by the iconic Rocky Mountains on all sides, the vibrant town of Banff is a superb summer destination with a buzzing downtown packed full of craft shops and souvenirs as well as an exciting restaurant scene. Make the most of your hotel’s location, slap bang in the center of town with easy road access out to all the area’s major highlights.
Banff National Park is Canada’s oldest protected outdoor area. It is defined by its mountainous terrain, with many glaciers and ice fields, pristine shimmering lakes, dense forest and alpine landscapes. You’ll need a pair of walking boots to explore the multitude of hiking trails, although it is possible to reach some of the region’s most picturesque lookout points by car or via a gondola ride. There are other ways to immerse yourself in Canada’s great outdoors, hop on board a cruise or canoe out over the turquoise waters of Lake Louise, get your adrenaline going on a white-water rafting excursion, saddle up and explore by horse-back or even hike across a glacier!
Where to stay
Moose Hotel & Suites (3 nights)
Alternative Places to Stay Nearby
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At a Glance
Continuing on, you will drive through to the largest and wildest national park in the Canadian Rockies, Jasper National Park. It’s a thoroughly enjoyable and scenic four-hour drive to Jasper, so we recommend that you take your time to admire the views and make the most of the surroundings. This is an area abundantly rich in wildlife, so keep your eyes peeled for wildlife including moose, elk and bears. The Columbia Icefield Skywalk is well-worth stopping at along the way for a birds-eye view of the icefields and glaciers. Not for the faint-hearted, it features a cliff-edge walkway leading to a platform where glass is all that separates you from a 280-meter drop. The views and the photo opportunities are incredibly rewarding!
We’ve suggested a couple of nights at Tekarra Lodge, a tranquil, log cabin experience and a comfortable base from which to explore the surrounding area. It has a wonderful location overlooking the meandering rivers and it’s not uncommon to see elk and other wildlife wandering through the grounds. Along with plenty of trails to explore on foot, staff at the lodge can also organize rock climbing, paddle boarding and white-water rafting trips. As the evening draws in, enjoy a glass of wine out on your terrace and gaze up at the twinkling stars thanks to the clear open skies.Where to stay
Tekarra Lodge (2 nights)
Alternative Places to Stay Nearby
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At a Glance
Today your adventure through Canada’s stunning natural wilderness takes you across the Continental Divide, as you head towards Clearwater in British Columbia. Your accommodation for the next two nights will be a comfortable lakeside cabin at Alpine Meadows Resort, perfectly positioned to explore the magnificently wild Wells Gray Provincial Park, with easy access to six other provincial parks nearby. Famed for its fast-flowing rivers, bubbling brooks and cascading waterfalls, along with volcanic plateaus and deep canyons, it is hiking country at its best and most scenic, so ensure your boots are laced up and your camera fully charged!
Where to stay
Alpine Meadows Resort (2 nights)
Alternative Places to Stay Nearby
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At a Glance
On a full belly of delicious homecooked breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye to cowboy country as you hurtle along to the alpine-style village of Whistler, an adventure haven during the winter and summer months. Probably most famous for its skiing, Whistler attracts visitors looking for exciting outdoor pursuits throughout the seasons. During the long summer days, there are a tonne of things to keep you occupied including downhill mountain biking, rewarding hiking trails and awesome wildlife encounters. Hop onboard a gondola to reach dizzying heights and enjoy panoramic views of Whistler’s mountain range or join a guided tour to view bears as they roam around freely on the Blackcomb Mountains. Locals say they prefer the summer months more than the winter, with lakeside beaches playing host to all manner of water sports, live music events and al fresco dining, it’s not a surprise.
Summit Lodge is our boutique destination of choice in Whistler village. Equipped with top-notch facilities and beautifully appointed rooms, the lodge offers the perfect respite after a day of fresh mountain air. There is a lovely outdoor patio area complete with a heated pool, hot tub and a natural cedar sauna, all vital amenities for soothing achy muscles after a day in Canada's great outdoors. You can also enjoy a massage or treatment at the spa or simply relax with an afternoon drink and toast your epic adventure.
Where to stay
Summit Lodge (3 nights)
Alternative Places to Stay Nearby
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At a Glance
As the saying goes, all good things must come to an end, and sadly your grand road trip ends in Vancouver. But with a few final days to explore this vibrant city, you can still eek out plenty of fun and enjoyment, from hard-to-resist foodie markets on Granville Island to magnificent coastal rainforest and First Nations culture at the Capliano Suspension Bridge. To end this trip with yet another highlight, we’d recommend a whale watching cruise to spot pods of orcas and seals or jump onboard a float plane to visit Victoria on Vancouver Island, before celebrating this memorable journey at one of Vancouver’s best eateries.
Where to stay
Loden Hotel (3 nights)
Alternative Places to Stay Nearby
Fly home from Vancouver
Price Guide: (per person based on double occupancy and includes international flights)
| Departing |
Price from*
|
Deposit from * | Enquire |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 2025 | $6,400 | $1,600 | plan your trip |
| May 2026 | $6,400 | $1,600 | plan your trip |
| June 2026 | $6,600 | $1,700 | plan your trip |
| July 2026 | $6,600 | $1,700 | plan your trip |
| August 2026 | $6,600 | $1,700 | plan your trip |
| September 2026 | $6,600 | $1,700 | plan your trip |
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October 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$6,400
Deposit from*$1,600
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May 2026
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$6,400
Deposit from*$1,600
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June 2026
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$6,600
Deposit from*$1,700
-
July 2026
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$6,600
Deposit from*$1,700
-
August 2026
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$6,600
Deposit from*$1,700
-
September 2026
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$6,600
Deposit from*$1,700
- plan your trip
Experiences in this tour
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![Sauna and cold pool]()
View ExperienceLaugarás Lagoon Sanctuary of Wellness
Laugarás Lagoon represents the pinnacle of Iceland's geothermal wellness experience, where pristine mountain vistas meet the artistry of nature's own thermal springs.
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View ExperienceGuided ebike tour & private wine tasting
Enjoy a guided e-bike tour of the Cotswolds.
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![Reykjavik]()
View ExperienceReykjavík Walking Tour
Discover Reykjavík’s charm on a guided walking tour through its historic streets. Stroll past colorful houses, iconic landmarks like Hallgrímskirkja and Harpa Concert Hall, and hidden gems that showcase the city's vibrant culture.
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![Monk Experience]()
View ExperienceSpiritual journey with Hermit Monks
Enjoy an insider's tour of the birthplace of Buddhism and engage in meaningful interactions with a resident monk, and conclude with experiencing herbal tea and traditional snacks.
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![Peko Trail Experince]()
View ExperienceThe Pekoe Trail
Embark on the Pekoe Trail, Sri Lanka's first long-distance hike from Hanthana to Nuwara Eliya, guided by a local expert, as you traverse stunning tea plantations, iconic landmarks, and diverse landscapes.
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![Liverpool district tour]()
View ExperiencePrivate Liverpool Historic Dock District Tour
A visit to this historic dock in Liverpool promises a captivating blend of history, culture, and waterfront charm, with stunning architecture, world-class museums, vibrant galleries, and trendy restaurants
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![Solar Eclipse]()
View Experience2026 Solar Eclipse - Fisherman's Village
Experience the rare total solar eclipse visible from Reykjavik for the first time since 1433. Celebrate in Álftanes, a charming village just 15 minutes from the city center, offering stunning sea views.
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![Manchester]()
View ExperiencePrivate Walking Tour
Explore Manchester's dynamic past and present on a private walking tour with an expert local guide.
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![Manchester United]()
View ExperiencePrivate Manchester United Football Stadium Tour
Guests will embark on an exclusive private tour of Old Trafford, the iconic home of Manchester United.
We design each itinerary around you, so this suggested itineraryis a starting point that we can tweak or transform into something completely personalized to you. Call us on 858 345 1751 to start planning your vacation.
Why Scott Dunn for Luxury Tours?
Unique to You
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- We’ve curated an elevated collection of accommodation, experiences, and guides.
- Committed to fostering close global relationships to continue bringing you unique experiences.
Luxury in Every Sense
- We deliver a sense of luxury that matters most to you.
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