canada & alaska
Intrepid’s real life experiences in canada & alaska… Experience Canada and Alaska, lands that abound in icebergs and pine forests, rugged mountains and fascinating cities. Discover the scenery while exploring some of the little-known and remote corners of this remarkable region.
Wildlife Spotting
Campfire Treats
Dog Sledding
A Hot Dip
Amazing Alaska page : 38, SSOF
Explore Canada page : 40, SSOL
Alaskan Discovery page : 36, SSOA
Alaskan Adventure page : 37, SSOY
Take a ferry ride across the icy waters of the Prince William Sound. Keep eyes on the water to spot sea lions, orcas and pods of playful dolphins.
Feast on s’mores, a Canadian campfire treat made of toasted marshmallows and a layer of chocolate sandwiched between two crackers.
Get a rush racing through frosty forests on board a dog-pulled sled. ‘Mush mush’ your husky team and watch as a magical winter wonderland whizzes past.
Rest weary limbs while soaking in the steaming Takhini Hot Springs. Set deep within Canada’s Yukon Wilderness, this is one bathtime to savour.
Greenland
ALASKA Anchorage
YUKON TERRITORY
ALBERTA
MANITOBA
BRITISH COLUMBIA
WASHINGTON
QUEBEC ONTARIO Seattle
Winnipeg
United States of America
Banff National Park
86ºF 30ºC 59ºF 15ºC 32ºF 0ºC 5ºF -15ºC -22ºF -30ºC
86ºF 30ºC 59 F 15 C º
º
32ºF 0ºC
Classic Polar Bears page : 41, SCWP
Classic Canada page : 41, SSRC
Travel to the ‘Polar Bear Capital of the World’ to have an unforgettable encounter with these incredible creatures out on their icy tundra home.
Soak up the great outdoors with a bike or a hike through the verdant surrounds of Banff National Park. Snow-capped peaks and wide-open vistas await.
5ºF -15ºC -22ºF -30ºC
104ºF 40ºC 86ºF 30ºC 68ºF 20ºC 50ºF 10ºC 32ºF 0ºC
rainfall F M A M
J
J
A
60mm 3in 40mm 2in 0mm 0in
S O N D
banff rainfall
Polar Bears
80mm 4in
20mm .8in
J
80mm 4in 60mm 3in 40mm 2in 20mm .8in
J
F M A M
J
J
A
0mm 0in
S O N D
winnipeg rainfall
-4ºF -20ºC
Average Max
100mm 4in 75mm 3in 50mm 2in 25mm 1in
J
F M A M
J
J
A
0mm 0in
S O N D
vancouver rainfall
14ºF -10ºC
Average Min
temperature
32ºF 0ºC
anchorage
temperature
º
temperature
50 F 10 C º
temperature
68ºF 20ºC
200mm 8in 150mm 6in 80mm 4in 40mm 2in
J
F M A M
J
J
A
S O N D
0mm 0in
Emerald lake, Banff NP, Alberta, Canada
36 Alaska
Alaskan Discovery trip code
SSOA
Basix
15 days, ex Anchorage
OVERLAND DEPARTURE GUARANTEED
ITINERARY... Day 1 Anchorage Located in south-central Alaska on the shores of Cook Inlet, Anchorage is a unique urban environment in the heart of the great outdoors. Days 2-4 Denali National Park Wilderness lovers will rejoice in this natural wonderland, where grizzlies, wolves, elk and caribou roam wild. One of the highlights of this adventure is Mt McKinley, which, at 6,194 m, is the highest mountain in North America. Stroll, hike or raft through the park, or opt for a scenic flight. Days 5-6 Wrangell-St Elias National Park Admire the glacier-formed geography and spectacular views of the Alaska Range on the drive to Wrangell-St Elias. Often referred to as ‘Mountain Kingdom’, this is the largest national park in the country. Day 7 Chickaloon With deep azure waters punctuated by mile high mountains, Lake Louise is a scenic stop on the way to Chickaloon. Day 8 ACCOMMODATION Hostel (2 nts), camping (12 nts) TRANSPORT Private van, ferry, scenic bus GROUP SIZE Max 13 MEALS No meals included. An optional kitty payment of US$70 per week of your trip is used to pay for some group meals. BUDGET See trip notes for additional costs of meals not included, optional activities & personal spending DEPARTS Selected Sat from Jun-Aug GUARANTEE Departure guaranteed CARBON EMISSIONS OFFSET 809 kg pp per trip NOTES 1. Please bring your own sleeping bag. 2. Recommended earliest flight departure time is 20:00 on day 15. TRAVELLER RATING 4.63 out of 5 Start Finish 2011 04 Jun 18 Jun
18 Jun 02 Jul 02 Jul 16 Jul 16 Jul 30 Jul
30 Jul 13 Aug 06 Aug 20 Aug 13 Aug 27 Aug
Anchorage Travel back to Anchorage to get ready for the second half of this exciting adventure. Perhaps use this opportunity to visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center or enjoy a tasty seafood meal - a local specialty. Days 9-10 Homer Travel around the coast of the Kenai Peninsula, where glaciers tumble down from the mountains towards the ocean. Keep an eye out for beluga whales playing out at sea while travelling along the Turnagain Arm on the journey to Homer. Days 11-12 Seward In Seward, opportunities for
Above: Brown bear, Alaska - Marsha Glider Below: Seward boats, Alaska
outdoor activity are endless - take an optional boat cruise around the glaciers of Kenai Fjords National Park, hike up Exit Glacier to the Harding Icefield, ride on a dog sled or go halibut fishing. Keep an
AL ASKA
eye out for marine mammals such as sea lions, orcas and dolphins
Denali NP
who all frequent these waters. Days 13-14 Prince William Sound/Valdez Journey to the coastal town of Whittier and take
Valdez
Kenai Peninsula Homer
Seward
• Chow down on fresh seafood in Anchorage • Glimpse snow-capped mountains in Denali National Park • Be eclipsed by mighty Mt McKinley • Gaze out over the glacial geography of Alaska • Hear creaking glaciers in Prince William Sound • Discover picturesque panoramas on the Kenai Peninsula • Feel the icy wind in your hair on a dog-sledding jaunt • Hike past waterfalls • Enjoy a ferry cruise through breathtaking icy scenery • Keep eyes peeled for elk and moose
a ferry to Valdez. Travel through Prince William Sound and admire
Chickaloon Anchorage
Physical culturAL
Prince William Sound
WrangellSt Elias NP
the creaking, frozen expanse of the Columbia Glacier. Ringed by
Short on time?
soaring snow-capped mountains, Valdez is a very scenic spot. Tour
See trip code SSOJ for an eight-day Denali Adventure, and SSOK for an eight-day trip on the Kenai Peninsula.
the state’s northernmost port and, if the season’s right, see salmon swimming up stream. Hike to the scenic Bridal Veil and Horsetail waterfalls, discover the impressive Worthington Glacier or go on a kayak tour to Shoup Glacier. Day 15 Anchorage Traverse the rugged Alaskan landscape on the journey back to Anchorage.
For trip notes, availability and more, enter the trip code at intrepidtravel.com
trip code
SSOY
BASIX
OVERLAND
22 days, ex Anchorage
DEPARTURE GUARANTEED
ITINERARY... Day 1 Anchorage While waiting for fellow travellers to arrive, why not visit the Alaska Zoo to see bears, snow leopards and Tibetan yaks? Days 2-4 Denali National Park Take a scenic bus tour through Denali and see grizzly bears, elk, caribou and wolves. There is the opportunity to hike, raft or take a flight for spectacular views of Mt McKinley. Day 5 Delta Junction Hit the northernmost point of this journey passing through Fairbanks, then set up camp in Delta Junction. Day 6 Kluane National Park Temporarily farewell Alaska and enter Canada’s Yukon Territory. Camp at Burwash Landing, on Lake Kluane’s shores. Days 7-8 Skagway Back in Alaska, experience a close encounter with America’s national emblem at the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve at Haines. Take the ferry to Skagway, a historically significant port town from the Gold Rush era. Day 9 Whitehorse Skip back into Canada to reach Whitehorse, capital of the Yukon. Relive the glory days at the White Pass Yukon Route Station, then head to the campsite at Takhini Hot Springs to soak, swim and relax in the natural mineral waters. Days 10-11 Dawson City Travel to Dawson City, in the heart of the Klondike Gold Rush territory. Day 12 Tok Take the Top of the World Highway to head back to Alaska. Camp in the dog-sledding town of Tok. Days 13-14 Wrangell-St Elias National Park This national park boasts the continent’s largest collection of glaciers. Camp at nearby McCarthy, which serves as a base for exploring the park. Hiking, glacier walks,
37 Canada & Alaska
Alaskan Adventure Physical culturAL
• Admire mammoth Mt McKinley in Denali National Park • Traverse Canada’s spectacular Yukon Territory • Have a close encounter with America’s feathered emblem at the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve • Be surrounded by the continent’s biggest collection of glaciers in the Wrangell-St Elias National Park • Soak in Takhini’s mineral springs • Spot grizzly bears and beluga whales • Be swept up by the beauty of the Kenai Peninsula
ice climbing and a scenic flight are some of the options to choose from here. Days 15-16 Valdez Outdoor activities abound in picturesque Valdez, known as the ‘Switzerland of Alaska’. Fish, cycle or cruise Prince William Sound to view the magnificent Columbia Glacier. Day 17 Anchorage Enjoy the nightlife of Alaska’s largest city. Days 18-19 Seward Look out for the blue ice of Portage Glacier en route to Seward. From here, why not take a cruise around the glaciers of Kenai Fjords National Park, hike the Exit Glacier to Harding Icefield or whiz through breathtaking scenery on a dog sled? Day 20 Homer Be enchanted by the beauty of the Kenai Peninsula. Days 21-22 Anchorage Keep an eye out for beluga whales on the way back to Anchorage.
One of the best experiences I’ve had to date. Alaska is an inspirational place. The people I travelled with were wonderful and our leader ready to tackle anything. Kim Gageler, Australia Travelled on the SSOY ACCOMMODATION Hostel (1 nt), camping (20 nts) TRANSPORT Private van, ferry GROUP SIZE Max 13 MEALS No meals included. An optional kitty payment of US$70 per week of your trip is used to pay for some group meals. BUDGET See trip notes for additional costs of meals not included, optional activities & personal spending DEPARTS Selected Sat from May-Aug GUARANTEE Departure guaranteed CARBON EMISSIONS OFFSET 1186 kg pp per trip NOTES 1. Please bring your own sleeping bag. 2. Recommended earliest flight departure time is 16:00 on day 22. TRAVELLER RATING 4.50 out of 5 Start Finish 2011 11 Jun 02 Jul 02 Jul 23 Jul 23 Jul 13 Aug 21 May 11 Jun 25 Jun 16 Jul 16 Jul 06 Aug 13 Aug 03 Sep Above: Mt McKinley with red autumn tundra, Alaska - Simone Winkler Left: Young moose in field, Alaska - Angela Joyce
Y U K ON TE R R ITORY
Delta Junction
Dawson City
ALA S K A Tok
Denali NP
Kluane NP Anchorage Kenai Peninsula
Skagway
Valdez Seward
Homer
Whitehorse
WrangellSt Elias NP
Additional information about this destination is available at intrepidtravel.com
38 Canada & Alaska
Amazing Alaska trip code
SSOF
Basix
29 days, ex Seattle
OVERLAND DEPARTURE GUARANTEED
ITINERARY... Day 1 Seattle For those who arrive early, a trip up the Space Needle is recommended. Day 2 Vancouver Take advantage of the leafy parks and glistening waterways in this chilled city. Days 3-4 Whistler Rent bikes to explore the alpine terrain around Whistler. Day 5 Prince George Cross the Fraser River and head to Prince George, an old logging town. Day 6 ‘Ksan Historical Village Learn about the Gitksan people, one of the First Nations tribes of Canada, on a visit to the ‘Ksan Historical Village. Be sure to check out their impressive Totem Pole carvings. Day 7 Hyder Enter Alaska and head to Hyder where there’s a chance to spot grizzly bears catching salmon. Days 8-9 British Columbia Cross back into Canada and travel north. Visit Watson Lake Sign Post Forest which boasts more than 60,000 signs ACCOMMODATION Hostel (1 nt), camping (23 nts), overnight ferry (4nts) TRANSPORT Private van, ferry GROUP SIZE Max 13 MEALS No meals included. An optional kitty payment of US$70 per week of your trip is used to pay for some group meals. BUDGET See trip notes for additional costs of meals not included, optional activities & personal spending DEPARTS Selected Fri from May-Aug GUARANTEE Departure guaranteed CARBON EMISSIONS OFFSET 1533 kg pp per trip NOTES 1. Please bring your own sleeping bag. 2. Recommended earliest flight departure time is 12:00 on day 29. TRAVELLER RATING Not applicable as this is a new itinerary Start Finish 2011 27 May 24 Jun
24 Jun 22 Jul 08 Jul 05 Aug
22 Jul 19 Aug 05 Aug 02 Sep
19 Aug 16 Sep
from towns all over the world. Day 10 Whitehorse Soak, swim and relax in the Takhini Hot Springs in the capital of the Yukon Territory. Days 11-12 Dawson City Visit Bonanza Creek to hear about its Gold Rush history. Day 13 Chicken Interact with the quirkier side of Alaska in the town of Chicken. Camp near Tok. Days 14-16 Denali National Park Enjoy the journey into this amazing wilderness area, where there is the chance to hike, raft, or take a scenic flight around looming Mt McKinley. Take a bus ride through this natural wonderland, keeping eyes peeled for grizzlies
Above: Kenai Fjord glacier, Alaska - George Burba Below: Humpback whale, Alaska
and caribou. Days 17-19 Kenai Peninsula Try to spot beluga whales on the way to Homer, then travel to Seward where there
ALASKA
Anchorage
is the option to hike up a glacier to the Harding Icefield or fish for
Denali NP
Chicken Kenai Peninsula Dawson City YUKON WrangellWhitehorse T ERRITORY St. Elias NP Kluane NP Skagway
BRIT ISH COL UM BIA
Ferry Cruise
‘Ksan Historical Village
WA S H INGTON
Hyder
Prince George
halibut. Relax on a boat cruise around the glaciers of Kenai Fjords National Park. Day 20 Anchorage Arrive in Anchorage and head out to discover the city. Days 21-22 Wrangell-St Elias National Park Use McCarthy as a base to explore this national park. Day 23
Seattle
• Unwind in chilled Vancouver • Learn about one of the First Nations tribes of Canada • Spot grizzly bears catching salmon in Hyder • Journey through beautiful British Columbia • Let worries subside in natural hot springs near Whitehorse • Hear about a Gold Rush past in Dawson City • Find out what Chicken in Alaska is famous for • Gaze up at Mt McKinley in Denali National Park • Hear creaking glaciers on a cruise around the Kenai Fjords • Discover the wilds of the Wrangell-St Elias National Park
Kluane National Park Re-enter Canada’s Yukon Territory and
Free time in Seattle?
make tracks to Kluane National Park. Day 24 Skagway Head to
Paddle through the scenic heart of this waterside city on an Urban Kayak tour with Urban Adventures.
Skagway, a township with a Gold Rush past. Days 25-28 Ferry Cruise Board a ferry for an unforgettable trip through the Inside
Whistler Vancouver
Physical culturAL
Passage. Travel along the coast of Alaska and western Canada. Keep a lookout for whales and seals. Day 29 Seattle Disembark at Bellingham and head back to Seattle.
For trip notes, availability and more, enter the trip code at intrepidtravel.com
trip code
SSOR
Basix
OVERLAND
15 days, ex Seattle
DEPARTURE GUARANTEED
ITINERARY... Day 1 Seattle This vibrant city offers plenty of entertainment, from museums and galleries to cosy cafes, parks and beaches. Days 2-4 Wells Gray Provincial Park Cross the border into Canada and journey through the wild terrain of British Columbia to Wells Gray Provincial Park. At night, camp at a cowboy ranch and toast s’mores over a fire. Day 5 Mt Robson Provincial Park Drive through the stunning Cariboo Mountains and Mt Robson Provincial Park. At 3,954 m, Mt Robson is the tallest peak in the Canadian Rockies. Days 6-7 Jasper National Park Hearts will skip a beat upon seeing Jasper’s palette of snow-white or summer-grey mountains and brilliant turquoise lakes, laced by dense pine forests and colossal glaciers. Spot the Canadian Rockies’ Big Five - elk, moose, deer, wolf and bears - as well as coyotes and even mountain lions. Perhaps take a gondola ride to Whistlers Mountain, hike the park’s trails or go mountain biking. Days 8-10 Banff National Park Visit Canada’s oldest national park. Traverse the Icefields Parkway through stunning Rocky Mountain scenery, stopping on the way at the Athabasca Glacier. Ever wanted to hitch a ride in an ice mobile? Here, it’s possible. Later, arrive at the lakes region and take a cable car to the top of Sulphur Mountain, hike to the teahouse at the Plain of Six Glaciers or simply gaze for hours at picture-perfect Lake Louise. Days 11-12 Yoho National Park/ Golden One of the lesser-known spots in the Canadian Rockies, Yoho shelters Canada’s second highest waterfall and a wealth of unique plant and animal species. Delight in the majestic Takkakaw Falls. Continue through unspoiled mountainous terrain to Golden. Get active and tackle white-water rapids in the Kicking Horse River or simply relax and enjoy the delightful surrounds. Day 13 Glacier National Park/Kamloops With more than 400 glaciers, Glacier National Park is a stunning stop on the way to Kamloops. Pay a visit to Mt Revelstoke National Park which contains part of the world’s only temperate inland rainforest and offers stunning views of snow-capped mountains. Day 14 Vancouver Discover why this harbourside city consistently rates as one of world’s most liveable cities. Day 15 Seattle Head south across the border and finish up
39 Canada
Canadian Rockies Physical culturAL
• Sip coffee in a hip Seattle cafe • Discover the wonders of the breathtaking Canadian Rockies • Toast s’mores over a fire at a cowboy ranch in Wells Gray Provincial Park • Spy the Big Five in the Rocky Mountains - elk, moose, deer, wolf and bear • Be left breathless by the spectacular scenery in Banff and Jasper national parks • Traverse the ancient Icefields Parkway • Marvel at the beauty of stunning Lake Louise • Encounter the hulking Athebasca Glacier • See majestic Takkakaw Falls - the second highest falls in Canada • Get active and hit the rapids of Kicking Horse River • Soak up vibrant energy on the streets of beautiful Vancouver
back among the cafes and waterways of Seattle. ACCOMMODATION Hostel (1 nt), camping (13 nts) TRANSPORT Private van GROUP SIZE Max 13 MEALS No meals included. An optional kitty payment of CA$70 per week of your trip is used to pay for some group meals. BUDGET See trip notes for additional costs of meals not included, optional activities & personal spending DEPARTS Selected Sat from May-Aug GUARANTEE Departure guaranteed CARBON EMISSIONS OFFSET 809 kg pp per trip NOTES 1. Please bring your own sleeping bag. 2. Recommended earliest flight departure time is 16:00 on day 15. TRAVELLER RATING 4.56 out of 5 Start Finish 04 Jun 18 Jun 16 Jul 30 Jul 27 Aug 10 Sep 2011 18 Jun 02 Jul 30 Jul 13 Aug 21 May 04 Jun 02 Jul 16 Jul 13 Aug 27 Aug Above: Racoon, Canada - Helen Filatova Left: White water rafting, Canada - Elena Pokrovskaya
BR ITIS H C OLU MB IA
Jasper NP
Mt Robson PP
A LB E RTA
Wells Gray PP
Golden Glacier NP
Banff NP
Yoho NP
Kamloops
Vancouver
Seattle
WAS H IN GTON
Additional information about this destination is available at intrepidtravel.com
40 Canada
Explore Canada trip code
SSOL
Basix
OVERLAND
22 days, ex Seattle
DEPARTURE GUARANTEED
ITINERARY... Day 1 Seattle Try to spend a few days here before this trip starts to discover the heart of the city, from bustling Pike Place Market to the edgy Seattle Art Museum. Days 2-4 Wells Gray Provincial Park Boasting some of the country’s most pristine wilderness, Wells Gray Provincial Park is a gem in Canada’s crown. By day, perhaps explore the area by canoe or horseback then spend evenings toasting s’mores by the fire at a cowboy ranch. Days 5-7 Jasper National Park Travel to Mt Robson Provincial Park, home to the highest mountains in the Canadian Rockies, then continue to Jasper. Experience a sense of sublime wonder while camping among ancient mountains and mesmerising blue lakes. Hike Whistler Mountain or go mountain biking in the Valley of Five Lakes. Days 8-10 Banff National Park ACCOMMODATION Hostel (1 nt), camping (20 nts) TRANSPORT Private van, ferry, bicycle GROUP SIZE Max 13 MEALS No meals included. An optional kitty payment of CA$70 per week of your trip is used to pay for some group meals. BUDGET See trip notes for additional costs of meals not included, optional activities & personal spending DEPARTS Selected Sat from May-Aug GUARANTEE Departure guaranteed CARBON EMISSIONS OFFSET 1186 kg pp per trip NOTES 1. Please bring your own sleeping bag. 2. Recommended earliest flight departure time is 16:00 on day 22. TRAVELLER RATING Not applicable as this is a new itinerary Start Finish 2011 14 May 04 Jun
04 Jun 25 Jun 25 Jun 16 Jul 16 Jul 06 Aug
06 Aug 27 Aug 27 Aug 17 Sep
Venture through the breathtaking Icefields Parkway on the way to Banff. Opt to ride an ice-mobile on the Athabasca Glacier and stop in at the chateau at fairytale Lake Louise for a hot drink and some of the most incredible vistas on the planet. A playground for outdoor enthusiasts, Banff has plenty of scenic hiking trails and natural hot springs to while away the hours. Days 11-12 Yoho National Park/Golden Get pulses racing on an optional white-water rafting trip on the churning Kicking Horse River in Yoho National Park.
Above: Rainy forest trail, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada - Ryan McVay Below: Lake Peyto, Banff NP, Alberta, Canada - Natalia Bratslavsky
Visit the amazing Takkakaw Falls and journey through dramatic parkland to the town of Golden. Day 13 Glacier National Park/ Mt Revelstoke National Park The icy landscapes of Glacier
B R I T I S H C OL UM BIA
National Park are extraordinary. Admire some of the 400 glaciers on show, before heading to Mt Revelstoke. An afternoon hike offers a
Jasper NP
great opportunity to see it up close. Day 14 Hope Located at the
Wells Gray PP
meeting of the Fraser and Coquihalla rivers, this chainsaw-carving Golden Vancouver Island
Vancouver
Hope Victoria Seattle
Mt Revelstoke NP
WA S H INGTON
capital of Canada is speckled with curious statues depicting eagles, Banff NP
• Release your inner grunge in Seattle • Sleep under the stars at a cowboy ranch at Wells Gray Provincial Park • Camp in the shadow of the majestic Rockies in Jasper and Banff • Conquer white-water rapids on Kicking Horse River • Unwind on chilled Vancouver Island • Traverse the scenic Icefields Parkway • Walk through a temperate inland rainforest • See vast ice expanses at Glacier National Park • Admire curious carvings in Hope • Cycle through Vancouver’s leafy Stanley Park
bears and cougars. Days 15-19 Vancouver Island/Victoria
Fancy a city tour?
Take a ferry to Vancouver Island. Perhaps join a whale-watching
Sign up for a day of Seattle sightseeing on Urban Adventure’s Walk, Bike and Paddle Adventure.
tour in Tofino. Visit Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, to see AL BERTA
Physical culturAL
quaint English gardens or spend an afternoon in a waterfront beer garden. Days 20-21 Vancouver Glide back to Vancouver by ferry and enjoy this picturesque city on a bike ride through Stanley Park. Day 22 Seattle End the adventure back in Seattle.
For trip notes, availability and more, enter the trip code at intrepidtravel.com
trip code
SSRC
Basix
10 days, ex Seattle
41 Canada
Classic Canada A LB E RTA
DEPARTURE GUARANTEED
ITINERARY... Day 1 Seattle Vibrant and modern, there’s much to do in downtown Seattle. Arrive early to tackle the Space Needle or pick up fresh produce at Pike Place Market. Day 2 Kelowna Cross the border into Canada and head to Kelowna, located in the heart
Jasper NP
Wells Gray PP
BRITIS H COL UMB IA Banff NP Whistler Vancouver
Golden Kelowna
Seattle
WASH IN GTON
of British Columbia’s wine region. Day 3 Golden Discover the Physical culturAL
world’s only temperate inland rainforest in Mt Revelstoke National Park. Travel through Rogers Pass en route to Glacier National Park. Home to more than 400 glaciers, this park is a spectacular stop. Spend the night in Golden. Day 4 Banff National Park For an adrenaline rush try tackling the churning Kicking Horse River in Yoho National Park. Gaze up at huge Takkakaw Falls before continuing on to Banff National Park. Days 5-6 Jasper National Park Stunning Rocky Mountain scenery awaits on the Icefields Parkway connecting Banff and Jasper. Be left breathless by turquoise lakes - including lovely Lake Louise - reflecting majestic snow-capped peaks in this magical part of the world. Day 7 Wells Gray Provincial Park Spend the night at a cowboy ranch surrounded by the beauty of Wells Gray Provincial Park. During the day there’s plenty of free time for hiking, canoeing or even horseback riding. Day 8 Whistler Try mountain biking, alpine hiking and a full roster of outdoor activities in this resort town high in the mountains. Day 9 Vancouver This cosmopolitan city has the best of both worlds - a dynamic culture and close to some of the world’s best national parks. Day 10 Seattle Skip back across the border and perhaps check out some live music in Seattle.
• Enjoy a coffee fix in Seattle • Hike among the towering mountains in Banff National Park • Spy moose and elk in Jasper • Get snap happy at Lake Louise • Explore the pretty mountain resort town of Whistler • Breathe in the fresh air of cosmopolitan Vancouver
ACCOMMODATION Hotels/lodges (9 nts) TRANSPORT Private van GROUP SIZE Max 13 MEALS No meals included. An optional kitty payment of CA$70 per week of your trip is used to pay for some group meals. BUDGET See trip notes for additional costs of meals not included, optional activities & personal spending DEPARTS Selected Sat & Wed from May-Sep GUARANTEE Departure guaranteed CARBON EMISSIONS OFFSET 620 kg pp per trip NOTES Recommended earliest flight departure time is 20:00 on day 10. TRAVELLER RATING Not applicable as this is a new itinerary Start Finish 2011 21 May 30 May 01 Jun 10 Jun
11 Jun 22 Jun 02 Jul 13 Jul
20 Jun 01 Jul 11 Jul 22 Jul
23 Jul 03 Aug 13 Aug 24 Aug
01 Aug 12 Aug 22 Aug 02 Sep
03 Sep 12 Sep
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada - Ben Goode
Classic Polar Bears trip code
SCWP
comfort
6 days, ex Winnipeg
wildlife DEPARTURE GUARANTEED
Churchill
M AN ITOBA
ITINERARY... Day 1 Winnipeg Arrive in the capital of Manitoba to start this once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Day 2 Churchill Fly to Churchill, the ‘Polar Bear Capital of the World’. During the annual migration in October and November, the polar bears move from
ON TAR IO Winnipeg
inland towards the Cape Churchill area. As the town of Churchill lies right in the migratory path, there’ll be many opportunities to spot these extraordinary creatures. Head out in a tundra vehicle for a unique chance to view the polar bears. Spend the night back in Churchill. Days 3-4 Churchill/Tundra Spend two full days observing the bears from a purpose-built tundra vehicle with an experienced expedition leader. Watch as the young adult males play-fight, solitary adult males lumber across the tundra and mothers spend time with their cubs. The interaction between the bears is fascinating to see. These magnificent animals weigh an average of 300 kg for females, and 600 kg for males. With their acute sense of smell, they are accomplished hunters that can pick up a scent 32 km away and locate a seal under one metre of snow or ice. They have no natural enemies, and consequently, they have no fear. In the evenings enjoy fascinating presentations on native wildlife and local cultures. Days 5-6 Winnipeg With a free morning in Churchill there’s many optional activities to choose from. Take a scenic helicopter ride over this impressive landscape, embark on a dog-sledding excursion or stroll through the worldfamous Eskimo Museum. Catch a flight back to Winnipeg for a final night here before saying farewell to an unforgettable trip.
Physical culturAL
• See the greatest concentration of polar bears up close • View bears from specially-designed tundra vehicles • Enjoy presentations on wildlife and local cultures • Embark on a dog-sled adventure across icy vistas • Take an optional scenic helicopter ride over a winter wonderland
ACCOMMODATION Hotels (5 nts) TRANSPORT Plane, private tundra vehicle GROUP SIZE Max 15 MEALS 5 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 4 Dinners BUDGET See trip notes for additional costs of meals not included, optional activities & personal spending DEPARTS Selected Mon, Fri & Sat GUARANTEE Departure guaranteed CARBON EMISSIONS OFFSET 317 kg pp per trip TRAVELLER RATING Not applicable as this is a new itinerary Start Finish 2011 14 Oct 19 Oct
28 Oct 2 Nov 7 Nov 12 Nov 13 Nov 18 Nov
Polar bear (Ursus maritimus) mother with cubs, Canada - Tom Brakefield
Additional information about this destination is available at intrepidtravel.com
contact us‌ Australia
USA Travellers call:
Travellers call:
1300 623 408
Travel agents call:
1300 360 887 Travel agents call: sales@intrepidtravel.com
1 800 970 7299 us@intrepidtravel.com 1 866 915 1511 usa@intrepidtravel.com
VIC: Intrepid store Melbourne Intrepid store Carlton Intrepid store Hawthorn Intrepid store Prahran
bourke.vic@intrepidretail.com lygon.vic@intrepidretail.com glenferrie.vic@intrepidretail.com chapel.vic@intrepidretail.com
NSW: Intrepid store Sydney Intrepid store Paddington Intrepid store Newtown
pitt.nsw@intrepidretail.com oxford.nsw@intrepidretail.com king.nsw@intrepidretail.com
WA: Intrepid store Perth
hay.wa@intrepidretail.com
Travellers call:
01 524 0071 ask@intrepidtravel.com
QLD: Intrepid store Brisbane
adelaide.qld@intrepidretail.com
Travel agents call:
+44 20 7354 6170 europe@intrepidtravel.com
South Africa Travellers call:
011 471 7400/6 salessa@intrepidbundu.com
Travel agents call:
011 471 7400/6 agent@intrepidbundu.com
Ireland
Belgium
New Zealand Travellers call:
0800 600 610 auckland@intrepidretail.co.nz
Travellers call:
0 15 407 520 gsa@joker.be
Travel agents call:
0800 450 883 nz@intrepidtravel.com
Travel agents call:
0 15 407 520 gsa@joker.be
Intrepid store Auckland
09 520 0972 auckland@intrepidretail.co.nz
Germany
UK
Travellers call:
0 8024 474 490 kontakt@intrepidsuntrek.de 0 8024 474 490 kontakt@intrepidsuntrek.de
Travellers call:
020 3147 7777 ask@intrepidtravel.com
Travel agents call:
Travel agents call:
020 7354 6170 uk@intrepidtravel.com
Austria & Switzerland
Intrepid store London
020 7354 6169 islington@intrepidtravel.com
Canada Travellers call:
1 866 360 1151 toronto@intrepidtravel.com
Travel agents call:
1 866 915 1511 can@intrepidtravel.com
Intrepid store Toronto
416 531 1332 toronto@intrepidtravel.com
intrepidtravel.com
Travellers call:
+49 8024 474 490 kontakt@intrepidsuntrek.de
Travel agents call:
+44 20 7354 6170 europe@intrepidtravel.com
Rest of Europe Travellers call:
+44 20 3147 7777 ask@intrepidtravel.com
Travel agents call:
+44 20 7354 6170 europe@intrepidtravel.com