Western Canada Comfort fly and coach trip: bears, mountains & glaciers

Day 1: Switzerland - Vancouver

Flight from Zurich via Frankfurt to Seattle. After arrival, you will be welcomed by the local tour guide. The journey from Seattle to Vancouver leads through the scenic north-west of the USA and on to Canada. After crossing the border, the route takes you through the suburbs of Vancouver and finally into the centre of this modern metropolis of millions. Vancouver delights with its unique setting between the Pacific coast and the Coast Mountains, as well as a successful blend of urban flair and impressive nature. Overnight stay in the Vancouver area.

Day 2: Vancouver

On a city tour, you will discover the most beautiful sides of Vancouver. Spectacularly located between the Pacific and the coastal mountains, the city impresses with its unique setting and sights such as Chinatown and historic Gastown. The afternoon is at your leisure. Optionally, you can visit the famous Stanley Park with its extensive waterfront paths and impressive totem poles. If you would like to end the day with a special view, you can visit the Vancouver Lookout (optional).

Day 3: Vancouver - Victoria

You take the ferry through the beautiful island scenery to Victoria on Vancouver Island. Sheltered by the mainland of Washington State, southern Vancouver Island in particular enjoys one of the mildest climates in all of Canada. The rest of the day is devoted to the charming city of Victoria and its highlights. These include the many buildings in English colonial style, such as the Parliament Buildings of the province of British Columbia and the traditional Empress Hotel.

Day 4: Vancouver Island - Whistler

After breakfast, you take the ferry back to Vancouver and enjoy the crossing through the picturesque islands. With a little luck, you may even spot whales along the way. You then follow the spectacular Sea-to-Sky Highway along the Pacific as far as Squamish. Optionally, you can take a ride on the Sea-to-Sky Gondola, rewarded with a magnificent panoramic view over Howe Sound. The journey continues to Whistler. The former venue of the 2010 Winter Olympics delights with its alpine atmosphere and impressive mountain backdrop. Optionally, you can experience the spectacular Peak 2 Peak Gondola, which links Whistler Mountain with Blackcomb Peak.

Day 5: Whistler - Clearwater

Today's stage takes you through the impressive landscapes of British Columbia to Clearwater. Along the way, you will experience wide valleys, lakes and dense forests. Clearwater is regarded as the gateway to Wells Gray Provincial Park with its spectacular waterfalls.

Day 6: Clearwater - Jasper

Drive along the Yellowhead Highway into the majestic Rocky Mountains. You reach Jasper National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town of Jasper, which shares its name, nestles in a grandiose mountain setting and offers excellent opportunities for wildlife watching.

Day 7: Jasper - Banff

Today's journey takes you along the Icefield Parkway through the narrow corridor of the majestic Rocky Mountains – past mighty glacier tongues – heading south to Banff National Park. The scenic road offers spectacular views again and again. During numerous stops, you will have the chance to enjoy the magnificent landscape. Athabasca Falls and the Columbia Icefield, where you travel onto the Athabasca Glacier in a special vehicle, are just some of the highlights you will experience today. Past glaciers, turquoise lakes and imposing mountain peaks, you arrive in Banff National Park.

Day 8: Banff

The morning is devoted to Banff, the "St. Moritz" of Canada. You can take the cable car to the summit of Sulphur Mountain (optional). From there, you have a breathtaking view of the Rocky Mountains. Highlights include the world-famous Lake Louise and the spectacular Moraine Lake. Free time for walks or optional excursions.

Day 9: Banff - Yoho - Golden

Today you visit the impressive Yoho National Park with its mighty mountain landscapes and waterfalls. You then continue to Golden.

Day 10: Glacier National Park

With its 28 peaks, Glacier National Park is one of the most spectacular mountain regions in Western Canada. With a little luck, you may also spot black bears here. The journey continues on the Trans-Canada Highway to Revelstoke, known above all for its railway history.

Day 11: Revelstoke - Kamloops

Through varied landscapes, you reach Kamloops. The city lies at the confluence of two rivers and is regarded as the gateway to the interior of British Columbia.

Day 12: Fraser Valley - Vancouver

In the morning, the journey continues south. After Merritt, you follow the Nicola River and reach Spences Bridge on the Thompson River. The Fraser River is the longest river lying entirely within the Canadian province of British Columbia. Further highlights of the spectacular drive along the Fraser Canyon include "Hells Gate", where the Fraser River squeezes through a narrow gorge (gondola ride included). Crossing the fertile Fraser Valley, you arrive in Vancouver in the evening.

Day 13: Vancouver

The morning is at your leisure. Return flight in the afternoon.

Day 14: Arrival in Zurich

Arrival in Zurich and individual journey home.

Entry requirements

Swiss nationals require an electronic travel authorisation (ESTA) to enter the USA, which must be applied for online by yourself before departure. No entry authorisation is required for onward travel to Canada, as entry takes place overland.