Day 1: Calgary/Edmonton – Prince George
Welcome aboard… for a trip of a lifetime! We travel westward, where we enter the great Canadian Rockies. Crossing the British Columbia border we visit Mount Robson, Canada’s highest mountain peak. We continue to travel through thick forests before arriving at our destination of Prince George for the evening.
Day 2: Prince George - Terrace
We continue our westward journey today following the beautiful rivers and valleys of north central British Columbia, passing through the towns of Fraser Lake and Burns Lake. This afternoon we will visit the Ksan Historical Village and Museum in Hazelton where you will learn about the richness of the Gitxsan Culture and Heritage.
Day 3: Terrace – Prince Rupert
An incredible landscape unfolds today as we travel one of the Top 10 Scenic Drives in the World. Our destination today is Prince Rupert, BC, the unofficial city of rainbows and the gateway to British Columbia’s dramatic North Coast. On arrival at Port Edward, we will tour the North Pacific Cannery Village Museum, a National Historic Site and BC’s oldest surviving salmon cannery offering a unique and entertaining look at life in a cannery village. On arrival at Prince Rupert you will have an opportunity to visit historic Cow Bay, a must-see attraction in Prince Rupert.
Day 4: Prince Rupert – Queen Charlotte City
This morning we will board the ferry en route to the Queen Charlotte Islands. The Haida have called these islands home for over 10,000 years. The voyage takes us through the Coast Islands, across the Hecate Strait to Skidegate and to Queen Charlotte City. It is not unheard of for the Captain of the BC Ferry to spot whales when coming into the inlet and announce to the passengers that they can be seen. Be sure to have your binoculars and cameras ready! (B) .
Day 5 - Day 7 : Queen Charlotte Islands
A local guide will accompany our group during our stay on the Queen Charlotte Islands. We will travel to Massett visiting Naikoon Provincial Park at the Northern end of Graham Island. At Tow Hill, a 20-minute walk can be taken to the Blow Hole along with a beach walk on Agate Beach and North Beach. During our stay, visits will be made to The Balanced Rock, St. Mary’s Spring, The Bill Reid Totem Pole, and The Haida Gwaii Museum. We will visit the Old Massett (Haida Indian Reserve) with time for shopping at the local stores featuring silver, gold and argillite carvings, prints and paintings. We will also travel to Port Clements an active forestry area. Here we will visit the Forestry Museum and learn about the history and present conditions of the industry. In Skidegate you will be treated to a traditional Haida Feast in the company of local Haida residents.
Day 8: Queen Charlotte City – Prince Rupert
We depart the Queen Charlotte Islands to the mainland via the BC Ferry, crossing the Hecate Strait and arriving in Prince Rupert in the late afternoon. Your evening is at leisure.
Day 9: Prince Rupert – Prince George
Enjoy a leisurely day of travel today as we retrace our steps along Highway 16. The scenery is breathtaking, and wildlife such as moose, black bears and eagles may be glimpsed. En route we will visit the alpine-themed town of Smithers, with its red brick sidewalks and Bavarian storefronts. We retire for the evening at Prince George. (B).
Day 10: Prince George – Edmonton/Calgary
We say farewell to British Columbia as we cross the border into Alberta passing once again through the beautiful Jasper National Park. We arrive in Edmonton with an appreciation of the Haida Gwaii culture and the beauty of the Queen Charlotte Islands. |