Chinook Pass Tour from Banff to Vancouver - 2 Days

Go west from Banff and experience the vast geographical diversity of Western Canada on this 2 day trip from Banff to Vancouver! You'll see the southwestern Canadian Rockies, an ancient interior rain forest, the ranch and grasslands of a "pocket" desert and will finish surrounded by the Coastal Mountains in Vancouver.

This trip is a jump on, jump off adventure bus transportation pass. En route between overnight destinations the bus stops for sightseeing, activities, and other adventures. The service is door to door, and pass holders receive discounts on activities, attractions and accommodation.

Departure Time:

• Please note - time on availability calendar is for booking purposes only. 
• Hotel pickups occur between 8:00 am and 9:15 am April through November.
• Please check availability calendar for specific dates.

Important note: There is a mandatory local payment of $30 CAD. This fee covers taxes, fuel surcharges, some meals and activities. This payment must be paid at the time of departure and information regarding this payment will be provided on your e-ticket.

Pickup Locations:

• HI Banff Alpine Centre - 8:00 am
• Y Mountain Lodge Banff - 8:10 am
• SameSun Banff - 8:15 am
• HI Lake Louise (westbound) - 9:15 am

Tour Highlights

• Takakkaw Falls, at 384 m, it's one of the highest in Canada (seasonal)
• Ice cream at the D. Dutchman Dairy
• Tasting wine at a Lake Okanagan winery
• Chilling at the beach on Lake Okanagan in Kelowna
• Tandem skydiving (optional extra cost) with views of the Coastal Mountains

Tour Includes:

• Transportation
• Services of the tour guide/driver
• Winery tasting fee

Tour does not include:

• Accomodations
• Meals
• Mandatory local payment of $15 CAD
• Trip options & activities (listed below)

*Trip Options:

• Tandem skydiving near Vancouver

*Trip options are not included in the rates and must be pre-arranged. Information on making those arrangements will be provided on your E-Ticket.

Itinerary:

Day 1: Banff to Kelowna
Your journey will have you leaving the Rocky Mountains today, but not without first stopping to visit Takakkaw Falls, one of the highest waterfalls in Canada (seasonal). Then it's on to the Okanagan Valley for wine tasting, sandy beaches on crystal clear lakes and lots of fun in the sun. Rock out in Kelowna tonight - it's a university city with plenty of bars and nightclubs!

Day 2: Kelowna to Vancouver
Today you climb over high mountain passes and through the beautiful grasslands of the Nicola Valley before arriving in the Fraser Valley. Pump yourself up because once you hit Abbotsford, it's time for tandem skydiving from up to 14,000 feet (optional extra cost)! Then it's back to Vancouver and time to say goodbye to your new friends.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is there an age limit?
NO - most of the travelers are between 18-35 but anyone is welcome. Travelers should be adventurous, independent, and familiar with hostels and/or campgrounds.

Can I do my own cooking?
Yes! Most youth hostels have cooking facilities and you will make grocery stops along the way. Often meals will be organized for those interested - it makes cooking easy and cheap!

What should I bring?
Bring clothes for a variety of weather. Summer temperatures can range from a high of 35c to a cool 0C in the mountains in the evening. Good trainers or light hiking boots are also recommended. Sleeping bags are not essential. Bring your camera and a fun attitude!

How much money should I budget for my trip?
Most of your money will be spent in the following three areas:
~ Accommodations - budget approximately $14-$29 per night.
~ Food - budget approximately $12 - $27 per day depending on how much/where you eat.
~ Activities - anywhere from $40-$174.

What happens if I do not want to participate in an activity?
All activities are optional. You are guaranteed more than one option for paid activities and a free option every day.

What are the buses like?
The vehicles are safe, comfortable mini-coaches which seat 11-24 people. They are not wheelchair accessible, but assistance will be provided for people with special physical needs if arranged in advance.

Is it okay if I travel alone?
Yes! Most of the passengers travel alone, but you'll find couples and small groups on the trip as well.

72 HOUR MINIMUM ADVANCED BOOKING REQUIRED. Tour offers pick ups from specific Vancouver locations only. Cost of nightly accommodations is NOT included in tour price, but nightly hostel accommodations are available for each guest and can be arranged after you receive your e-ticket. Rates are per person and in US dollars. Please reserve online, or call us toll-free at 1-800-745-1925.

72 HOUR MINIMUM ADVANCED BOOKING REQUIRED. Tour offers pick ups from specific Vancouver locations only. Cost of nightly accommodations is NOT included in tour price, but nightly hostel accommodations are available for each guest and can be arranged after you receive your e-ticket. Rates are per person and in US dollars. Please reserve online, or call us toll-free at 1-800-745-1925.

Cancellation Policy

There are no refunds. All sales are final.

Change Policy

If changes are allowed on a tour or activity, a $20.00 per reservation change fee will be applied for any change to a reservation. Please note that some tours and activities do not allow any changes. Date changes can only be made only if we can confirm availability on the new date. While we cannot guarantee any changes can be made, all change requests must be submitted a minimum of 24 hours prior to the tour departure and must be handled on an individual basis through our Reservations Center.