Mustang Pass Trip from Vancouver - 13 days

This 13 Day Trip from Vancouver will take you through Mustang Pass which is one of the most popular passes and offers an excellent opportunity to see the major highlights of Vancouver Island, Whistler, and the Canadian Rockies.

This 3200 km route takes you to the major highlights of the Canadian West! You get to experience the natural "wild" west coast of Vancouver Island, the alpine playground of Whistler and the majesty of the Canadian Rockies - all in one great trip!

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 shown on availability calendar is for booking purposes only. Hotel pickups occur between 7:45 am and 8:30 am.
Wednesday, Friday & Sunday
May through late September

Important note: There is a mandatory local payment of $180 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. Rates include park fees for the 13 days of the tour only. If you jump off the bus and spend extra days in the parks, you must purchase a park pass for all additional days.

Pickup Locations:

• HI Jericho - 7:45 am
• HI Downtown - 8:05 am
• Cambie - Seymour - 8:20 am
• HI Central - 8:30 am
• SameSun Vancouver - 8:30 am

Tour Includes:

• Transportation and ferry fees
• Services of the tour guide/driver
• 5 dinners
• Winery tasting fee
• All park entrance fees
• T-shirt

Tour does not include:

• Accommodations
• Meals (other than the 5 dinners mentioned above)
• Mandatory local payment of $180 CAD
• Trip options & activities (listed below)

*Trip Options:

• Whale watching, hot springs, bear watching, surfing, or sea kayaking in Tofino
• Bungee jumping, zip lining, or mountain biking in Whistler
• Whitewater rafting near Banff (seasonal)
• Horseback riding in Banff
• Go-karting near Shuswap Lake
• Tandem skydiving near Vancouver

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

Itinerary:

Day 1: Vancouver to Tofino
Your journey begins with a scenic ferry ride to Vancouver Island. You'll then head across the island to Pacific Rim National Park on the west coast, for your first glimpse of the beaches, battered coastline, and hundreds of islands. Tonight is the first of two in Tofino, a quaint little fishing village.

Day 2: Free day in Tofino
Today is your chance to enjoy all the activities that Tofino has to offer, like the full day whale watching/hot springs combination trip, sea kayaking or surfing (optional extra cost). Alternatively, you can just chill on one of the many beaches, relax at the guesthouse, or check out the shops in the village. (Dinner included).

Day 3: Tofino to Victoria
You'll head back across the island today, and then down the east coast, passing through Ladysmith, birthplace of "Pammie" Anderson, and Chemainus with its giant murals. You'll spend the night in the lovely provincial capital of Victoria. Enjoy a night out on the town!

Day 4: Victoria to Vancouver
Spend the day checking out the inner harbor and city sights, including the Empress Hotel, Parliament Buildings, Royal BC Museum and the waterfront before cruising back to Vancouver and the mainland on another scenic ferry ride in the evening.

Day 5: Vancouver to Whistler
Today you will head north along the Sea to Sky highway, stopping to check out an impressive waterfall, jagged mountain peaks, sparkling glaciers, and for lunch at a peaceful lake. You'll arrive in Whistler in the afternoon with time for relaxing, swimming in the nearby lake, or exploring the village. Enjoy an included dinner and then rip it up in the bars and nightclubs! (Dinner included)

Day 6: Whistler to Vancouver
You don't leave until the afternoon today, so get your thrill on by zip lining, bungee jumping or downhill mountain biking, go for a hike up Whistler Mountain, or relax in one of the beautiful parks. The day is yours to enjoy as you please! When you do leave, you'll stop to check out another picturesque waterfall and the old mining center at Britannia Beach before returning to Vancouver in the evening.

Day 7: Vancouver to Shuswap Lake
Leaving the city behind, you travel east through the Fraser Valley, stopping for a short walk in a west coast rainforest to check out Bridal Veil Falls, and for lunch at an idyllic lake. You'll then pass through the Coastal Mountains and into the much drier interior of British Columbia. The night is spent at Scotch Creek in the Shuswap, a summer recreational region. (Dinner included).

Day 8: Shuswap Lake to Banff
You cross into the province of Alberta and will be in four National Parks today, including Canada's oldest and most famous - Banff! The Rocky Mountains await us, as does Emerald Lake, the first of many aqua blue glacier lakes you'll see. You'll settle for the night in the historic town of Banff, in the heart of the Rockies. (Dinner included)

Day 9: Banff to Jasper
Today, you'll soak up the awe inspiring scenery along the Icefields Parkway - Lake Louise, jagged mountain peaks, raging rivers, the Columbia Icefields, waterfalls, wildlife and more. The Jasper town site is Banff's little cousin, but Jasper National Park is the definition of great Canadian wilderness! Enjoy a campfire and look for the Northern Lights.

Day 10: Jasper to Banff
It's another day of jaw-dropping vistas and scenic hikes as you make your way back to Banff. Highlights include Parker Ridge (seasonal), Peyto Lake and Moraine Lake (seasonal). Tonight you will explore the great nightlife in the pubs, bar and clubs of Banff! (Dinner included).

Day 11: Free day in Banff
Take an included tour of the sights in the Banff area, hike a local mountain, or for an optional extra cost, go whitewater rafting, horse riding or mountain biking.

Day 12: Banff to Kelowna
You leave the Rockies 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 13: Kelowna to Vancouver
Today you will climb over high mountain passes and through the beautiful grasslands of the Nicola Valley before returning to the coast. 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 you let us know 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.