OPTIONAL TOURS

These are the optional excursions organised by Cosmos, but it will give you an idea of the type of excursions available and the cost. Other companies, I am sure, will offer something similar.You have to be careful though that you don't book too many excursions and not leave time to explore the towns you visit.

BANFF

Helicopter Flightseeing – 25 mins

CAN $130 - US $87

This 25 minute Helicopter flight offers a magnificent overview of the Rocky Mountains and Banff area. The Olympic Nordic Centre Sundance range and Spray Lakes are just some of the sights you will see.

Banff Helicopter Flight-seeing – 30 mins

CAN $159 - US £107

This 30 min flight offers fantastic views of the Mt Assinibaine Range (The Matterhorn of the Rockies) with all its glaciers and icefalls.

Helihiking

CAN £235 - US $158

(Operation is subject to favourable weather conditions)

This is a half day excursion. A 10 minute helicopter ride into the Rockies takes you to the headwaters of Cougar Creek. As you hike in the Alpine meadows, your guide is on hand to share information about the flora and help you spot wildlife.

Lake Minnewanka Cruise and BBQ

Can £74 – US $50

Begin the afternoon by taking an hours cruise on beautiful Lake Minnewanka. Wine and cheese are served. Finish the day with a BBQ at Timberline Lodge overlooking Banff. The cruise is subject to favourable weather and lake conditions. The Lake may be frozen in May and Oct.

JASPER

Athabasca River rafting

CAN $37 – US $25

Follow the route of the old fur traders while travelling down the Athabasca river in rubber rafts. This is a moderate trip with a few small ‘rapids’. The excursion is under the supervision of experienced guides and subject to favourable weather and water conditions.

Maligne Lake Cruise

CAN $37 – US $25

A 45 minute drive takes you out to Maligne Lake, where you will have a narrated cruise that lasts an hour and a half, with a brief stop at ‘Spirit Island’ for photos of the magnificent mountains that surround you. 7.45 am departure. The Lake is often frozen until the 3rd week in May.

Miette Hot Springs Tour

CAN $42 – US $28

A half day excursion that takes you through the beautiful Canadian countryside to the Hot Springs. You will see many lakes and wildlife is plentiful. After a dip in the Springs, return to Jasper.

Mt Edit Cavell Hike

CAN $45 – US $30

An experienced guide takes you on a three hour hike on Mt Edith Cavell, to experience the pristine beauty of the Rockies closeup. (You will need good walking shoes and be an experienced hiker).

KELOWNA

Evening Cruise on Lake Okanagon with Dinner

CAN $41 – US $28

SUN PEAKS

Canoeing on Lake McGilvray

CAN $41 – US $28

In the early evening, enjoy a one and a half hour trip around the lake in a 27ft canoe and relive the days of the fur trade. Absorb the beautiful scenery while listening to the local guides, dressed in authentic costumes. Available mid June to mid Sept, depending on weather and lake conditions.

VANCOUVER

Vancouver Evening Sightseeing with Dinner

CAN $71 – US $48

Begin your Tour by seeing ‘Alaska’ at the Imax theatre at Canada Place. Afterwards, time to admire the cruise ships and Vancouver harbour. Then enjoy the panoramic views of The Lookout in the Harbour Centre Tower. End your evening with dinner in Stanley Park at The Prospect Point Café.

Sunset Dinner Cruise

CAN $79 – US $53

Climb aboard Vancouver’s only authentic paddle wheeler for a one of a kind dining experience. Enjoy a buffet dinner featuring Pacific salmon, while enjoying the views of Vancouver Harbour and English Bay. Includes transport.

Vancouver’s Northshore

CAN $69 – US $46

A daytime excursion to World famous, Capilano Suspension bridge. Then visit a nearby salmon hatchery. Afterwards board the Gondola up to the 4,000 ft level of Grouse Mountain. Return to the city from Lonsdale Market and take the Seabus back to downtown. A full day excursion.

The Native Culture Tour

CAN $49 - $33

Discover the rich aboriginal culture of British Columbia’s first Native settlers. Learn about Totem Poles in Stanley Park, then to the museum of Anthropology and the First Nation’s House of Learning. Finally the Native Education centre. Your Native guide will keep you thoroughly entertained.

MV Britannia and Steam Train from Squamish

CAN $77.50 – US $52

Cruise up Howe Sound to Squamish on the MV Brittania. Return by Steam train, to North Vancouver, following the route of the spectacular Sea to Sky Highway. A full day excursion, transport provided by taxi. The excursion may operate in reverse and is available from May 30th to September 23rd Wednesday to Sunday only.

VICTORIA

Marine Wildlife and whale watching

CAN $83 – US $56

Spend 3 hours on a 65 ft luxury yacht, cruising between the San Juan and Gulf Islands. Watch for whales, porpoises, sea lions, eagles and other wildlife. A marine expert will answer all your questions.

Victoria Seaplane Flightseeing

CAN $86 – US $58

Take off from Victoria’s Inner harbour for your 20 min flight over southern Vancouver Island and the Juan de Fuca strait, with great views of the Olympic Mountains in the distance.

Victoria by Night with Dinner

CAN $53 – US $36

Take a Tally Ho ride through Beacon Hill Park, see Victoria’s scenic waterfront and beautiful residential Neighbourhoods with some of the most opulent mansions in the world. Dinner at a waterfront restaurant in Oak Bay.