Canada - OutboundHolidays

Evening Wildlife Safari Tour from Banff

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From £26.50
Location: Banff, Canada
Rating: 3.5 star based on 9 reviews

Wildlife lovers, this small-group personalized tour is for you! In just over 2-Hours, you’ll travel through a variety of Banff landscapes, giving you the best chance to observe animals in their natural environment. Your knowledgeable guide will teach you how the national parks strive to protect animals and their habitat. A must do for all nature enthusiasts and animal lovers!

Inclusions:

* Driver/guide
* Use of binoculars
* Hotel pickup and drop off

Discover the challenges of protecting animals and their habitat in Banff National Park. On this evening journey, you’ll travel through a variety of landscapes and learn about wildlife, their needs and their inter-relationships.

Leave the safari with a greater understanding of the land and the animals which are seen on 95% of these tours.

Note: This tour is seasonal and only operates from April through to October.

Schedule

Departure Point: Hotel pickup is available from Banff hotels.

Departure Time:

o 6:30pm (April 16 – Oct 14)
o 5:30pm (September 1 – Oct 14)

Hotel pickups commence prior to this time, you must contact the local service provider to verify your exact pick up time.

Return Details: Returns to the original departure point approximately 2 hours after departure

For additional information and bookings GO HERE!

We saw male Elk rounding up the females then battling by locking horns. As it was mating season they were also bugling – the male elk that is. This is a good tour, but obviously hit and miss as to what wildlife you actually see.

Reviewed by: Sharon E, United Kingdom

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Kicking Horse River Whitewater Rafting Tour

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From £77.00
Location: Banff, Canada

White water rafting is the ultimate summer outdoor activity and the Kicking Horse River is the best river in the Canadian Rockies! With your transport included, embark in 2 – 2.5 hours of upper canyon rafting on a half day trip from Banff, before heading back to enjoy a delicious BBQ lunch.

Inclusions:

* All river rafting equipment
* Certified guides
* BBQ lunch (including vegetarian options)
* Local taxes
* Hotel pickup and drop off (if option selected)

Start your tour by enjoying a scenic drive from Canmore, Banff or Lake Louise through Yoho National Park. Upon arrival at the put in site, you’ll meet your river guides and be provided with all the necessary rafting gear.

Once on the water, this unforgettable journey begins calmly and quietly, allowing rafters to familiarize themselves with the raft, their paddles and their guides’ commands. As the Canyon narrows, the rapids of the mighty Kicking Horse begin a whitewater experience that will take each team of rafters paddling through up to class 4+ rapids, finishing 12 miles (20km) downstream!

Schedule

Departure Point: Tour departs from the following Canmore, Banff and Lake Louise locations:

Canmore Radisson
Banff Rocky Mountain Resort
Hidden Ridge/Douglas Fir
Banff Centre
Rundlestone Lodge
Banff Caribou Lodge & Spa
Fox Hotel
Samesun Backpackers
Banff Aspen Lodge
Banff Ptarmigan Inn
Fairmont Banff Springs
YWCA
Rimrock Resort
Juniper
Lake Louise – Husky Gas Station

Departure Time:

o Canmore: 7:15am
o Banff: 7:45am
o Lake Louise: 8:45am

Hotel pickups commence prior to this time, you must contact the local service provider to verify your exact pick up time.

For additional information and bookings GO HERE!

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Lake Louise and Moraine Lake Tour

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From £42.25
Location: Banff, Canada
Rating: based on 3 reviews

Come and discover beautiful Lake Louise and the world renowned Moraine Lake at their very best! Listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites, there will be plenty of photo opportunities on this half day, small-group tour. Learn about the mountaineering history and how a tragic accident shaped Canadian mountain culture.

Inclusions:

* Professional guide
* Refreshments
* Use of binoculars
* Hotel pickup and drop off

On this afternoon sightseeing tour, you’ll visit the “Jewel of the Canadian Rockies”, Lake Louise, and the world renowned Moraine Lake.

Learn about the mountaineering history and how a tragic accident at Lake Louise shaped Canadian mountain culture. Finally, walk to a viewpoint in the Valley of Ten Peaks overlooking Moraine Lake and capture fantastic photos and memories that will last a lifetime.

Please Note: Early season road closures will limit access to Moraine Lake (until late May). Inquire at time of booking to learn the alternate stops and locations being used.

Tour Highlights:

* Bow Valley Parkway
* Castle Mountain
* Lake Louise
* Chateau Lake Louise
* Moraine Lake

**This tour is seasonal and only operates from April through to November.

Schedule

Departure Point: Hotel pickup is available from Banff hotels.

Departure Time: 1:30pm – Hotel pickups commence prior to this time, you must contact the local service provider to verify your exact pick up time.

Return Details: Returns to the original departure point at approximately 5:30pm

For additional information and bookings GO HERE!

Breathtaking surroundings, a must see. It was a small group with a very knowledgeable guide.

Reviewed by: Anonymous, Taiwan

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Columbia Icefield Tour from Banff

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From £102.75
Location: Banff, Canada
Rating: based on 3 reviews

Admire lakes and glaciers on a full day tour from Banff to the Columbia Icefield. Ride the Ice Explorer and settle in as a local guide provides fascinating commentary of the starkly beautiful Alberta Rockies region. The road to the Columbia Icefields, one of the largest masses of ice south of the Arctic Circle, is universally regarded as one of the world’s greatest mountain drives.

Inclusions:

* Transport by air-conditioned coach
* Professional guide
* Ride in the Ice Explorer
* GST (Goods and Services Tax)

The Columbia Icefield is one of the largest accumulations of ice south of the Arctic Circle. The Icefields Parkway runs from Banff National Park into Jasper National Park and is one of the most scenic drives in Canada.

Visit Lake Louise, the icon of the Canadian Rockies, before your spectacular journey along the Icefields Parkway. At Lake Louise stroll along its emerald green shores with a picture perfect view of the Victoria Glacier. With photographic stops at Crowfoot Glacier and Peyto Lake, you head towards the impressive view at the Big Hill.

On this guided tour learn about the unique ecosystem and the creation of the glaciers you experience on your way to the Columbia Icefield. After your ride on the all-terrain Ice Explorer, there is time to visit the Glacier Gallery, restaurant or gift shop at the Icefields Centre. Return to Banff in the late afternoon

This tour is seasonal and only operates from May through to October.

Schedule

Departure Point: From selected locations in Banff

Departure Time:

o The Fairmont Banff Springs (Motorcoach Entrance) – 8:05am
o Mount Royal Hotel (Motorcoach Entrance) – 8:15am
o Brewster Transportation Centre – 8:30am

Return Details: Returns to original departure point

For additional information and bookings GO HERE!

Excellent! Brilliant experience, would definitely recommend it.

Reviewed by: Michelle T

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Rocky Mountains Tour: Banff to Jasper

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From £112.50
Location: Banff, concludes Jasper, Canada

From the drama of tumultuous waterfalls and towering snow-capped peaks, to the peace of still emerald lakes and alpine meadows – this full day guided tour through Banff and Jasper National Parks is one of the world’s greatest road trips. Have your camera ready to catch the wildlife – look out for elk and grizzly bears and spectacular sights like the Athabasca Glacier.

Inclusions:

* Transport by air-conditioned coach
* Professional guide
* Ride in the Ice Explorer
* GST (Goods and Services Tax)

One of Canada’s most scenic drives, the Icefields Parkway takes you through Banff and Jasper National Parks. At the Columbia Icefield, time is provided for lunch before your ride onboard the Ice Explorer. Continue on through Sunwapta Valley past Tangle Falls and the Stutfield Glacier on Mount Kitchener. Take a stroll around Athabasca Falls before your late afternoon arrival into Jasper.

Tour highlights include stops at:

* Lake Louise
* The Crowfoot Glacier
* Bow Lake
* Spectacular glacier fed Peyto Lake

Note: This tour is seasonal and only operates from May through to October.

Schedule

Departure Point: From selected Banff locations

Departure Time:

o Banff Caribou Lodge (Street Side) – 8:03am
o The Fairmont Banff Springs (Bus Entrance) – 8:05am
o Mount Royal Hotel (Bus Entrance) – 8:15am
o Brewster Transportation Centre – 8:30am

Return Details: Concludes in Jasper

For additional information and bookings GO HERE!

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Mountain Lakes and Waterfalls Day Tour from Banff

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From £67.00
Location: Banff, Canada
Rating: 5 star based on 7 reviews

Experience the beauty of the Canadian Rockies with its backdrop of the glistening Victoria Glacier on a full day guided coach tour from Banff. Marvel at Lake Louise, the jewel of the Canadian Rockies and see the reflecting Ten Peaks. You’ll visit scenic Yoho Valley and witness the Takakkaw Falls, Kicking Horse Pass and Spiral Tunnels.

Inclusions:

* Transport by air-conditioned coach
* Professional guide
* Lunch
* GST (Goods and Services Tax)

This is a great excursion for anyone who loves incredible scenery. Journey along the Bow Valley Parkway, (watch out for wildlife!) for a nature walk through forested Johnston Canyon.

In Lake Louise enjoy a quick yet delightful lunch before making your way to the Victoria Glacier and Lake Louise. Time will be provided at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise before moving on to Moraine Lake and the Valley of the Ten Peaks.

Crossing the Great Divide into Yoho National Park via the scenic Kicking Horse Pass a stop is made at the Spiral Tunnels and Emerald Lake. Then it’s on to the magnificent Yoho Valley and Takakkaw Falls, before returning back to Banff in the late afternoon.

Note: This tour is seasonal and only operates from June through to October.

Schedule

Departure Point: From selected Banff departures

Departure Time:

o Banff Caribou Lodge (Street Side) – 8:18am
o The Fairmont Banff Springs (Bus Entrance) – 8:20am
o Mount Royal Hotel (Bus Entrance) – 8:30am
o Brewster Transportation Centre – 8:45am

Return Details: Returns to original point of departure

For additional information and bookings GO HERE!

Amazing tour! We woke up on the day of our trip to 6 inches of snow, despite this the trip went ahead. Tour guide/bus driver was excellent. His commentary over the 8 hours was brilliant and very informative. Would highly recommend it.

Reviewed by: Michelle T

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Athabasca Glacier Snow Tour from Banff

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From £104.25
Location: Banff, Canada
Rating: 5 star based on 6 reviews

Visit Canada’s famous glaciers on a full-day seasonal excursion from Banff. Your personalized small group tour takes you through an awe-inspiring landscape carved by glaciers and remnants from the last ice age, as you travel along the Icefields Parkway, one of the world’s most scenic highways.

Inclusions:

* Professional guide
* Picnic lunch
* Ice explorer tour
* Use of binoculars
* Hotel pickup and drop off
* Conducted in English

On your trip to Canada’s glaciers, you’ll hear stories of the early explorers who opened up these valleys. You’ll enjoy an alpine picnic and visit the Columbia Icefields Centre, with the opportunity to join an exciting all-terrain tour onto Athabasca Glacier (included in the cost of the tour).

Highlights of the tour include:

* Crowfoot Glacier
* Bow Lake/NumTi Jah Lodge
* Peyto Lake
* Mistaya Canyon (or alternative)
* Athabasca Glacier Ice Explorer Tour

Note: This tour is seasonal, operating from April through to October.

Schedule

Departure Point: Tour departs from most Banff hotels

Departure Time: 9:00am – Hotel pickups commence prior to this time, you must contact the local service provider to verify your exact pick up time.

Return Details: Returns to the original departure point at approx. 6:00pm

For additional information and bookings GO HERE!

The trip fulfilled the one glaring omission we had on our two and a half week “Across Canada” holiday. Our fellow tourists were extremely envious when we showed them some marvellous photos the following day. A few of them were engineers and would have given their “eye tooth” to have seen the Ice Explorer. Our group did not visit Peyto Lake, which was the most beautiful of all the lakes we came across on our trip. But above all, the trip was made so enjoyable because of our guide, he was absolutely brilliant and undoubtedly the best of all the tour guides we encountered on our holiday. The range of knowledge he possessed was incredible and he delivered it in an interesting way. Thanks again for providing us with one of the highlights of a wonderful holiday in a wonderful country.

Reviewed by: PATRICK C, Ireland

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The Grizzly Bears Tour from Banff

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From £114.75
Location: Banff, Canada
Rating: 5 star based on 8 reviews

Animal lovers don’t miss your chance to discover the grizzly bear! Leaving Banff behind, you’ll take a ride in a gondola for a great view of grizzly country and then visit the grizzly refuge where you can observe an orphaned grizzly bear as it romps and plays in a natural bear habitat.

Inclusions:

* Professional guide
* Lunch at Eagles Eye Restaurant
* Gondola ride
* Visit to Grizzly refuge
* Light refreshments
* Use of binoculars
* Hotel pickup and drop off
* Conducted in English

Visit the orphaned grizzly bear Boo, as he romps and plays in his natural habitat. Your guided sightseeing tour to the Grizzly Bear Refuge also includes stops at Lake Louise, Takakkaw Falls and Kicking Horse Canyon.

Ride the gondola at Kicking Horse Mountain for an eagle’s eye view of grizzly country, walk the summit trails and dine on a gourmet lunch at Canada’s highest restaurant. Experience an up-close visit with Boo, the resident bear of the refuge.

Tour Highlights:

* Lake Louise
* Spiral Tunnels
* Takakkaw Falls
* Kicking Horse Canyon
* Grizzly Bear Refuge tour
* Sightseeing gondola ride
* Mountain top lunch

Note: This tour is seasonal and only operates from June through to October.

Schedule

Departure Point: Hotel pickup is available from Banff hotels.

Departure Time: 8:30am – Hotel pickups commence prior to this time, you must contact the local service provider to verify your exact pick up time.

Return Details: Returns to the original departure point at approximately 6:30pm

For additional information and bookings GO HERE!

Four of us boarded the blue bus with our driver. Lucky us, we were the only ones on the tour. We were offered water, binoculars, umbrellas and even biscuits as part of the tour. Our guide was truly knowledgeable and shared with us recent newspaper clippings about bear adventures in the area and told us a lot about bears in general. We had a couple of chair lift rides which were very pleasant considering the weather. Thanks to the binoculars we even saw 2 black bears at the very top of a tree just near the chair. Due to the weather our plans changed slightly but with no drama. We still had a beautiful lunch in a lovely restaurant and no time was wasted as the order was put through ahead of our arrival. When we visited the Grizzly Refuge we thought that perhaps we wouldn’t get to see Boo. There was an electrical storm that was threatening to close the area early. However, the staff at the Refuge did their utmost to bring Boo out of hiding. Sure enough out he came and we managed to take a lot of great photos. What a highlight of our trip! Special thanks to our guide and the local tour company who clearly care about their guests. We would certainly recommend this tour!

Reviewed by: Anonymous, Australia

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North American Tour Operators re-discover Sri Lanka

As Sri Lanka gears up for the arrival of more tourists in peacetime, a campaign to showcase the island as a tourist destination of great value to potential leisure travellers in the USA and Canada was kicked-off last month.

Visitors to Sri Lanka from the USA and Canada between January – August rose by 25.2 percent and 21.1 percent respectively in 2010 compared to the same period in 2009, registering a positive swing to discover the much-talked about paradise island in the Indian Ocean. Several agents are now keen to re-discover Sri Lanka’s long denied attractions for leisure seekers and the country’s renewed appeal for the large segment of ethnic travellers, resulting from the progressive stance taken by the government to reconcile and re-build the nation.

SriLankan Airlines’ Chairman, Mr Nishantha Wickremasinghe said “the airline welcomes the move by travel and tourism promoters to win the hearts of the discerning American travellers and on behalf of the airline I pledge full support to promote Sri Lanka in the USA and Canada”.

The Chairman continued “there is no better time to invest in the North American region as SriLankan Airlines is set to expand its business in several areas including the purchase of new aircraft, introduction of new destinations, increased frequencies and the commencement of the air taxi operations”.

CEO of Sri Lanka Travel Inc. Mr Dillan Ariyawansa said “We are eager to bring Sri Lanka back on to the map as a tourism hotspot as we have kept travellers away from this little isle for too long”.

Responding to this call, and for the first time after decades, nine reputed Tour Operators from North America and Canada embarked on a whirlwind 5-day familiarisation tour conducted by United Holidays, to experience a few of Sri Lanka’s many attractions, combining the Cultural Triangle and its World Heritage Sites; Wildlife Sanctuaries; historic City of Kandy; famous Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage; salubrious tea country in Nuwara Eliya; sandy beaches of Bentota and cosmopolitan Colombo.

Sri Lanka is being recognised as a ‘new destination’, especially considering the recent article in the New York Times, which listed Sri Lanka as First, among the ’31 Top Destinations to Travel in 2010′. Similarly, the National Geographic ranked Sri Lanka second among its ‘Top 25 Places to visit in 2010’. These endorsements, among others, have triggered a renewed interest in the leisure segments in USA and Canada, which are constantly seeking new, unique and exotic places to travel.

SriLankan Airlines is currently working in tandem with its interline partners’ American Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, United Airlines and Malaysian Airlines to provide connections to the airline’s gateway points in Europe and the Far East. SriLankan also offers convenient onward connections between the Colombo Hub and India’s popular IT cities.

The tour group included US agents’ Expedia, Eastquest Tours, Avia Tours, Orbitz and Canada agents’ Serendib Travel 1, Voyages Skylawn, Goway Travel, Jet Travel and Voyages Professionals Canora. The agents’ tour culminated in the SriLankan Airlines’ Agents Awards Night for North America sponsored by the airline’s General Sales Agent, Sri Lanka Travel Inc. at the Galadari Hotel where the best performing agents were feted.

SriLankan Airlines together with its General Sales Agent, Sri Lanka Travel Inc. and Sri Lanka Tourism are working together on a strategic plan geared for the North American and Canadian leisure market.

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Ice Hotel Quebec moves to new location

Famous the world over, the Ice Hotel in Quebec has become a must-see attraction for many visitors to the region. This year a visit is set to become even easier, with the property taking up residence in a new location just seven minutes outside downtown Quebec City.

Not only can guests sleep overnight on ice – protected from the cold by thick pelts – they can enjoy a drink in the bar, get married in one of the most spectacular ice chapels on earth, and enjoy activities such as dog sledding.

Also new for 2011 – guests can build an Igloo, but not just any igloo, a typical Quebec type of igloo called a Queenzy.

Ice Hotel

Since it opened its doors in 2001, the Hôtel de Glace has wowed over half a million visitors.

With snow archways towering over five metres tall and crystal ice sculptures standing by the warmth of the fire, North Americas only ice hotel has made a name for itself not only through its architecture and artistry, but also its warm hospitality.

Every year, the property is redesigned and rebuilt in its entirety.

With time, it has evolved with the technical and artistic wizardry of its creators.

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