Our Canadian Rockies trip begins around Calgary, Alberta, with the diverse bird life found in the farmland and foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Once forming part of the ocean bed, the Rockies have slowly been pushed up to form North America's most impressive mountain range. The Canadian Rockies extend for 1450 kilometres, from the Liard River in northern British Columbia to the United States/Canada border.

The mountain range is oriented southeast to northwest, along the continental divide, forming the boundary between Alberta and British Columbia. Several passes carved by glacial ice sheets about two million years ago provide access to a spectacular habitat for an abundance of wildlife, songbirds, waterfowl, raptors and ground-dwelling birds. Using these routes we pass into British Columbia, travelling down to the coast and finally reaching Vancouver Island.

Our all-inclusive holiday includes:

Day 1 We arrive at Calgary International Airport and transfer to the Calgary University campus for our first two nights. Day 2 We visit both McElroy Slough and Bruce Lake out on the edge of the prairies. We shall expect to see many breeding waterfowl, shorebirds, hawks and prairie passerines. Day 3 We set out for Canmore via the Sibold Creek Trail where we are almost certain to see Mountain Bluebird among a rich and varied list. We stay in Canmore for the next two nights surrounded by the foothills of The Rockies. Day 4 We drive along the Spray Lakes Road to the Spray Lakes reservoir then the Dorrian Spray Trail along Highway 40. This takes us over the highest drivable road in North America a nd through some truly wonderful scenery. Day 5 The scenery becomes even more spectacular as we drive through Banff National Park, Jasper and on to Mount Robson, the highest peak at 3945 metres. The Athabascar Glacier is close enough to the road to visit and walk upon. Day 6 Walking the Berg River Trail in Mount Robson National Park. This is a 4.2km walk beside the cascading milky blue river up to Kinney Lake. We may see American Black Dippers if we are lucky. Day 7 We drive the Staratt Wildlife Sanctuary at Valemount and the Tete Jaune loop, a logging road with the chance of Black Bears, Moose and Beaver, in addition to the varied birds and flowers. Day 8 We reluctantly leave the mountains and drive 500km to Merritt. As the terrain changes, so do the birds. Great Northern Divers, Ospreys and Swainson's and Red-tailed Hawks are likely to be around. Day 9 We take a short drive to Monck Lake for ducks, waders, ospreys and, no doubt, a few surprises. Day 10 Drive to Hope where we stay one night. Day 11 Drive to Vancouver and the Tsawwassen Ferry to Vancouver Island. There is always the possibility of Orca and dolphins from this ferry. We stay for two nights at Cordova Bay within walking distance of the beach. Day 12 Today we take a whale-watching trip from Victoria harbour in search of Orca, if weather permits. Day 13 We drive to Fletcher's Cove at Ucluelet. The route takes us through Cathedral Grove where some of the Douglas Firs are 800 years old. Day 14 A second whale watch, weather permitting, this time in search of Humpback, Grey Whales and Minke. Day 15 An early start to drive to the ferry to Tsawwassen and Vancouver airport. We may get a last view of The Rockies from above as we set out for Heathrow.

Prices and details

Air Cost	£580
Ground Cost	£2660
Total Cost	£3240
Deposit	£250
Single Supplement	£240
Group size	8 maximum

The cost of the holiday includes all accommodation, all transport during your holiday and all main meals, professional guidance, a check list of birds and an information pack. Excluded are personal insurance, airport taxes, drinks and all items of a personal nature.

Osprey

Red-winged Blackbird

Vancouver Island

Rockies

White-throated Sparrow

Downy Woodpecker

Cedar Waxwing