Backroads explores Canada Coast to Coast

BERKELEY, CA (May 2008)—From the rugged Atlantic coastline of Prince Edward Island to the quaint streets and colorful gardens of Victoria on Vancouver Island, Backroads has been introducing travelers to Canada's spectacular natural beauty, fascinating history and varied culture for nearly three decades.

Beginning with a biking trip in the Canadian Rockies in 1980, Backroads now offers more than 150 departures in Canada. All trips are researched, managed and led by Canadians. And, in addition to Backroads' intensive training, Trip Leaders are accredited Professional Interpreters by the Mountain Parks Heritage Interpretation Association (MPHIA).

Backroads strives to be a good neighbor, and partners with the communities where its offices are located to be economically productive, socially responsible and environmentally friendly. Backroads has supported a variety of Parks Canada-sponsored environmental initiatives focusing on wildlife, mountains and water conservation, and has won the Banff Heritage Tourism Corporation's prestigious award for "Strongest Commitment to Staff Heritage Orientation."

No matter the age or physical ability, or trip activities, all Backroads guests are treated to the impeccable service, expert leadership and seamless logistics that have become Backroads trademarks over the past 29 years.

Multisport: Banff & Jasper National Parks
Backroads multisport adventure blends favorite routes for biking and hiking in two extra-special parks - Banff and Jasper. Biking routes pass glaciers inching their way down the faces of mighty peaks, hikes explore lakes with crayon-box hues of deepest blue and emerald green, and spectacular wilderness settings challenge ones sense of space.
6-day trip * June-August * Family departures offered
Premiere Inns: From $3,298; Casual Inns: From $2,498; Deluxe Camping: $1,798

Biking: Banff & Jasper National Parks
The spectacular Icefields Parkway from Banff to Jasper takes biking enthusiasts through soaring mountain passes in the shadow of the Continental Divide. The route boasts dramatic glaciers, thundering waterfalls, blue-green lakes and abundant wildlife - the stuff postcards are made of. A relaxing float trip down the Athabasca River is an option. Premiere Inns include the grand Post Hotel & Spa and renowned Jasper Park Lodge.
6-day trip * June-September
Premiere Inns: From $2,998; Casual Inns: From $2,398; Deluxe Camping: From $1,698

Hiking: Banff, Yoho & Kootenay National Parks
This hiking journey features towering peaks that appear and disappear amid wisps of fog, rock walls so impossibly high that the tops are barely visible and shimmering lakes, milky blue with glacial silt. Soaring glaciers and thick stands of fir and spruce add to the incomparable natural grandeur. A trio of exquisite lodges pampers guests with first-class comforts and cuisine.
6-day trip * July-September
Premiere Inns: From $2,798; Deluxe Camping: From $1,798

Hiking: San Juan Islands, Victoria & Olympic National Park
Backroads introduces hikers to some all-time Northwest favorites on an adventure in Washington and British Columbia. The trip begins in the idyllic San Juan Islands and proceeds to Vancouver Island, where a montage of cultures awaits in sophisticated Victoria. And in Olympic National Park, marvel at glacier-capped peaks and rare temperate rain forests thick with mosses and enormous old-growth conifers.
6-day trip * June-August
Casual Inns: From $2,298

Multisport: Nova Scotia
This adventure features a bike ride along the legendary Lighthouse Route, past secluded coves along Nova Scotia's rocky southern shore. Guests will also explore historic Lunenburg, a World Heritage site known for its Colonial-era architecture, visit sleepy fishing villages, tour Prospect Bay's islands by kayak, and enjoy a private tour of Peggy's Cove and its famous lighthouse. Historic inns known for casual elegance and excellent seafood are added bonuses.
6-day trip * July-September
Casual Inns: From $2,498

Walking: Nova Scotia
Hikes along rugged coastline expose sheltered coves, windswept bluffs, 17th-century dike lands and charming fishing villages. Other highlights include a whale-watching cruise on the Bay of Fundy, hikes on forest trails, and an introduction to Nova Scotia's intriguing past through visits to historic sites such as Grand Pré and Annapolis Royal. Historic inns serve up plenty of provincial hospitality.
6-day trip * July-August
Casual Inns: From $2,298

Multisport: Québec
In the shadow of the Laurentian Mountains and on the banks of the St. Lawrence River, this trip traces the spine of the Charlevoix region. Travelers are treated to the bounty of the Route des Saveurs and stunning natural beauty of this open-air playground during bike rides, hikes and kayak excursions. At day's end, guests are warmly welcomed into hotels of casual luxury and sophistication, and treated to sumptuous feasts.
6-day trip * July-August * Family departures offered
Premiere Inns: From $2,898

Biking: Prince Edward Island
Prince Edward Island, with its white clapboard houses, red-sand beaches and small inland farms, encourages travelers to enjoy life at a slower pace. Guests bike over rolling hills and along the sweeping seashore, explore powdery sand dunes and kayak in the calm waters of North Rustico Bay. Distinctive inns and superb cuisine top off this maritime experience extraordinaire.
6-day trip * July-August * Premiere Inns: From $2,698

Multisport: Prince Edward Island (Family only)
It may be Canada's smallest province, but Prince Edward Island is big on summer pleasures. Families can explore this enchanting island from every angle: biking over rolling hills and along traffic-free carriage roads, hiking through fragrant woods and kayaking in calm waters. No visit is complete without a tour of Green Gables, immortalized in L.M. Montgomery's classic novel Anne of Green Gables.
6-day trip * August
Premiere Inns: From $2,698