Canadian residents pay in Canadian funds at the exchange rate of 1.33
Northwestern Odyssey 17 Days
Breathtaking describes the sites on this teen travel adventure visiting the natural wonders of the Canadian Rockies, Lake Louise, Banff, & Jasper National Parks. Adrenaline-pumping describes the activities – water skiing or wakeboarding, downhill karting, professional surf lessons, dune buggy adventure, and kayaking. Just plain awesome describes the cool vibe of Seattle and beach time in the Okanagan Valley. Our summer program leaders are experts at creating a close, inclusive family for everyone. Homer’s odyssey lasted for 10 years. This trip will be 17 incredible days through the USA and Canada on an unforgettable student travel tour.
Teens on this trip participate in the first 17 days of the longer 25-day Northwestern Odyssey program.
An adrenaline-filled program with the coolest activities, picture-perfect landmarks and a close group bond.
Hotels, resorts & a college residence.
Includes breakfast and dinner daily.
Includes all recreation & activities listed.
Chartered deluxe, air conditioned motor coach with a professional driver.
Separate departure dates are assigned to create compatible co-ed age groups.
Varies from 28 to 48 participants.
Fly to Portland, where your orientation officially begins with some of our favorite icebreakers and “get to know you” activities.
Get set for a thrilling jet boat ride on the Willamette River. Take a ride in a surrey along the quaint waterfront. Sample the culinary offerings of Portland’s famous food trucks! Learn to surf on the Oregon Coast with a professional surf school before continuing on to Eugene.
Travel south to the university town of Eugene, home of the Ducks! Explore some of the world’s most impressive natural sand dunes! Buckle up and take a ride on an exciting dune buggy tour in the dunes along the Oregon coast.
Kayak the glacially formed, freshwater Lake Union. Toss fish with the Pike Place fishmongers. Sail the Puget Sound in a high-performance yacht. Add your contribution to the infamous tradition and stick your gum on the Market Theater Gum wall. Rock out in front of a virtual audience On Stage at the Museum of Popular Culture (MoPoP). Take in Seattle, 518′ off the ground at the top of the Space Needle. Buckle up for Whirlyball, a team sport that combines elements of basketball and lacrosse in bumper cars. If the Mariners are playing at home during your visit, cheer them on at T-Mobile Park.
On your way to Whistler, check out trendy Granville Island, Vancouver, and enjoy street performers and a marketplace lunch. Head to sunshine and snow together in the summertime in Whistler BC! Browse the shops in the pedestrian-friendly village. Travel 2.7 miles reaching a maximum height of 1,427′ over Fitzsimmons Creek from Whistler to Blackcomb and back again on the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola. Clip into Via Ferrata, a network of steel cables that run the length of a mountain face and cross built-in steps, handles, beams and bridges while you are struck by spectacular views of nature all around. Conquer the Sasquatch, a monster zipline over a mile long and is the longest zipline in all of Canada and the USA! You will experience spectacular views and 7,000 feet of pure eco-exhilaration! Will you take it on? Relax in your fully furnished condos and hangout in the outdoor hot tub.
Learn to waterski or wakeboard with professional instructors or go banana boating in Lake Okanagan. For those more advanced wakeboarders, try out wakesurfing and enjoy the ride in this hands-free, freestyle sport. Lounge lakeside, tan, listen to your tunes or play football on the sandy beach.
Marvel at the glacial-fed, emerald-colored Lake Louise. Hike past Mirror Lake to the Lake Agnes Teahouse to taste some of their famous apple crumble. Browse the shops in the quaint town of Banff. Tour the Athabasca Glacier on the Columbian Icefields in Jasper National Park to sip glacier water and throw a snowball or two. Snap a photo in front of the husky-shaped Peyto Lake and admire the impressive Bow Falls outside the Banff Springs Hotel.
Check into the impressive University of Calgary. Take in “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth” at the Calgary Stampede. For the 25-day program, the incredible action continues.
Say farewell to your new friends as you part ways for your return home. The summer might be over, but all the memories you’ve made will last a lifetime!
Portland, Oregon
Enjoy your stay at The Hyatt Place, located minutes away from downtown Portland.
Eugene, Oregon
The Hyatt Place Eugene is centrally located in Eugene, Oregon, and perfectly situated for your next trip to the Southern Willamette Valley. Whatever fits your idea of adventure, you’ll discover the spirit of the Pacific Northwest during your stay.
Seattle, Washington
Embassy Suites Bellevue offers newly renovated and remodeled two-room suites with an indoor heated pool and fitness center.
Whistler, British Columbia
Blackcomb Springs Suites is an all-suite, condo-style hotel at the foot of Blackcomb Mountain. Suites include full kitchens and spacious rooms. Enjoy an outdoor pool and hot tub as well.
Penticton, British Columbia
The Penticton Lakeside Resort offers a relaxing resort-type location on a private beach along the shores of Okanagan Lake. Rooms are comfortably equipped with modern amenities. The hotel also offers a fitness center, pool, and hot tub.
Banff, Alberta
The Silver Creek Lodge is a luxury condo property located in the Bow Valley of the Canadian Rockies! Spread out in the one and two-bedroom suites appointed with everything you will need for a chill home base while you explore Banff and beyond!
Calgary, Alberta
The University of Calgary is conveniently located in Northwest Calgary, a short drive from the downtown core. You’ll get a taste for university life when you stay in the residence on campus.
Flight to Portland, Oregon
We help you coordinate your flight to arrive within designated times so that we may greet you upon arrival. For participants from the New York area, we offer a chaperoned flight that leaves early morning. One of your summer leaders and staff from our office will be at the airline counter to greet you, introduce you to fellow travelers, help you to check-in and the leader will be with you from check-in onward.
Return Flight Home From Calgary, Alberta
For the return flight from Calgary, our leaders help you to check-in and remain in the airport until flights in designated times have departed. They remain on the program for the duration of the longer 25-day program and chaperone that flight home. Depending on the number of students departing after 17 days to the New York area, one staff may chaperone that flight as well.
Food and Meals
Eating well while away from home is an important part of a summer’s success. We understand how it helps our travelers feel secure, happy and looking forward to their day. Our North American Active Teen Tours visit great restaurants. Depending on the itinerary, you may be dining at the Cheesecake Factory, Hard Rock Cafe, a popular upscale food hall/marketplace with local gourmet options or a happening area where you will have many cuisines to select from. We make a point to balance great food choices that teens love with trying great local favorites like the sourdough bread from the Boudin Bakery in San Francisco.
We have satisfied the choosiest of eaters and gladly accommodate most special dietary requests including vegetarian, anaphylactic food allergies, lactose intolerance, celiac disease, and kosher style. We welcome discussing your individual requirements with you and have extensive experience in this area.
Rooming
You will stay in the finest hotels, resorts and college residences, which are chosen based on safety, security, amenities, comfort and location. Indoor accommodation rooms vary from doubles to triples. Triples may contain two beds and a rollaway or be a suite style with a sofa bed. Each participant has their own bed.
Laundry
You will only need to bring one week’s worth of clothing as outlined in the packing list that will be sent to you prior to departure. We visit local laundromats weekly and we will supply the detergent and dryer sheets. Don’t worry if you’ve never done laundry before, we’ll show you the ropes. Parents, we know the thought of your children doing laundry is making you smile!
What’s Included
Included in your program tuition is all lodging, breakfast and dinner daily, recreation & entertainment listed, airport transfers in designated times, gratuities & taxes.
Not included is transportation to and from the program, lunches, snacks, personal spending money for souvenirs, and laundry. We also make available optional travel insurance that is not included, but highly recommended.
Please contact us with any questions. We are happy to hear from you!
Do you separate different age groups?
It depends on the program, so it’s always best to contact us. On some programs, we assign a specific departure date by age group to create the best possible social dynamics. For example, if grades 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 are listed on a program, note they will not all be traveling together on the same departure.
To find the programs with exclusive age-specific departures, look for tags saying “middle school” for students completing 7th and 8th grades, or “ON TOUR” for students completing 11th and 12th grades.
Who are the staff and what are their qualifications?
Our staff are educators, guidance counselors, coaches, college and university students, former camp counselors, residence life coordinators, community volunteers, world travelers, and other leaders with diverse backgrounds. Many are former participants themselves who couldn’t get enough of the Westcoast experience! Learn more about our summer leaders.
What is the difference between an Active Teen Tour and a Global Adventure program?
Our Active Teen Tours offer larger group sizes (generally 35-48 participants) and travel in deluxe motor coaches. Accommodations include quality hotels and fun college residences.
Global Adventures are smaller group experiences (generally up to 26 participants). Groups travel by private motor coaches and occasional public transportation internationally, and use passenger vans in the USA. While these programs have a slightly bigger focus on adventure travel, we stay in quality hotels and lodges, always ensuring a good night’s rest.
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