North America Adventure with Hawaii Trip Overview
Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime as you embark on an epic journey through the most stunning landscapes and iconic cities across Western Canada, the USA, and Hawaii. From the towering peaks of Banff to the tropical beaches of Maui, this trip offers the perfect blend of outdoor adventure, cultural discoveries, and unforgettable sights, making it an incredible experience for high school students.
Begin in Western Canada, where you’ll hike through lush forests, soak in hot springs, and trek across glaciers in Banff National Park. In British Columbia, experience white-water rafting, horseback riding through glacial valleys, mountain biking in Whistler, and zip-lining through coastal mountain forests. Don’t forget to visit a wolf sanctuary to learn about wildlife conservation!
Next, explore the Pacific Northwest, starting in Seattle’s iconic Pike Place Market, with stops at the Fremont Troll and the first Starbucks. Continue south to Portland, enjoying its quirky food truck scene and Crater Lake National Park’s stunning volcanic beauty. In California, experience the beauty of Lake Tahoe before visiting San Francisco’s famous Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and the towering trees of Muir Woods.
Finally, soak up the sun and dive into marine conservation efforts in Hawaii. From the vibrant city of Honolulu to laid-back Maui, you’ll work with a nonprofit dedicated to protecting sea turtles and coral reefs through snorkeling, beach cleanups, and direct hands-on turtle care. In between service projects, you’ll zipline through jungles, hike volcanic craters, and surf on Hawaii’s famous waves.
This 33-day journey through Canada, the USA, and Hawaii offers endless adventure, iconic cities, jaw-dropping natural beauty, and opportunities for meaningful conservation work, making it the ultimate summer experience for high school students!
During this program, you will…
- Hike around alpine lakes in Banff National Park
- Whitewater raft the Kicking Horse River
- Visit a wolf sanctuary and learn about wolf conservation efforts
- Zip-line through coastal mountain forest
- Stand at the top of the famous Seattle Space Needle
- Have lunch at Pike Place Market and check out other Seattle hot spots like the Fremont Troll
- Soak in hot springs and jump into bright blue pools hidden in the forests of Oregon
- Spend the afternoon kayaking or relaxing on Lake Tahoe
- Climb along Tahoe’s Via Ferrata
- Take an e-bike tour through the iconic streets of San Francisco
- Stand under the great redwoods in Muir Woods National Monument
- Earn up to 20 hours of service credit helping with a sea turtle conservation project
- Learn about sea turtle and reef conservation and protect the endangered hawksbill sea turtles
- Learn to surf on the famous shores of Waikiki Beach
- Snorkel with vibrant marine life in the biodiverse Molokini Crater
- Enjoy a traditional Hawaiian feast at an authentic Hawaiian luau
- Take a step back in time and visit Pearl Harbor Memorial
- Hike through lava tunnels to the top of Diamond Head Crater for stunning coastal views
- Zoom over the lush jungle canopies on an adrenaline-pumping zipline tour
- Try scuba diving and explore the world under the ocean’s surface*
- Catch the sunrise from the top of Haleakala Volcano and take a nature tour down through the clouds*
*This is an optional add-on
Trip Itinerary
DAY 1: ARRIVE IN CALGARY (YYC)
Land in Calgary, Alberta, home to the 1988 Winter Olympics! We’ll stay downtown and walk to a delicious dinner before having our first meeting in Prince’s Island Park next to the Bow River.
DAYS 2-3: BANFF
Home to two of Canada’s most popular National Parks, Alberta is the perfect place to kick off your Canadian adventure! Leave the bustling city of Calgary behind to spend the first full day in the charming town of Banff. Located within the boundaries of the National Park, this small township is surrounded by natural beauty. The peaks of the Canadian Rockies frame the scene from all directions and wildlife such as moose can sometimes be seen walking down Main Street! Deep inside the park, you’ll find the famous teal waters of Lake Louise and the quaint Lake Agnes Tea house just a short hike up the hillside. At Moraine Lake, Hike or choose to canoe around the lake in the incredible Valley of the Ten Peaks. As you head north out of Banff towards Jasper, you’ll ride along the magnificent Icefields Parkway, rated as one of the best drives in the world!
DAYS 4-5: GOLDEN
From Jasper we’ll head into British Columbia to the adventure haven of Golden. The Kicking Horse River runs through town, making it the perfect place to stay for the ultimate whitewater rafting experience! Even without the rapids, the river itself is a spectacle worth seeing. Bright blue water rushes through sturdy green forests where bear and deer can be spotted on the shores! If by now you haven’t satisfied your desire to see wildlife, we’ll head to a wolf conservation center to learn about these majestic animals and see them in their natural environment.
DAY 6: KAMLOOPS
As we make our way across the province of British Columbia, there’s no better place to stop than in Kamloops! Beautiful lakes and rivers welcome us as well as the opportunity to ride horses through the stunning valleys of BC.
DAYS 7-9: WHISTLER
Upon arriving in Whistler you’ll dive right into the action. Take the gondola up the mountain to access some of the best downhill mountain biking trails in North America. You’ll get small group lessons from a trained professional catered to enhance pre-existing skills or start from scratch for beginners! Safety is a top priority and plenty of fun will be had on the back country trails! Biking is not mandatory and those who choose not to bike will have other hiking options instead.
While in Whistler we will also hike to Alexander Falls, hike and swim in Lost Lake, zipline from peak to peak and even get the chance to take the gondola on Blackcomb Glacier! We will visit Whistler Olympic Park, where you can live your winter Olympic dreams, and Blackcomb Adventure Zone.
DAY 10: VANCOUVER
We end our adventure in the bustling city of Vancouver, nestled in the corner of British Columbia and surrounded by dramatic mountains and the beautiful Pacific ocean. Take in the sites of this multicultural mecca and reminisce about the incredible Canadian road trip you just undertook!
DAY 11: VANCOUVER -> SEATTLE
Hop on a scenic train from Vancouver to Seattle and say goodbye to Canada and Hello to America’s stunning Pacific Northwest region!
DAY 12-13: SEATTLE, WASHINGTON
Welcome to the beautiful Emerald City! Seattle is a place full of character and endless entertainment for all ages. Take the elevator up the Seattle Space Needle to see the city below and look for Mt. Rainier in the distance! Enjoy a fresh seafood lunch in Pike Place Market, visit the quirky Fremont Troll, and add your piece of gum to the infamous Gum Wall!
DAY 14: PORTLAND, OREGON
Next, our adventure heads south to the hip city of Portland, Oregon! It’s time to learn just exactly what “Keep Portland Weird” means–we’ll experience the quirky PNW culture in this West Coast city. Famous for having over 500 food carts celebrating a wide variety of cuisine, we’ll grab lunch from and then hit the town to discover all the fun, interesting things Portland has to offer!
In addition to enjoying Portland’s amazing cuisine, we will experience all of the incredible outdoor activities on offer. As we drive towards Bend, we will stop along the mighty Colombia River and see the beauty of Mt. Hood.
DAYS 15-16: BEND, OREGON > CRATER LAKE NATIONAL PARK
Bend will be our jump-off point for Crater Lake National Park. Hike to stunning waterfalls hidden in a lush forest, including an epic basalt column waterfall, before reaching the ultimate view: Crater Lake. You’ve never seen a lake quite like this! The result of a volcanic eruption almost 8,000 years ago, Crater Lake is the deepest lake in America and one of the most pristine lakes in the world. As you gaze from the rim down at its splendor, you can imagine the 1,949 feet (594 meters) of crystal-clear water that fills the caldera.
DAYS 17-18: LAKE TAHOE, CALIFORNIA
The third state on this action-packed adventure is sure to not disappoint. Your first view of Lake Tahoe will leave you speechless. The massive pool of bright blue water beneath the peaks of the Sierras is unlike anything in the world. Kayak, hike, and take a sunset cruise around this magnificent landscape. We’ll even ride the Heavenly Gondola to get a bird’s eye view of the lake in all its splendor. Cast your fears aside and try your hand at the Tahoe Via Ferrata, a magnificent mountain adventure high above the Olympic Valley’s floor. By the time we leave Tahoe, you will have experienced all of the action this area has to offer!
DAYS 19-21: SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA
Leaving the adventure haven of Lake Tahoe behind is hard, but not when you’re headed for the greatest city in Northern California! Cross the iconic Golden Gate Bridge into San Francisco and get ready to live it up like a local. Bike or walk through the famous neighborhoods and stop at sights like the Painted Ladies and Lombard Street. Go out for dinner in Chinatown and indulge in a chocolate sundae from Ghirardelli Square for dessert. Take the ferry to Alcatraz and imagine what it was like to be a prisoner on this island less than 60 years ago! Before leaving California, hike through the iconic mighty redwoods in Muir Woods National Monument.
DAY 22: SAN FRANCISCO > HONOLULU
Say goodbye to California and Aloha to Hawaii!
DAYS 23-25: HONOLULU > WAIKIKI
Oahu is the perfect island for a little bit of adventure! We will take a surf lesson on the famous shores of Waikiki with professional instructors who will have you riding waves in no time. Our hotel is just steps away from the beach, so we will have plenty of time to relax, swim, and enjoy some quality time in the summer sun! For a truly unique experience, we’ll hike through a lava tunnel to the top of famous Diamond Head Crater for breathtaking views of the island.
No visit to Oahu would be complete without a journey to the past to pay respects at the USS Arizona and Pearl Harbor Memorials. Accessible only by boat, this memorial is one of several sites in Hawaii commemorating the attack on Pearl Harbor and honoring those who lost their lives as well as the few remaining survivors.
DAYS 26 - 32: MAUI
Maui is truly a Hawaiian paradise with pristine white sand beaches, colorful coral reefs, lush vegetation, and turquoise ocean. Lucky for us, our hotel is right across the street from some of the best beaches on the island! We can hop over any time we like for beach volleyball, relaxation, and a refreshing swim.
Maui is also home to our sea turtle service project. We partner with a local organization dedicated to protecting and researching this endangered species. We’ll learn all about the hawksbill sea turtles and participate in a variety of projects dedicated to sea turtle conservation. Some of these projects include snorkeling and reef surveying to collect ocean data and look for turtles, beach cleanups to protect their natural habitats, and watching over basking turtles on the beach. At the Center, we will work first-hand with injured turtle patients–tending to wounds, taking fluids, and whatever else these gentle friends need on their road to recovery. In the evening, we will enjoy a sunset dinner cruise.
Our service work will be complemented with plenty of fun activities, including a boat trip to snorkel in the famous Molokini crater, sea kayaking, scuba diving (optional), and ziplining!
There will also be an optional excursion to catch the sunrise from the top of Haleakala Volcano and take a nature tour down through the clouds. For those who don’t feel comfortable biking, don’t worry, there is the option to ride down in a vehicle too!
DAY 33: DEPART FROM MAUI (OGG)
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FAQs
Who can go on this program? What kind of teen typically goes on this program?
Teens from all over the world join this program! Typically, our participants are culturally curious individuals who are excited to make new friends, experience something unique, and interested in stepping out of their comfort zones and expanding their horizons.
This program is exclusively for students who are currently in grades 9th through 11th and approximately 14 to 17 years old. Students living outside of the USA are welcome to join!
Where do we stay?
Our hotels are specifically chosen to be in safe areas and well-suited to facilitating group supervision. We stay in centrally located accommodations, usually within walking distance of the main attractions. This means we do not use large, impersonal chain hotels on the outskirts of cities. We prefer to select smaller, family-run hotels where we establish personal relationships with the owners.
All accommodations on this trip have been selected to ensure quality while still maintaining the character of the places we are visiting.
This program does not involve camping.
For safety reasons, we do not publish the names of the accommodations we use. We do not feel it is safe to publish the name of a hotel where a group of teenagers is staying abroad. After registering, participants and parents are given access to our secure parent website where you will be able to see the names of all of the accommodations for a trip.
Do most travelers go on their own?
Yes! In fact, over 75% of students who travel with us choose to come independently. This encourages teens to step further outside their comfort zone and make new friends. We believe that one of the most rewarding and exciting elements of travel is the new friendships that form along the way. When we travel by ourselves, we are bound to make new friends from all over the country and even the world. The best part is, you can travel again with your new friends on another TFT program the next summer!
If you are thinking about joining a TFT program by yourself but you are feeling unsure, please let us know! We have plenty of references from solo travelers who had great experiences and would be happy to chat with you about it.
Can I bring a friend?
Absolutely! We ask that if you do come with a friend, you and your friend(s) maintain openness to meeting new people and sharing this special experience with the entire group.
What do students like most about the North America Adventure trip?
Students love the incredible variety of experiences this 33-day North American adventure offers. From hands-on sea turtle conservation work in Hawaii, to exploring three of America’s greatest states in the Pacific Northwest, this trip is packed with unforgettable moments. They also enjoy discovering two of Canada’s most beautiful provinces, with stunning natural sights and exciting outdoor activities. Whether it’s the beaches of Hawaii, the cities of Seattle and San Francisco, or the majestic landscapes of Banff, this program truly has something for everyone.
What is unique about the North America Adventure trip?
What makes this North American adventure unique is its perfect balance of exploration, service, and outdoor adventure. Students experience everything from Western Canada’s breathtaking landscapes to the iconic cities and natural wonders of the Pacific Northwest, with a wide range of exciting outdoor activities along the way. In Hawaii, they take part in hands-on sea turtle conservation while enjoying the island’s stunning beaches and adventurous activities like hiking and surfing. This combination of adventure, conservation, and discovery creates an unforgettable, one-of-a-kind experience.
What is included?
Ground transportation, accommodations, all breakfasts and dinners, chaperones and guides, program related activities, program related activity admissions, taxes and tips.
Not included in cost (this not intended to be an exhaustive list): airfare; visas and visa application fees; lunches; personal and medical expenses; activities and admissions that are not program-related or referenced in the itinerary; beverages other than filtered water at meals; participant expenses that are outside of the program description, such as excess baggage fees and damage to hotels; expenses related to unforeseen circumstances, such as transportation strikes and natural disasters.
What is the average group size?
We pride ourselves on small group sizes to create a more authentic and personalized experience. Our group sizes fall between 13 and 24 students – the perfect size to facilitate new friendships without feeling lost in a crowd! We believe smaller groups eliminate the likelihood of cliques, and allows for a well-rounded, healthy group dynamic.
Who leads the program?
Our staff is a cut above the rest! We seek out two main characteristics in our counselors – extensive knowledge of and experience in our destinations, and a passion for working with teens. Our staff’s backgrounds include living abroad and working in summer camps or other educational settings. Team members are proven leaders and role models, who connect easily with others and form genuine friendships with each student – all while bringing each destination to life.
We celebrate diversity! Our staff represents 49 different nationalities, speak a combined total of 21 languages, and visited 142 countries. Additionally, 80% of our staff lived or worked abroad in their lives. With so many unique experiences to share, you are sure to gain a global perspective.
Our average minimum ratios are one staff member to every seven participants. Each program has one Trip Director with several support staff, depending on the group size. Directors must be at least 25 years old within the calendar year and have prior experience working with TFT.
What are the safety qualifications for our staff?
Our staff members undergo a rigorous hiring process. They receive the same background check as school educators, an extensive training process to go over all safety precautions and protocols, and are required to be certified in CPR and First Aid. We exclusively hire responsible, multi-talented individuals who are safety-minded and are as passionate about teen travel as we are.
How does this program connect to other programs?
Our program dates are designed specifically so that participants can opt to combine trips throughout the summer. When connecting to another program, your counselor will escort you to the airport on the last day of the program and assist you in meeting your next group at your new destination.
What is the food like on this program?
In a word – delicious! At TFT, we believe food is an integral aspect of the travel experience, and we make an effort to eat at authentic establishments whenever possible. There is no better way to immerse ourselves in the culture of a place then through sampling the local delicacies. We stray away from westernized restaurants and chains that cater to tourists, because every true traveler knows the best food is found where the locals are eating!
Of course, you’ll try poutine, the famous fries smothered in gravy and cheese curds Canada is known for! At the ranch, you’ll be fed family style high quality home cooked meals. As we move towards the coast, salmon and other seafood specialties will be offered in abundance!
Seattle is famous for its seafood but plenty of options will be offered for those who aren’t a fan. Pike’s Place Market is a perfect spot to have lunch and for coffee lovers, there’s no better city for a cup of joe! Portland is known for its many food carts (over 500!) and the famous Voodoo Doughnuts, both of which we’ll indulge in.
The food in Hawaii involves plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, and of course, seafood! Some typical foods we will have the chance to try are Poke bowls, Acai bowls, poi, and breadfruit.
Of course, we are always willing and able to accommodate vegetarians, vegans, gluten allergies, and other dietary restrictions.
Do we ever get time to go off on our own?
Our staff and teens are nearly always together, but we do provide the opportunity to break up into smaller groups to allow for flexibility and customization within the itinerary.
We offer free time in defined safe areas – for example, shopping in a market or exploring a museum. During these times, students remain in groups of at least two and are given no more than an hour. Of course, the counselors remain nearby and available. Additionally, a lifeguard-certified counselor supervises the campers any time they are involved in water activities.
Do I need any vaccinations for this program?
We recommend checking with your family doctor regarding vaccinations and medical advice for the destination you are visiting. For more information, please check the World Health Organization’s website. Upon registration, we provide a list of recommended vaccinations that can be discussed further with your doctor. For Specific questions pertaining to the COVID-19 vaccine, click here.
What kind of visa do you need for this program?
US citizens need a passport to visit Canada.
When joining a TFT trip from outside of the US, please be sure to check your country’s specific visa requirements.