We have recently returned from a tour of the Canadian Rockies - and it was wonderful. However, although we travelled to all the places that you do on an "escorted" tour, we organised it independently. This meant that we could have longer in some places (ie Bamff, Jasper and Vancouver) in order to wander around at our leisure, and this also avoided constant early starts. Our local travel agent suggested this as she said it would be much less exhausting and we would enjoy ourselves much more. She then did all the organising for us (using the itinerary of a well known tour company) and booked everything for us. The best benefit of all was that it actually came in cheaper than a "named tour group" holiday and we were much more relaxed (oh, and we could choose our hotels/flight times etc). Friends of ours have done exactly the same, and we both thoroughly recommend this approach. Very easy and, if you did have any problems, your travel agent is only at the end of the phone!