Vancouver

Arrive Vancouver International Airport and transfer independently to your downtown hotel. You will have the rest of the day and tomorrow to tour Vancouver and the surrounding area. Some suggestions: Stanley Park, the MacMillan Planetarium, Chinatown, Gastown, Granville Island, Capilano Suspension Bridge, Grouse Mountain and Stanley Park. 

Penticton

"259 miles"

Scenic drive to Penticton in the Okanagan Valley, known for its lush orchards, beaches and hot, dry climate. 

Revelstoke

"162 miles"

Morning at leisure to enjoy the Okanagan Valley. Then drive past spectacular waterfalls, towering peaks and beautiful lakes en route to the Revelstoke area. 

Banff National Park

"176 miles"

Drive through Glacier National Park and Rogers Pass en route to the Canadian Rockies. Yoho National Park marks the provincial border and meets Canada’s first national park here. Kicking Horse Pass is sure to be a scenic highlight of the park. Before you continue on to the bustling resort town of Banff, we suggest a visit to Lake Louise. In Banff, we suggest a visit to Banff Natural History Museum. You may also try river rafting or take a boat tour on Lake Minnewanka. 

Jasper National Park

"179 miles"

Drive to Jasper via the spectacular Icefields Parkway. We suggest a stop at Peyto Lake en route. Enjoy glorious photo opportunities of snow-capped peaks, waterfalls and alpine meadows as you travel this route considered one of the most scenic drives in the world. 

Prince George

"234 miles"

The Yellowhead Highway meanders past Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Rockies, and descends into the vast forests of northern British Columbia. Follow the northern arm of the Fraser River through the Cariboo Region.

Smithers 

"231 miles"

Travel the rugged wilderness terrain of the interior mountain ranges.

Prince Rupert

"216 miles"

Follow the scenic Skeena River Valley to the active port city of Prince Rupert.

Port Hardy

"321 miles with ferry"

Enjoy a full-day ocean cruise on board BC Ferries along the British Columbia coastline. The famous Inside Passage cruise terminates in Port Hardy. 

Campbell River

"145 miles"

Travel the eastern shore of Vancouver Island to Campbell River, a focal point for sport salmon fishing.

Victoria

"165 miles"

Continue along the coast, past quaint seaside towns such as Courtenay, Qualicum Beach, Parksville and Nanaimo. In Duncan, visit the Quw’utsun’ Cultural and Conference Centre and in Chemainus, you can see the famous murals. As you approach Victoria, British Columbia’s capital, you will travel along the scenic Malahat Drive, which affords generous vistas of the water and the Gulf Islands beyond. 

Vancouver

"76 miles with ferry"

Before you leave Victoria’s charms and the beauty of the Inner Harbour, we recommend you visit Butchart Gardens, a magnificent display of flowers and shrubs set in an old stone quarry. Enjoy a mini-cruise on BC Ferries guiding you around the many Gulf Islands, through the Strait of Georgia to mainland British Columbia for some last-minute shopping. 

Banff National Park

 "80 miles"

Upon arrival in Calgary collect your rental car at the airport. The two hour drive to Banff is beautiful as you leave the rolling foothills of the Canadian Prairies and face the spectacular Canadian Rockies.

On your second day, take the time to explore Banff, a small town surrounded by one of the most beautiful parks in the world. One of its greatest assets is the accessibility of its natural wonders - most highlights are located close to the road system. For the more adventurous there is an excellent system of hiking trails that lead to alpine lakes, along glacial valleys and to spectacular viewpoints where crowds are scarce and human impact has been minimal. Head to the mountaintop by the Sulphur Mountain Gondola for fantastic views of Banff townsite, Bow Valley, Cascade Mountain and Lake Minnewanka. There are many outdoor activities including canoeing, horseriding and hiking to be enjoyed here and you can always end your busy day with a long soak in the Hot Springs at Sulphur Mountain. When considering hiking in this region, always visit the Banff Visitor Centre at 224 Banff Avenue where staff can advise you on the condition of the trails and any closures.

Lake Louise

"37 miles"

Take a short drive to Lake Louise. The actual village is still quite small, with only a few hotels, stores, and a visitor centre. Chateau Lake Louise, situated on the lakes shore, is a tourist attraction in itself and is visited by the millions who come to photograph the lake with Mt Victoria in the background. Rent a canoe from the boathouse and glide through the lake - take care not too fall in as even in August the lake only reaches about 4°C! Moraine Lake, though half the size of Lake Louise is just as spectacular.

For another fantastic view, take the Lake Louise Gondola on the 20 minute journey up the face of Mt Whitehorn to Whitehorn Lodge where you can see Bow Valley, Lake Louise and the Continental Divide. Also from Lake Louise, you can explore to the west of the Rockies into Glacier Park, Yoho Valley, Takakkaw Falls, Emerald Lake and the amazing Spiral Tunnels, built to keep the trains slow on their descent on the mountains.

Jasper National Park

"146 miles"

Today you head towards Jasper on the Icefields Parkway which is 143 miles long. This road takes about 4-5 hours to travel but try not to rush as it is one of the most scenic and inspiring mountain roads ever built. There are 13 viewpoints along the trail -you can collect an Icefields Parkway brochure from the park information centre in Lake Louise. Bow Summit is the highest point along the parkway at 2088m and offers great views of Peyto Lake. The most popular attractions along the parkway are the glaciersthat spill down from the Columbia Icefield. There is an Icefields centre here and you can go up onto the Athabasca glacier either on the Snocoach or on one of the icewalks which offer a 3 or 5 hour walk. Don't miss the Athabasca Glacier Skywalk, a new and exciting cliff-edge walkway that leads to a platform where glass is all that separates you from a 918 foot drop! There are other stunning places to visit including, Bow Lake, Sunwapta Falls, Peyto Lake, Crowfoot Glacier and the Athabasca Falls. Basically this journey is one worth starting early so you can be sure of seeing all that you want to.

Jasper itself is located at the confluence of the Athabasca and Miette rivers and is surrounded by the peaks of Jasper National Park. Here you can take the Jasper Tramway up Whistlers mountain for great views of the mountain and valley, visit Maligne Canyon and Lake, relax in Miette Hot Springs, drive out to Mount Edith Cavell - one of the highest peaks in the area, or visit Patricia and Pyramid Lakes.

Clearwater / Wells Gray Provincial Park

"197 miles"

Leave Jasper early for your drive to Clearwater and Wells Gray Provincial Park. As you leave Jasper through Mt Robson Park, you will have some fantastic views! Head south towards Valemount and on to Clearwater at the entrance to Wells Gray, British Columbia's third largest provincial park with an area of 520,000 hectares of wilderness with waterfalls, lakes, and the mountain ranges of the Shushwap Highlands and the Cariboo Mountains.

Whistler

"261 miles"

Hit the road early today to begin your journey to Whistler. Travel via 100 Mile House to Cache Creek. Here you will make a stop to visit the historic Hat Creek Ranch, which takes you back to the days of the gold rush. Continue your journey south to Lillooet, known as the land of the Gold Rush Trail. Departing Lillooet, travel the Duffey Lake Road to Whistler. On the upper elevations of this route you will enjoy breathtaking views of Joffee Glacier and snow capped Mount Currie that rises to a height of 2596 metres.

Located in the Coast Mountains of British Columbia, Whistler is a world of tranquil forests, alpine trails, sparkling lakes, aqueous skies and shimmering mountain peaks. It is also one of the most popular ski resorts in the country and a year round playground with plenty to do here in the spring and summer including mountain biking or hiking the alpine trails, zip lining, canoeing, rafting, horseriding etc. The resort's enchanting alpine village is alive with festive entertainment, intriguing shops and European style cafes. Here you can choose from a bounty of recreational activities including riding the Peak 2 Peak gondola, the tallest gondola in the world!

Tofino

"231 miles with ferry"

Departing Whistler, drive south on the scenic "Sea to Sky Highway" to Horsehoe Bay and your ferry to Nanaimo on Vancouver Island. The crossing takes approximately 1 hour and 35 minutes and there are four crossings per day. Nanaimo has many fine waterfront restaurants and is an ideal place to stop for lunch, including the Nanaimo Bar which is not to be missed. Take a relaxing stroll around the town - there are marked historical walkways, take a harbour cruise or watch the windsurfers in Departure Bay.  If you really want to remember Nanaimo, the town is home to the Bungy Jumping Park! (It's a great spectator sport even if you do not want to experience it yourself!) Head west towards Port Alberni. Stop in Coombs for a drink and watch the goats graze on the roof of the Old Country Market!. Continue through Pacific Rim National Park to Tofino located on the west coast of Vancouver Island.

Another adventure awaits you today, the possibility of viewing the majestic beauty of one of the world's largest mammals ~ the gray whale! The remainder of the day is at leisure to walk along famous Long Beach, try your hand at surfing, take a nature cruise, kayak through the sheltered waters of Clayoquot Sound, visit Hot Springs Cove or just explore this spectacular rainforest region.

Victoria

"196 miles"

You will travel back south on the Island Highway to Victoria. Enroute we suggest a stop in Chemainus, famous for it's many murals painted around the town. Just start at the information centre and follow the yellow footprints around the town! Duncan is located just north of Victoria and is known as the city of totems as you will find around sixty totems all over the town. It is also home to the Cowichan Native Heritage Center and is a good place to buy First Nation crafts.

Victoria is the provincial capital and stands at the southern tip of Vancouver Island. The best way to explore the city is by foot as all the downtown attractions are within a short walk of each other. Keep and eye out on the horizon for Orca, or book a whale watching trip. Visit the Inner Harbour, Beacon Hill Park, have afternoon tea at the Empress Hotel, and visit the Royal B.C. Museum. The city has well preserved inner city streets lined with well reserved old buildings, trendy shops in restored historic areas and horse drawn carriages to get you around. One of the main attractions is Butchart Gardens - a must see if you are at all interested in gardening.

Vancouver

"69 miles with ferry"

Depart from Schwartz Bay for the ferry to Tsawwassen. There are usually around 7-8 crossings per day and the crossing takes approximately 1 hour and 35 minutes. Downtown Vancouver is an intriguing mixture of steel, concrete, mirrored glass buildings, modern sculptures and old-fashioned fountains. There is so much to see and do in the city. You can rent a bike to ride around the Seawall in Stanley Park or try rollerblading if you are feeling adventurous! Don't miss the Flyover Canada - a virtual reality experience which will transport you all around Canada without leaving your seat! This has been described as a 'must do' in Vancouver and will tempt you to explore Canada all over again! Dinner can be taken at the top of Grouse Mountain for a spectacular view of the city lit up at night and you can reach the summit by the Skyride Gondola. You could take the ferry across False Creek to the refurbished Granville Island - the place to be on a sunny day. Here you can shop in the Public Market, walk round the marina, browse in the gift shops or sample some of the local food.

A visit to Lynn Canyon and the suspension bridge is well worth it. Take along your bathing suit and you can have a dip in Lynn Creek after a short walk in the forest. There will be plenty of time for shopping on Robson Street in its trendy shops and the Robson Public Market. Visit Chinatown - the second largest Chinese community in North America and home to the beautiful and peaceful Dr. Sun Yat-sen Classical Chinese Garden. No visit is complete without wandering through Gastown where Vancouver started. The brightly painted buildings date back to 1886 and old gas lamps and trees line the red cobblestone streets. There are many galleries, restaurants and gift shops here The Boathouse Restaurant is a great place for dinner, while watching the sunset over English Bay and people watching all the evening strollers. (Strolling in the evening is a local ritual!!)

Vancouver

Arrive Vancouver International Airport, transfer to your downtown hotel. The rest of the day is yours to create your own urban adventure amid the stores, parks, restaurants, theatres and other attractions of downtown Vancouver. 

Go on a city tour of Vancouver and visit attractions as Canada Place, the dynamic Robson Street, Chinatown and historic Gastown. Visit Stanley Park and the Capilano Suspension Bridge in the North Shore rainforest. Cross the 137m-long bridge over a spectacular canyon to the Treetops Adventure observation structure for even more incredible views of this old growth forest. On your return to downtown Vancouver, perhaps enjoy a delicious meal at one of the many dining venues featuring cuisine from around the world. 

Whistler

"75 miles"

Today you depart on your journey to Whistler - the home of the 2010 Winter Olympics and one of the premier outdoor recreation villages in North America. You will travel along the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway, traversing five distinct climatic zones from rainforest to semi-arid alpine forest. The road also crosses the historic Pemberton Trail and Gold Rush Trail, used by prospectors in the 18th century. Travelling through small towns such as Squamish and skirting the shores of Daisy Lake, you arrive in picturesque Whistler Village set at the base of Whistler and Blackcomb mountains.

The 2010 Winter Olympics showcased the multitude of sights and activities available in Whistler, many of them operating year round. The many cafes and restaurants of the village provide the perfect destination for visitors leisurely exploring the pedestrian walkways and town squares. Woodland trails surround the village, as does a well developed network of biking and hiking trails for outdoor enthusiasts of all ability. 

Ashcroft

"141 miles"

Today you head east into the British Columbia interior, passing through the high elevations home to small towns such as Lillooet. This quiet community is quickly becoming a destination for outdoor enthusiasts and specialty agriculture such as Merlot and Riesling grapes that flourish in the dry, warmer summers. Journeying into the ranch lands, you arrive at the ranch for a 2-night stay. Guests are invited to come explore 64 private hectares of alpine meadows on horseback, enjoy bird watching and discover the many nearby fishing lakes and forests. 

Take a walk around the trails that lead out from the ranch, or take in a game of horseshoes with friends and other guests. You may also choose to participate in a morning or afternoon guided horseback riding trail excursion. Immerse yourself in this glorious ‘western’ way of life! 

Clearwater / Wells Gray

"135 miles"

Today you depart your ranch and after passing through the surrounding rural woodlands, you begin your journey along the Yellowhead Highway. This route spans 4 provinces from Saskatchewan to British Columbia and ranges thousands of feet in elevation. You follow the Thompson River as your journey takes you through windswept cowboy country and into the gorges of the North Thompson River before opening up into Clearwater Lake. Beyond the town, the pristine parklands of Wells Gray Provincial Park feature the terminus of the river in a spectacular, towering waterfall of Helmcken Falls. 

Jasper National Park

"197 miles"

Taking your leave of beautiful Clearwater, you continue on the Yellowhead Highway as it descends down the eastern face of the Rockies into the fertile valleys of the Jasper region. The mountains part to reveal the aquamarine, glacier-fed lakes perched above the emerald valleys and grazing elk of Jasper National Park, one of Canada’s premiere wildlife and environmental refuges.

Banff National Park

"179 miles"

Today you have the rare experience of driving through two of Canada’s first and most prestigious national parks. Departing Jasper, the highway will take you past beautiful Lake Louise, reflecting the Columbia Glacier in the distance between mountain peaks. Arriving in Banff, you will instantly be charmed by this perfect mountain village with its quaint restaurants, boutique retailers and lush forest surroundings. The Elk population nearly surpasses the human as they casually meander up and down the town streets. Visit to the Luxton Museum, take a gondola ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain or a stroll through town admiring the many shops. You may also try river rafting on the Bow River or take a boat tour on beautiful Lake Minnewanka. 

Waterton Lakes National Park

"224 miles"

Leaving behind the quiet forests of Banff, you drive southwest today on your journey to the southern reaches of Alberta. After passing through the urban hub of Calgary, today’s route takes you near the historic Fort Macleod, one of the first operational posts of the famous Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Formed as a frontier law force that ranged over the western provinces, the RCMP grew to become Canada’s national police force in service today. Approaching the United States border, the protected, pristine beauty of Waterton Lakes National Park dominates the horizon with its stark and captivating beauty.

The beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage Site is yours to further explore today. A relatively unknown park in the national park system, this area of plateaus, forests, prime fishing rivers and hectares of mountain wildflowers is truly the hidden gem of Alberta. Many marked scenic drives such as the Akamina Parkway and Chief Mountain Highway allow visitors to see the interior of the park with its shallow, clear alpine lakes and old growth forests without long overland hikes. 

Rossland

"306 miles"

Driving west today, you drive through the British Columbia interior and the mountain village of Fernie, known to skiers all over the world for its superb alpine skiing with some of the heaviest snowfalls and most dependable powder conditions. You cross the provincial boundary back into British Columbia to and pass through Cranbrook, a small community that grew up around the development of the Crowsnest Railway line at the end of the 19th century. Keeping just north of the United States border, you travel farther west across the rugged interior of the Rocky Mountains. Later you arrive in Rossland, home to many outdoor activities such as horseback riding, championship golf courses, mountain biking tours as well as various outdoor dining patios around town with spectacular views. 

Osoyoos 

"137 miles"

Today you depart Rossland and embark on the Crowsnest Highway as it cuts though the heights of the Monashee Mountains. One of the most dramatic intersections is the Bonanza Pass, offering a splendid photo opportunity as you leave the Kootenays for the Western Boundary regions. Driving into the Osoyoos region, you may glimpse the developing vineyards as they flourish in the warming, temperate climate. In partnership with the NK’MIP First Nations people native to the region, the Spirit Ridge Vineyard has blossomed into a world class winery, offering fine dining and tastings.

Spend your day walking along the 19kms of sandy beaches of Osoyoos Lake. You may also wish to visit the unique Haynes Point Provincial Park where the park access road takes you out on a narrow spit in the middle of the lake. Spend the afternoon at one of the pubs or wine bistros that line the shoreline near the middle of town. 

Vancouver

"246 miles"

Today you head westward for the coast on your return trip to Vancouver. Travelling along the northern edge of North Cascades National Park, the terrain quickly becomes more mountainous as you pass through small towns such as Merritt, Hope and Chilliwack. Descend down from the mountains to the shining spires and elegant bridges of Vancouver. If time permits, enjoy a late afternoon visit to some of the high-fashion boutiques of the downtown core, or relax at your hotel before perhaps indulging in an evening of fine dining at one of the dozens of restaurants of the downtown area.