Banff

 "80 miles"

Upon arrival in Calgary in the afternoon you will collect your rental car at the airport, and begin the leisurely drive to Banff. Enjoy the stunning scenery as you leave the rolling foothills of the Canadian Prairies and face the spectacular Canadian Rockies. It should take you under two hours to get to Banff where you will spend your first two nights.

After a leisurely breakfast, you have the whole of today 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. There is an excellent system of hiking trails(many of which are short and suitable for families) that lead to alpine lakes, along glacial valleys and to spectacular viewpoints. Enjoy a picnic at Bow Falls located behind the Banff Springs Hotel, and connected to it by a very long stairway through the forest--great for tiring out over-energetic kids. Head to the mountain top by the Sulphur Mountain Gondola for some fantastic views of Banff, Bow Valley, and Cascade Mountain. Lastly take a leisurely drive on the Bow Valley Parkway at dusk to see the wildlife, but importantly be very careful to not approach the animals as they may be resting or feeding. After all this is their home and they are wild.

Jasper

"179 miles"

Today leaving Banff, you will slowly 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 way, most of which are worth a look at.. Bow Summit is the highest point along the parkway at 2088m and offers great views of Peyto Lake. However, the most popular attractions along the parkway are the glaciers that spill down from the Columbia Icefield. Also make a stop at the Icefields Centre to join an Ice Explorer ride onto the Athabasca Glacier. Don't forget to see who spots the resident Mountain Goats first on the road side, at the aptly named 'Mountain Goat Lookout'.

Stop en route at Lake Louise and visit the park information centre to collect a brochure detailing the places of interest along the way. The actual village is still quite small, with a shopping mall, a few hotels and the visitor centre. The Fairmont 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 4C!

Nearby Moraine Lake, though half the size of Lake Louise is just as spectacular and provides a perfect place to have a picnic and take a canoe out on the lake. 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.

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 the Whistlers mountain for great views of the mountain and valley, visit Maligne Canyon and Lake, relax in Miette Hot Springs, or drive out to Mount Edith Cavell - one of the highest peaks in the area . Alternatively visit Patricia and Pyramid Lakes for a relaxing afternoon and a picnic.

Other stunning places to visit along the way include Bow Lake, Sunwapta Falls, Crowfoot Glacier and the Athabasca Falls. You also have time to take one of the many whitewater rafting excursions on offer in this area. Other stunning places to visit along the way include Bow Lake, Sunwapta Falls, Crowfoot Glacier and the Athabasca Falls.

Cleawater & Wells Grey

"197 miles"

Leave Jasper early for your drive to Clearwater and Wells Gray Park. It is about 200 miles but there are some fantastic views along the way. As you leave the Jasper you will be heading through Mt Robson Park and will have some fantastic views of Mt Robson. Head south towards Valemount and onto Clearwater at the entrance to Wells Gray. Wells Gray Park is BC'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.

Sun Peaks

"81 miles"

Continuing your journey south west and towards the beautiful mountain resort of Sun Peaks, a charming village surrounded on all sides by British Columbia's second largest ski area. As well as proudly boasting 3678 acres of skiable terrain in the winter months, Sun Peaks is also a great place to visit in the Summer months with miles of exciting hiking and mountain bike trails. Here you will get the chance to stay in our very own luxury 3 bedroom townhouse bang in the heart of Sun Peaks. 'The Director's Residence' is fully equipped with all mod cons including a private hot tub on the terrace! Sun Peaks is also a good place to spot a bear or two, especially from behind closed doors of our house!

Lake Okanagan

 "166 miles"

Leaving the mountains of Sun Peaks you will continue your journey south and on to the sunny shores of Lake Okanagan, Located on the sunny shores of Lake Okanagan has something for all the family - relax on the beach, play a little golf or spend time exploring nearby nature trails.

The Okanagan Valley, stretching from Osoyoos at the American/Canadian border north to Vernon, British Columbia, is also filled with orchards and vineyards. For adults and older children,The B.C. Orchard Industry Museum is a great place to learn more about the history of farming in the region. As the area is well known for its vineyards, many offer wine tasting and tours. History buffs should make a stop at the Father Pandosy Mission, established in the mid-19th century. Also enjoy one of the many evening cruises on the lake.

Vancouver

 "240 miles"

After several days relaxing by the Lake, today it's time to head for the bright lights of Vancouver! Blessed with a spectacular location, set between the mountains and the Pacific Ocean,Vancouver is a modern, friendly and cosmospolitan city blending culture with a spectacular landscape and the great outdoors. Together with an enviable year round climate, the city offers families and singles an amazingy array of exciting experiences. 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. Spend an afternoon renting bikes and riding around the lovely Seawall in Stanley Park or try rollerblading if you are feeling a little more adventurous!

Don't miss the panoramic vistas from either the Capilano or Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridges, both in North Vancouver and an easy drive from the city. Children of all ages will love the thrill of walking across the bridge over one of the 2 Canyons. There is also great hiking path around the Capilano Suspension bridge that is both flat and suitable for all the family. Alternatively, Lynn Canyon also houses a great ecology centre with educational displays. Make sure you take along your bathing suit too and you can have a dip in Lynn Creek after a short walk in the forest. Close to Capilano and with a little more to do is also Grouse Mountain. Here you can take a short cable car ride to the top of the mountain and enjoy some spectacular views of Vancouver and the surrounding area. At the top you can also visit the the bear sanctuary, and enjoy a bird of prey and an amusing lumberjack show. Not for the faint hearted, Parascending is also available from here for an extra fee!

Also located to the north, ten minutes from Downtown Vancouver is Maplewood Farm, a firm favourite of families with young children who love animals. Once a thriving dairy farm this 5-acre site has since been taken over and opened to the public. Now housing over 200 domestic animals and birds it also hosts regular special events such as sheep shearing, pony rides and a Fall Fair. Other attractions not to be missed are Vancouver Aquarium, The Children's Farmyard, The Miniature Train, and Science World a wonderful museum with it's many hands on displays to keep the kids occupied!

For older children, a ferry ride across False Creek to Granville Island and a fun day out at the busy outdoor market area is always a treat. Originally just a sandbar that was filled in to create an industial centre in the heart of the city, it is now an immensely popular mixed use space with a popular public market, several theatres and artist studios.

There will also 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.

Victoria

 "68 miles"

Leaving Vancouver today, a short drive to nearby Tsawwassen and a scenic 95 minute ferry ride across to Swartz Bay on Vancouver Island will bring you to you final port of call, the picturesque city of Victoria. This provincial capital stands at the southern tip of Vancouver Island and offers many downtown attractions, all within a short walk of each other. The city has well preserved inner city streets lined with lovely 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.

Located just north of Victoria, Duncan is known as the city of totems as it display around sixty all over the town. It is also home to the Native Heritage Center and is a good place to buy Indian crafts.

There's no better way to end your Rocky Mountain Coastal Family Adventure than with an exhilarating Whalewatching Excursion. If you want to see some of the world's greatest mammals then Canada is the place to go. The fertile waters of Canada's coastlines attract many types of whales and as there are many Whale/Wildlife Watching companies operating out of the Greater Victoria Area , this is a perfect opportunity to experience some of them. Our immensely popular pre bookable coastal excursion is an exhilarating round trip of 50 to 80 kms in search or orcas, minke and grey whales, as well as porpoises, harbour seals and other marine wildlife. You will ride aboard custom built Zodiac boats that offer high speed with stability giving you a safe and intimate whalewatching experience. Expect the taste of ocean spray at some point along the route! This is one of your many Canadian experiences that the whole family will be talking about long after you get home!

Vancouver

 "68 miles"

After some last minute shopping in Victoria, you will depart by ferry from Schwartz Bay back to Tsawwassen and a fairly short drive back to Vancouver Airport where you will drop off your hire car before catching your flight home.

San Francisco

Fly Direct from London Heathrow to San Francisco with Virgin or the airline of your choice.
Arrive San Francisco early afternoon and take a taxi from the airport to your hotel (approx. 40 mins) where you will be spending the next three nights.

The 'City by the Bay' as it's known is arguably the most friendly and beautiful in America, with so much to see and do for the whole family - and you have two whole days to do it all! Start by taking a tour of the city, or hire bikes and cycle over the famous Golden Gate Bridge. Take one of the city’s iconic cable cars down to Fisherman's Wharf, a buzzing coastal area packed with markets, shops and restaurants and home to the city's playful resident sealions at Pier 39! You won’t want to miss visiting Alcatraz - the infamous island prison once home to the notorious Al Capone, a short boat ride across the bay.

Yosemite National Park

"188 miles"

After breakfast, collect your hire car and head east to Yosemite National Park. As you drive through the stunning Yosemite Valley, you will marvel at one of the world's most amazing geological spectacles complete with 3000ft cliffs, incredible waterfalls, and tree lined grassy meadows. There's plenty to keep the younger members of the family mesmerised along the way, with a game of eye spy deer, coyotes and even black bears!  

With three nights and two full days to explore the jewel of the Californian wilderness take a leisurely drive, shuttle bus or hike through the park to view the seemingly endless awe inspiring scenery, including the famous El Capitan - an impressive vertical rock formation, Bridalveil Falls and Half Dome. Take the family off of the beaten track on a ranger led hike, or hire bikes to take you around one of the bicycle paths on the valley floor. For the more adventurous you could join a horseback trip through the park, or learn to scale the cliffs on one of the supervised rock climbing experiences.

Sequoia National Park

"186 miles"

Leaving Yosemite, you will today be heading further south to Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon National Park. Your journey down the San Joaquin Valley will take you through several towns, home to many an ice cream parlour, and a perfect place to break your journey en route.

Sequoia and kings Canyon National Parks are home to the largest groves of giant sequoias in the Sierra Nevada. The gargantuan size of these trees is truly mind blowing, and an experience that even the youngest of travellers will never forget. Keep your eyed peeled for bears and deer who reside in parks' miles of wild habitat. 

Along the way, The Giant Forest Museum offers visitors the opportunity to learn about the lifecycle of the Sequoias. Leave plenty of time to see Kings Canyon, with its maze-like canyons and lakes. Keep the whole family entertained with many ‘outdoorsy’ activities, including fishing, canoeing and kayaking.

Los Angeles

"218 miles"

You’ll need to make an early start today as you have a longer journey towards the bright lights and excitement of Los Angeles. Take the opportunity to break your journey in the town of Bakersfield, the unlikely home to one of the liveliest country music scenes in the USA! Arrive Los Angeles late afternoon, in time to check into your hotel which will be the base for your action packed 4 night stay in this amazing city.

Otherwise known as the 'City of Angels', Los Angeles is the undisputed entertainment capital of the world and is home to countless exciting attractions including: Hollywood's Walk of Fame, Universal Studios Hollywood – now home to the unmissable Wizarding World of Harry Potter, City Walk, Dodger Stadium, Disneyland, Disney California Adventure, Disney Studios, Knotts Berry Farm, Warner Brothers Studios, and of course the home to the stars - Beverly Hills (to name a few!). It truly is a playground for both the kids, and the kids at heart!

San Diego

 "121 miles"

Depart Los Angeles this morning after breakfast, and get ready for sun, sand and SeaWorld! As you arrive in the beautiful city of San Diego, just 30 minutes north of the Mexican border, you’ll be immersed in a hub of Mexican-American culture. The Old Town preserves the areas rich Spanish-American heritage, while downtown supports theatres, great shopping and exciting nightlife.

Don’t miss the world famous San Diego Zoo situated in the true oasis of Balboa Park, which along with Mission Park’s SeaWorld, and Legoland, and not to mention the endless white sandy beaches, make San Diego the perfect paradise for the whole family.

Santa Barbara

 "215 miles"

After two action packed weeks, it’s time to relax on the stunning Californian coastline. Enjoy some good food, drink some popular Santa Ynez Valley wine, and unwind on the palm tree lined beaches of Santa Barbara.

Monterey

 "237 miles"

Think Monterey, think family picnics on gorgeous, uncrowded beaches and jaw-dropping views of beautiful coastline. The town is full of seafood restaurants; make sure to try the famous clam chowder at Fisherman’s Wharf! Nature buffs can explore the bay by kayak for a close-up look at sea lions, seals and otters. Monterey is an ideal destination to go whale-watching and the Monterey Bay Aquarium is a must for children of all ages.

San Francisco/Home

"119 miles"

After breakfast and time for some last minute souvenir shopping in Monterey, you will head a little further north to San Francisco airport to drop off your car and board your overnight flight home.

Boston

Begin your stay in this delightful and friendly city by putting on your walking shoes and exploring at your own pace, either by walking along The Freedom Trail, a three mile historic walk through Old Boston or taking 'The Old TownTrolley Tour'. This allows you to hop on or off at any of the scheduled stops, covering over 100 points of interest including Boston Common, Copley Square and the cobbled streets of the pretty neighbourhood of Beacon Hill.

The city is also home to the famous Boston Duck Tour which takes you on an entertaining trip by land and water in a real WWII amphibious landing vehicle! This trip is a must for any family so make sure you book early and be prepared to quack like a real duck when you pass another Duck tour on the river!

Be amazed by the magnificent Harvard Museum of National History where kids and parents alike can enjoy engaging and thought provoking activities that make natural history really come alive. Then enjoy the 'Covent Garden style' atmosphere of Quincy Market with all it's great shops and irresistible food stalls and restaurants - a perfect place to pick up some delicious muffins and cookies for hungry kids after another fun filled day in this great city.

Falmouth

"76 miles"

A short drive onwards to Cape Cod will take you Via Plymouth, about 1 hour south of Boston where you can break your journey for a few hours, and have some fun. Explore Mayflower II, a recreation of the ship in which the Pilgrim Fathers landed back in 1620, and talk to the 'Pilgrims' about their journey. Nearby Plimoth Plantation offers a fascinating glimpse of what life was like for Native Americans and settlers alike. Finally pay a visit to Cranberry World where you can learn all about the area's number one product in a fascinating museum environment, complete with real Cranberry Bogs. After lunch, continue your leisurely journey a little further south onto the Cape along the slightly quieter and more scenic route 6A. This will take you through various pretty seaside villages and winding lanes until you reach Falmouth, a delightful town on the western tip of Cape Cod.

You'll have plenty of time to explore Cape Cod's hundreds of miles of unspoilt ocean beaches, various bike trails and wildlife refuges as well as experiencing the thrill of a Whale watching trip from famous Provincetown between June and October. Discover it's numerous colourful fishing ports where you may even see the day's catch being unloaded, such as the one in the beautiful seaside village of Chatham. Here you will find many great ocean beaches and a lovely old lighthouse. Also visit Sandwich, the Cape's oldest town and a small community with a town green and a village centre. It is home to the Hoxie House, built circa 1637 and therefore the oldest house on the Cape. Don't forget to take a ferry over to nearby Martha's Vineyard or Nantucket.

Providence

"69 miles"

Depart on another short scenic drive today and you will quickly find yourself arriving at your next stop in Rhode Island At only 37 miles wide and 48 miles deep, 'Little Rhody' as it's otherwise known is the USA's smallest state. However, with 400 miles of coastline, and a wealth of interesting things to do, a stay in Providence, one of New England's most historic and lively cities is a must for any family holiday in the area.

This state capital is rich in heritage, and boasts beautiful buildings, great shopping, a scenic riverwalk and an outdoor skating arena. It's also home to the world class Roger Williams Park Zoo - voted one of the top 10 in the country. With over 957 animals representing 156 spieces , it boasts a Tropical Rainforest Building where "spunky monkeys" roam free in a constructed jungle-like environment. The zoo remains one of the city's top attractions and offers hours of entertainment for children and adults alike.

Mystic Seaport

"49 miles"

Leaving Providence you can either drive straight to Mystic in Connecticut or take a slightly longer and more leisurely route, exploring the beautiful Rhode Island coastline along the way. Why not stop en route and take the 30 minute catamaran across from Point Judith/Galilee to Block Island, a tiny resort lying twelve miles off shore where the clocks seem to have stopped in 1955! At just 10 square miles in size it's the perfect place for a long leisurely beach picnic and a home made ice cream, before you make your way back to the mainland and continue on to Mystic.

As well as being steeped in history and home to Yale University, Connecticut is also famous for having had The Frisbee, hamburgers and lollipops all invented there. Today the area offers a wealth of attractions that make this southernmost state an essential stop on any New England itinerary. Discover the Mystic Seaport, America's premier maritime museum with an amazing village area of historic buildings and tall ships. Mystic is also known for its exciting Aquarium, home to over 3500 sea creatures including Beluga Whales, harbour seals, Penguins and most notably Kodiak, the 9 year old male Steller Sea Lion that already weighs over 1700 pounds! Mystic Aquarium is one of only five aquariums in the world where you can actually view the largest known breed of Sea Lion. Here you can also enter the mysterious world of the Rainforest in the 'Hidden Amazon' where you can discover the creatures that live under the canopy of this strange and colourful world. It's filled with creepy tarantulas, poisonous frogs, slithering snakes, fascinating piranha and soaring bats. You will all have fun learning about the animals that live in the Amazon by day and the mysterious creatures that emerge at night. Also spend time exploring Mashantucket Pequot, the worlds largest Native American Indian Museum, where you can stroll through an authentically recreated 16th century Indian village complete with wigwams and lifelike figures. Meantime, Olde Mistick Village offers more than 60 shops and restaurants in a unique shopping environment, with something to appeal to everybody's taste.

Sturbridge

Leaving Mystic, a leisurely journey today will take you north through the Connecticut countryside and back into Massachusetts, where you will stay in the town of Sturbridge.

Spend a whole day at one of the most visited tourist attractions in the US, Old Sturbridge Village, a recreation of a 19th century New England farming village and surrounding countryside, with more than 40 buildings and working homes from a water powered sawmill to a general store filled with goods. As soon as children step in the Visitors Centre and meet the Costumed greeters dressed in 1830's clothing they will feel like they've actually stepped back in time. They are directed straight to 'KidStory', an interactive touch and feel experience of what they are about to see and do, before they actually set foot in the Village including clothes to try on and a pretend farm complete with animals. There is usually also some kind of craft to try our before entering the 19th century. As soon as families set foot on the other side of the Visitor Centre they are transported to another era. They first see the Village green with where Villagers are plying their daily tasks. Children are encouraged to ask questions and at least one house has children's games and things to play with. On the green in the summer families can participate in 19th century outdoor games and play baseball of the period. The second area of the Village is the farm and mill area where parents and children alike can find out what life was really like in rural New England.

Boston

 "60 miles"

Plan to get the most from your day before heading back to Boston's Logan Airport for your Flight home. Head to the north east shore of Massachusetts to Salem - best known for one of the most notorious periods in American history when, in 1692 hundreds of men, women and children had their neighbours put on trial as practising witches and wizards. Whatever the true cause of the accusations the one certain thing is that the phenomenon has become a cottage industry here and is now a home for many psychics. Salem also has its own Heritage Trail that takes you to museums and the Witch House where pre-trial investigations took place.

This is also your last chance to buy souvenirs as you now have to head back to Boston on Route 95 to Logan Airport to drop your car off and catch your flight home.