Overview

If you are travelling in July, why not extend your stay in Calgary and take in the Calgary Stampede – ‘The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth’ - find out more here

A spectacular adventure packed with world class resorts and a mosaic of landscapes awaits you as you travel from the towering mountains of the Rockies to the rugged coastlines of the Pacific. From the urban cowboys of Calgary, the route heads for the Rocky Mountains and the wilderness of Banff National Park. Here, you will experience the majesty of Lake Louise.

The discovery tour of Canada’s national parks continues along the scenic Icefields Parkway with a visit to Jasper. The scenic splendours of Wells Gray Provincial Park and the Thompson River are next to take centre stage before enjoying two days in the relaxing setting of Tyax Lodge & Heliskiing.

After indulging in the outdoor paradise of Whistler your trail leads to the Pacific Rim National Park, on the Pacific coast of Vancouver Island. Your adventure is completed with a visit to historic Victoria and cosmopolitan Vancouver.

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1 |  Fly from the UK to Calgary

Collect a car on arrival and stay one night in Calgary

The dynamic city of Calgary is located 90 minutes from the Rocky Mountains and includes attractions such as the Calgary Tower, Glenbow Museum and the Botanical Gardens, as well as great shopping and a variety of restaurants. It is also home to the Calgary Stampede, which takes place in July each year.

Day 2 | Drive to Banff, approx. 80 miles
Be sure to visit the Cave and Basin National Historic Site, the birthplace of Banff National Park for interactive displays and exhibits, interpretive trails, bird watching, hiking and cycling. Take a dip in the famous hot mineral waters at the Upper Hot Springs pool. The facility also includes spa, massage and aromatherapy services. 

Overnight in Banff

Day 3 | Banff National Park

Banff National Park is a stunning wilderness and your outdoor playground for the day. Take a ride on the Banff Gondola, which rises 700 metres (2,310 feet) to the summit of Sulphur Mountain (2,286 metres/7,544 feet) for panoramic views of the Bow Valley, Banff town and surrounding mountain peaks. Visit the Cave and Basin, hike along one of the groomed trails or stroll through the town site of Banff to shop in the many boutiques

and shops.

Overnight in Banff.

Day 4 | Drive to Jasper, approx. 165 miles

Travel the scenic Icefields Parkway, Canada’s second highest paved highway and one of the country’s most scenic drives. Stop at the Glacier Skywalk and the Columbia Icefield. The Glacier Skywalk consists of a 400 metre interpretive boardwalk and a glass-floored observation platform extending 30 metres out over the Sunwapta Valley. At the Columbia Icefield, you can board a Brewster Ice Explorer and travel onto the icy slopes of the Athabasca Glacier. 

Jasper National Park is the largest national park in Canada, covering an area of 18,878 square km. It's much less developed than other areas of Western Canada and offers a true wilderness feel. There are several options on offer in Jasper, including boat tour on Maligne Lake, rafting on the Athabascar River or a cable car to Whistlers Mountain for a bird's eye view of this splendid park. There's also ample opportunity for mountain biking and hiking amidst glorious lakeside scenery or visit Maligne Lake.

Stay two nights in Jasper

Day 5 | Jasper National Park

Today is at your leisure to explore the uniquely beautiful landscape of Jasper National Park where serene lakes and gentle meadows stand in stark contrast to its jagged peaks and spectacular glaciers. We suggest a Maligne Lake boat cruise, a visit to Miette Hot Springs, or a ride on the Jasper SkyTram.

Overnight in Jasper.

Day 6 | Drive to Clearwater, approx. 195 miles

Drive the scenic Yellowhead Highway to Wells Gray Park. Before leaving the Rocky Mountains you will encounter one of its most spectacular sights,

the mist-shrouded peak of Mount Robson. The highest peak in the Rockies can be seen for miles as you wind your way south through a vast unspoiled

landscape. A visit to the volcano-shaped wilderness of Wells Gray Provincial Park is worth the detour. Explore the park’s mineral springs, serene lakes,

dormant volcanoes and rushing falls. Not to be missed are the towering Helmcken Falls near the entrance to the park.

Overnight in Clearwater.

Day 7 | Clearwater to Gold Bridge / Lac La Hache, approx. 250 miles

This morning perhaps visit the Yellowhead Museum for a taste of frontier life or Spahats Creek Park before travelling through the ‘Lakes Country’ region. As you follow the Cariboo Highway south, you will visit towns and villages that echo the past, as this route was travelled by gold seekers and

traders during the famous Cariboo Gold Rush of the late 1800s. Arrive at either Tyax Lodge to enjoy bird and wildlife watching, horseback riding and

gold panning, or at Ten-Ee-Ah Lodge where you can enjoy hiking, fishing, and horseback riding.

Overnight at Gold Bridge or Lac La Hache

Day 8 | Gold Bridge / Lac La Hache

Enjoy your day at one of two premier outdoor adventure resorts. Tyax Lodge features outdoor adventure options such as a hiking excursion on one of the many eco-trails, or perhaps a refreshing swim in the calm and clear waters of Tyaughton Lake. Ten-Ee-Ah Lodge is located in the heart of the Cariboo Country and is the only property embedded in a hilly countryside and surrounded by vast areas of forest and untouched nature as far as you can see. Additional guided excursions to suit every taste are available for booking onsite at both resorts.

Overnight at Gold Bridge or Lac La Hache

Day 9 | Drive to Whistler, approx. 115 miles

Start early today to allow yourself as much time as possible in the premier resort town of Whistler. The winding road leads through an arid landscape that gradually changes to lush forests lined with snow-capped mountain ranges. Once in Whistler, you may decide to play a round of golf in the shadow of towering mountains, hike along endless trails and high alpine meadows, ride on horseback past spectacular glaciers or white water raft down one of the turbulent rivers. You may wish just to relax in the enchanting setting of the pedestrian village and enjoy the boutiques, restaurants and cafés.

Overnight in Whistler.

Day 10 | Whistler

A full day to enjoy the wonders and delights of western Canada’s premier resort village! You may decide to perhaps play a round of golf in the shadow of towering mountains, hike along endless trails and high alpine meadows, ride on horseback past spectacular glaciers or white water raft down one of the turbulent rivers. You may wish just to relax in the enchanting setting of the village and enjoy the boutiques, restaurants and cafés.

Overnight in Whistler

Day 11 | Drive to Tofino/Ucluelet, approx. 170 miles, land only

Travel the Sea-to-Sky Highway through a landscape carved out by glaciers and edged by craggy fjords. After a brief stop at Shannon Falls continue to Horseshoe Bay where you will board a ferry to sail across the Strait of Georgia to Vancouver Island. Your drive to the Pacific Coast will take you through ancient rainforests and provincial parks. You are venturing into true wildlife territory here, and you might even catch a glimpse of bears, deer or wolves. The Pacific Rim National Park is a marvel of ecological and geographical diversity as you will see as you pass through dense rainforests, steep ravines and windswept beaches.

Overnight in Tofino or Ucluelet.

Day 12 | Tofino/Ucluelet

Your day is at leisure to explore the rugged coastline along the network of hiking trails or walk the shoreline of Long Beach in search of shells and driftwood.

Overnight in Tofino or Ucluelet.

Day 13 | Drive to Victoria, approx. 180 miles

This morning’s drive will take you back to the east coast of Vancouver Island. En route you might want to visit Horne Lake Caves or Cathedral Cove. The coastal road winds through quaint seaside towns and the murals of Chemainus and the quaint Quw’utsun’ Cultural and Conference Centre in Duncan are well worth the visit. The day winds down in Victoria, the capital of British Columbia. This beautiful city has a fascinating maritime heritage and has carefully preserved its colonial charm. Visit the harbour area, the totem poles of Thunderbird Park or the Royal British Columbia Museum. For an unforgettably elegant end to your day, visit the Fairmont Empress Hotel for traditional High Tea.

Overnight in Victoria.

Day 14 | Victoria to Vancouver, approx. 43 miles

Before you leave Vancouver Island we recommend you visit Butchart Gardens, a magnificent display of flowers and shrubs set in an old stone quarry. The rest of the day is at your leisure to enjoy the stores, parks, restaurants, theatres and other attractions of downtown Vancouver.

Overnight in Vancouver.

Day 15 | Vancouver

You have the entire day to tour Vancouver and the surrounding area. Situated in a magnificent setting among the sea, the beaches, the harbour and the steep Coast Mountains, Vancouver is considered to be the “Jewel” of North America’s Pacific Coast. Explore its cosmopolitan atmosphere with its diverse cultural, recreational, shopping and dining facilities that appeal to all tastes. Don’t miss a visit to the amazing Capilano Suspension Bridge.

Overnight in Vancouver.

Day 16 | Fly from Vancouver to the UK

Why we love it

Calgary

Jasper

Banff

Whistler

All images courtesy of © Travel  Alberta