Canadian Rockies & National Parks

Day 2 : Banff

A full day to explore the Banff area. Nestled high in the Canadian Rockies, Banff is a town that makes you feel at home and exhilarated with wonder all at the same time. This is a town that truly celebrates its heritage, lives and breathes mountain culture and never takes its backyard for granted. In all directions you’re surrounded by strikingly beautiful and rugged mountains that seem to burst straight out of the ground. You might even see a herd of deer wandering down the main street. The locals are warm, open and genuinely connected to the inspiring environment in which they live. Perhaps go out and discover the many sights and highlights of the town, or the picturesque scenery of nearby Bow River. If you’re feeling more adventurous, maybe you’ll take a heli-flightseeing tour for awe-inspiring aerial views of the Canadian Rockies. Check out the Cave and Basin National Historic Site, Banff Gondola (admission included) where you will see a panoramic view of the Bow Valley, and then take a dip in the hot mineral pools at the Upper Hot Springs.

Day 3 : Jasper

Take the short drive from Banff to Lake Louise. Take a stop at Johnston Canyon and walk along the paved footway to either the lower or upper waterfalls before continuing to Lake Louise, the most famous glacial lake in the Canadian Rockies and one of the most beautiful in the Western Hemisphere.This natural phenomenon is simply stunning; the emerald green lake and surrounding rugged peaks of mountains and glaciers make for an unforgettable experience. You’ll also see Moraine Lake. From Lake Louise your scenic drive takes you through the spine of the Canadian Rockies along the Icefield Parkway, considered one of the most beautiful highways in the world. Stop at the Columbia Icefield for an Ice Explorer ride onto the glacier. Leaving the Athabasca Glacier, get your camera ready to capture the majesty of the Athabasca Falls, before arriving in Jasper.

Day 4 : Jasper

The day is free for you to explore this charming mountain village close to many terrific scenic highlights. This pleasant alpine village is nestled amidst some of Canada’s most stunning scenery. Perhaps take a gondola ride to Jasper’s alpine tundra for stunning views of six mountain ranges, or maybe a gentle raft ride down the Athabasca River, then stroll around the village and relax with a coffee.

Day 5 : Clearwater (195 miles)

Your drive today takes you to Wells Gray Provincial Park along the scenic Yellowhead Highway, with breath-taking vistas of steep-walled gorges and crashing falls of the North Thompson River. Overnight in Clearwater.

Day 6 : Wells Gray National Park

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.

Day 7 & 8 : Whistler (265 Miles)

Stop at the gold rush town of Cache Creek and visit the historic Hat Creek Ranch (included), which takes you back to the days of the gold rush. Continue south to Lillooet, known as the land of the Gold Rush and along the Duffey Lake Road to Whistler. Tomorrow explore Whistler and enjoy an included ride on the Peak2Peak gondola.

Day 9 : Parksville (70 Miles + Ferry)

Depart Whistler along the scenic Sea to Sky Highway. Discover scenic ocean vistas, soaring mountains and dramatic waterfalls on your way to Horseshoes Bay, before boarding the ferry to Vancouver Island

Day 10 : Tofino/Ucluelet (140 Miles)

Depart Parksville for Tofino on the rugged West Coast. En-route, picture stops should be made at Cathedral Grove to enjoy the splendour of 800 year old Douglas Fir and Cedar.

Day 11 : Tofino

The morning is free to explore the beauty and ecological diversity of Tofino, part of the Clayoquot Sound UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. There’s a rich First Nations culture and history to be discovered, as well as plenty of excellent restaurants. You’ll also get to explore Pacific Rim National Park. Mid-afternoon enjoy a 3-hour whale watch cruise (included) through the Clayoquot Sound.

Day 12 : Victoria (195 Miles)

Travel back to the East Coast of Vancouver Island and head south to Victoria. Stop at the artist community of Chemainus and Duncan the “City of Totems”.

Day 13 : Victoria

Today is free to explore Victoria. This picturesque city is considered to be North America’s most English and is a unique blend of old world charm and new world experiences. Be sure to visit some of the brightly painted shops, coffee bars and innovative restaurants or see if any local events are happening close-by.

Day 14 : Vancouver (45 Miles + Ferry)

Leaving Victoria drive north to Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal for a 90 minute ferry cruise (cost included) through the Gulf Islands as you cross the Strait of Georgia to Tsawwassen, then continue to downtown Vancouver. 

Day 15&16 : Vancouver - Free Day

Two days to enjoy Vancouver, voted the world’s third most liveable city and most liveable in Canada. Shop on chic Robson Street or explore the funky Granville Island with its market and artists enclave; visit the city’s vast array of museums; walk or cycle around the 1000-acre Stanley Park or visit quaint and atmospheric Gastown. Experience the Grouse Mountain Skyride and Capilano Suspension Bridge, where we have included admission.

Day 17 : Depart Vancouver

Your tour ends with the check out of your hotel and the return your car to the airport rental office

Also available from Vancouver, please call for more details.