North West Adventure Self Drive
SELF-DRIVE TOURING
WHISTLER | WATSON LAKE | WHITEHORSE | BEAVER CREEK | DAWSON CITY | FARO | FORT NELSON | JASPER | ATHABASCA GLACIER | BANFF
From the lush coastline of southern British Columbia, across the Yukon’s open spaces to the remoteness of Dawson City and back south through the Rockies to Calgary, you’ll experience Canada’s vastness and journey through some of the most spectacular scenery that Canada has to offer.
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Your Itinerary
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Day 1-2
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Day 3-4
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Day 5
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Day 6
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Day 7
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Day 8
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Day 9-10
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Day 11
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Day 12-13
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Day 14
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Day 15
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Day 16
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Day 17
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Day 18
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Day 19
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Day 20
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Day 21
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Day 22
Day 1-2 : Whistler (121 KM)
On arrival in Vancouver airport collect you rental car and take the Sea to Sky highway to Whistler. For a two night stay. Tomorrow explore the delights of this alpine village, home to the 2010 winter Olympics. Perhaps ride the gondolas for magnificent views, hike a trail or relax in the bars and cafes in the village centre.
Day 3-4 : 108 Mile Ranch (321 Km)
The road leads northward today into the fabled Cariboo Region, made famous for its bountiful precious mineral deposits. The area drew prospectors and adventurers alike during the Gold Rush period, many who stayed on to found the small communities that flourish there today. 108 Mile Ranch itself was established to support the miners on their trek to find their riches in the mountains of this rugged land and your home for the next 2 nights.
Day 5 : Prince George (312 Km)
Today’s drive is dotted with small towns that celebrate the frontier culture that is still alive in these parts; take some time visit Barkerville – a gold rush town that has been restored to its pioneer glory days.
Day 6 : Smithers (371 Km)
As you drive through the forested mountains of interior BC be sure to look out for bears and elk inhabit that live her and are enshrined in the art, legends and culture of the several First Nations peoples that have called this region home for thousands of years.
Day 7 : Bell Ii / Stewart (359 Km)
Put on your prospector’s hat and head north on the way to the base of the panhandle of Alaska. This route was once taken at great risk by prospectors and adventurers alike that risked it all for a chance at golden riches.
Day 8 : Watson Lake (495 Km)
Departing westward along the Alaska Highway into the interior of the Yukon as it dances back and forth along the provincial border, pass through small towns and villages such as Teslin and Swift River that have carved unique communities out of a rugged wilderness. Arrive in Whitehorse –long a bastion of civilization providing the comforts and conveniences of the southern cities in the far north.
Day 9-10 : Whitehorse (438 Km)
Head westward along the Alaska Highway into the interior of the Yukon, through small towns and villages such as Teslin and Swift River that have carved unique communities out of a rugged wilderness, to Whitehorse for a two night stay. Born in the frenzied days of the Gold Rush, this frontier town on the banks of the mighty Yukon still echoes with the din of the hardy prospectors from the past. With a full day at leisure, we suggest taking a daytrip to remote Skagway, or to visit some of the local sites such as the SS Klondike, Beringia Centre, the Transportation Museum or the MacBride Museum.
Day 11 : Beaver Creek (446 Km)
On the westbound journey today, take some time to independently explore natural wonders such as the shores of Lake Kluane and Destruction Bay, or the spectacular Kluane National Park. Well-marked hiking trails and scenic viewpoints showcase some of the unique landscapes of these protected parklands. Arrive in Beaver Creek where the mighty Alaskan and Yukon highways meet.
Day 12-13 : Dawson City (434 Km)
Your journey takes you along the Top of the World Highway as it traverses the wilds of Yukon and crosses into Alaska. The small crossroads town of Chicken provides the ideal midway point to stop and experience a slice of local life before taking short crossing of the Yukon River by ferry to Dawson City for a two night stay. Discover the excitement of the gold rush days gone by as the town comes alive with period actors on local walking tours or take dramatic views of the town from Midnight Dome.
Day 14 : Carmacks (355 Km)
Venture through tracts of starkly beautiful wilderness, often home to First Nations peoples such as the Little Salmon Carmacks band to the small village of Carmacks, set under the watchful eye of distant mountains.
Day 15 : Watson Lake (584 Km)
Campbell Highway is your guide today as you follow the path of several rivers and long lakes, many only previously seen by the most avid outdoorsman or eco-adventurer.
Day 16 : Fort Nelson (513 Km)
Crossing into the northern reaches of British Columbia, pass through the top of the Rocky Mountains and experienced the splendour of a raw, untouched wilderness that few ever see. Perhaps stop in Muncho Lake for lunch for a taste of local fare before continuing to Fort Nelson.
Day 17 : Fort Saint John (381 Km)
Continuing along the upper spur of the Rockies, the route leads into the open lands along the provincial border with Alberta. Arriving in Fort Saint John, the welcoming sight of the Peace River Valley welcomes you after a long day of exploration.
Day 18 : Grand Prairie (207 Km)
Continue south to Grand Prairie. Surrounded by forests, cascading rivers, city parklands, art galleries and activity centres, the city is a meeting place, cultural and commercial centre of northern Alberta.
Day 19 : Jasper (397 Km)
Continue south along the skirt of the Rockies to Hinton and plunge into the mountains and one of the most famous of Canada’s park system, Jasper National Park. The small town of Jasper is one of the major outdoor adventure and eco-tourism centres of the west.
Day 20 : Banff (288 Km)
Today depart along the Icefields Parkway as it meanders through a landscape of peaks and glaciers, valleys and lakes. At the Columbia icefield take a ride in an ice Explorer on to the surface of the Athabasca Glacier before continuing along the Trans-Canada Highway to glacier fed Lake Louise, the “Jewel of the Rockies”, before continuing to Banff for a two night stay.
Day 21 : BANFF
A day at leisure in Banff means you have the very best of the Rockies right at your doorstep. Dining, shopping, small local museums and galleries in town, or hiking sightseeing, wildlife viewing and endless outdoor excursions; Banff literally has it all. Ride the Banff Gondola to the summit of Sulphur Mountain for stunning views over the town and surrounding area, take a drive to nearby Lake Minnewanka and cruise on the lake or get some retail therapy in the shops on Banff Avenue.
Day 22 : Calgary departure (125 Km)
Drop your rental car at Calgary airport in time to check in for your onward flight.
