Discover Alberta and British Columbia’s Lakes and Mountains

Itinerary Highlights

Admire the dramatic mountains and famed serene lakes of Western Canada
Take it at your own pace with the freedom of self-driving
Travel the road less travelled and discover southern British Columbia including Okanagan Valley's wine growing region
Enjoy optional guided hikes, thrilling river rafting and horseback riding
Best time to travel May to September

What's Included

Accommodation Throughout
Car Hire
International Flights

15 nights from £4,699 per person

Clare

Travel Specialist

01244 433 057

I'm here to tailor-make your perfect North America holiday. Give me a call and I'll use my expertise to create your personalised experience.

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Take in the striking beauty of Western Canada on this stunning fly-drive that takes you through some of the world’s most breathtaking routes.

On this 16-day itinerary, you’ll wind your way through the small towns and landmarks of Alberta, taking in the bewildering landscapes of Jasper and Banff. From here, you’ll go on to explore the quaint towns and galleries of Invermere and Nelson. Admire the unique desert views of Osoyoos and end your route in Vancouver.

Begin your trip in Alberta’s capital, Edmonton with an overnight stay in Fairmont Hotel Macdonald. Nestled on the North River Valley, you’ll get a taste of the hotel’s timeless charm while you gaze out over the beautiful North Saskatchewan River.

Go on to explore many more key highlights of Alberta, feeling yourself relax into Miette Hot Springs, the hottest of Canadian Rockies, taking in breathtaking views of Icefields Parkway and visiting the famous Lake Louise.

When you’ve explored the alluring spots of Alberta, you’ll cross the Rockies to British Columbia. Discover and enjoy the relaxed vibe of the mountain towns of Invermere and Nelson before heading into British Columbia’s southern regions to hike or bike the beautiful mountains, kayak on the shining waters of the lakes and get a taste of one of the 200 Okanagan wineries.

Itinerary

Day 1 | Edmonton

Edmonton, Alberta

Your journey starts in Alberta’s capital city, Edmonton. Your private transfer will bring you to Fairmont Hotel Macdonald, the perfect location to start your scenic trip. Get a taste of the Canadian city in this hotel that sits in the heart of Edmonton, perfect for venturing out to the shopping malls or museums. Spend your first night indulging on fine foods in Fairmont’s restaurants and bars or treat yourself to a spa session and take a relaxing swim in their indoor swimming pool.

Day 2 | Jasper

Drive 230 miles in your rental car from Edmonton to Jasper. Highway AB-16 is a straight line, but when you approach Jasper, you’ll be dipping and winding through the quaint small towns of Edson and Hinton – also known as the ‘Gateway to the Rockies’. You can opt to take a short diversion en-route and visit Miette Hot Springs. Soak in the hottest spring waters of the Canadian Rockies and let yourself relax after your drive.

Staying at

summer outdoor pool at fairmont jasper park lodge

Junior Suite Lake View at Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge

Day 3 | Jasper

Wake up in Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge to serene lakeside and majestic mountain views. Spend your day exploring its expansive grounds or join the hotel’s activities from guided walks around Jasper Park Lodge to attending the Health Club for heated pool swims and letting off steam in the fitness centre. Venture out into the scenic small town of Jasper for a day of leisure that suits your tastes with options of a Jasper Motorcycle Sidecar Tour or a serene cruise on Maligne Lake.

Staying at

Optional

Day 4 | Lake Moraine

Moraine Lake, Alberta

Drive 153 miles along the Icefields Parkway, also known as one of the world’s most scenic mountain drives. Your first stop is Athabasca Falls, followed by Sunwapta Falls, two stunning ice blue waterfalls enveloped in lush Canadian mountain landscapes. Drive on to the Columbia Icefields for a series of adventures we have combined, including the Columbia Icefield Skywalk to cross the cliff-edge glass walkway. Finish your day at Moraine Lake Lodge after driving though beautiful mountains and optional stops at Peyto Lake and Bow Lake.

Day 5 | Lake Moraine

Moraine Lake, Alberta

Enjoy your morning soaking up the surrounding natural beauty. Partake in activities around Lake Moraine, whether that’s hiking up mountains for stunning views or horseback riding. Explore the turquoise waters and take up fishing or river rafting. The mountains and greenery that envelop the lake are alive with wildlife, so keep an eye out for mountain goats, look for elk and moose and watch for the black bears! Listen closely, you might even be able to hear some howling wolves.

Day 6 | Lake Moraine to Banff

Spend two spectacular nights in Rimrock Resort Hotel, Banff, enjoying extraordinary activities. Only a 45-minute drive from Banff is Lake Louise, one of Alberta's well-known lakes for its beauty and unique turquoise waters. Take the Banff Gondola to experience incredible 360-degree panoramic views of six stunning Canadian Rockies' mountain ranges or take a cruise along Lake Minnewanka. Head up to the summit for some lunch or dinner at Sky Bistro to overlook the mountains, or Northern Lights Alpine Kitchen for a buffet and a panoramic view. Banff is home to nine natural hot springs for you to sink into and marvel at the scenery.

Staying at

Grandview Guestroom at The Rimrock Resort Hotel, Banff

Indoor Pool at The Rimrock Resort Hotel, Banff

Signature Grandview Room at The Rimrock Resort Hotel, Banff

Day 7 | Banff

Choose between some spectacular guided hikes to fill your day, including Stanley Glacier, Larch Valley, or Plain of Six Glaciers trail that you can embark on from Lake Louise, all of which you can explore the stunning wonders of Banff. Horseback riding is available for you to spend up to an hour and a half trotting along the lovely banks of Bow River. For more adventurous activities, take to river rafting on Horseshoe Canyon or Kananaskis River.

Staying at

Day 8 | Banff to Invermere

Invermere, British Columbia

After waking in the gorgeous resort nestled between the valley and mountains of Banff, you’ll head to your next destination in Invermere, 95 miles away. Leaving Alberta behind, you’ll cross the Rockies into British Columbia. Take the Vermillion and Kootenay Crossing for sights of ice blue rivers and beautiful sky-high. The Kootenay National Park is open all-year round so take a detour to explore the ancient fossils or dip into the steamy hot springs while overlooking the mountainous scenery.

Day 9 | Invermere

Invermere is a popular summer holiday destination from the locals of Edmonton and Calgary. Visit the galleries dotted around this quaint town to enjoy the sculptures and paintings created by Canadian artists. Discover Invermere’s natural beauty and take up an activity provided by The Copper Point Resort. Whether it’s winter or summer, they have much to offer. Travel to Invermere on The Lake and play a game of golf while you’re surrounded in stunning panoramic views of the Columbia Valley.

Day 10 | Invermere to Nelson

Nelson, British Columbia

After an adventure-filled two days in Invermere, take the breathtaking route of 230 miles to Nelson. Stop at some of the key points of this drive and take in more Canadian beauty. Visit Fairmont Hot Springs to rejuvenate in the hot waters after hours driving. Fort Steele Heritage Town is also en-route, a must-see town filled with old-style buildings hidden between the Rocky Mountains. Stay for two nights at Prestige Lakeside Resort Nelson, situated in front of Kootenay lake for incredible views.

Day 11 | Nelson

Nelson, British Columbia

Nelson is brimming with attractions in and around the town, from the Nelson Museum, Archives and Gallery to Ainsworth Hot Springs and scenic parks and lake beaches or your exploration of Canadian nature. Take a walk around some of the serene spots of Nelson, or for an adrenaline-seeking adventure you can take up mountain biking or zip lining or take to the water for some sailing on Kootenay Lake.

Day 12 | Nelson to Osoyoos

Osoyoos, British Columbia

Drive 165 miles to Osoyoos and stop at Christina Lake and Kettle River for views of a serene lake lined by trees and recreational fun floating on the picturesque rivers before heading to Watermark Beach Resort. Explore your resort and take advantage of the regions’ lowest annual rainfall with a trip to the pool or beach, or a bike ride exploring more of South Okanagan’s beauty. Play on the award-winning golf course, enjoy a spa treatment, and dine in award-winning Restaurant at Watermark.

Day 13 | Osoyoos

Osoyoos, British Columbia

Spend your free day exploring the beautiful region of Osoyoos. Head to Penticton for a scenic bike ride through Kettle Valley Railway and let Hoodoo Adventures take you through the best route for views of Lake Okanagan. Check out the highly recommended Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre for guided tours of the Spotted Lake and Osoyoos Lake, Traditional Okanagan Village to explore the traditional tools of the Okanagan First Nation and a ‘Snakes Alive’ presentation to discover the seven local snake species.

Day 14 | Osoyoos to Vancouver

Take the scenic route from Osoyoos to Vancouver for breathtaking views of the mountains for 250 miles. Stop at wineries and explore the tunnels and bridges of The Othello Tunnels that pass over the Coquihalla River. Visit Hells Gate Airtram to explore the Fraser Canyon and Fraser River. Stop at Nooksack Falls for a scenic view of rocky trails and the North Fork Nooksack River or tour the City of Bellingham for outdoor activities and stunning views of the snow-capped volcano.

Staying at

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Botanist Restaurant at Fairmont Pacific Rim, Vancouver

Day 15 | Vancouver

Fill your day with leisure with plenty of attractions and beautiful destinations to visit in Vancouver. Cross the Capilano Suspension Bridge that sits amongst the treetops for an adrenaline-pumping experience. Visit Stanley Park to fill your last day with urban beauty, taking in its landscapes of shimmering waters and majestic mountains. Floatplanes are available for a flight over the Gulf Islands to end your scenic trip with stunning ariel views, or touch down in Victoria for a day spent in Butchart Gardens.

Staying at

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Day 16 | Vancouver to UK

Wake up in Paradox Hotel in Vancouver where you’ll depart from for your journey home. Drive your rental car to Vancouver Airport where you’ll drop it and take a flight back home.