Itinerary Highlights
- Explore the path less travelled by and discover some of Western Canada’s iconic highlights
- Choose between three unforgettable experiences either in Victoria, Jasper, or Banff
- See wildlife in their natural habitat including bears, eagles, porpoise and whales
- Embark on an unforgettable 15-hour ferry ride taking scenic routes from Port Hardy to Prince
- Best time to travel May to September
What's Included
- Accommodation Throughout
- Car Hire
- GPS Device
- International Flights
13 nights from £5,399 per person
Lucy
Travel Specialist
This two-week self-drive getaway drives you through the scenic routes of Western Canada. Touch down in some of the best regions of British Columbia and Alberta. Discover a variety of landmarks, catch glimpses of wildlife and gaze at dramatic landscapes while travelling through the lakes, fjords and routes of Vancouver Island, Jasper, Banff and many more regions.
Experience dramatic Canadian views from above with a walk along the Capilano Suspension Bridge in Vancouver and visit Van Dusen for some serene garden views. Next, you’ll head to Victoria to admire the waters of the Georgia Strait, with the possibility of spotting some majestic whales emerge. While you’re here, you’ll have the option of either seeing the Butchart Gardens, taking a Canadian culinary tour or take to the Salish Sea for a whale-spotting tour. Campbell River is next on your tour, inviting you to explore its vibrant wildlife both in and around it. Then, it’s on to Port Hardy for your full day ferry crossing, cruising through the Inside Passage to Prince Rupert. Contiue your road-trip across Northern British Columbia, taking this scenic route through Yellowstone Highway to your destination of Jasper.
From Jasper, you’ll drive through the Canadian Rockies, brimming with views you’ll never forget. After touching down and exploring Banff, you’ll be ready to take your journey home with memories to last a lifetime.
Itinerary
Day 1 | Vancouver
On arrival your private transfer will take you to your Vancouver hotel, where you’ll begin your journey through Western Canada. Here, you’ll spend one night in the Fairmont Pacific Rim hotel and the next day you’ll start off to your great Canadian exploration.
Day 2 | Vancouver
Today, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a day discovering the best of Vancouver. This region is brimming with highlights so take your time experiencing everything thoroughly. Be sure to put the Capilano Suspension Bridge on your list for exhilarating views of the Capilano River directly beneath you. Add Van Dusen to your must-see list with unmissable botanical garden views.
Staying at
Fairmont Pacific Rim
Day 3 | Vancouver to Victoria
After a 42-mile drive, board a BC Ferry to Victoria where you’ll cross the Strait of Georgia for a chance to see the beautiful Gulf Islands. Arrive in Victoria with three options to personalise your day. Option one is National Historic Site, Butchart Gardens. The 55 acres of breathtaking gardens invites you to relax in its calming atmosphere. Alternatively, spend a day ‘Eating like a Canadian’ on this tour of culinary culture in and around the iconic Inner Harbour. Instead, board a covered or open boat for a killer whale tour on the Salish Sea, lasting nearly four hours.
Day 4 | Victoria to Campbell River
Campbell River
Drive north along the Island Highway to Campbell River. On your way, you’ll pass through Duncan, otherwise known as the ‘City of Totems’ to view the totem pole collection on the traditional lands of the Quw’utsun people. If you have time, you can visit the Heritage Village to learn more about them. Further north you’ll pass through the Chemainus artist community to admire their giant murals before arriving at Campbell River in the late afternoon to your hotel, Coast Discovery Inn.
Day 5 | Campbell River
Campbell River
After a refreshing nights’ sleep in Coast Discovery Inn, embark on a day full of awe-inspiring wildlife watching and discovery. In Campbell River, there is so much natural beauty to discover and today you’ll get a chance to explore it. Embark on a wildlife safari cruise and watch the waters keenly for the emerging mammal eating Orca’s, Pacific White-sided dolphins in their large groups and the Eagles and seabirds alike bobbing on the water and soaring the sky searching for prey.
Day 6 | Campbell River to Port Hardy
Port Hardy
Drive 150 miles further north to Port Hardy, your next destination. On the journey is Port McNeil, where you might opt for another incredible Orca watching cruise in the waters of Johnstone Strait, a sheltered channel that runs along the northeast coast of Vancouver Island. End your day in the fishing community of Port Hardy and spend the night in the Quarterdeck Inn.
Day 7 | Port Hardy to Prince Rupert
Prince Rupert, British Columbia
Board the BC Ferry for a full day of exploring the sheltered waters of Canada’s Inside Passage and cruising to your next destination: Prince Rupert. For 15 hours, you’ll get the chance to gaze upon the surrounding scenery of snow-capped mountains that are enveloped by the rich alpine forests as you pass through the dramatic Canadian fjords. End your day in the Prince Rupert Hotel.
Day 8 | Prince Rupert to Smithers
Smithers, British Columbia
On your drive to Smithers from Prince Rupert, you’ll be driving the Yellowhead Highway which hugs the outskirts of the Skeena River. For most of the way, you’ll have stunning scenic views of the river through the trees. Just as you approach Smithers, you’ll pass through the quaint mining town of Terrace. Spend the night in the Prestige Hudson Bay Lodge.
Day 9 | Smithers to Prince George
Prince George, British Columbia
Continuing along the Yellowstone Highway, drive through Houston, otherwise known as the ‘Steelhead Capital’. Spend some time discovering its highlights, including the world’s biggest fly rod, which is over 18 metres in length. From here, you’ll head through Burns Lake and Vanderhoof and then onto Prince George where you’ll rest for the night in Sandman Signature Hotel & Suites.
Day 10 | Prince George to Jasper
Explore more of Canada’s unforgettable scenery on the dramatic drive from Prince George to Jasper. Follow the cascading mountain passes and raging rivers, winding your way through the lanes that take you to your next destination. When you reach Jasper, enjoy a restful sleep in the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge.
Day 11 | Jasper
Today, you are free to choose between three excursions. Option one is cruising along the unique waters of Maligne Lake for beautiful views of the magnificent shoreline of jagged mountains, lush forests, and the magical Spirit Island. Alternatively, enjoy a calming rafting tour on the Athabasca River for a unique view of Jasper National Park. Your final option is a guided nature walk for views of the spectacular rolling hills, forests and mountains, meadows, marshes, streams, and the incredible glacial lakes.
Staying at
Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
Day 12 | Jasper to Banff
Journey through the Canadian Rockies to Banff for the iconic views of Icefields Parkway, the perfect route to gaze upon the stunning glaciers. From walking on ancient ice with the Ice Explorer ride to standing on a glass platform almost one thousand feet in the air at the Glacier Skywalk, you will discover a special appreciation for the treasured Canadian Rockies if you haven’t already. Spend the night at Fairmont Banff Springs.
Day 13 | Banff
Banff is famed for its beautiful surroundings ready for your exploration, so fill your day with one of four incredible options to see the best of Banff. Maximise your Banff National Park exploration with minimal exertion on a round-trip gondola ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain. On the other hand, you can opt for a cruise Lake Minnewanka’s turquoise-hued waters over to Devil’s Gap. Visit Bow River for a serene cruise to explore the waterways of Banff National Park or saddle up for a Bow River Horseback Adventure to view the National Park’s iconic landscape.
Staying at
Fairmont Banff Springs
Day 14 | Banff to Calgary
Today is your last day of the tour, where you’ll say goodbye to the fresh mountain air and majestic sights of the Rockies. Drive to Calgary to drop your rental car and depart on your journey back home.
Lucy
Travel Specialist
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Christmas Eve: 9am - 3pm
New Years Eve: 9am - 3pm
25th Dec, 26th Dec & 1 Jan: CLOSED
Monday - Friday: 9am - 7:30pm
Saturday: 9am - 5pm
Sunday: 10am - 4pm
13 nights from £5,399 per person
