Ultimate Western Canada Self-Drive

Your exciting adventure through Western Canada begins with your arrival into Vancouver. You’ll be met by your private driver for transfer to your accommodation in the city. After getting settled into your room, enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. Named as one of the best foodie cities in the world by multiple publications, including Food and Wine magazine, restaurants here not only offer what you’d expect, like sushi, fresh seafood and poutine, but world-class French, Vietnamese, Italian, Thai, Greek and just about anything else one might desire. Discover it in fine dining eateries, enticing cafes, pubs, farmers markets and more.

The day is all yours – you might rent a bike and cycle around the 5.5-mile-long seawall that surrounds Stanley Park or take a heart-pounding walk across the famous Capilano Suspension Bridge that dangles high above the Capilano River. On the other side are more suspension bridges and activities like the Cliffwalk. Or embark on a scenic flight via seaplane to beautiful Victoria on Vancouver Island. There are 20-minute panorama flights that reveal the city from above as well as fly ‘n’ dine flights to Bowen Island which boasts a thriving art scene and scenic hikes with nearly seven miles of trails.

Pick up your prepaid rental car this morning in downtown Vancouver to begin your journey east following the Sea-to-Sky Highway to Whistler. Along the way you can take a ride of the Sea to Sky Gondola for breath-taking panoramic vistas of Howe Sound and beyond. Or visit the province’s third highest waterfall, Shannon Falls. The entire trip brings spectacular scenery in every direction, including Joffre Glacier which you’ll see along Duffey Lake Road. Continue to Whistler, one of the world’s most famous ski resort towns, to Fraser River Gorge before winding through the Southern Chilcotins to the Tyax Wilderness Resort and Spa.

This is a perfect day to simply relax along the shores of Tyaughton Lake, which is right at your doorstop along with stunning views of rugged mountain peaks, glaciers, wildflowers and wildlife. The resort also offers a long list of activity options, with over 124 miles of trails for hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking that wind through lush valleys, alpine meadows and mountain ridges. Kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and canoes can be taken out on the lake, or you can embark on a floatplane excursion, ATV safari, or go gold panning. Activities like croquet, disc golf, badminton, volleyball and bocce ball are available too.

Today you’ll head to your next resort, Lac Le Jeune in Lac Le Jeune Provincial Park, traveling through the Old Caribou Wagon Road and Gold Rush Trail area. You might stop in Lillooet which is Mile “0” of the 1860s wagon road, exploring the Lillooet Museum and the Miyazaki Heritage House to learn about the town’s history. You’ll travel alongside Kamloops Lake before venturing south to your destination for the night. Once there you can enjoy all sorts of park activities like hiking, biking, fishing, swimming and boating, or just enjoy the resort facilities which includes a pool and hot tub for relaxing.

It’s time to head to Jasper National Park where you’ll stay at the luxurious Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. The drive will bring you along the Thompson River and rolling plateaus to the snow-dusted peaks of Monashee Mountains where you’ll be able to admire the cascades of Pyramid Falls and the impressive Albreda Icefields. It will also bring you to the Canadian Rockies’ highest peak, the nearly 13,000-foot-tall Mount Robson before which reach your magnificent resort, nestled among striking natural beauty deep in the Rocky Mountains next to Beauvert Lake. Relax and enjoy the facilities which include a pool, lavish spa and Italian bistro.

If you’d like, you can stick around and enjoy your beautiful lodge setting, visit the mountain village of Jasper or glide across the glacial waters of Maligne Lake to Spirit Island on an optional boat cruise. You’ll see glaciers and towering mountain peaks, making a stop at Spirit Island. Other options include soaking in the soothing warm pools at Miette Hot springs with serene views of the Fiddle River Valley or enjoying a bird’s-eye view by riding the Jasper SkyTram. Upon you might take advantage of your lakefront lodge for a refreshingly cool dip followed by a tasty Italian meal.

Your next adventure begins by tracing the Continental Divide along one of the world’s most breath-taking drives: Icefields Parkway. It features more than 100 glaciers, sparkling lakes and more soaring mountain peaks. We recommend exploring the largest of the “six toes” that make up the Columbia Icefield, the prehistoric Athabasca Glacier, by taking a tour along the icy surface in the giant Ice Explorer. Other highlights include Bow Lake, Sarbach Glacier and Peyto Lake which has a unique brilliant turquoise colour, the result of suspended rock particles. This evening you’ll stay at Moraine Lake along the banks of another turquoise gem.

Your next drive is short but packs a punch when it comes to jaw-dropping beauty. You’ll travel through Yoho National Park to Emerald Lake lodge, a beautiful waterside retreat that enjoys a stunning wilderness backdrop. You’ll be perfect situated for enjoy strolls around Emerald Lake and to Wapt Falls. The park is home to many mesmerizing waterfalls, vast glaciers, dazzling lakes, dense forests and towering rocky peaks as a true hiker’s paradise. Check out the natural rock bridge over Kicking Horse River or take a trek that will lead you to fossils that date back a half-billion years.

You’ll have a full day to enjoy the park and Emerald Lake Lodge. As all rooms have balconies, you might want to relax and enjoy the incredible surrounding visa while reading a good book. The lake is chilly, but the adventurous often enjoy a quick refreshing dip. The lodge also offers a dry sauna and an outdoor hot tub, perfect to warm up in afterward. Hiking, fishing and mountain biking can all be accessed without leaving the lodge grounds, and there are practically endless options in the park. Be sure to enjoy the tasty Rocky Mountain fare served in the lodge dining room.

Travel the Bow Valley Parkway alongside the Bow River making your way to Banff. Be sure to stop at Johnston Canyon to enjoy the area’s most popular hike. A 3.2-mile up-and-back trek will bring you to Johnston Falls, with several viewpoints along the way. If you have more energy, continue beyond the upper falls to view the remarkable Ink Pots – emerald pools where you’ll see the springs bubbling to the surface. Once in Banff, check into your accommodation and enjoy exploring downtown with its many unique shops, galleries, museums and restaurants. A foodie’s delight you’ll find everything from Rocky Mountain cuisine to international offerings.

You’ll have the day to explore Banff Village and the national park. We’ve included a ride on the Banff Gondola, where you’ll enjoy spectacular views while ascending to the top of Sulphur Mountain. Once at the summit you’ll find a 360-degree observation deck that provides a panoramic vista of the Bow River Valley and the surrounding mountain peaks. Pick up souvenirs in the gift shop, enjoy the interactive exhibits and perhaps a meal in one of multiple eateries. Afterward, enjoy a dip in the soothing pools at Upper Hot Springs. An optional wildlife excursion can be enjoyed this evening too.

After checking out of your hotel in Banff, you’ll travel east to Calgary International Airport, about a 90-minutes drive away, to catch your flight home or for onward travels. If you have time, stop at historic Cochrane Ranch, a large community park with a museum, walking and biking trails, archaeological remains and beautiful views of the Rockies and the foothills.