Arrive at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, collect your bags, pick up your car and proceed to your hotel.

Seattle is known as the ‘Emerald City’ because of the green hue of the waters that surround it. The downtown area of Seattle has many excellent restaurants, as well as Pikes Place Market, the original farmers market.

Graduate Hotel or similar

Spend your day exploring the sights and sounds of Seattle. Immerse yourself in daily life with a stroll through Pike Place Market, where fresh seafood and local crafts abound.

Visit the iconic Space Needle for panoramic view across the waterfront, explore the diverse exhibits at the Museum of Pop Culture, and discover the glass sculptures at Chihuly Gardens.

Graduate Hotel or similar

Drive north from Seattle and cross the border into Canada. Continue on to Vancouver, Canada’s spectacular western gateway.

Spend your afternoon getting to know this stunningly picturesque city in the afternoon. We suggest riding the tramway to the summit of Grouse Mountain or perhaps renting a bike to tour Stanley Park.

Seattle > Vancouver | 140 miles

Blue Horizon Hotel or similar

You could spend a full day at leisure in Vancouver and perhaps cross the Capilano Suspension Bridge.

Alternatively, we suggest embarking on a day trip to Vancouver Island to explore lush rainforests, stunning coastlines, and charming towns. Visit Butchart Gardens, marvel at the totems in Duncan, and stroll through Victoria’s Inner Harbour. You can enjoy whale watching, hiking trails, and delectable seafood whilst you are there.

Return by ferry to Vancouver in the early evening.

Blue Horizon Hotel or similar

Today follow the path of the prospectors that went up the Fraser River Canyon on their way to the gold of the Cariboo region. Pass through lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and stop to take in the picturesque mountain views.

In the afternoon, continue your journey through the interior of British Columbia along the Thompson River, named after the famous trapper and explorer David Thompson. You may like to stop at Kamloops Lake for a picnic, or explore some the historic town of Merritt.

Reach the mountain resort of Sun Peaks by late afternoon, where you can rest in the clear mountain air, or indulge in some outdoor activities like hiking or mountain biking.

Vancouver > Sun Peaks | 268 miles

Sun Peaks Grand Hotel or similar

From Sun Peaks, continue along the scenic Yellowhead Highway amongst the forests, lakes and mountains. You may like to stop to explore the Wells Gray Provincial Park, also known as the “Waterfall Park”, where you can view the Helmcken, Dawson and Spahats Falls and go rafting on the Clearwater River.

Continue to Mount Robson Provincial Park, named after the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. You can stop at the Mount Robson Visitor Centre for interpretive displays and hiking trail information.

On arriving in Jasper, a charming mountain town you can explore the town’s shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions or venture into Jasper National Park to discover its natural wonders such as Maligne Lake, Athabasca Falls, Miette Hot Springs and Pyramid Lake.

Sun Peaks > Jasper National Park | 280 miles

Jasper Inn & Suites or similar

Drive along one of the most scenic routes in the world, the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93). Admire towering peaks, turquoise lakes, and vast glaciers as you wind your way through Jasper and Banff National Parks.

You can stop at the Columbia Icefield, the largest icefield in the Rocky Mountains. Join a guided glacier tour or walk on the Glacier Skywalk for unparalleled views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers.

You may also like to see the stunning turquoise waters of Peyto Lake, a short hike from the Icefields Parkway. Follow the trail to the Bow Summit viewpoint for a panoramic vista of the lake and surrounding peaks.

Visit the iconic Lake Louise, renowned for its emerald waters and majestic mountain backdrop. Take a leisurely stroll along the lakeshore, rent a canoe, or hike to viewpoints such as the Lake Agnes Tea House or the Plain of Six Glaciers.

Conclude your journey in the charming town of Banff, nestled in the heart of Banff National Park. Explore the town’s boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants, or take a dip in the soothing waters of the Banff Upper Hot Springs.

Jasper National Park > Banff | 180 miles

Banff Caribou Lodge or similar

Before leaving Banff be sure to ride the Banff Gondola for spectacular panoramic views, then follow the scenic  Bow Valley Parkway (Highway 1A) out of town. Keep an eye out for elk, deer, and bears along the way.

You may like to stop at Lake Minnewanka, the largest lake in Banff National Park. Here you can enjoy a scenic boat cruise, go fishing, or take a leisurely lakeside stroll while soaking in the mountain views.

Explore the charming town of Canmore, nestled at the foot of the Canadian Rockies. Stroll through downtown to browse art galleries, boutique shops, and enjoy lunch at one of the local restaurants.

You may like to take a detour through Kananaskis Country for more mountain scenery and the opportunity for more outdoor activities like rafting, mountain biking and hiking.

Today’s final destination is Calgary, a city known for its western heritage. It is possible to have great views of the city from the top of the Calgary Tower, whilst the neighbourhoods of Kensington and Stephen Avenue offer some great dining and entertainment options.

Banff > Calgary | 78 miles

Delta Marriott Calgary Downtown or similar

Embark on another amazing scenic drive today as you head south towards the United South.

Begin your journey with a visit to Waterton Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We recommend joining a cruise on the Upper Lake and taking some photos of the iconic Prince of Wales Hotel.

You could choose to drive through the historic Crowsnest Pass before crossing the border into Montana and enter Glacier National Park. Subject to the weather conditions, you can drive the famous “Going to the sun Road” which provides impressive panoramic views of glacial peaks, alpine meadows and clear blue lakes. There is also a National Parks bus that follows this road. We recommend trying the short hikes to viewpoints like Logan Pass and Hidden Lake Overlook for even more breathtaking views.

You may like to explore the charming mountain town of Whitefish, nestled at the base of the mountains. You can enjoy some boutique shopping, dine at local restaurants, or take the scenic chairlift ride at Whitefish Mountain Resort for more stunning views.

On arriving in Kalispell, you can discover the historic buildings in downtown, visit the Conrad Mansion Museum or visit one of the local breweries for a fun evening.

Calgary > Glacier National Park/ Kalispell | 219 miles

Red Lion Hotel Kalispell or similar

Begin today’s journey by driving around Flathead Lake, the largest natural freshwater lake in the western United States. As well as scenic views across the lake it is also possible to swim and rent boats from the lakeside town of Polson.

South of Flathead Lake, near Moiese, you may like to stop at the National Bison Range. Here you can drive the scenic loop road through grasslands and forests to spot bison, elk, deer, and a variety of bird species.

You may like to take a break in Missoula, where it is possible to explore downtown galleries and breweries, stroll along the scenic Clark Fork River, or visit historical sites like the Missoula Art Museum.

Butte is a city with a rich mining history and unique architecture. Visit the World Museum of Mining to learn about the town’s mining heritage, take a walking tour of historic buildings, or explore the Berkeley Pit viewing platform.

On arrival in Bozeman, you can explore explore the downtown shops, restaurants, and galleries, or visit the Museum of the Rockies to learn about the region’s natural history.

Kalispell > Bozeman | 390 miles

Hilton Garden Inn Bozeman or similar

Entering Yellowstone through the North Entrance you will begin your Yellowstone National Park experience at Mammoth Hot Springs, where you can explore the otherworldly terraces formed by the hot springs. Follow the boardwalk to see the colourful mineral deposits and bubbling geothermal features.

Continue on towards Tower Junction, where you can visit the historic Roosevelt Lodge and Tower Fall. Take a short hike to the viewpoint overlooking the 132-foot Tower Fall, framed by towering cliffs and lush forest.

It is worth taking a detour east towards Lamar Valley, known as the “Serengeti of North America” for its abundant wildlife. Keep an eye out for bison herds, elk, wolves, grizzly bears, and other wildlife roaming the grasslands by the road.

Continue your drive to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Stop at the iconic Artist Point for panoramic views of the canyon and lower falls.

Conclude your loop drive in West Yellowstone, just beyond the gateway to Yellowstone National Park. You can explore the town’s shops, restaurants, and attractions, and we recommend visiting the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Centre to learn about Yellowstone’s iconic predators.

Bozeman > West Yellowstone | 160 miles

Gray Wolf Inn & Suites, West Yellowstone or similar

Return through the West Entrance to Yellowstone National Park and drive southwards towards the colourful geothermal creations of Fountain Paint Pots a Grand Prismatic Spring. Both areas can be accessed via the boardwalks and signposted trails.

Be sure to stop at Old Faithful, probably the most famous geyser in the world. Regularly erupting, roughly every 90 minutes, Old Faithful shoots hot water and steam up to 55 metres into the air.

From Old Faithful, continue your drive to the edge of Lake Yellowstone, where it is possible to stop at the visitor centre in Grant Village.

As you exit Yellowstone National Park be prepared for stunning views of the Teton Range. There are several scenic overlooks along the road where you can pull over and admire the majestic peaks. As you enter Grand Teton National Park look out for signs to for viewpoints like Oxbow Bend or Snake River Overlook for breathtaking vistas and opportunities for wildlife spotting.

As you arrive in Jackson Hole, a charming western town nestled in the valley beneath the Tetons, you can explore the town’s iconic elk antler arches, stroll along the boardwalks of Jackson Town Square, and browse boutiques, art galleries, and western-themed shops.

Yellowstone National Park > Grand Teton/ Jackson | 120 miles

Snow King Resort or similar

Drive out of Jackson Hole through Snake River Canyon, a scenic gorge carved by the Snake River. Then drive west into the state of Idaho.

You may like to make a stop in Idaho Falls, a charming town with a scenic river walk and Idaho Falls Zoo at Tautphaus Park. You can take a stroll along the Snake River and visit the picturesque Idaho Falls Temple.

Continue on to the Craters of the Moon National Monument, a unique landscape of volcanic features including cinder cones, lava tubes, and lava flows. Take the scenic loop drive through the park and hike the trails to explore the otherworldly terrain.

Visit Shoshone Falls, often called the “Niagara of the West.” Located near Twin Falls, these stunning waterfalls cascade over a series of cliffs, creating a spectacular sight. Enjoy viewpoints and picnic areas overlooking the falls, and consider taking a boat tour for a closer look.

On arriving in Twin Falls, you may like to wander down to Perrine Bridge, which spans the Snake River Canyon and offers stunning views.

Jackson > Twin Falls | 270 miles

Hilton Garden Inn Twin Falls or similar

From Twin Falls begin heading north-west towards Oregon and Washington State. Near the town of Bliss you may like to make a stop at Malad Gorge State Park, where you can explore the deep river canyons and hike the trails to the dam.

Boise is the capital of Idaho, a city that straddles the Boise River. It is worth exploring the “Boise River Greenbelt” and unique nature riverwalk that stretches for 25 miles through the city. Also in the city you can join a tour of the Idaho State Capitol Building or climb to the top of the 96-foot clock tower at Boise Depot, to admire the Spanish-style architecture that dates back to the 1920s.

In Baker City it is possible to visit the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Centre. You can explore exhibits and interpretive trails to learn more about the pioneer experience. You may also like to visit Hells Canyon, North America’s deepest river gorge that is just a short drive from Baker City.

The city of Pendleton is well-known for it annual rodeo, the Pendleton Round-Up, which is one of the oldest and most prestigious in the country. In Pendleton you can also discover hidden tunnels under the city street on an underground tour and visit the Woollen Mills to see the mill and production processes, as well as purchase some local products, if you wish.

Twin Falls > Pendleton | 347 miles

Best Western Pendleton Inn or similar

Today’s drive follows the Columbia River and the Yakima Valley on the way to Mount Rainier National Park. From Pendleton head north until you hit the banks for the Columbia River. Follow the river to the north to the town of Pasco.

In Pasco, it is possible to stop at Sacajawea State Park, located at the confluence of the Columbia and Snake Rivers. There is an interpretive centre in the park that highlights the Lewis and Clark expedition that first mapped these areas in the early 1800s.

From Pasco, you can leave the Columbia River behind and follow the Yakima River as it winds its way through rolling hills and rich farmlands. The Yakima Valley is also known for its vineyards and wineries. For those interested it is possible to take a wine tour at one of the local tasting rooms.

From Yakima it is approximately an hour’s drive to Mount Rainier National Park, although the huge peak is possible to view from miles around. Mount Rainier itself is 4.3km tall and is the highest mountain in the cascade range. The National Park has more than 260 miles of hiking trails and is home to a variety of wildlife including black bears, elk, deer and mountain goats.

Pendleton > Yakima | 226 miles

Hilton Garden Inn Yakima Downtown or similar

This morning, continue back into Mount Rainier National Park but divert to the north and follow the signs back to Seattle, with Mount Rainer an ever present spectacle in your mirrors.

Your Peaks and Parks fly drive holiday comes to an end today as you return your car at the depot, and check-in at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport airport for your afternoon scheduled flight back to the UK.

Yakima > Seattle | 144 miles