Canada’s Lakes & Lodges
13 day Self Drive – from £2189
With flights from £2839
Enjoy boutique accommodation and beautiful views on this Vancouver to Calgary self drive through the jaw-dropping Canadian Rockies.
Highlights:
- Drive the spectacular Sea to Sky Highway, alongside Howe Sound
- Enjoy a ride on the Banff Gondola and Athabasca Glacier Ice Explorer
- Drive the breathtaking Icefields Parkway
- Visit Banff Upper Hot Springs or Miette Hot Springs
- Explore the incredible Jasper National Park
Your Itinerary
Expand AllYou can customise your Canada self drive holiday by adding extra nights or destinations. Just let us know what you would like to do.
Upon arrival into Vancouver, make your way to the hotel for the start of your self drive holiday. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Rosedale on Robson or similar
Day 2 – Vancouver
The day is yours to discover the coastal city of Vancouver. Canada’s third largest metropolitan centre, Vancouver is a busy port city with a multi-cultural ambiance. The spectacular setting invites you outdoors; explore the restaurants, shopping, galleries and museums, nightlife, entertainment and more.
Rosedale on Robson or similar
Day 3 – Vancouver
This morning depart Vancouver along the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway to Whistler. Highlights along the way include the cascading Shannon Falls and the Stawamus Chief Rock where climbers from all over the globe migrate to climb the granite cliffs. Continue on to Whistler where a stop is a must for a short stroll through this charming alpine resort before continuing on the Duffey Lake Road where you will see breathtaking views of Joffre Glacier. Continue on through Lillooet for two hours along a well maintained gravel road to Tyax Lodge, nestled on the shores on Tyaughton Lake.
Standard & Deluxe: Tyax Lodge & Heliskiing
Day 4 – Tyax Lodge
Tyax offers a wide array of optional activities for all ages, including western horseback riding, guided fly fishing tours, fly casting and gold panning lessons, mountain biking on either gentle rolling or challenging single tracks, floatplane adventures over the Chilcotin Wilderness, as well as ATV safaris along old mining trails leading to the wildflower-carpeted alpine meadows.
Standard & Deluxe: Tyax Lodge & Heliskiing
Day 5 – Sun Peaks
Return through Lillooet known as the land of the Gold Rush Trail and ‘Mile Zero’ of the Old Caribou Wagon Road during the Gold Rush Years. Departing Lillooet, turn east along Highway 99 toward Cache Creek. From here travel a short distance to your overnight accommodation at Sun Peaks Resort. This European style mountain resort, is perfect for skiing in winter, but also provides fresh mountain air and spectacular views all summer.
Standard & Deluxe: Sun Peaks Grand Hotel
Day 6 – Jasper National Park
Today, follow the Thompson River through rolling plateaus to the snowy peaks of the Monashee Mountains. View Pyramid Falls and the expansive glaciers of the Albreda Icefields. Pass by Mount Robson, which is the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies at 3954 meters (12,972 feet); then on to the resort town of Jasper for a two night stay.
Standard: Jasper Inn & Suites
Deluxe: Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
Day 7 – Jasper National Park
Today you have the FREEDOM of choice. Personalise your day by choosing one of the below activities to include in your holiday. Simply let your consultant know which you would prefer when booking your trip.
Option 1: Maligne Lake Cruise
Cruise Maligne Lake, where you can marvel at the magnificent shoreline and Spirit Island.
Option 2: Jasper River Float
Enjoy a gentle rafting tour on the Athabasca River for a unique perspective of Jasper National Park.
Option 3: Jasper Nature Walk
A guided nature walk featuring a spectacular array of rolling hills, jagged peaks, forests, meadows, marshes, streams, and stunning glacial lakes.
Standard: Jasper Inn & Suites
Deluxe: Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
Day 8 – Moraine Lake
This morning depart on the scenic Icefields Parkway that takes you through the spine of the Canadian Rockies. You view a never-ending procession of mammoth mountains, jagged peaks, over 100 glaciers and pristine emerald coloured lakes. Along the way see such sights as the Columbia Icefield and take an Ice Explorer ride out onto the glacier (included). Stop at the award-winning Glacier Skywalk (included) to experience a glass-floored observation platform 918 ft (280 m) over spectacular glacier-formed valleys and rushing waterfalls. Also watch for the Sarbach Glacier, Peyto Lake, Bow Lake, with the Bow Glacier providing the backdrop, and Crowfoot Glacier before your arrival at Moraine Lake Lodge. The lodge is situated on the shore of Moraine Lake, known for its iridescent turquoise colour, Moraine Lake has become known as The Jewel of the Rockies. Bear in mind, Mountain lakes in this region will be frozen through to mid-June.
Standard & Deluxe: Moraine Lake Lodge
Day 9 – Emerald Lake
A short drive today through majestic mountain passes into Yoho National Park. The word Yoho is the Cree word expressing awe. This 1313 sq. km (507 sq. miles) national park is filled with gem-coloured glacial lakes and waterfalls, snow-covered peaks and dense forests of western red cedar and western hemlock. Historic railroads, spiral tunnels within mountain sides and steep rock faces where mountain goats roam are just some of the sights to be seen. Other Yoho marvels include a natural rock bridge over the Kicking Horse River, Hoodoos, some of Canada’s highest waterfalls and the Burgess Shale fossil find where over 120 marine animal species dating back as far as 530 million years were discovered.
Emerald Lake Lodge
Day 10 – Emerald Lake
Built of hand-hewn timber and featuring massive stone fireplaces, the Lodge includes a formal dining room, quiet reading and sitting rooms. From the upper or lower large verandahs, enjoy the serene views of this wilderness landscape.
Standard & Deluxe: Emerald Lake Lodge
Day 11 – Banff National Park
Enjoy the leisurely drive to Banff. Choose the Bow Valley Parkway, beside the Bow River, with an option for you to take a stop at Johnston Canyon and walk along the paved footpath to either the lower or upper waterfalls before continuing to Banff. This afternoon, explore Banff and the surrounding area. In town you’ll find lots of excitement – shopping, cafés, nightlife and museums.
Standard: Elk & Avenue Hotel
Deluxe: Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel
Day 12 – Banff National Park
Today you have the FREEDOM of choice. Personalise your day by choosing one of the below activities to include in your holiday. Simply let your consultant know which you would prefer when booking your trip.
Option 1: Banff Gondola
Maximize your views of Banff National Park with minimal exertion on a round-trip gondola ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain.
Option 2: Lake Minnewanka Cruise
Admire views of the Canadian Rockies by boat as you cruise across the turquoise-hued Lake Minnewanka and over to Devil’s Gap.
Option 3: River Explorer Canoe Tour
Enjoy the serenity of the Bow River and marvel at the surroundings. A fun & interactive way with your guide to explore the waterways of Banff National Park. Perfect for families. No paddling experience necessary.
Option 4: Bow River Horseback Adventure
Saddle up for a journey through the celebrated landscape of Banff National Park on this guided horseback riding adventure.
Standard: Elk & Avenue Hotel
Deluxe: Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel
Day 13 – Farewell from Calgary
Today it’s time to say goodbye to the fresh mountain air and majestic sights of the Rockies. Drive to Calgary to drop off your rental car and begin your journey home.
Your Itinerary
You can customise your Canada self drive holiday by adding extra nights or destinations. Just let us know what you would like to do.
Day 1
| Welcome to Vancouver
Upon arrival into Vancouver, make your way to the hotel for the start of your self drive holiday. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Rosedale on Robson or similar
Day 2
| Vancouver
The day is yours to discover the coastal city of Vancouver. Canada’s third largest metropolitan centre, Vancouver is a busy port city with a multi-cultural ambiance. The spectacular setting invites you outdoors; explore the restaurants, shopping, galleries and museums, nightlife, entertainment and more.
Rosedale on Robson or similar
Day 3
| Vancouver
This morning depart Vancouver along the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway to Whistler. Highlights along the way include the cascading Shannon Falls and the Stawamus Chief Rock where climbers from all over the globe migrate to climb the granite cliffs. Continue on to Whistler where a stop is a must for a short stroll through this charming alpine resort before continuing on the Duffey Lake Road where you will see breathtaking views of Joffre Glacier. Continue on through Lillooet for two hours along a well maintained gravel road to Tyax Lodge, nestled on the shores on Tyaughton Lake.
Standard & Deluxe: Tyax Lodge & Heliskiing
Day 4
| Tyax Lodge
Tyax offers a wide array of optional activities for all ages, including western horseback riding, guided fly fishing tours, fly casting and gold panning lessons, mountain biking on either gentle rolling or challenging single tracks, floatplane adventures over the Chilcotin Wilderness, as well as ATV safaris along old mining trails leading to the wildflower-carpeted alpine meadows.
Standard & Deluxe: Tyax Lodge & Heliskiing
Day 5
| Sun Peaks
Return through Lillooet known as the land of the Gold Rush Trail and ‘Mile Zero’ of the Old Caribou Wagon Road during the Gold Rush Years. Departing Lillooet, turn east along Highway 99 toward Cache Creek. From here travel a short distance to your overnight accommodation at Sun Peaks Resort. This European style mountain resort, is perfect for skiing in winter, but also provides fresh mountain air and spectacular views all summer.
Standard & Deluxe: Sun Peaks Grand Hotel
Day 6
| Jasper National Park
Today, follow the Thompson River through rolling plateaus to the snowy peaks of the Monashee Mountains. View Pyramid Falls and the expansive glaciers of the Albreda Icefields. Pass by Mount Robson, which is the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies at 3954 meters (12,972 feet); then on to the resort town of Jasper for a two night stay.
Standard: Jasper Inn & Suites
Deluxe: Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
Day 7
| Jasper National Park
Today you have the FREEDOM of choice. Personalise your day by choosing one of the below activities to include in your holiday. Simply let your consultant know which you would prefer when booking your trip.
Option 1: Maligne Lake Cruise
Cruise Maligne Lake, where you can marvel at the magnificent shoreline and Spirit Island.
Option 2: Jasper River Float
Enjoy a gentle rafting tour on the Athabasca River for a unique perspective of Jasper National Park.
Option 3: Jasper Nature Walk
A guided nature walk featuring a spectacular array of rolling hills, jagged peaks, forests, meadows, marshes, streams, and stunning glacial lakes.
Standard: Jasper Inn & Suites
Deluxe: Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
Day 8
| Moraine Lake
This morning depart on the scenic Icefields Parkway that takes you through the spine of the Canadian Rockies. You view a never-ending procession of mammoth mountains, jagged peaks, over 100 glaciers and pristine emerald coloured lakes. Along the way see such sights as the Columbia Icefield and take an Ice Explorer ride out onto the glacier (included). Stop at the award-winning Glacier Skywalk (included) to experience a glass-floored observation platform 918 ft (280 m) over spectacular glacier-formed valleys and rushing waterfalls. Also watch for the Sarbach Glacier, Peyto Lake, Bow Lake, with the Bow Glacier providing the backdrop, and Crowfoot Glacier before your arrival at Moraine Lake Lodge. The lodge is situated on the shore of Moraine Lake, known for its iridescent turquoise colour, Moraine Lake has become known as The Jewel of the Rockies. Bear in mind, Mountain lakes in this region will be frozen through to mid-June.
Standard & Deluxe: Moraine Lake Lodge
Day 9
| Emerald Lake
A short drive today through majestic mountain passes into Yoho National Park. The word Yoho is the Cree word expressing awe. This 1313 sq. km (507 sq. miles) national park is filled with gem-coloured glacial lakes and waterfalls, snow-covered peaks and dense forests of western red cedar and western hemlock. Historic railroads, spiral tunnels within mountain sides and steep rock faces where mountain goats roam are just some of the sights to be seen. Other Yoho marvels include a natural rock bridge over the Kicking Horse River, Hoodoos, some of Canada’s highest waterfalls and the Burgess Shale fossil find where over 120 marine animal species dating back as far as 530 million years were discovered.
Emerald Lake Lodge
Day 10
| Emerald Lake
Built of hand-hewn timber and featuring massive stone fireplaces, the Lodge includes a formal dining room, quiet reading and sitting rooms. From the upper or lower large verandahs, enjoy the serene views of this wilderness landscape.
Standard & Deluxe: Emerald Lake Lodge
Day 11
| Banff National Park
Enjoy the leisurely drive to Banff. Choose the Bow Valley Parkway, beside the Bow River, with an option for you to take a stop at Johnston Canyon and walk along the paved footpath to either the lower or upper waterfalls before continuing to Banff. This afternoon, explore Banff and the surrounding area. In town you’ll find lots of excitement – shopping, cafés, nightlife and museums.
Standard: Elk & Avenue Hotel
Deluxe: Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel
Day 12
| Banff National Park
Today you have the FREEDOM of choice. Personalise your day by choosing one of the below activities to include in your holiday. Simply let your consultant know which you would prefer when booking your trip.
Option 1: Banff Gondola
Maximize your views of Banff National Park with minimal exertion on a round-trip gondola ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain.
Option 2: Lake Minnewanka Cruise
Admire views of the Canadian Rockies by boat as you cruise across the turquoise-hued Lake Minnewanka and over to Devil’s Gap.
Option 3: River Explorer Canoe Tour
Enjoy the serenity of the Bow River and marvel at the surroundings. A fun & interactive way with your guide to explore the waterways of Banff National Park. Perfect for families. No paddling experience necessary.
Option 4: Bow River Horseback Adventure
Saddle up for a journey through the celebrated landscape of Banff National Park on this guided horseback riding adventure.
Standard: Elk & Avenue Hotel
Deluxe: Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel
Day 13
| Farewell from Calgary
Today it’s time to say goodbye to the fresh mountain air and majestic sights of the Rockies. Drive to Calgary to drop off your rental car and begin your journey home.
This Self Drive Includes
Flights & More
Ask your FREEDOM Consultant to include Economy, Premium or Business Class flights for a complete ABTA and ATOL protected package.
They can also add extra nights and experiences in places you choose, to create the exact holiday you are looking for. Popular options include:
- Extra nights in Vancouver, Calgary or any location en route
Next Step
Please get in touch with our Canada Experts to start planning your holiday. You’ll have a single point of contact from your first enquiry through booking.
Canada’s Lakes & Lodges
13 day Self Drive – from £2189
With flights from £2839
Price is per person, based on two people sharing a double or twin room and includes pre-booked accommodation, air-conditioned car and unlimited mileage. One-way fees charged locally. Hotels specified are subject to availability and may be substituted by one of a similar or higher standard.
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