Canada Rockies to Rainforest Self Drive • Freedom Destinations

Rockies to Rainforest

14 day Self Drive – from £2185

With flights from £2885

Journey through British Columbia and the dramatic Rocky Mountains to explore the breathtaking landscapes and wonderful wildlife this region is famous for.

Highlights:
  • Walk along the Capilano Suspension Bridge
  • Go whale watching in Tofino
  • Ride an Ice Explorer on the Athabasca Glacier
  • Visit Banff Upper Hot Springs or Miette Hot Springs
  • Explore the popular ski town of Whistler

Your Itinerary

Expand All
Vancouver, British Columbia

Day 1 – Welcome to Vancouver

Upon arrival into Vancouver, make your way to the hotel for the start of your self…

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
Vancouver, British Columbia
Stanley Park, Vancouver

Day 2 – Vancouver

The day is yours to discover the coastal city of Vancouver. Canada’s third largest metropolitan centre,…

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
Stanley Park, Vancouver
Victoria, British Columbia

Day 3 – Victoria

Leaving Vancouver drive south to Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal for a 90 min Ferry ride (ferry toll…

Leaving Vancouver drive south to Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal for a 90 min Ferry ride (ferry toll included) to Swartz Bay. On-board BC Ferries enjoy the scenery of the Gulf Islands as you cross the Strait of Georgia. From Swartz Bay continue on to the charming city of Victoria.

    Inn at Laurel Point
Victoria, British Columbia
Butchart Gardens, Victoria

Day 4 – Victoria

Today you have the FREEDOM of choice. Personalise your day by choosing one of the activities…

Today you have the FREEDOM of choice. Personalise your day by choosing one of the activities below to include in your holiday. Simply let your consultant know which you would prefer when booking your trip.

Option 1: Butchart Gardens Admission
On its 100th birthday in 2004, the Butchart Gardens was named a National Historic Site of Canada. Explore 55 acres of breathtaking gardens on the 130 acre estate.

Option 2: Eat like a Canadian Food Tour
Not many people can define exactly what Canadian food is. From local ingredients to historic dishes, this tour is the best way to experience Canadian culinary culture. Sip and savour local cuisine, explore the iconic Inner Harbour, and meet the chefs and owners that make Victoria such an exciting culinary hot spot.

Option 3: Whale Watch Cruise
Get up close with the killer whales on the Salish Sea with this guided, 3.5-hour whale-watching cruise from Victoria. Climb aboard a covered or open boat equipped with hydrophones to hear the whales and bring the underwater experience to light.

    Inn at Laurel Point
Butchart Gardens, Victoria
Cascade Mountains

Day 5 – Tofino

Travel to the rugged West Coast of Vancouver Island and head to Pacific Rim National Park….

Travel to the rugged West Coast of Vancouver Island and head to Pacific Rim National Park. En-route stops should be made at Duncan the ‘City of Totems’, where you may visit the Quw’utsun’ Heritage Village, which will provide you with an insight into the lives of the northwest coast people (admission not included). Make a stop in the artist community of Chemainus, where you can admire the giant murals which adorn the exterior walls throughout the town. Drive through majestic Sutton Pass and the Sawtooth Range of the Cascade Mountains to arrive in Tofino around mid-afternoon.

    Water’s Edge Shoreline Suites
Cascade Mountains
Pacific Rim National Park, Vancouver Island

Day 6 – Tofino (Pacific Rim National Park)

Today you have the FREEDOM of choice. Personalise your day by choosing one of the activities…

Today you have the FREEDOM of choice. Personalise your day by choosing one of the activities below to include in your holiday. Simply let your consultant know which you would prefer when booking your trip.

Option 1: Coastal Bear Watch Cruise
Search for bears from the comfort and safety of a 24’ Zodiac vessel. Abundant on the West Coast of Vancouver Island, black bears roam the shores at low tide in search of their favorite delicacy, the Rock Crab.

Option 2: Whale Watching Cruise
Cruise through the waters of Clayoquot Sound to view beautiful scenery and wildlife. Depending on the time of year, you may encounter gray whales, humpback whales, sea lions, sea birds and resident bald eagles.

Option 3: Tofino Food Tour
Taste why Tofino is truly one of Canada’s best food scenes, combined with local stories & fascinating history. This tour includes 7 delicious tastings from some of Tofino’s best restaurants & food vendors.

    Water’s Edge Shoreline Suites
Pacific Rim National Park, Vancouver Island
Horseshoe Bay

Day 7 – Whistler

Depart Tofino for your return journey to the East Coast. From Departure Bay sail for 1…

Depart Tofino for your return journey to the East Coast. From Departure Bay sail for 1 hr 45 min on BC Ferries (ferry toll included) to Horseshoe Bay. Travel 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.

    Hilton Whistler Resort
Horseshoe Bay
Whistler, British Columbia

Day 8 – Whistler

This charming alpine resort is nestled between world-renowned Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. Enjoy an extensive range…

This charming alpine resort is nestled between world-renowned Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. Enjoy an extensive range of summer activities from golf, water activities on any of the 5 lakes or numerous rivers, to mountain top dining. Experience the beauty of Whistler Blackcomb’s alpine environment via the Peak Adventure on Whistler Mountain.

Take the Peak 2 Peak Gondola (included) to Whistler Mountain’s sub-alpine and then rise to 2181m via Whistler’s premier open chair lift. At the top of the Peak Chair, guests will be treated to unbelievable views of glaciers, extinct volcanoes, snow-capped peaks and more. Summer dates are subject to change due to factors such as weather and snowpack, if gondola is not operating a refund will be issued.

    Hilton Whistler Resort
Whistler, British Columbia
Sun Peaks Grand Hotel

Day 9 – Sun Peaks

Travel north today from the mountain village via the upper elevations of the Duffey Lake Road….

Travel north today from the mountain village via the upper elevations of the Duffey Lake Road. Enjoy breath-taking views of Joffre Glacier and snow-capped Mount Currie that rises to a height of 2,596 meters (8,518 feet). Continue the journey north to Lillooet, known as the land of the Gold Rush Trail and ‘Mile Zero’ of the Old Caribou Wagon Road during the Gold Rush Years. Now the area is home to the largest Canadian producers of the medicinal plant, Ginseng. Visit the Gold Rush Town of Cache Creek where you stop to visit the Historic Hat Creek (included), which literally takes you back to the days of the Gold Rush.

    Sun Peaks Lodge
Sun Peaks Grand Hotel
Berg Lake, Mount Robson Provincial Park

Day 10 – Jasper National Park

Set out for Jasper along the scenic Yellowhead Highway and take in the breathtaking vistas of…

Set out for Jasper along the scenic Yellowhead Highway and take in the breathtaking vistas of the steep-walled gorges and crashing falls of the North Thompson River. On your journey today, perhaps you will get a glimpse of Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. Leaving British Columbia, you enter Alberta and Jasper National Park. Jasper was originally a tent city serving the railway, and is now a quaint mountain village.

    Jasper Inn & Suites
    Breakfast
Berg Lake, Mount Robson Provincial Park
Jasper National Park, Alberta

Day 11 – Jasper National Park

Today you have the FREEDOM of choice. Personalise your day by choosing one of the activities…

Today you have the FREEDOM of choice. Personalise your day by choosing one of the activities below 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.

    Jasper Inn & Suites
Jasper National Park, Alberta
Icefields Parkway

Day 12 – Banff National Park

Your scenic drive along the Icefields Parkway today takes you through the spine of the Canadian…

Your scenic drive along the Icefields Parkway today takes you through the spine of the Canadian Rockies. 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 280 metres 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 into Lake Louise. From Lake Louise, 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.

    Banff Caribou Lodge
Icefields Parkway
Bow River, Castle Mountain in Banff National Park, Canada

Day 13 – Banff National Park

Today you have the FREEDOM of choice. Personalise your day by choosing one of the activities…

Today you have the FREEDOM of choice. Personalise your day by choosing one of the activities below 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.

    Banff Caribou Lodge
Bow River, Castle Mountain in Banff National Park, Canada
Calgary Canada

Day 14 – Farewell from Calgary

Depart the Rocky Mountains at your own leisure to the Great Central Plains that roll to…

Depart the Rocky Mountains at your own leisure to the Great Central Plains that roll to the east for 2,000 kilometres and extend as far south as Mexico. This is ‘cattle ranching country’ and the breadbasket of Canada. Your tour concludes with the return of your rental vehicle in Calgary.

Calgary Canada

Your Itinerary

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
Vancouver, British Columbia

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
Stanley Park, Vancouver

Day 3

|

Victoria

Leaving Vancouver drive south to Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal for a 90 min Ferry ride (ferry toll included) to Swartz Bay. On-board BC Ferries enjoy the scenery of the Gulf Islands as you cross the Strait of Georgia. From Swartz Bay continue on to the charming city of Victoria.

    Inn at Laurel Point
Victoria, British Columbia

Day 4

|

Victoria

Today you have the FREEDOM of choice. Personalise your day by choosing one of the activities below to include in your holiday. Simply let your consultant know which you would prefer when booking your trip.

Option 1: Butchart Gardens Admission
On its 100th birthday in 2004, the Butchart Gardens was named a National Historic Site of Canada. Explore 55 acres of breathtaking gardens on the 130 acre estate.

Option 2: Eat like a Canadian Food Tour
Not many people can define exactly what Canadian food is. From local ingredients to historic dishes, this tour is the best way to experience Canadian culinary culture. Sip and savour local cuisine, explore the iconic Inner Harbour, and meet the chefs and owners that make Victoria such an exciting culinary hot spot.

Option 3: Whale Watch Cruise
Get up close with the killer whales on the Salish Sea with this guided, 3.5-hour whale-watching cruise from Victoria. Climb aboard a covered or open boat equipped with hydrophones to hear the whales and bring the underwater experience to light.

    Inn at Laurel Point
Butchart Gardens, Victoria

Day 5

|

Tofino

Travel to the rugged West Coast of Vancouver Island and head to Pacific Rim National Park. En-route stops should be made at Duncan the ‘City of Totems’, where you may visit the Quw’utsun’ Heritage Village, which will provide you with an insight into the lives of the northwest coast people (admission not included). Make a stop in the artist community of Chemainus, where you can admire the giant murals which adorn the exterior walls throughout the town. Drive through majestic Sutton Pass and the Sawtooth Range of the Cascade Mountains to arrive in Tofino around mid-afternoon.

    Water’s Edge Shoreline Suites
Cascade Mountains

Day 6

|

Tofino (Pacific Rim National Park)

Today you have the FREEDOM of choice. Personalise your day by choosing one of the activities below to include in your holiday. Simply let your consultant know which you would prefer when booking your trip.

Option 1: Coastal Bear Watch Cruise
Search for bears from the comfort and safety of a 24’ Zodiac vessel. Abundant on the West Coast of Vancouver Island, black bears roam the shores at low tide in search of their favorite delicacy, the Rock Crab.

Option 2: Whale Watching Cruise
Cruise through the waters of Clayoquot Sound to view beautiful scenery and wildlife. Depending on the time of year, you may encounter gray whales, humpback whales, sea lions, sea birds and resident bald eagles.

Option 3: Tofino Food Tour
Taste why Tofino is truly one of Canada’s best food scenes, combined with local stories & fascinating history. This tour includes 7 delicious tastings from some of Tofino’s best restaurants & food vendors.

    Water’s Edge Shoreline Suites
Pacific Rim National Park, Vancouver Island

Day 7

|

Whistler

Depart Tofino for your return journey to the East Coast. From Departure Bay sail for 1 hr 45 min on BC Ferries (ferry toll included) to Horseshoe Bay. Travel 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.

    Hilton Whistler Resort
Horseshoe Bay

Day 8

|

Whistler

This charming alpine resort is nestled between world-renowned Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. Enjoy an extensive range of summer activities from golf, water activities on any of the 5 lakes or numerous rivers, to mountain top dining. Experience the beauty of Whistler Blackcomb’s alpine environment via the Peak Adventure on Whistler Mountain.

Take the Peak 2 Peak Gondola (included) to Whistler Mountain’s sub-alpine and then rise to 2181m via Whistler’s premier open chair lift. At the top of the Peak Chair, guests will be treated to unbelievable views of glaciers, extinct volcanoes, snow-capped peaks and more. Summer dates are subject to change due to factors such as weather and snowpack, if gondola is not operating a refund will be issued.

    Hilton Whistler Resort
Whistler, British Columbia

Day 9

|

Sun Peaks

Travel north today from the mountain village via the upper elevations of the Duffey Lake Road. Enjoy breath-taking views of Joffre Glacier and snow-capped Mount Currie that rises to a height of 2,596 meters (8,518 feet). Continue the journey north to Lillooet, known as the land of the Gold Rush Trail and ‘Mile Zero’ of the Old Caribou Wagon Road during the Gold Rush Years. Now the area is home to the largest Canadian producers of the medicinal plant, Ginseng. Visit the Gold Rush Town of Cache Creek where you stop to visit the Historic Hat Creek (included), which literally takes you back to the days of the Gold Rush.

    Sun Peaks Lodge
Sun Peaks Grand Hotel

Day 10

|

Jasper National Park

Set out for Jasper along the scenic Yellowhead Highway and take in the breathtaking vistas of the steep-walled gorges and crashing falls of the North Thompson River. On your journey today, perhaps you will get a glimpse of Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. Leaving British Columbia, you enter Alberta and Jasper National Park. Jasper was originally a tent city serving the railway, and is now a quaint mountain village.

    Jasper Inn & Suites
    Breakfast
Berg Lake, Mount Robson Provincial Park

Day 11

|

Jasper National Park

Today you have the FREEDOM of choice. Personalise your day by choosing one of the activities below 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.

    Jasper Inn & Suites
Jasper National Park, Alberta

Day 12

|

Banff National Park

Your scenic drive along the Icefields Parkway today takes you through the spine of the Canadian Rockies. 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 280 metres 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 into Lake Louise. From Lake Louise, 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.

    Banff Caribou Lodge
Icefields Parkway

Day 13

|

Banff National Park

Today you have the FREEDOM of choice. Personalise your day by choosing one of the activities below 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.

    Banff Caribou Lodge
Bow River, Castle Mountain in Banff National Park, Canada

Day 14

|

Farewell from Calgary

Depart the Rocky Mountains at your own leisure to the Great Central Plains that roll to the east for 2,000 kilometres and extend as far south as Mexico. This is ‘cattle ranching country’ and the breadbasket of Canada. Your tour concludes with the return of your rental vehicle in Calgary.

Calgary Canada

Your Self Drive Includes:

13 nights’ accommodation
Modern air-conditioned car
Well planned, easy to follow route
Activities and day tours included

Flights & More

With FREEDOM, you can book your Rockies to Rainforest self drive and flights together, as an ATOL protected package. Our Travel Experts can find the best priced Economy, Premium or Business Class flights for you.

You can also personalise your holiday. Why not add:

  • Extra nights in Vancouver, Jasper or any location en route
  • An upgrade to deluxe hotels from £1515

Next Steps

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.

Rockies to Rainforest

14 day Self Drive – from £2185

With flights from £2885

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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