Ultimate Western Canada
18 day Self Drive Holiday – from £2649
With flights from £3349
Combine the best of the West on this incredible self drive around British Columbia and Alberta, including Jasper, Banff, Whistler, Vancouver and Victoria.
Highlights:
- Visit the stunning Butchart Gardens and cross the Capilano Suspension Bridge
- Drive the spectacular Icefields Parkway and Sea-to-Sky Highway
- Enjoy and unforgettable Ice Explorer ride onto the Athabasca Glacier
- Your choice of whale watching or a bear viewing tour in Tofino
- Take the Peak 2 Peak Gondola to Whistler Mountain’s sub-alpine
Your Itinerary
Expand AllYou can customise this Western Canada self drive itinerary by adding extra nights or destinations. Just let us know what you would like to do
Upon arrival into Vancouver, make your way to your downtown Vancouver hotel. The rest of the day is yours to explore this wonderful city at your leisure.
Standard: Rosedale on Robson (Breakfast included)
Superior: Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre
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 multicultural ambiance. No trip to Vancouver would be complete without a visit to the spectacular Capilano Suspension Bridge so we have included this for you today.
Standard: Rosedale on Robson (Breakfast included)
Superior: Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre
Day 3 – Kelowna
Today, travel into the Thompson Okanagan region; this region is famous for its orchards and vineyards as well as the wildly varied landscape. To the north of the central wine-and-fruit producing valley are vast boreal forests and to the south the desert of the Great Basin.
Standard: Prestige Beach House
Superior: The Royal Kelowna
Day 4 – Kelowna (Wine Tour)
Today, a full day tour will visit some of the best and oldest vineyards in the beautiful Okanagan.
You will be picked up at your hotel at around 10:00. Experience a bit of the history of the wine industry in the Okanagan, and enjoy some of the newer boutique-style wineries that are recent additions to their wine industry. You will visit a total of 5 wineries including a sit down tasting at one of the iconic wineries of Kelowna. You will have time for lunch at your choice of winery depending on availability, at your own cost.
Standard: Prestige Beach House
Superior: The Royal Kelowna
Day 5 – Emerald Lake Lodge
Today drive by spectacular waterfalls, towering peaks and beautiful lakes towards Revelstoke. Just before Revelstoke you will find Craigellachie, where the ‘last spike’ was driven completing the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1885. The mountains that were the curse of railway workers are responsible for the park’s many waterfalls including Laughing Falls, Wapta Falls, Twin Falls and one of Canada’s highest (833 feet), Takakkaw Falls.
Standard & Superior: Emerald Lake Lodge
Day 6 – Emerald Lake Lodge
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 & Superior: Emerald Lake Lodge
Day 7 – Banff National Park
Enjoy a leisurely drive to Banff National Park today. We recommend you choose to take the Bow Valley Parkway which runs along side the Bow River, it’s a lovely scenic drive. Along this route there’s an option for you to make a stop at Johnston Canyon and walk along the paved footpath to either the lower or upper waterfalls, beautiful!
Standard: Elk & Avenue Hotel
Superior: Banff Caribou Lodge
Day 8 – 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.
Standard: Elk & Avenue Hotel
Superior: Banff Caribou Lodge
Day 9 – Jasper National Park (via Lake Louise)
Drive to Jasper via the spectacular Icefields Parkway. We suggest a stop en route to enjoy the glorious photo opportunities of snow-capped peaks, waterfalls and alpine meadows as you travel this route considered one of the most scenic drives in the world. We have included an Ice Explorer ride on the Athabasca Glacier and a stop at the Glacier Skywalk enroute to Jasper.
Standard: Jasper Inn & Suites
Superior: Forest Park Hotel
Day 10 – 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.
Standard: Jasper Inn & Suites
Superior: Forest Park Hotel
Day 11 – Sun Peaks
Leaving Jasper National Park, travel the ‘Yellowhead’ Route past the sprawling grandeur of Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. Beyond Mount Robson Provincial Park, the highway follows the Thompson River through the snowy peaks of the Monashee and Caribou Mountains to the resort of Sun Peaks, near to Kamloops. This European style mountain resort, is perfect for skiing in winter, but also provides fresh mountain air and spectacular views all summer.
Standard & Superior: Sun Peaks Resort
Day 12 – Whistler
Start early today to allow yourself as much time as possible in the premier resort town of Whistler. The winding road leads through an arid landscape that gradually changes to lush forests lined with snow-capped mountain ranges.
Standard: Listel Whistler Hotel
Superior: Delta Whistler Village Suites
Day 13 – Whistler
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. Whistler Guided Lunch Tour
Enjoy a delicious multi-course lunch while visiting some of the best local lunch spots and indulge a sweet tooth at a couple of chocolate shops.
Option 2. River of Golden Dreams Canoe Tour
This summertime paddle takes you on an enchanting canoe journey
from Alta Lake to Green Lake.
Option 3. Whistler Peak 2 Peak Gondola
Experience the beauty via the Peak Adventure on Whistler Mountain
as you soak up the unbelievable views of glaciers, extinct volcanoes and snow-capped peaks.
Option 4.Upgrade Option: Bear Safari in Whistler Olympic Park
Experience Olympic Park’s untouched wilderness, housing numerous
black bears. Witness them forage from your vehicle amidst pristine
landscapes.
Standard: Listel Whistler Hotel
Superior: Delta Whistler Village Suites
Day 14 – Tofino
Travel the Sea-to-Sky Highway through a landscape carved out by glaciers and edged by craggy fjords. After a brief stop at Shannon Falls continue to Horseshoe Bay where you will board a ferry (included) to sail across the Strait of Georgia to Vancouver Island. Your drive to the Pacific Coast will take you through ancient rainforests and provincial parks. You are venturing into true wildlife territory here, and you might even catch a glimpse of bears, deer or wolves. The Pacific Rim National Park is a marvel of ecological and geographical diversity as you will see as you pass through dense rainforests, steep ravines and windswept beaches.
Standard & Superior: Water’s Edge Shoreside Suites or Black Rock Resort
Day 15 – Tofino
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 favourite 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.
Standard & Superior: Water’s Edge Shoreside Suites or Black Rock Resort
Day 16 – Victoria
This morning’s drive will take you back to the east coast of Vancouver Island. En-route you might want to visit Horne Lake Caves or Cathedral Grove. The coastal road winds through quaint seaside towns and the murals of Chemainus and the quaint Quw’utsun’ Cultural and Conference Centre in Duncan are well worth the visit. The day winds down in Victoria, the capital of British Columbia.
Standard & Superior: Inn at Laurel Point
Day 17 – Victoria
Today you can 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.
Option 4. High Tea at the Empress Hotel
Enjoy High tea at the Fairmont Empress Hotel is a delightful, traditional
experience. Indulge in a lavish array of tea, finger sandwiches, pastries,
and scones, served in an elegant setting, enhancing the allure of this
historic Victoria, British Columbia landmark.
Standard & Superior: Inn at Laurel Point
Day 18 – Farewell from Vancouver
Leaving Victoria drive north to Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal for a 90 min
ferry ride to Tsawwassen. On-board BC Ferries enjoy the scenery of the
Gulf Islands as you cross the Strait of Georgia. From Tsawwassen you can continue on to downtown Vancouver to extend your stay or to the airport for your onward flight.
Your Itinerary
You can customise this Western Canada self drive itinerary 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 your downtown Vancouver hotel. The rest of the day is yours to explore this wonderful city at your leisure.
Standard: Rosedale on Robson (Breakfast included)
Superior: Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre
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 multicultural ambiance. No trip to Vancouver would be complete without a visit to the spectacular Capilano Suspension Bridge so we have included this for you today.
Standard: Rosedale on Robson (Breakfast included)
Superior: Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre
Day 3
| Kelowna
Today, travel into the Thompson Okanagan region; this region is famous for its orchards and vineyards as well as the wildly varied landscape. To the north of the central wine-and-fruit producing valley are vast boreal forests and to the south the desert of the Great Basin.
Standard: Prestige Beach House
Superior: The Royal Kelowna
Day 4
| Kelowna (Wine Tour)
Today, a full day tour will visit some of the best and oldest vineyards in the beautiful Okanagan.
You will be picked up at your hotel at around 10:00. Experience a bit of the history of the wine industry in the Okanagan, and enjoy some of the newer boutique-style wineries that are recent additions to their wine industry. You will visit a total of 5 wineries including a sit down tasting at one of the iconic wineries of Kelowna. You will have time for lunch at your choice of winery depending on availability, at your own cost.
Standard: Prestige Beach House
Superior: The Royal Kelowna
Day 5
| Emerald Lake Lodge
Today drive by spectacular waterfalls, towering peaks and beautiful lakes towards Revelstoke. Just before Revelstoke you will find Craigellachie, where the ‘last spike’ was driven completing the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1885. The mountains that were the curse of railway workers are responsible for the park’s many waterfalls including Laughing Falls, Wapta Falls, Twin Falls and one of Canada’s highest (833 feet), Takakkaw Falls.
Standard & Superior: Emerald Lake Lodge
Day 6
| Emerald Lake Lodge
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 & Superior: Emerald Lake Lodge
Day 7
| Banff National Park
Enjoy a leisurely drive to Banff National Park today. We recommend you choose to take the Bow Valley Parkway which runs along side the Bow River, it’s a lovely scenic drive. Along this route there’s an option for you to make a stop at Johnston Canyon and walk along the paved footpath to either the lower or upper waterfalls, beautiful!
Standard: Elk & Avenue Hotel
Superior: Banff Caribou Lodge
Day 8
| 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.
Standard: Elk & Avenue Hotel
Superior: Banff Caribou Lodge
Day 9
| Jasper National Park (via Lake Louise)
Drive to Jasper via the spectacular Icefields Parkway. We suggest a stop en route to enjoy the glorious photo opportunities of snow-capped peaks, waterfalls and alpine meadows as you travel this route considered one of the most scenic drives in the world. We have included an Ice Explorer ride on the Athabasca Glacier and a stop at the Glacier Skywalk enroute to Jasper.
Standard: Jasper Inn & Suites
Superior: Forest Park Hotel
Day 10
| 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.
Standard: Jasper Inn & Suites
Superior: Forest Park Hotel
Day 11
| Sun Peaks
Leaving Jasper National Park, travel the ‘Yellowhead’ Route past the sprawling grandeur of Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. Beyond Mount Robson Provincial Park, the highway follows the Thompson River through the snowy peaks of the Monashee and Caribou Mountains to the resort of Sun Peaks, near to Kamloops. This European style mountain resort, is perfect for skiing in winter, but also provides fresh mountain air and spectacular views all summer.
Standard & Superior: Sun Peaks Resort
Day 12
| Whistler
Start early today to allow yourself as much time as possible in the premier resort town of Whistler. The winding road leads through an arid landscape that gradually changes to lush forests lined with snow-capped mountain ranges.
Standard: Listel Whistler Hotel
Superior: Delta Whistler Village Suites
Day 13
| Whistler
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. Whistler Guided Lunch Tour
Enjoy a delicious multi-course lunch while visiting some of the best local lunch spots and indulge a sweet tooth at a couple of chocolate shops.
Option 2. River of Golden Dreams Canoe Tour
This summertime paddle takes you on an enchanting canoe journey
from Alta Lake to Green Lake.
Option 3. Whistler Peak 2 Peak Gondola
Experience the beauty via the Peak Adventure on Whistler Mountain
as you soak up the unbelievable views of glaciers, extinct volcanoes and snow-capped peaks.
Option 4.Upgrade Option: Bear Safari in Whistler Olympic Park
Experience Olympic Park’s untouched wilderness, housing numerous
black bears. Witness them forage from your vehicle amidst pristine
landscapes.
Standard: Listel Whistler Hotel
Superior: Delta Whistler Village Suites
Day 14
| Tofino
Travel the Sea-to-Sky Highway through a landscape carved out by glaciers and edged by craggy fjords. After a brief stop at Shannon Falls continue to Horseshoe Bay where you will board a ferry (included) to sail across the Strait of Georgia to Vancouver Island. Your drive to the Pacific Coast will take you through ancient rainforests and provincial parks. You are venturing into true wildlife territory here, and you might even catch a glimpse of bears, deer or wolves. The Pacific Rim National Park is a marvel of ecological and geographical diversity as you will see as you pass through dense rainforests, steep ravines and windswept beaches.
Standard & Superior: Water’s Edge Shoreside Suites or Black Rock Resort
Day 15
| Tofino
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 favourite 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.
Standard & Superior: Water’s Edge Shoreside Suites or Black Rock Resort
Day 16
| Victoria
This morning’s drive will take you back to the east coast of Vancouver Island. En-route you might want to visit Horne Lake Caves or Cathedral Grove. The coastal road winds through quaint seaside towns and the murals of Chemainus and the quaint Quw’utsun’ Cultural and Conference Centre in Duncan are well worth the visit. The day winds down in Victoria, the capital of British Columbia.
Standard & Superior: Inn at Laurel Point
Day 17
| Victoria
Today you can 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.
Option 4. High Tea at the Empress Hotel
Enjoy High tea at the Fairmont Empress Hotel is a delightful, traditional
experience. Indulge in a lavish array of tea, finger sandwiches, pastries,
and scones, served in an elegant setting, enhancing the allure of this
historic Victoria, British Columbia landmark.
Standard & Superior: Inn at Laurel Point
Day 18
| Farewell from Vancouver
Leaving Victoria drive north to Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal for a 90 min
ferry ride to Tsawwassen. On-board BC Ferries enjoy the scenery of the
Gulf Islands as you cross the Strait of Georgia. From Tsawwassen you can continue on to downtown Vancouver to extend your stay or to the airport for your onward flight.
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:
- An upgrade to deluxe hotels
- Extra nights in Vancouver or any locations 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.
Ultimate Western Canada
18 day Self Drive Holiday – from £2649
With flights from £3349
Price is per person, based on two 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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