Best of Rockies and West Coast Self Drive

Duration: 14 Days | 13 Nights
Dates: May - October
Countries to be visited: Canada
Departure & Return Locations: Calgary International Airport (YYC) and Vancouver International Airport

This is a self-drive holiday designed for travelers who like to explore the Canadian Rockies and West Coast. The “Best of Rockies & West Coast” combines the allure of the Canadian Rockies with the beauty of the Coast Mountains of Canada’s West Coast. In a span of 14 days, the itinerary will take you from Calgary to Banff National Park and through the Jasper National Park to the town of Jasper. You will explore Yellowhead Highway and drive past Mount Robson National Park and into the BC interior. Spend time visiting one of the most beautiful waterfalls in western Canada, the famous Helmcken Falls in the Wells Gray Provincial Park. Your route then continues west along the Fraser River and up the scenic Sea-to-Sky Hwy to the alpine resort of Whistler. Indulge yourself in all the fun activities Whistler has to offer before heading to Victoria on Vancouver Island. Your tour will end in the beautiful coastal city of Vancouver. This can be customised to fit your needs.

Places Visited: Calgary - Banff - Lake Louise - Moraine Lake - Yoho and Jasper National Parks - Columbia Icefield - Jasper - Kelowna - Whistler - Victoria - Vancouver

Day 1: Arrive in Calgary
Arrive in Calgary. On arrival at Calgary International Airport (YYC) pick up your bags and proceed to the Car Rental office at YYC Airport. Pick up your pre-paid rental car and drive to your hotel. Rest of the day free to explore Calgary on your own. Overnight in Calgary, AB.

Day 2: Calgary to Banff
Driving Distance – 126 KM | 2 hours

Leaving Calgary behind, you will set your sights today on the magnificent Rocky Mountains. Feel the majesty of these mountains as you first travel through the foothills and then enter Banff National Park where the craggy peaks loom larger the closer you get. After you have arrived in the bustling town of Banff, the remainder of the day is free to explore its charms. On arrival in Banff, you will check into your hotel. Rest of the day is free to explore this bustling town in the Rockies.

Mt. Rundle and Mt. Cascade, part of the Rocky Mountains dominate the skyline of Banff. Boutiques and restaurants mix with château-style hotels and souvenir shops on Banff Avenue, the main thoroughfare. The 6,500 square kilometers of parkland surrounding Banff is host to animals including elk and grizzly bears. Overnight in Banff, AB.

Day 3: Banff Gondola Experience
Spend the day exploring Banff and the Banff National Park. Start your day with ride on the famous Banff Gondola to the summit of the Sulphur Mountain. Visit Lookout Point, Bow Falls, the Tunnel Mountains & the Hoodoos. Explore Johnston Canyon or spend your day in some of the interesting activities Banff offers. These include a cruise on Lake Minnewanka, hiking, Horseback Riding with a Cowboy Cookout, river rafting in Kicking Horse, Via Ferrata on Mount Norquay and much more. Admission tickets to Banff Gondola is included in your tour package. Overnight in Banff, AB.

Day 4: Discover the Yoho National Park
Driving Distance – 190 KM | 8 hours

If you want to discover the magic of the Rockies, you must visit the Yoho National Park. Located in British Columbia, Yoho National Park is located along the western slopes of the Canadian Rocky Mountains west of the Banff National Park. Yoho in Cree Nation language means “Awe” and the park offers it all - deep blue rivers, roaring waterfalls, and green pines surrounding the lakes – scenery that awaits your eyes.

Your first stop of the day would be Lake Louise, the UNEASCO designated World Heritage site. From here, proceed to Yoho National Park. Spend the day discovering the Lower Spiral Tunnel Viewpoint, the Natural Bridge, Emerald Lake, Yoho Valley Road, the Takkakaw Falls, and a visit to the town of Field. You may even want to drive all the way out and visit the beautiful village of Kicking Horse in BC.
Overnight in Banff, AB. (Tip – start early to avoid the crowds and parking challenges at Lake Louise, especially in summer months).

Day 5: Icefiled Parkway tour from Banff to Jasper
Driving Distance – 288 KM | 10 hours

This morning, you will leave the town of Banff to drive north to Jasper at the top of the Icefield Park. This is 288 km drive and with the stops you will make enroute, it will take up your entire day, and you will arrive in Jasper closer to dinner time. Your first stop this morning will be at Lake Louise, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The shimmering turquoise green waters of Lake Louise will leave you speechless.

You will find it hard to tear away from the stunning beauty of Lake Louise. But, north along Icefields Parkway (Highway 93), a wide stretch of breath-taking country awaits you. Renowned for the Columbia Icefield off this Hwy, the parkway winds through forested river valleys cradled by walls of dazzling peaks. You will frequently spot elk, moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, black and grizzly bears, wolf, or caribou.

Interesting viewing spots along the highway include Bow Lake with majestic views of the Crowfoot Glacier, Saskatchewan River Crossing, Sunwapta River, and Athabasca Falls. Admission tickets to Columbia Icefield attractions – Ice Explorer and Glacier Skywalk Experience are included in your tour package. Overnight in Jasper, AB.

Day 6: Maligne Lake Cruise & Optional Sight Seeing
On the northernmost point on Hwy-93, Jasper is a small mountain town tucked away in the Jasper National Park. You can do two different tours of Jasper. A short leisurely drive that visits all the best locations that are close to the town. The second tour you can take is a longer drive to the best corners of the park.

Closer to town, drive out to Pyramid and Patricia Lakes for some stunning views. Take a ride up onto Whistlers Mountain on the Jasper SkyTram and have a great chance of sharing excellent views with big horn sheep at the top of the stairs at Old Fort Point.

Further out, drive to the Maligne Lake for a Cruise to the Spirit Island. Enroute, stop to see the historic Jasper Park Lodge, Edith, and Annette Lakes. Pay a visit to the narrow and deep Maligne Canyon and the fast-disappearing Medicine Lake.

If you still have time on hand, drive east to visit Miette Hot Springs for the hottest soak in the Rockies.
Jasper is also famous for river rafting, white water rafting and other water spots. Please check optional tours for more information. Your tour package includes admissions to Maligne Lake Cruise. Overnight in Jasper, AB.

Day 7: Drive from Jasper to Kelowna
Driving Distance – 693 KM | 10 hours

Leave Jasper this morning for Kelowna in BC. Leaving Jasper National Park, this 7-hour or so drive including stops enroute will take you down on the 'Yellowhead Hwy'. Originally explored by trappers and traders, you will drive 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 Kamloops where you will turn on to Hwy 97 to arrive in Kelowna early evening.

There are many scenic stops you can make on the route including the beautiful Helmcken Falls and the Spahat Falls in the Wells Gray Provincial Park. There are also interesting wildlife safaris offered at Blue River, BC, 2 ½ hours out of Jasper on the drive to Kelowna.

If you plan to visit Helmcken Fall or go on the wildlife safaris at Blue River, make sure to set aside at least 10-hours on this leg of the tour. Overnight in Kelowna, BC.

Day 8: Drive from Kelowna to Whistler
Driving Distance - 509 KM | 6 hours

Kelowna is famous for some of the best wines in Canada. Perhaps, you will want to go on an optional tour of one of the more famous wineries in Kelowna before commencing your drive to Whistler.

Departing Kelowna this morning, you will cross the Okanagan Lake and drive west. Past the town of Hope, you will drive along the Fraser River towards North Vancouver. Here, you will turn on to Hwy 99, the Sea to Sky Highway, one of the country’s most popular routes, flanked by the mountains and the Howe Sound. The highway passes several scenic viewing spots, the best of which is Shannon Falls. Tumbling over a series of cliffs to fall 335 m to the ground, this is the third-highest waterfall in British Columbia. It is located just off the highway, and easily accessible with a short walk to the multiple viewpoints around the falls. Spend some time here to capture memorable photographs of nature’s power and beauty. You will arrive in Whistler late afternoon. Rest of the day free to. Overnight in Whistler, BC.

Day 9: Peak-toPeak Gondola Experience
Whistler is the activity capital of Canada on the Pacific Coast. Site of the 2010 Winter Olympics, Whistler offers a variety of tours and soft adventure activities.

Ride the prime attraction of Whistler, the world-famous Peak-2-Peak Gondola. The Peak-to-Peak Gondola is a 11 minute, 4.4 kilometres (2.7 miles) long cable car ride that spans the Whistler and Blackcomb Peaks. Be ready to spend on an average of 2 hours to enjoy this experience best.

Whistler also offers several soft adventure tours including a Helicopter Tour of the Mountain ranges around the Whistler Village with a Glacier Landing, Mountain Biking, Ziplining, RZR/ATV Rainforest Tours, River Rafting and more. Winter promises you lots of winter fun including skiing, tobogganing, snowtubing, snowshoeing, Nordic skiing, snowmobiling (in winter), dogsledding and more. Admission tickets to Peak-to-Peak Gondola is included in your tour package. Overnight in Whistler, BC.

Day 10: Whistler to Victoria
Driving Distance – 273 km | 6 hours

This morning, check out of your hotel and depart for Victoria on Vancouver. This drive will include a ferry crossing from Horseshow Bay in North Vancouver to Nanaimo on Vancouver. On arriving at Departure Bay in Nanaimo, take the Highway 1 south to Victoria. The drive from Nanaimo to Victoria, will take your through the scenic Cowichan Valley and small towns such as Ladysmith and Duncan.

Adorned with flowers and colonial architecture, Victoria is a wanderer's paradise. Admire the beauty of the ocean and reflect on the area's rich colonial history. Walk along the Inner Harbour, take a picture of the imposing Parliament Building; visit the Royal BC Museum or the world famous Butchart Gardens. Indulge in the age-old English tradition of high tea at the famous Fairmont Empress Hotel (reservations required). Overnight in Victoria, BC.

Day 11: Whale Watching Tour and Explore Victoria
This morning you will go on a Whale Watching tour. Experience BC’s Marine Wildlife – Orcas, Sea Lions, Humpbacks & More! You will get to choose between a luxury covered vessel with heated indoor cabins, full washroom facilities, and an upper viewing deck optimal for wildlife viewing and taking in the city sights from all sides of the vessel or an adventurous, durable, and stable open air 12 passenger zodiac vessel. Everyone of our whale watching tour is led by a marine naturalist whose passion and knowledge of Vancouver Island’s marine wildlife is unparalleled in the industry! The Whale watching tour is included in your tour package.

Rest of the day is for you to explore Victoria. You may also opt to go on one of the optional tours we offer in Victoria. Please check with us for more information of the optional tours offered. Overnight in Victoria, BC.

Day 12: Drive from Victoria to Vancouver
Driving Distance – 115 KM | 4 hours

This morning, check out of your hotel and depart for Vancouver. Once again, todays drive includes a ferry crossing from Swartz Bay on Vancouver Island to Tsawwassen on the mainland, approximately a 47-minute drive south of Vancouver. On arrival in Vancouver, check into your hotel. Rest of the day free to explore Vancouver. Overnight in Vancouver, BC.

Day 13: Explore Vancouver or optional sight-seeing tours
Use your day to explore the best sites Vancouver has to offer. Take in the view at the spectacular waterfront, including the five iconic 90 ft white sails standing tall atop the Canada Place, Soak in the energy as you stroll along Robson Street, packed with busy stores, thriving eateries and several other service establishments. Then, marvel at the stunning view of the two mountains towering over the Lions Gate Bridge, guarded by concrete lion statues at the south end of the bridge and along Stanley Park Drive. Drive through Stanley Park, the 400-hectare natural West Coast rainforest right in the heart of the city. Drive across the Lion’s Gate Bridge to North Vancouver and on to one of Vancouver’s most visited attractions – “the Capilano Bridge, Treetops and Cliff Walk”. Admission tickets to Capilano Bridge, Treetops & Cliffwalk is included in your tour package.

End the day with an optional 4-D Flight Simulation Experience at FlyOver Canada. The complete FlyOver Canada experience lasts about 25 minutes and counts among the best things to do in Canada. It starts out with an exciting audio-visual show called UpLift, which showcases the country’s people and passions and gets you ready for the breathtaking flight simulation ride. Then, move on to the boarding zone, where the flight guides will prepare you for the Ultimate Flying Ride that will take you soaring over the great Canadian expanse, all without leaving Vancouver. Overnight in Vancouver, BC.

Day 14: End of your self-drive tour

This morning checkout of hotel, drive to Vancouver International Airport, drop off your rental car and fly home. Hotel checkout is posted for 11 AM.

Tour Price:
• Price shown is for a person based on twin share accommodation. Single, Triple and Quad occupancy options can also be organized.
• This is a self-drive tour with guidance and relevant bookings made by us.
• Accommodation pricing is based on 3-star hotels but can be upgraded to 4 or 5 stars for additional costs.
• All prices displayed are subject to availability and can be withdrawn or varied without notice.
• Prices are guaranteed once booking is confirmed by us and paid in full by the due date.
• Depending on your needs and group size (individual, couple, family, group, etc.) we will provide the final pricing for your tour.

Inclusions:
• Accommodation for 13 Nights
 Calgary – 1 night
 Banff – 3 nights
 Jasper – 2 nights
 Kelowna – 1 night
 Whistler – 2 nights
 Victoria – 2 nights
 Vancouver – 2 nights
• Daily Breakfast
• Rental of a Mid-size Car with Unlimited Mileage
• Rental Car Insurance
• Ferry Tickets
• Taxes & HST
• Admission tickets to:
 Banf Gondola
 Ice Explorer and Glacier Skywalk at Columbia Icefield.
 Maline Lake Cruise in jasper.
 Peak-to-Peak Gondola in Whistler.
 Whale Watching Tour in Victoria.
 Capilano bridge, Treetops and Cliff Walk.
 BC Ferry Tickets – Horseshoe Bay to Departure Bay, Nanaimo, BC.
 BC Ferry Tickets – Swartz Bay to Tsawwassen, BC.
 Resort fees, Taxes & HST.

Exclusions:
• International and domestic airfare
• Travel Insurance (Required)
• Airport taxes and charges
• Any Private Expenses
• Meals not mentioned
• Personal Incidentals such as Telephone calls, Room Service, Laundry, Bottled water in hotel rooms
• Tip to Guide/Driver, Porterage Fee and others which are personal in nature
• Canada Park Fees
• Early check-in or late check-out charges
• Optional tours and activities
• Other services not mentioned in the itinerary

Please refer to our Standard Booking Conditions for booking terms and conditions.