North West Adventure: Vancouver, Prince George, Whitehorse & More

Following your arrival at Vancouver International Airport, proceed along the Sea-to-Sky Sky Highway to the village of Whistler. The Roadbook you received has all the information needed for your holiday/trip/journey. For the rest of the day enjoy becoming acquainted with this fabulous, world-famous, four-season resort. Whistler village is in many ways down-to-earth but offers everything from outstanding dining to a wide array of boutiques, shops, museums, galleries, and entertainment galore.

Overnight Whistler

A day to discover the many charms of Whistler. The cafes, restaurants, and shops of the village, together with pedestrian walkways and town squares are perfect for leisurely walks of discovery. Woodland trails surround the village, as does a well-developed network of biking and hiking trails for outdoor enthusiasts of all abilities.

Overnight Whistler

The road leads northward today into the fabled Cariboo Region, made famous for its bountiful precious mineral deposits. The area drew prospectors and adventurers during the Gold Rush period, many of whom stayed on to found the small communities that flourish there today. 108 Mile Ranch itself was established to support the miners on their trek to find their riches in the mountains of this rugged land.

Overnight 108 Mile Ranch

Enjoy a day to explore the local area. This ranch-dotted western paradise set near the shores of 108 Mile Lake is steeped in frontier history of the Cariboo region, with weather-beaten relics still standing as a reminder of frontier days long past.

Overnight 108 Mile Ranch

The drive today travels through some of the wildest areas of the province, the route dotted with small towns that support the lumber harvesting industry and celebrate the frontier culture that is still alive in these communities. En route to Prince George, try to take some time visiting Barkerville, a Gold Rush town that has been restored to its pioneer glory days.

Overnight Prince George

The interior mountains are a place of immense beauty derived from the ancient forests and large expanses of untouched wilderness that lie just off the roadside. Large animals such as bears and elk inhabit the forests, many of them enshrined in the art, legends and culture of several First Nations peoples that have called this region home for thousands of years.

Overnight Smithers

Put on your prospector’s hat and strike north today on the way to the base of the panhandle of Alaska! This route, once taken at great risk by prospectors and adventurers alike, still rings with the hope and sometimes desperation of the ‘tin pans’ that risked it all for a chance at golden riches.

Overnight Bell li / Stewart area

Few ever travel the roads of northern British Columbia and today you join that exclusive club! The wild but serene landscape is a constant companion, providing near endless photo opportunities and invite all who pass through these lands to make stops to enjoy the vastness of the wilderness. Arriving in Watson Lake, take some time to visit the ‘signpost forest’ – a collection of over 10,000 signposts donated by visitors from around the world.

Overnight Watson Lake

Departing westward along the Alaska Highway into the interior of the Yukon as it dances back and forth along the provincial border, pass through small towns and villages such as Teslin and Swift River that have carved unique communities out of a rugged wilderness. Arrive in Whitehorse, providing the comforts and conveniences of a bigger city in the far north.

Overnight Whitehorse

Born in the frenzied days of the Gold Rush, this frontier town on the banks of the mighty Yukon still echoes with the din of the hardy prospectors from the past. With a full day at leisure, we suggest taking a daytrip to remote Skagway, or to visit some of the local sites such as the SS Klondike, Beringia Centre, the Transportation Museum, or the MacBride Museum.

Overnight Whitehorse

On the westbound journey today, take some time to explore natural wonders, including the shores of Lake Kluane and Destruction Bay, or the spectacular Kluane National Park. Well-marked hiking trails and scenic viewpoints showcase some of the unique landscapes of these protected parklands. Arrive in Beaver Creek where the mighty Alaskan and Yukon highways meet.

Overnight Beaver Creek

Today, journey along a picturesque route following the Taylor Highway and Top of the World Highway as it traverses the wilds of Yukon and crosses over the international border into Alaska, USA. The small crossroads town of Chicken provides the ideal midway point to stop and experience a slice of local life. Ending with a short crossing of the Yukon River by ferry, arrive back in Yukon at Dawson City, a frontier town that still glitters with the golden hopes of the past.

Overnight Dawson City

Immerse yourself in the excitement of the Gold Rush days as the town comes alive with period actors on local walking tours, historical buildings and interactive gold-panning stations that give visitors a taste of the past. The Bonanza Creek with Discovery Claim and Dredge 4 National Historic Site provides an in-depth look into the industry that made the town famous. The Midnight Dome offers dramatic views of the town at the confluence of the Yukon and Klondike Rivers.

Overnight Dawson City

Journeying inland, you embark on a day of exploration as you discover the peace of the road seldom travelled. Venture through tracts of starkly beautiful wilderness, often home to First Nations peoples such as the Little Salmon Carmacks band. Arrive in the small village of Carmacks, set under the watchful eye of distant mountains.

Overnight in Carmacks

Campbell Highway is your guide today as you follow the path of several rivers and long lakes, many only previously seen by the most avid outdoorsman or eco-adventurer. Arriving in Watson Lake, enjoy another opportunity to explore this small town, perhaps with a stop at the World War II exhibit at the local airport.

Overnight Watson Lake

Crossing into the northern reaches of British Columbia, pass through the top of the Rocky Mountains and experience the magnificent splendor of raw, untouched wilderness that few ever see. Perhaps stop in Muncho Lake for lunch for a taste of local fare before continuing to your destination in Fort Nelson. Overnight in Fort Nelson. Overnight Fort Nelson

Continuing along the upper spur of the Rockies, the route leads into the open lands along the provincial border with Alberta. Arriving in Fort Saint John, the welcoming sight of the Peace River Valley welcomes you after a long day of exploration.

Overnight Fort Saint John

Travelling farther south, arrive in the economic hub of Grand Prairie. Surrounded by forests, cascading rivers, city parklands, art galleries and activity centers, the city is a meeting place, cultural and commercial center of northern Alberta for residents and visitors alike.

Overnight Grand Prairie

Descending south along the skirt of the Rockies, turn westward at the small community of Hinton and plunge into the mountains and one of the most famous of Canada’s park system, Jasper National Park. Arrive in this small village, known as one of the major outdoor adventure and eco-tourism centers of the west.

Overnight Jasper

Today depart along the Icefields Parkway as it meanders through a landscape of peaks and glaciers, embarking on an incredible 1.5-hour sightseeing tour of the Columbia Icefield in an all-terrain Ice Explorer vehicle. Afterwards, the Trans-Canada Highway leads you to Banff, a famous year-round resort village boasting spectacular wilderness scenery, outdoor adventure activities and international dining.

Overnight Banff

A day at leisure in Banff means you have the very best of the Rockies right at your doorstep. Dining, shopping, small local museums, and galleries in town, or hiking sightseeing, wildlife viewing and endless outdoor excursions, Banff literally has it all. Ride the Banff gondola and hike the summit or, perhaps, go for a drive back to the Icefields Parkway.

Overnight Banff

Today your travels come to an end as you proceed to Calgary International Airport for your flight home, or your hotel if you plan to extend your trip in Alberta.