Rockies to Vancouver, Canadian Style
- Duration
- 14 Days
- Prices From:
- AU$ 7,214
MODERATE | SELF-DRIVE: Slow down the pace a little and enjoy some of the most magnificent locations and unique resorts in the Rockies, highlighting the splendor of Canada’s most spectacular scenery from Banff and Lake Louise to Jasper. Delight in the enchanting view of Maligne Lake and admire the stunning landscape of Icefields Parkway or British Columbia’s Fraser Canyon. At the end of the trip one of the world’s most fabulous cities awaits: Vancouver, wonderfully located between the mountains and the Pacific coast.
This 14-day tour gives you full freedom of Canada’s mountain roads, leading you on a self-driven tour of the most breathtaking locations in the Canadian Rockies. Your adventure awaits in Calgary, where you’ll get in your car and head eastward towards Vancouver’s Pacific Coast, with stops in Banff, Jasper, Lake Louise, Kamloops, and all their natural gems in between.
Your Road book contains all the information you’ll need for this expedition, so take off with confidence for Banff. From your base at Buffalo Mountain Lodge, you’ll be in direct view of the lofty peaks above due to its unique location on Tunnel Mountain. The town holds many wonders as well, including potential wildlife sightings from wild elk and deer who like to stroll through its streets alongside tourists, doing their fair share of window shopping at Banff’s many boutiques and restaurants.
Pyramid Lake Resort awaits you in Jasper on one of the most scenic drives in the world, so take your time getting there as mountain peaks loom and pines give way to hidden rivers in Alberta’s wild interior. Consider a stop at Peyto Lake, whose waters are such a deep blue that you’ll think it’s artificial. That’s just the natural beauty of the Canadian Rockies, not even counting the waterfalls and alpine meadows stretching as far as the eye can see.
Jasper brings no shortage of adventure nor imagination. Prepare to get wet as you embark on a white-water rafting trip, a thrilling ride suitable for absolute beginners. New experiences abound in this ecological marvel, which you’ll confirm after looking into the depths of Maligne Canyon, whose history dates back 10,000 years. You’ll also get a glimpse of the disappearing Medicine Lake before a trip to Maligne Lake, where you’ll cruise on clear waters to Spirit Island for a world-famous viewpoint of the Rockies followed by a tasty treat at the Lake Chalet. You can rest the next day, when you’ll board the Ice Explorer at the Columbia Icefield for a journey on the Athabasca Glacier.
No two lakes in Alberta are the same, which you’ll find out when you meet the picture-perfect shores of Lake Louise at Baker Creek Mountain Resort. Find inner peace along its clear waters, challenge yourself to a hike with your difficulty level of choice, or check out the abundance of adventure tours in the area.
The border between British Columbia and Alberta lies between mountain and forest, which you’ll traverse on its roads towards Glacier National Park and Mount Robson, the tallest peak of the Canadian Rockies. Crane your neck upwards and carry on towards Kamloops, where you can relax in your hotel or get right back into the outdoors. Kamloops’ reputation as an outdoor activity hotspot is no joke, but if you’d like to take a sports break, you can absorb some history at the Firehall Museum or board the Kamloops Heritage Railway for a short tour in summer.
The drive to your final stop in Vancouver is an unforgettable one that traverses ranch land, making you feel like you’ve taken a step back in time as you spot herds of cattle and cowboys on horseback. Feel the roar of the Frayer Canyon and its river as over 750,000 litres of water rush through the Hell’s Gate Gorge every minute, which is best viewed from a gondola ride about.
Once in Vancouver, freewheel through the streets of Canada’s “Gateway to the Pacific” as salty sea air mixes with the hustle and bustle of this modern city. Take a city tour that shows you all its most lively sights, from Chinatown, Gastown, Robson Street, Stanley Park, Capilano Suspension Bridge, and more.
At the end of your stay, make your way to the Vancouver International Airport for your flight onwards.
- Duration
- 14 Days
- Prices From:
- AU$ 7,214
Itinerary
Arrival in Calgary / Calgary to Banff
After arriving at Calgary’s International airport, set your sights immediately on the magnificent Rocky Mountains. The Roadbook you received has all the information needed for your trip. Experience the majesty of the mountains as you first travel through the foothills and then enter Banff National Park where the lofty peaks form a picturesque crown around the parklands. After arriving in the famous resort town of Banff - depending on your time of arrival - the remainder of the day is free to explore its charms, including the sight of an elk strolling down main street as you are checking out the boutiques, shops, and restaurants.
Overnight Banff
| Duration | 2 Nights |
|---|
Banff / Buffalo Mountain Lodge
Today is yours to explore the beautiful surrounding of the Buffalo Mountain Lodge, which is distinct from most Banff hotels because of its location on Tunnel Mountain. Enjoy one of the many hiking trails that are accessible from trail heads near the lodge or take advantage of the numerous mountain bike trails and several road riding areas near both the lodge and the Banff townsite. Trails range from easy to difficult and are one of the best ways to experience both the natural wonders of the area and discover the charms of the town and its amenities.
Overnight Banff
Banff to Jasper (288 km / 179 miles)
Drive to Jasper via the spectacular Icefields Parkway. We suggest a stop at Peyto Lake en route. Enjoy 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.
Overnight Jasper
| Duration | 3 Nights |
|---|
Jasper / Pyramid Lake Resort
Today you take to the rapids on a thrilling white water rafting trip. Travelling approximately 9-kilometres, you encounter many Class 2 white water rapids on this introductory-level excursion. A licensed guide provides commentary on the local and natural history, against a backdrop of incomparable views of Jasper National Park. Returning to the resort, you might like to explore another local hiking trail or try a relaxing paddle boat or canoe on the calm waters of the lake.
Overnight Jasper
Jasper / Pyramid Lake Resort
Today, you can enjoy a tour of one of the most spectacular areas of Jasper National Park. The first stop is at Maligne Canyon where 10,000 years of erosion have created a 49-metre-deep gorge. Set off on a short walk to marvel at the Maligne River, see the “mysteriously” disappearing Medicine Lake before proceeding to Maligne Lake. Embark on a 90-minute interpretative boat cruise to the world-renowned Spirit Island, followed by a tasty treat at the Lake Chalet. Alternatively, you may enjoy a guided 75-minute walk along the shoreline trail of Maligne Lake. Return to the resort to relax for the evening and reflect on the day’s adventures.
Overnight Jasper
Jasper to Lake Louise/Baker Creek Mountain Resort (538 km / 334 miles)
Leaving Jasper, you retrace your route along the Icefield’s Parkway, which offers another opportunity to stop and photograph some of the canyon landscapes enshrouded by the towering mountains in the background. At the Columbia Icefield, you board the specially designed Ice Explorer for a journey on to the massive Athabasca Glacier and experience the thrill of walking on centuries-old glacial ice. Continue to the small town of Lake Louise named after the glacier-fed lake that boasts emerald green waters set against white of the ice shelf in the distance. After a long driving day, check in at Baker Creek Mountain Resort to relax for the evening.
Overnight Lake Louise/Baker Creek Mountain Resort
| Duration | 3 Nights |
|---|
Lake Louise/Baker Creek Mountain Resort
Your resort is a 15-minute drive from Lake Louise and over the next two days you can discover why this quiet area is the perfect location to reconnect with nature. Depending on your mood and inclination, you can challenge your adventurous spirit or find a place of serenity and personal reflection. Hiking trails that lead to all levels of routes are close by the resort, making it easy to plan either a short hike or a series of hikes for the day. The resort’s proximity to Lake Louise gives you easy access to the outfitters and adventure suppliers based there. Guides, equipment rentals and tours can make any stay an unforgettable one.
Overnight Lake Louise/Baker Creek Mountain Resort
Lake Louise/Baker Creek Mountain Resort to Kamloops (453 km / 281 miles)
Today’s journey takes you through the pristine landscapes that mark the border between Alberta and British Columbia which lie at the very heart of the Rocky Mountains. First traversing the forests, plains and passes of Yoho National Park, you cross over the provincial border and into Glacier National Park, home of the towering Mt. Robson. Continuing westward, the road passes by the picturesque southern shores of Shuswap Lake and its contributing waterways. Arriving in Kamloops, check into your hotel and relax after a long drive but rewarding day of exploration.
Overnight Kamloops
| Duration | 3 Nights |
|---|
Kamloops
Kamloops has developed its reputation as central British Columbia’s hub for outdoor activities and adventure. Whether enjoying a day along the sandy beaches of the South Thompson River at downtown’s Riverside Beach Park or hiking the easy trails of Kenna Cartwright Municipal Nature Park, there is an outdoor activity for every skill level. For a unique look back in Kamloops’ history, hop aboard the Kamloops Heritage Railway for a short tour of the local area (July & August only), visit the Firehall Museum or the Kamloops Archive Collection on Seymour Street.
Overnight Kamloops
Kamloops to Vancouver (354 km / 220 miles)
Departing the resort this morning, you traverse the stunning, sagebrush-covered ranch land along the South Thompson River and its vast herds of cattle and cowboys on horseback. Entering between the towering rock walls of the Fraser Canyon, marvel at the thunder of the whitewater rapids of the Fraser River gushing far below. Over 750,000 litres of water surge through the 34-metre Hell’s Gate gorge every minute and a suggested gondola ride over this part of the canyon is highly recommended. Further downstream, the lush Fraser Valley opens into the maritime basin of the Lower Mainland as you approach Vancouver, Canada’s ‘Gateway to the Pacific’.
Overnight Vancouver
| Duration | 2 Nights |
|---|
Vancouver
Today you discover the unforgettable sights and sounds of this Oceanside metropolis on your Vancouver city tour. See such city highlights as Place, Robson Street, Sports Venues, the Library, theatres, Chinatown and historic Gastown. The tour includes the Capilano Suspension Bridge in the North Shore rainforest. Cross the 450-ft-long bridge over a spectacular canyon to the Treetops Adventure observation structure before concluding with a visit to Granville Island with its public market, shops, eateries, and galleries along the water.
Overnight Vancouver
Vancouver
When it’s time, make your way to Vancouver International Airport for your flight home unless you plan to extend your stay.
Other Information
DEPARTURES:
Daily departures: May 7 - September 26, 2024
PRICE INCLUDES:
- 14 days Intermediate Car Rental with unlimited mileage (Toyota Corolla or similar)
- Customized Self-Drive Roadbook (Digital version)
- 2 nights moderate accommodations in Banff
- 3 nights moderate accommodations in Jasper
- 3 nights moderate accommodations in Lake Louise
- 3 nights moderate accommodations in Kamloops
- 2 nights moderate accommodations in Vancouver
- Banff resort activities: hiking, biking (bike rental not included)
- Shared White water rafting in Jasper (2.5 hours)
- Shared Nature tour to Malign Lake with Walk (May 2 – 25)
- Shared Nature tour to Malign Lake with Cruise (May 26 – Sep 21)
- Shared Ice Explorer ride on the Columbia Icefield (1.5 hours)
- Baker Creek Mountain Resort activities; hiking
- Shared Sightseeing tour of Vancouver and Capilano Suspension Bridge Park (5 hours)
PRICE EXCLUDES:
- Car rental insurance
- Travel insurance
- International and domestic airfare & airfare taxes
- Entrances fees to sites not explicitly listed as included
- National Park Fees - All visitors to Banff and/or Jasper National Parks are required to obtain a National Park Visitor’s Pass. The pass can be obtained either at the airport or at the information centers in Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper. If arriving by car the passengers may obtain the pass at the park entrance gate.
- Meals and beverages not mentioned
- Road tolls
- Gratuities
- Items of a personal nature
- Visa fees if applicable
TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
Prices are "from" per person based on twin/double share accommodation and for travel in low season. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply. Limited seat/spaces and all pricing is subject to change and availability. Rates for single or triple travellers are available on request. Additional terms and conditions apply for car rental - please inquire.
12 Sep 2024
