Mountain Country: Banff, Prince George, Victoria & More
- Duration
- 19 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 3,700
MODERATE | SELF-DRIVE: A classic route that offers all the breathtaking scenery of British Columbia and Alberta. The fabulous city of Vancouver is your starting point before travelling to the charming Okanagan Valley. Spectacular waterfalls, towering peaks and beautiful lakes accompany you as you drive to Glacier National Park, and the resort regions of Banff and Jasper. Mount Robson and the Cariboo region are enthralling landmarks as you head north to the Pacific Coast and sail the magnificent Inside Passage to Vancouver Island, where delightful Victoria awaits you.
Breathtaking mountain scenery. One of the world’s best cities. And a scenic boat trip. Goway’s 19-day Mountain Country road trip is a Canadian classic that has something for just about everyone.
Arriving in Vancouver, you should have a little time to stretch your legs and explore. The tiny ferry boats that bop around False Creek are a fun way to see the city from the water. If you’re feeling a little more energetic, you can try a kayak ride near Granville Island, or rent a bike and ride out to English Bay.
One great activity is a tour with Historic Chinatown Tours. You’ll see pretty temples and explore lively markets. Try a great seafood restaurant for dinner, or sip a craft cocktail in a trendy Yaletown bar.
The drive from Vancouver to Penticton is a scenic one that includes sweet-smelling forests and, in season, beautiful rhododendrons at Manning Provincial Park. You’ll find marvelous wineries around Penticton, and up and down the Okanagan Region.
The town of Oliver is home to Covert Farms winery, where they have a beautiful, 1952 Mercury pickup truck that they use for winery tours. The drive to Revelstoke takes you higher and higher, up into the western edge of the Rockies.
Stop along the Trans-Canada Highway at Craigellachie to see where the last spike was laid in the Canadian Pacific Railway. On your way to Banff, don’t miss Yoho National Park, home to the towering Takakkaw Falls, the second highest in Canada.
Shop in Banff for great souvenirs on Banff Avenue, or enjoy an outdoor meal. The hiking at Sunshine Meadows in Banff is quite easy, revealing sparkling alpine lakes and cute-as-can-be marmots that scamper about.
The drive to Jasper takes you past some of the most jaw-dropping mountain scenery on the planet. Stop at the Peyto Lake lookout for incredible views, or take a walk around the rushing waters of Mistaya Canyon. In Jasper, try a boat tour to enjoy the crystal-clear waters of Maligne Lake, or ride the Jasper Sky Tram, which takes you into the mountains 2,263 meters above sea level.
From Jasper you’ll head back into B.C. and drive the scenic Yellowhead Highway, which meanders through stands of beautiful forest and majestic mountains. Stop for an Instagram photo at Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Rockies.
Wells Gray Provincial Park is great for hiking, canoeing, horseback riding or river rafting. From there, it’s a short ride to the rugged Cariboo Region, where you’ll find massive cattle ranches. Barkerville is a restored, attractive pioneer settlement from the 1860’s Cariboo Gold Rush days.
In Prince George you can check out The Central British Columbia Railway and Forestry Museum. Just outside Smithers, BC is Babine Mountain Provincial Park, with rugged peaks, sub-alpine meadows and glittering, glacier-fed lakes.
The drive from Smithers to Prince Rupert takes you along the scenic Skeena River Valley, with tall, rugged mountains flanking a wide, pretty river. Stop at the Ksan Native Village in Hazelton to check out totem poles, tribal houses and carving sheds used by the Gitksan First National.
From Prince Rupert you’ll take a scenic ocean cruise on BC ferries, which cruises along the stunning British Columbia coastline. Look for eagles out hunting or frisky sea lions. You’ll dock in Port Hardy on the northern end of Vancouver Island.
Just a few minutes outside of Campbell River is Elk Falls Provincial Park, which has a suspension bridge and serene, old growth forests to explore. The coastal town of Nanaimo has an Old City quarter with nice cafes and boutique shops. Visit the new Malahat Skywalk for a birds’ eye view of the Gulf Islands and Saanich Peninsula.
From here it’s on to Victoria, often voted one of the world’s most beautiful cities. Take a spin along Dallas Road for wonderful views, or try shopping in the independent stores of Oak Bay. Victoria has a wonderful food scene, as well as great coffee shops and craft breweries. Traverse the charming Saanich Peninsula before enjoying your ferry ride back to Vancouver, where you’ll cruise past beautiful, forested islands and sparkling ocean waters.
- Duration
- 19 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 3,700
Itinerary
Arrival in Vancouver
Following your arrival at Vancouver International Airport, transfer independently to your downtown hotel. The Roadbook you received has all the information needed for your holiday/trip/journey. Enjoy the rest of your day exploring the city’s vibrant nightlife in neighborhoods such as Yaletown or Gastown, venture along the meandering pathways along the ocean, visit a gallery, or indulge in some shopping on Robson Street. Overnight Vancouver
| Duration | 2 Nights |
|---|
Vancouver
A full day is barely enough to tour Vancouver and the surrounding area. Among the city’s highlights are the MacMillan Planetarium, Chinatown, Gastown, Granville Island, Capilano Suspension Bridge and Grouse Mountain. For a quite unique experience you might visit Klahowya Village in Stanley Park where you travel through the forest on the Spirit Catcher miniature train, watch cultural performances, and shop the Artisan Marketplace. Overnight Vancouver
Vancouver to Penticton (417 km / 259 miles)
Enjoy the scenic drive to Penticton via the dense forests of Manning Provincial Park and approach your destination from the south. In the park, you can take a walk on the remnants of the Dewdney Trail or the Rhododendron Flats. The town of Penticton lies at the lower end of Okanagan Lake and the lush orchards and vineyards of the Okanagan Valley. The region is also renowned for its beaches and hot, dry climate. Overnight Penticton
| Duration | 1 Night |
|---|
Penticton to Revelstoke (260 km / 162miles)
You have time in the morning to see more of the Okanagan Valley. Afterwards, on your way to Revelstoke, the drive takes you past spectacular waterfalls, towering peaks, and beautiful lakes. Overnight Revelstoke
| Duration | 1 Night |
|---|
Revelstoke to Banff (283 km / 176 miles)
Drive through Glacier National Park and Rogers Pass today before reaching the famous resort town of Banff. For particularly exhilarating vistas we recommend a visit to nearby Lake Louise. Overnight Banff
| Duration | 2 Nights |
|---|
Banff National Park
You have an entire day to tour Banff and the surrounding area. We suggest a visit to Banff Natural History Museum, or you might like to visit the famous Bow Falls and Cave and Basin National Historic site, both of which have trails. A thrilling gondola ride to the summit of Sulphur Mountain is another great option. 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 | 2 Nights |
|---|
Jasper National Park
Enjoy a full day to relax and tour Jasper and its surrounding area. We suggest a boat cruise on enchanting Maligne Lake or a ride on the Jasper SkyTram. Overnight Jasper
Jasper to Clearwater (318 km / 198 miles)
Today’s drive on the scenic Yellowhead Highway takes you to Wells Gray Park. On the way we suggest you stop at majestic Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Rockies. Overnight Clearwater
| Duration | 2 Nights |
|---|
Clearwater
A day to enjoy the outdoor activities that are available in the park including hiking, canoeing, horseback riding or river rafting. Overnight Clearwater
Clearwater to 100 Mile (133 km / 83 miles)
From the park, it is a short drive into the dramatic cattle ranching country of the Cariboo Region. 100 Mile House was born in the 19th-century during the days of the Cariboo Gold Rush, when a roadhouse was built here to service gold seekers heading into the goldfields. They travelled along the Cariboo Wagon Road, beginning in Lillooet, and frequently stopped at the roadhouse that became known as 100 Mile House. Overnight 100 Mile House
| Duration | 1 Night |
|---|
100 Mile House to Prince George (326 km / 203 miles)
The drive today through British Columbia’s interior is a fairly long one and a visit to Barkerville, almost halfway to Prince George, a restored pioneer settlement from the Gold Rush era, offers a welcome and extremely interesting break. Overnight Prince George
| Duration | 1 Night |
|---|
Prince George to Smithers (371 km / 231 miles)
The wilderness terrain of the interior mountain ranges gets a little more rugged as today’s drive shows, but it’s an incredibly interesting one as this is a region with cultural and historical ties to several native bands. Your overnight stop, Smithers, was once a stop on the Grand Trunk Pacific Railroad and its downtown has an Alpine feel. Overnight Smithers
| Duration | 1 Night |
|---|
Smithers to Prince Rupert (348 km / 216 miles)
Driving along the scenic Skeena River Valley to the active port city of Prince Rupert makes for a marvelous day. In Hazelton, you may want to visit Ksan Native Village and its tribal houses, museum, carving shed and totem poles of the Gitksan First Nation. Situated on Kaien Island, Prince Rupert was home to the Tsimshian and Haida nations for five thousand years and their legacies are reflected in the totem poles of Service Park, Roosevelt Park, and the Sunken Gardens. All of it is quite amazing. Overnight Prince Rupert
| Duration | 1 Night |
|---|
Prince Rupert to Port Hardy (Cruise)
The magnificent scenery continues as you enjoy a full day ocean cruise on board BC Ferries along the British Columbia coastline*. The famous Inside Passage cruise ends in Port Hardy. Overnight Port Hardy
*For select departures, overnight will be on board the ferry in your selected accommodation type. The cruise will arrive at Port Hardy the next day.
| Duration | 1 Night |
|---|
Port Hardy to Campbell River (233 km / 145 miles)
Continue your trip, travelling down the eastern shore of Vancouver Island to Campbell River, a focal point for sport salmon fishing and offering snorkel-with salmon tours in late summer when millions of the fish arrive here. Overnight Campbell River
| Duration | 1 Night |
|---|
Campbell River to Victoria (265 km / 165 miles)
Continue along the coast, past Nanaimo, a ferry port with a lovely Old City Quarter full of shops and cafes and the small seaside community of Chemainus, famous for its over forty professional murals depicting the history of the area. A delightful part of today’s trip starts about 30 minutes before you reach Victoria, the scenic Malahat Drive, which will reward you with stunning views of the Saanich Peninsula and the Gulf Islands. Overnight Victoria
| Duration | 2 Nights |
|---|
Victoria
Enjoy exploring this elegant capital city, showing its British colonial past in its gorgeous Victorian architecture. We suggest a visit to Beacon Hill Park and the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria. Or drop in for afternoon tea at the Fairmont Empress Hotel or visit the famous Butchart Gardens. Overnight Victoria
Victoria to Vancouver / End of Tour (70 km / 43 miles, Land Only)
Traverse the charming Saanich Peninsula before enjoying a mini cruise on B.C. Ferries back to Vancouver through the Strait of Georgia. Check in at Vancouver International Airport for your departure flight or into your hotel if you plan to extend your stay.
Other Information
DEPARTURES: 2024
May 3*, 10*, 17*, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31
Jun 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30
Jul 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30
Aug 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31
Sep 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 20*, 27
Oct 4*, 11*
PRICE INCLUDES:
- 19 days Intermediate Car Rental with unlimited mileage (Toyota Corolla or similar)
- Customized Self-Drive Roadbook (Digital version)
- 2 nights moderate accommodations in Vancouver
- 1 night moderate accommodations in Penticton
- 1 night moderate accommodations in Revelstoke
- 2 nights moderate accommodations in Banff
- 2 nights moderate accommodations in Jasper
- 2 nights moderate accommodations in Clearwater
- 1 night moderate accommodations in 100 Mile House
- 1 night moderate accommodations in Prince George
- 1 night moderate accommodations in Smithers
- 1 night moderate accommodations in Prince Rupert
- 1 night moderate accommodations in Port Hardy. (For select departures, overnight will be on board the ferry. The cruise will arrive at Port Hardy the next day)
- 1 night moderate accommodations in Campbell River
- 2 nights moderate accommodations in Victoria
- Ferry crossing: Inside Passage cruise Prince Rupert to Port Hardy. (Select departures will include an overnight ferry.)
- Ferry crossing: Swartz Bay to Tsawwassen (1 hour 35 minutes)
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
- 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.
4 Oct 2024
