Great Parks of The West: Vancouver, Banff, Whistler & More
- Duration
- 14 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 3,261
DELUXE | SELF-DRIVE: Beautiful Vancouver is your starting point for an exhilarating two-week tour showcasing the national parks of the Canadian Rockies. The itinerary takes you through the Okanagan Valley and Glacier National Park before it ventures into the breathtaking national parks of Banff and Jasper. From Jasper follow the Yellowhead Pass, entering Wells Gray Provincial Park and Garibaldi Provincial Park before returning to Vancouver.
This 14-day trip combines a city visit to beautiful Vancouver along with a drive through the awe-inspiring Canadian Rockies.
Start your trip in Vancouver, which has deep, wide bays backed by stunning, snow-capped mountains and might be the most beautiful city in the world. Take a walk along the seawall at Coal Harbour and admire the gleaming white boats. Or explore the natural and human history of the area by taking a Stanley Park tour with an indigenous guide. At night, check out the restaurants, nightlife and hip cocktail bars of Gastown and Chinatown. Granville Island has tremendous shopping, as well as a distillery and public market.
The drive from Vancouver to Penticton takes you past the thick forests of Manning Provincial Park. Penticton and the Okanagan Valley are famous for fruits and wines. Nk’ Mip is an award-winning winery run by indigenous Canadians and has a great patio overlooking Lake Osoyoos. If you want to cover a lot of ground without driving, try renting an electric bike from Pedego in Penticton.
The trip from the Okanagan to Revelstoke takes you past spectacular waterfalls that tumble from the mountain peaks, as well as deep, crystal-clear lakes. On your way to Banff, enjoy the natural splendour of Glacier National Park and Yoho National Park in B.C., where you’ll find the towering Takakkaw Falls and the Natural Bridge, a rock formation that straddles a rushing mountain river.
In Banff, a gondola ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain is one of the great thrills in all of Canada, with views that go on forever. You also can take a boat tour on Lake Minnewanka, or check out the stories of women pioneers and other Banff trailblazers at the Whyte Museum, which is right downtown. Nearby Lake Louise and Moraine Lake both offer aquamarine waters fronting jagged, snow-capped mountain peaks.
The drive between Banff and Jasper is regarded by many as the most beautiful driving trip in the world. You’ll pass massive slabs of exposed mountain peaks, with snow-covered peaks and lakes in shades of blue you’ve never seen before. The stop at Bow Lake is great for photos, as is the on-high view of Peyto Lake. Mistaya Canyon offers a beautiful, rushing river that slices through a narrow canyon of ancient rock.
Jasper is another great mountain town. Take a walk around the ruggedly beautiful lobby of the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, or take a trip on the Jasper SkyTram for sensational views. From Jasper you’ll make your way past Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Rocky Mountains. Wells Gray Provincial Park and the Cariboo region offer great opportunities for exploring nature, with canoeing, kayaking, hiking, horseback riding and other outdoor activities.
100 Mile House was built as a roadhouse/stopping point for miners headed to the Cariboo Gold Rush, which began in 1861. From here it’s on to Whistler, a year-round playground that’s famous for skiing in winter and golf or hiking in summer. Wander the village and stop at a pub for a pint, or check out the indigenous Canadian displays at the Squamish-Lil’wat Cultural Centre. The Audain Art Museum offers up world-class art displays.
Between Whistler and Vancouver is the engaging town of Squamish. Try the Sea-to-Sky Gondola in Squamish for fabulous views and pure, fresh mountain air.
- Duration
- 14 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 3,261
Itinerary View Trip Map
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 some of 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)
Travel through the Coastal Mountains and Manning Provincial Park. 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 / 162 miles)
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 on the way to the Canadian Rockies. Yoho National Park marks the provincial border where it meets Banff National Park, Canada’s first national park. Visit Kicking Horse Pass, a scenic highlight of the park. Before you continue to the bustling resort town of Banff, we suggest a visit to 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 or try river rafting or take a boat tour on Lake Minnewanka. Overnight Banff
Banff to Jasper (288 km / 179miles)
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 in Jasper. Overnight Jasper
| Duration | 2 Nights |
|---|
Jasper National Park
You have a full day to relax and tour Jasper and the surrounding area. We suggest a ride on the Jasper SkyTram or a visit to Miette Hot Springs. If time permits, the Athabasca River can offer exciting whitewater rafting excursions. Overnight Jasper
Jasper To 100 Mile House (451 km / 280 miles)
Drive through the Yellowhead Pass, beside Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Rockies, and continue south along the Thompson River, skirting the perimeter of Wells Gray Provincial Park. We suggest stops in Blue River and Clearwater en route to 100 Mile House. Overnight 100 Mile House
| Duration | 2 Nights |
|---|
100 Mile House
100 Mile House was founded during the days of the Cariboo Gold Rush, when a roadhouse was built here to service gold seekers heading to 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. The area is now known primarily for prime cattle ranching and leisure activities. Overnight 100 Mile House
100 Mile House to Whistler (300 km / 186 miles)
Scenic drive south along the Cariboo Highway and Duffey Lake Road to the edge of Garibaldi Provincial Park and the popular year-round resort of Whistler. Overnight Whistler
| Duration | 2 Nights |
|---|
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.
Whistler to Vancouver (121 km / 75 miles)
It is a relatively short drive to Vancouver, and you can easily spend a little more time in the village. The two-hour drive to Vancouver is an elating experience because of the delightful scenery. Depending on how you plan your day, you can also revisit some of the places you enjoyed on arrival in Vancouver or visit those that you missed. Overnight Vancouver
| Duration | 1 Night |
|---|
Vancouver
Check-in at Vancouver International Airport for your departure flight or remain in the city if you plan to extend your trip.
Other Information
DEPARTURES:
Daily departures: May 1 - October 19, 2024
PRICE INCLUDES:
- 14 Days Intermediate Car Rental with unlimited mileage (Toyota Corolla or similar)
- Customized Self-Drive Roadbook (Digital version)
- 2 nights deluxe accommodations in Vancouver
- 1 night deluxe accommodations in Penticton
- 1 night deluxe accommodations in Revelstoke
- 2 nights deluxe accommodations in Banff
- 2 nights deluxe accommodations in Jasper
- 2 nights deluxe accommodations in 100 Mile House
- 2 nights deluxe accommodations in Whistler
- 1 night deluxe accommodations in Vancouver
- Shared Hop on / Hop off Trolley Tour in Vancouver
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.
1 May 2024
