Ultimate Western Canada Self-Drive (Tour code: 12959)

Today, travel into the Thompson Okanagan region; this region is famous for its orchards and vineyards as well as the wildly varied landscape. To the north of the central wine-and-fruit-producing valley are vast boreal forests and to the south the desert of the Great Basin.

Overnight in Kelowna at The Royal Kelowna

Okanagan

Tour into the countryside combining the best of the Lake, the Valley and the Vines. Experience the wineries we call hidden treasures and sample the Okanagan’s finest wines.

Overnight in Kelowna at The Royal Kelowna

Okanagan

Your journey today takes you through some of the most spectacular stretches of highway in Canada. Travel through Yoho National Park, filled with gem-coloured glacial lakes and waterfalls, snow-covered peaks, and dense forests of western red cedar and western hemlock.

Overnight in Emerald Lake at Emerald Lake Lodge

Emerald Lake | Credit: Destination BC Dave Heath

Located on the shores of the famous pristine lake and surrounded by some of the Rockies' most impressive peaks, the lodge is built of hand-hewn timber and features massive stone fireplaces. It includes a formal dining room as well as quiet reading and sitting rooms. From the large upper or lower verandahs, you can enjoy serene views of this wilderness landscape.

Overnight in Emerald Lake at Emerald Lake Lodge

Yoho National Park | Credit: Destination BC / Dave Heath

Enjoy the leisurely drive to Banff. Choose the Bow Valley Parkway, beside the Bow River, with an option for you to take a stop at Johnston Canyon and walk along the paved footpath to either the lower or upper waterfalls.

Overnight in Banff at Banff Caribou Lodge
 

Aerial of Banff Townsite | Credit: Paul Zizka

Today, you can personalise your day by choosing one of four excursions.

Overnight in Banff at Banff Caribou Lodge

Freedom of Choice Options

• Banff Gondola:

  Maximise your views of Banff National Park with minimal exertion on a round-trip gondola ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain.
   

OR

• Lake Minnewanka Cruise:

  Admire views of the Canadian Rockies by boat as you cruise across the turquoise-hued Lake Minnewanka and over to Devil’s Gap.
   

OR

• River Explorer Canoe Tour:

  Enjoy the serenity of the Bow River and marvel at the surroundings. A fun & interactive way with your guide to explore the waterways of Banff National Park. Perfect for families. No paddling experience necessary.
   

OR

• Bow River Horseback Adventure:

  Saddle up for a journey through the celebrated landscape of Banff National Park on this guided horseback riding adventure.
   

Banff Gondola | Credit: Pursuit

Explore the Canadian Rockies on Icefields Parkway, relishing glacier exploration. Walk on ancient ice, experience the Ice Explorer ride, and thrill at the Glacier Skywalk’s thousand-foot-high glass platform. Experience and appreciate this rocky treasure.

Overnight in Jasper at Forest Park Hotel
 

Glacier Skywalk | Credit: Pursuit

Today, you can personalise your day by choosing one of three excursions.

Overnight in Jasper at Forest Park Hotel

Freedom of Choice Options

• Maligne Lake Cruise:

  Cruise Maligne Lake, where you can marvel at the magnificent shoreline and Spirit Island.
   

OR

• Jasper River Float:

  Enjoy a gentle rafting tour on the Athabasca River for a unique perspective of Jasper National Park.
   

OR

• Jasper Nature Walk:

  A guided nature walk featuring a spectacular array of rolling hills, jagged peaks, forests, meadows, marshes, streams, and stunning glacial lakes.
   

Maligne Lake

Embark from Jasper National Park, traversing the ‘Yellowhead’ Route to admire Mount Robson’s majesty, highest in the Canadian Rockies. Journey beyond, via Thompson River, through snowy Monashee and Caribou Mountains, concluding at Sun Peaks Resort.

Overnight in Sun Peaks at Sun Peaks Grand Hotel
 

Sun Peaks

Continue to Lillooet, known as the land of the Gold Rush Trail and ‘Mile Zero’ of the Old Caribou Wagon Road. Leaving Lillooet travel the Duffey Lake Road to Whistler. Be sure to stop at Joffre Lake for breathtaking views of Joffre Glacier.

Overnight in Whistler at Delta Whistler Village Suites
 

Whistler | Credit: Tourism Whistler / Mike Crane

Whistler is a charming Canadian village known for its stunning scenery and outdoor activities. Nestled in the mountains, it offers hiking trails, picturesque lakes, and a welcoming atmosphere with various dining and shopping options. Explore Whistler by pre-selecting one of the following Freedom of Choice excursions below.

Overnight in Whistler at Delta Whistler Village Suites

Freedom of Choice Options

• River of Golden Dreams Canoe Tour:

  This summertime paddle takes you on an enchanting canoe journey from Alta Lake to Green Lake. Wildflower-lined banks, old-growth forests and local wildlife are all part of your passing tableaux.

OR

• Whistler Guided Lunch Tour:

  There’s no better way to spend an afternoon in Whistler than exploring the eclectic culinary scene. Guests will enjoy a delicious multi-course lunch while visiting some of the best local lunch spots and indulge a sweet tooth at a couple of chocolate shops
   

OR

• Whistler Peak 2 Peak Gondola:

  Experience the beauty via the Peak Adventure on Whistler Mountain as you soak in the unbelievable views of glaciers, extinct volcanoes and snow-capped peaks.

Peak 2 Peak Gondola | Credit: Tourism Whistler

Travel the Sea-to-Sky Highway through a landscape carved out by glaciers and edged by craggy fjords. After a brief stop at Shannon Falls, continue to Horseshoe Bay where you will board a ferry to sail across the Strait of Georgia to Vancouver Island. Your drive to the Pacific Coast will take you through ancient rainforests and provincial parks to windswept beaches.

Overnight at Water's Edge Shoreside Suites (or similar)

Sea to Sky Highway | Credit: Destination BC

Today, you can personalise your day by choosing one of two excursions.

Overnight at Water's Edge Shoreside Suites (or similar)

Freedom of Choice Options

• Coastal Bear Watch Cruise:

  Search for bears from the comfort and safety of a 24’ Zodiac vessel. Abundant on the West Coast of Vancouver Island, black bears roam the shores at low tide in search of their favourite delicacy, the Rock Crab.
   

OR

• Whale Watching Cruise:

  Cruise through the waters of Clayoquot Sound to view beautiful scenery and wildlife. Depending on the time of year, you may encounter grey whales, humpback whales, sea lions, sea birds and resident bald eagles.
   

Tofino | Credit: James Wheeler

Return through quaint seaside towns, and the murals of Chemainus and the quaint Quw’utsun’ Cultural and Conference Centre in Duncan are well worth the visit. The day winds down in Victoria.

Overnight in Victoria at Inn at Laurel Point
 

Victoria

Located on Vancouver Island, Victoria offers waterfront views, historic sites, and a welcoming atmosphere with plenty of dining and shopping options. Explore Victoria by pre-selecting one of the following Freedom of Choice excursions below.

Overnight in Victoria at Inn at Laurel Point

Freedom of Choice Options

• Butchart Gardens Admission:

  On its 100th birthday in 2004, the Butchart Gardens was named a National Historic Site of Canada. Explore 22 hectares/55 acres of breathtaking gardens on the 53-hectare/130-acre estate.

OR

• Eat like a Canadian Food Tour:

  Not many people can define exactly what Canadian food is. From local ingredients to historic dishes, this tour is the best way to experience Canadian culinary culture. Sip and savour local cuisine, explore the iconic Inner Harbour, and meet the chefs and owners that make Victoria such an exciting culinary hot spot.

OR

• Whale Watch Cruise:

  Get up close with the killer whales on the Salish Sea with this guided, 3.5-hour whale-watching cruise from Victoria. Climb aboard a covered or open boat equipped with hydrophones to hear the whales and bring the underwater experience to light.

OR

• High Tea at the Empress Hotel:

  Enjoy High tea at the Fairmont Empress Hotel is a delightful, traditional experience. Indulge in a lavish array of tea, finger sandwiches, pastries, and scones, served in an elegant setting, enhancing the allure of this historic Victoria, British Columbia landmark.

Butchart Gardens

Leaving Victoria, drive north to Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal for a 90-minute ferry ride to Tsawwassen. On-board BC Ferries enjoy the scenery of the Gulf Islands as you cross the Strait of Georgia. From Tsawwassen continue on to downtown Vancouver or airport.