Day 1 Vancouver to VictoriaLeaving Vancouver drive south to Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal for a 90 min ferry ride to Swartz Bay. On-board BC Ferries enjoy the scenery of the Gulf Islands as you cross the Strait of Georgia. From Swartz Bay continue on to the charming city of Victoria.
Day 2 Victoria | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 4 Excursions Today you can personalize your day by choosing one of four excursions.Option 1. Butchart Gardens AdmissionOn 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.Option 2. Eat like a Canadian Food TourNot 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 spotOption 3. Whale Watch CruiseGet 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.Option 4. High Tea at the Empress HotelEnjoy 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.
Day 3 Victoria to Tofino/UclueletTravel to the rugged West Coast of Vancouver Island and head to Pacific Rim National Park. En route stops should be made at Duncan the ‘City of Totems’, where you may visit the Quw’utsun’ Heritage Village, which will provide you with an insight into the lives of the northwest coast people (admission not included). Make a stop in the artist community of Chemainus, where you can admire the giant murals which adorn the exterior walls throughout the town. Drive through majestic Sutton Pass and the Sawtooth Range of the Cascade Mountains to arrive in Tofino around mid-afternoon.
Day 4 Tofino | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 2 ExcursionsToday you can personalize your day by choosing one of two excursionsOption 1. Coastal Bear Watch CruiseSearch for foraging 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 favorite delicacy, the Rock Crab.Option 2. Whale Watching CruiseCruise through the pristine waters of Clayoquot Sound to view beautiful scenery and wildlife. Depending on the time of year, you may encounter gray whales, humpback whales, sea lions, sea birds and resident bald eagles.
Day 5 Tofino/Ucluelet to WhistlerDepart Tofino for your return journey to the East Coast. En route, picture stops should be made at Cathedral Grove to enjoy the splendour of 800-year-old Douglas Fir and Cedar trees, as well as the Mars Water Bombers at Sproat Lake, the world’s two largest water-bombers used for the sole purpose of putting out forest fires. From Departure Bay sail on BC Ferries to Horseshoe Bay. and continue along the scenic Sea-to Sky Highway to Whistler. Highlights along the way include the cascading Shannon Falls and the Stawamus Chief Rock where climbers from all over the globe migrate to climb the granite cliffs.
Day 6 Whistler | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 5 Excursions You can personalize your day by choosing one of five excursions.Option 1. Whistler Guided Lunch TourThere’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.Option 2. River of Golden Dreams Canoe TourThis 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.Option 3. Guided Whistler Valley Bike TourExplore some of Whistler’s best scenery by bike on one of the Valley Trail Bike Tours. Learn about Whistler’s history, geography and view key nature spots along the way with naturalist adventure bike guides.Option 4. Whistler Peak 2 Peak GondolaExperience the beauty via the Peak Adventure on Whistler Mountain as you soak in the unbelievable views of glaciers, extinct volcanoes and snow-capped peaks.Option 5. Upgrade Option: Bear Safari in Whistler Olympic Park Experience Olympic Park’s untouched wilderness, housing numerous black bears. Witness them forage from your vehicle amidst pristine landscapes. Drive up iconic Ski Jumps for breathtaking mountain panoramas.
Day 7 Whistler to Sun Peaks Begin your spectacular drive on the Duffey Lake Road where you will see breathtaking views of Joffre Glacier. Continue on through Lillooet, known as the land of the Gold Rush Trail to Sun Peaks.
Day 8 Sun Peaks to Jasper Today, follow the Thompson River through rolling plateaus to the snowy peaks of the Monashee Mountains. View Pyramid Falls and the expansive glaciers of the Albreda Icefields. Pass by Mount Robson, at 3954 metres, which is the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies.
Day 9 Jasper | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 3 ExcursionsToday you can personalize your day by choosing one of three excursionsOption 1. Maligne Lake CruiseCruise Maligne Lake, where you can marvel at the magnificent shoreline and Spirit Island.Option 2. Jasper River FloatEnjoy a gentle rafting tour on the Athabasca River for a unique perspective of Jasper National Park.Option 3. Jasper Nature WalkA guided nature walk featuring a spectacular array of rolling hills, jagged peaks, forests, meadows, marshes, streams, and stunning glacial lakes.
Day 10 Jasper to Banff | Ice Explorer + SkywalkToday, travel through the spine of the Canadian Rockies along the amazing Icefields Parkway and encompass the ultimate glacier exploration. From walking on ancient ice with the Ice Explorer ride, to standing on a glass platform almost one thousand feet in the air at the Glacier Skywalk (included), today’s experiences will leave you with a special appreciation for this treasured region of the Rockies
Day 11 Banff | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 4 ExcursionsToday you can personalize your day by choosing one of four excursionsOption 1. Banff GondolaMaximize your views of Banff National Park with minimal exertion during this round-trip gondola ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain.Option 2. Lake Minnewanka CruiseAdmire views of the Canadian Rockies as you cruise across the turquoise-hued lake and over to Devil’s Gap during this boat tour.Option 3. River Explorer Canoe TourEnjoy the serenity of the Bow River and marvel at the surrounding. A fun & interactive way with your guide to explore the waterways of Banff National Park. Perfect for families. No paddling experience necessary.Option 4. Bow River Horseback AdventureSaddle up for a journey through the celebrated landscape of Banff National Park on this guided horseback riding adventure.
Day 12 Banff to CalgaryIt is time to say goodbye to Banff and your Canada adventure. Drive to Calgary to drop off your rental car and begin your journey home.
Day 1 Calgary to BanffLeave the Stampede City of Calgary for the short drive to Banff, where you will arrive to a picturesque resort town surrounded by the Rocky Mountains. Located within Banff National Park, Banff is renown for its scenic natural beauty and stunning wildlife.
Day 2 Banff | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 4 ExcursionsToday you can personalize your day by choosing one of four excursionsOption 1. Banff GondolaMaximize your views of Banff National Park with minimal exertion during this round-trip gondola ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain.Option 2. Lake Minnewanka CruiseAdmire views of the Canadian Rockies as you cruise across the turquoisehued lake and over to Devil’s Gap during this boat tour.Option 3. River Explorer Canoe TourEnjoy the serenity of the Bow River and marvel at the surrounding. A fun & interactive way with your guide to explore the waterways of Banff National Park. Perfect for families. No paddling experience necessary.Option 4. Bow River Horseback AdventureSaddle up for a journey through the celebrated landscape of Banff National Park on this guided horseback riding adventure.
Day 3 Banff to Jasper | Ice Explorer + SkywalkToday, travel through the spine of the Canadian Rockies along the amazing Icefields Parkway and encompass the ultimate glacier exploration. From walking on ancient ice with the Ice Explorer ride, to standing on a glass platform almost one thousand feet in the air at the Glacier Skywalk (included), today’s experiences will leave you with a special appreciation for this treasured region of the Rockies
Day 4 Jasper | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 3 ExcursionsToday you can personalize your day by choosing one of three excursionsOption 1. Maligne Lake CruiseCruise Maligne Lake, where you can marvel at the magnificent shoreline and Spirit Island.Option 2. Jasper River FloatEnjoy a gentle rafting tour on the Athabasca River for a unique perspective of Jasper National Park.Option 3. Jasper Nature WalkA guided nature walk featuring a spectacular array of rolling hills, jagged peaks, forests, meadows, marshes, streams, and stunning glacial lakes.
Day 5 Jasper to Sun Peaks Leaving Jasper National Park, travel the ‘Yellowhead’ Route past the sprawling grandeur of Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. Beyond Mount Robson Provincial Park, the highway follows the Thompson River through the snowy peaks of the Monashee and Caribou Mountains to the resort village of Sun Peaks where you will enjoy a night’s stay.
Day 6 Sun Peaks to Whistler 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.
Day 7 Whistler | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 5 Excursions You can personalize your day by choosing one of five excursions.Option 1. Whistler Guided Lunch TourThere’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.Option 2. River of Golden Dreams Canoe TourThis 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.Option 3. Guided Whistler Valley Bike TourExplore some of Whistler’s best scenery by bike on one of the Valley Trail Bike Tours. Learn about Whistler’s history, geography and view key nature spots along the way with naturalist adventure bike guides.Option 4. Whistler Peak 2 Peak GondolaExperience the beauty via the Peak Adventure on Whistler Mountain as you soak in the unbelievable views of glaciers, extinct volcanoes and snow-capped peaks.Option 5. Upgrade Option: Bear Safari in Whistler Olympic Park Experience Olympic Park’s untouched wilderness, housing numerous black bears. Witness them forage from your vehicle amidst pristine landscapes. Drive up iconic Ski Jumps for breathtaking mountain panoramas.
Day 8 Whistler to Tofino/UclueletDepart Whistler along the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway to Horseshoe Bay. Highlights along the way highlights include the cascading Shannon Falls and the Stawamus Chief Rock. At Horseshoe Bay, board BC Ferries to Vancouver Island and continue on to. Tofino. En route, picture stops should be made at Cathedral Grove to enjoy the splendour of 800-yearold Douglas Fir and Cedar trees as well as the Mars Water-Bombers at Sproat Lake: the world’s two largest water-bombers used for the sole purpose of putting out forest fires. After the Mars Water-Bombers, drive through the majestic Sutton Pass and the Sawtooth Range of the Cascade Mountains to arrive in Tofino around late-afternoon.
Day 9 Tofino | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 2 ExcursionsToday you can personalize your day by choosing one of two excursionsOption 1. Coastal Bear Watch CruiseSearch for foraging 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 favorite delicacy, the Rock Crab.Option 2. Whale Watching CruiseCruise through the pristine waters of Clayoquot Sound to view beautiful scenery and wildlife. Depending on the time of year, you may encounter gray whales, humpback whales, sea lions, sea birds and resident bald eagles.
Day 10 Tofino/Ucluelet to VictoriaTravel back to the East Coast of Vancouver Island and head south to Victoria. En route stops should be made at the artist community of Chemainus, where you can admire the giant murals which adorn the exterior walls throughout the town and Duncan the “City of Totems”. If time permits visit the Quw’utsun’ Heritage Village which provides you with an insight into the lives of the northwest coast people.
Day 11 Victoria | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 4 Excursions Today you can personalize your day by choosing one of four excursions.Option 1. Butchart Gardens AdmissionOn 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.Option 2. Eat like a Canadian Food TourNot 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 spotOption 3. Whale Watch CruiseGet 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.Option 4. High Tea at the Empress HotelEnjoy 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.
Day 12 Victoria to VancouverLeaving Victoria drive north to Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal for a 90 min 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 where your fabulous Western Canada self drive comes to an end.
