For the ‘kids’ aged 7 to 70, this is the ultimate self-drive adventure, with plenty of time for adventure and to relax in wonderful wilderness lodges. Enjoy the cosmopolitan delights of Vancouver and Calgary, as well as the small-town resorts of Banff, Jasper, Whistler and Tofino.
We’ve picked the best selection of outdoor adventures in each destination. Scale a mountain in Banff on a VIA Ferrata adventure, hike to the world’s tallest waterfall in a remote mountain park, or paddle with whales in West Coast Tofino. We’ll make sure each activity suits your ability.
The turquoise blue lakes of the Canadian Rockies, the desert-like valleys of the Thompson region, and the windswept surf of Pacific Rim National Park will keep your camera snapping at every bend in the road.
Choose from unique ‘off the beaten track’ accommodations or our favorite hotels in the heart of the action. We’ll help you pick the perfect place to rest your head at night.
Think of this itinerary as just a starting point. Our experienced Canadian Insiders will create a personalized experience for you that matches your schedule, travel style and budget.
View Map List daysPick up your car rental at Calgary Airport and drive to Banff.
Enjoy the freedom of exploring by vehicle. Your rental includes a GPS, loss damage waiver, unlimited mileage, and one additional driver.
Overnight at The Moose Hotel & Suites. This hotel is conveniently located just steps from downtown Banff. Amenities include a spa, indoor pool, sauna, fitness room, restaurant, and complimentary wi-fi. Enjoy the two rooftop hot pools - perfect for taking in the view of the Rocky Mountains after a day of exploring!
Fill your lungs with cool, fresh Rocky Mountain air and head out to explore Banff National Park in your chosen way.
The most action-packed twelve minutes of your life! Get up close and personal with the world-famous Three Sisters. You will want to reach out and touch them as you whisk by them before escaping into the Spray Valley where you will explore the extraordinary hues of the Spray Lakes.
This exciting whitewater paddle on the Kananaskis River is a wonderful introduction to rafting! The Canadian Rockies provide a dramatic backdrop as a professional guide navigates and provides insights into the natural history. Maybe even swim in the river – you will get wet!
Begin your day with a scenic ride up to a mountainside resort. Take in the spectacular views before a guided walk through Sunshine Meadows. Learn about the wildlife, vegetation and ecosystem of this fascinating world above the treeline.
Keep exploring Banff National Park
Savour an early dinner in warm log cabin ambiance before spending time at Lake Louise at one of the best and quietest times of day. Then head to Moraine Lake for the famous lake view from a scenic viewpoint, before heading back to Banff.
Exhilarate your senses and experience views of Banff rarely seen on this introductory tour into the exciting world of Via Ferrata!
Horseback ride along the tranquil Bow River, an area home to wildlife in among the thick marshes and grassy meadows – and pass by the historic Cave and Basin, the birth place of Banff National Park. Enjoy fantastic scenery as you climb up Sulphur Mountain around the Windy Knoll viewpoint.
Travel through the Icefields Parkway today
From the Icefields heliport, you'll soar over the spectacular Cline Pass at 2900 m (9000 ft.). This heli tour is full of natural beauty, glaciers and waterfalls, including amazing sights you can only see by helicopter.
Enjoy a glacier adventure on an ice walk with short stops along the trail. Learn more about active glaciation and understand the features you are seeing. There are constant views of the Canadian Rockies, along with glacially carved landscapes such as moraines, millwells, and crevasses.
Overnight at Chateau Jasper. Your accommodation is conveniently located in Jasper National Park within easy walking distance to town for shops and restaurants. Enjoy the pleasantly furnished rooms with mountain decor in mind. Other features include an indoor swimming pool, whirlpool, fitness centre, casual fine dining restaurant and a lounge.
Jasper National Park, the biggest in the Canadian Rockies, is a magical place - and we have lots of ideas to help you enjoy it.
Jasper's Bear's Paw Bakery offers delicious homemade stuff - one of our favourite spots!
Enjoy a privately guided tour of Jasper's alpine passes and winding mountain roads, on a professionally-driven Harley Davidson motorcycle and sidecar.
Explore the wildlife, alpine meadows and magnificent views on a privately guided walk/hike - with one of Jasper’s most knowledgeable mountain guides.
An evening on a mountain lake is breathtaking – the call of a loon, a beaver gliding though the water, or perhaps a moose grazing on the shore. Paddle with a guide across the lake, in a large canoe for a peaceful way to end your day.
Today, drive from Jasper to Clearwater. You’ll pass through Mount Robson Park before arriving in Clearwater, gateway to Wells Gray Provincial Park.
Overnight at the Clearwater Lodge. Located on the doorstep of Wells Gray Provincial Park and the North Thompson River, the Clearwater Lodge offers breathtaking views and an abundance of outdoor activities. Hotel amenities include high-speed Wi-Fi, on-site restaurant, fitness centre, indoor pool, hot tub, sauna, and complimentary continental breakfast.
Wells Gray Park, often known as the Waterfall Park, is one of British Columbia's most spectacular wilderness areas. It is not a well-known tourist destination, making it a good place to get away from the crowd.
Discover Wells Gray Park in one day! Your guide will show you as much as they can of the great variety of habitats and landscapes.This vehicle-based hiking tour combines some of the best roadside sights in the Park with some short hiking trails.
A true taste of Canadian river wilderness! From the famous Helmcken Falls, you will follow a backcountry trail along the rim of the 240m deep canyon with some of the best views in the park, before descending into the Gorge.
Work your way through thrilling whitewater against the backdrop of canyon walls and pristine forests, giving you a chance to experience Wells Gray Park from an entirely different angle. The breathtaking thrills and beautiful scenery are rounded out with chances to swim and enjoy a short hike to a massive Class V Rapid!
Enjoy an introduction to whitewater rafting with lots of fun waves and splashes in a section of the lower canyon on the Clearwater River. During this trip, you will also hike to a waterfall!
Drive south to the semi-arid landscape of the Thompson Valley.
Hear about tales of fur traders, train robbers and pioneers of Kamloops. Stories of Kamloops finest artists and artisans will introduce you to the rich history of Kamloops, one of the first settlements as the arrivals moved west.
Enjoy a guided walking vineyard tour with great views of the South Thompson River and Lion’s Head Bluffs, stop at a honey bee colony and rows of Haskap berries and keep an eye open for wildlife. Then experience an intimate wine tasting in the mezzanine overlooking the wine cellar.
Overnight at the South Thompson Inn & Guest Ranch. Just 15 minutes from downtown Kamloops, this charming resort is located on the beautiful South Thompson River. Enjoy cozy and comfortable accommodation within close proximity of a championship golf course. Dine at the on-site restaurant, or make use of the fitness centre, hot tub or seasonal outdoor pool.
Travel through the high desert region of interior British Columbia, on your way to the mountain resort of Whistler.
Overnight at the Crystal Lodge. Situated in the heart of Whistler Village close to shopping, dining and nightlife, this hotel is steps from Whistler and Blackcomb gondolas. You’re “at the centre of it all” staying here! Enjoy well-appointed rooms with complimentary Wi-Fi, relax in the heated pool and hot tub, unwind in the sauna or recharge at the fitness centre. The lodge also offers the most retail shops and restaurants attached to any one hotel in Whistler.
Enjoy Whistler to the fullest and choose one of the following 3 experiences.
Enjoy panoramic views of Whistler Village as you fly beyond the valley to explore the rugged peaks, majestic glaciers and lush alpine meadows of the Coast Mountain range. Marvel at the turquoise glacial waters of mile-high Garibaldi Lake.
This tour features five different ziplines, perfect for anyone who wants a heart-pounding adventure! Experience spectacular panoramic views of Whistler & Blackcomb Mountains as you cross treetop suspension bridges and sky high viewing platforms in the old-growth rainforest.
With epic views around every bend, the River of Golden Dreams features lush, old growth forest and wildflower-lined banks, as well as stunning snow-capped mountain vistas. While paddling, your guide will share their knowledge of Whistler’s fascinating history, geography and wildlife.
Continue your adventure down the beautiful Sea to Sky Highway towards the ocean, then onto a ferry for a cruise across the Georgia Strait to Vancouver Island.
Today, you will make the scenic crosswater journey from West Vancouver to Nanaimo. En route, keep an eye out for wildlife along the shoreline, killer whales and porpoises in the channel, and great bald eagles circling overhead.
Tofino Resort and Marina is situated on the waterfront, a 10-minute walk from downtown. The resort features a restaurant and a pub, as well as a Marine Adventure Centre, offering plenty of activities and excursions. Enjoy the beautiful surroundings and close proximity to coffee shops and eateries. During downtime, relax in the comfy, West Coast style rooms. Sip a cocktail or craft beer at the pub.
The West Coast of Canada is a very special place – rugged, wild and breathtakingly beautiful.
Learn about the area’s fascinating ecosystems while keeping an eye out for whales spouting, feeding, spy-hopping and breaching! You may also spot sea lions, sea otters, eagles, and lots of other wildlife from comfortable indoor and outdoor seating areas.
Enjoy a bear viewing tour with Jamie’s Whaling Station. Cruise through calm, protected inlet waters of Clayoquot Sound in search of Black Bears as they roam the shores in search of their favourite delicacy, the Rock Crab. View this magnificent creature in it’s natural habitat from the comfort of a 45’ panoramic cruiser, the Stellar Sea.
Dip your paddle into the pristine sparkling waters of Clayoquot Sound on route to explore the Meares Island Tribal Parks, Big Tree Trail. While on Meares Island you'll take a guided walk through the lush temperate rainforest to view ancient red cedars (1000+ years old!)
This day is yours to enjoy and explore further in the Pacific Rim National Park. Enjoy long, uninterrupted stretches of sandy beach and Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Reserve, a protected area providing habitats for a vast array of species.
Drive back across Vancouver Island and take a ferry to the cosmopolitan city of Vancouver.
Today, you will make the scenic crosswater journey from Nanaimo to West Vancouver. En route, keep an eye out for wildlife along the shoreline, killer whales and porpoises in the channel, and great bald eagles circling overhead.
Overnight at The Loden Hotel. This property is located at the edge of Coal Harbour, downtown Vancouver’s premier luxury neighborhood. The elegant hotel is surrounded by some of Vancouver’s most popular attractions, from museums and galleries to world class shopping and dining options. Indulge in a relaxing spa treatment, or savour gourmet flavours at the bar-bistro if you wish during your stay.
Vancouver is a wonderful place to end your vacation. Surrounded by mountains and ocean, it justly has a reputation as one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
The bike is a Vancouverite's preferred mode of transport. With an extensive cycle lane network, this tour highlights the best of Vancouver food, history, and culture. Visit the Stanley Park seawall, savour a snack at Granville Island Public Market and see historic Gastown and Chinatown.
Join a carefully-selected culinary experience to some of the many mouth-watering places to eat on a local Vancouver walking food tour. Depending on the day of the week, your tour can bring you through neighbourhoods such as historic Gastown, Granville Island Market, or downtown Vancouver.
Shuttle to Horseshoe Bay to enjoy a scenic zodiac tour – keep an eye out for seals, eagles, and other west coast marine wildlife. Enjoy a delicious meal in the small-town atmosphere on Bowen Island. Finish your adventure with a scenic seaplane flight back to Vancouver.
Much too soon you leave the beautiful colors and crisp air of Canada behind as your vacation comes to an end.
A private driver will meet you at your hotel, and take you to the airport in time for your flight.
Below you'll find examples of this trip's accommodation options.
Please call us for the full list or advice on how to customize your experience.
To make sure that your holiday is full of only good surprises, here's a comprehensive list of what is (and isn't) included in your package.
This trip is available for departures between May and September.
based on double occupancy, May 2019 departure and our base class.
We offer a range of packages across all four seasons. Please speak with one of our travel advisors about personalizing your trip and getting a comprehensive quote.
![Shirley & Eoin]( "Shirley & Eoin")
Shirley & Eoin
CC, NZL
05 Jul 2017
Everything was perfect!
Everything was perfect! We loved the combination of the Rocky Mountaineer with a self drive trip.
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