Western Spirit Self Drive

19 Nights

Vancouver, BC

The West is as much a state of mind as it is a geographical destination. Travelling from the cosmopolitan excitement of ancouver, you will journey through Canada’s lush Pacific playground, before swinging back to the mainland for an invigorating trek hrough authentic Gold Rush territory. Moving higher into the Rocky Mountains, you will relish the clean air, sparkling water and athtaking scenery of Whistler, Jasper and Banff. You will thrilled by energetic mountain safari through Kootenay National Park and the fertile Okanagan Valley.

From £1490pp
download

Highlights

  • An urban adventure amid the stores, parks, restaurants and theatres of downtown Vancouver
  • Cross the Strait of Georgia and explore Victoria on Vancouver Island
  • Down the coast via gently winding Malahat Drive to Parksville, home to a glorious beach and three nearby provincial parks
  • Trade the freedom of the road for the adventure of the wilderness in Whistler
  • Taste the history on a journey down the Old Cariboo Gold rush trail as you pass through 100 MILE HOUSE, Quensel and McBride
  • Traverse the Rocky Mountains along the spectacular Icefields Parkway en route to Lake Louise and Banff
  • Through the Alpine Skiing village of Rosland to Penticton-the fruit capital of British Columbia
  • Day 1 - Arrival in Vancouver
  • Day 2 - Vancouver
  • Day 3 - Vancouver to Victoria
  • Day 4 - Victoria to Parksville
  • Day 5 - Parksville
  • Day 6 - Parksville to Whistler
  • Day 7 - Whistler
  • Day 8 - Whistler to 100 Mile House
  • Day 9 - 100 Mile House to Quesnel
  • Day 10 - Quesnel to McBride
  • Day 11 - McBride to Lake Louise
  • Day 12 - Lake House to Banff
  • Day 13 - Banff National Park
  • Day 14 - Banff to Invermere/Panorama
  • Day 15 - Invermere/Panorama
  • Day 16 - Panorama to Rossland/Castelgar
  • Day 17 - Rossland to Penticton
  • Day 18 - Penticton
  • Day 19 - Penticton to Vancouver
  • Day 20 - End of Tour
  • Additional Information

Your adventure begins at Vancouver International Airport. Transfer independently to your downtown hotel. Pick-up your Jonview Canada Roadbook at the front desk and check-in. Take the rest of the day to create your own urban adventure amid the stores, parks, restaurants, theatres and other attractions in downtown Vancouver. Overnight in Vancouver.

Meals Included: Ro

Sandman Hotel Vancouver City Centre

Situated in the heart of Downtown Vancouver, Sandman Hotel Vancouver City Centre is located directly across the street from both Rogers Arena and BC Place making this the ideal spot for all concerts, sporting events, and everything downtown has to offer.

You have the entire day at leisure to explore Vancouver and surroundings. You may want to visit Stanley Park, the MacMillan Planetarium, Chinatown, Gastown, the Capilano Suspension Bridge, Granville Island and Grouse Mountain. Overnight in Vancouver

Meals Included: Ro

Sandman Hotel Vancouver City Centre

Situated in the heart of Downtown Vancouver, Sandman Hotel Vancouver City Centre is located directly across the street from both Rogers Arena and BC Place making this the ideal spot for all concerts, sporting events, and everything downtown has to offer.

The BC Ferries cruise across the Strait of Georgia will transport you to Vancouver Island, passing the rugged coastline and tranquil beaches of the Gulf Islands. Make your way to Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, with its maritime heritage and colonial charm. You may end your day with a visit to the Empress Hotel for traditional High Tea. Overnight in Victoria. Includes: LFerry crossing: Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay (1 hour 35 minutes).

Meals Included: Ro

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Suites Victoria

Property Location A stay at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Suites Victoria places you in the heart of Victoria, steps from Victoria Conference Centre and close to Victoria Harbour. This hotel is within the region of Victoria Clipper Ferry Terminal and Sidney-Washington State Ferry Terminal.

Back on the road, you’ll savour scenic ocean vistas as you explore the coast via gently winding Malahat Drive. The coastline is strewn with charming villages and offers breathtaking vistas and nature reserves with abundant wildlife. En route, you may detour to visit the murals of Chemainus, the Forest Museum, Cowichan Bay area and the quaint Quw’utsun’ Cultural and Conference Centre in Duncan. Overnight in Parksville.

Meals Included: Ro

Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort

Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort is located in 22 acres of forest beside the ocean. From our picturesque forested Oceanviews, to our comfortable Spa Bungalows, to our pet friendly Rustic Cottages, we can create the perfect getaway for everyone starting with one of our 192 handcrafted log guestrooms! Indulge in unique dining, award winning Spa services and the most extensive seasonal recreation program the area has to offer. Every stay at Tigh-Na-Mara includes complimentary parking, complimentary wireless internet and complimentary local and calling card calls. The Resort also offers direct beach access and six golf courses nearby and endless opportunities for authentic west coast outdoor adventures!

A glorious beach, three nearby provincial parks and excellent fishing opportunities have made Parksville a popular resort. You will enjoy angling for trout or salmon against the backdrop of fir forests, waterfalls and lush rainforests. The Parksville area resort tempts active visitors with tennis, volleyball, mountain biking, horseback riding, kayaking and hiking trails. Overnight in Parksville.

Meals Included: Ro

Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort

Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort is located in 22 acres of forest beside the ocean. From our picturesque forested Oceanviews, to our comfortable Spa Bungalows, to our pet friendly Rustic Cottages, we can create the perfect getaway for everyone starting with one of our 192 handcrafted log guestrooms! Indulge in unique dining, award winning Spa services and the most extensive seasonal recreation program the area has to offer. Every stay at Tigh-Na-Mara includes complimentary parking, complimentary wireless internet and complimentary local and calling card calls. The Resort also offers direct beach access and six golf courses nearby and endless opportunities for authentic west coast outdoor adventures!

The day begins with a scenic BC Ferries ride back through the Strait of Georgia to the mainland. From there, you’ll follow the spectacular Sea-to-Sky Highway to Whistler Resort, located at the foot of Whistler and Blackcomb Mountain. En route, you will admire Shannon Falls and explore the dramatic canyons, ravines and lofty peaks of Garibaldi Provincial Park. Overnight in Whistler.

Meals Included: Ro

Hilton Whistler Resort & Spa

 Situated in the heart of Whistler Village, seconds from world-renowned ski resorts and top-rated golf courses, this resort features exceptional on-site services and facilities, including a full-service spa.

Trade the freedom of the road for the adventure of the wilderness. Play a championship golf course in the shadow of towering mountain ranges, hike along endless trails and high alpine meadows, ride on horseback past spectacular glaciers or whitewater raft down one of the turbulent rivers. You may wish to just relax in the enchanting setting of the pedestrian village and enjoy the boutiques, restaurants and cafés. Overnight in Whistler.

Meals Included: Ro

Hilton Whistler Resort & Spa

 Situated in the heart of Whistler Village, seconds from world-renowned ski resorts and top-rated golf courses, this resort features exceptional on-site services and facilities, including a full-service spa.

‘Smile, you’re in 100 Mile!’ is the catchphrase welcoming visitors to this 1862 Gold Rush ‘truck stop’. Located exactly 100 miles from Lillooet on the “Old Cariboo Gold Rush Trail”, this small community has been welcoming travellers since the early pioneer days. A gateway to over 100 recreational and fishing lakes, the 100 Mile region is home to some of the best lake trout and kokanee salmon in North America. Overnight in 100 Mile House.

Meals Included: Ro

Spruce Hill Resort & Spa

You are surrounded by over 20,000 acres of rich Canadian wilderness and ranch land in the middle of a working cattle ranch, that present fabulous views, hiking, canoeing, biking, and winter cross country skiing and tubing!! We have both hotel and chalet style accommodations to suit one person or a family. But, beyond our fabulous environment, our deeply rooted commitment is to provide you with a harmonious human environment, arising from our desire to personally care and nurture you; ensuring that you have a memorable spa vacation experience with us! 

Following in the footsteps of pioneering adventure seekers, you’ll travel further down the “Old Cariboo Gold Rush Trail” today. Passing through soaring mountain canyons, you’ll encounter innumerable logging villages and gold ghost towns on your way to the wilderness town of Quesnel. En route, don’t miss a visit to Barkerville, a restored 19th-century settlement. Overnight in Quesnel.

Meals Included: Ro

Sandman Hotel Quesnel

With a stay at Sandman Hotel Quesnel in Quesnel, you'll be close to LeBourdais Park and Quesnel Twin Arenas. This eco-friendly hotel is within the vicinity of Quesnel Lake and Pinnacles Provincial Park.

Continuing your journey through history, you’ll visit the turn-of-the-century railway boom town of McBride. Situated on the fertile land around the Fraser River, this bustling market town offers visitors a rare glimpse of a true Canadian rustic lifestyle. If you have time, drive just 1.5 km outside McBride to Koeneman Regional Park. Named after an early homesteading family, this Park is home to Rainbow Falls and Dear Mountain which offer spectacular views of Robson Valley and the Cariboo Mountains. Overnight in McBride.

Meals Included: Ro

Sandman Inn McBride

Property Location Located in McBride, Sandman Inn McBride is in a rural location and minutes from Valley Museum and Archives and McBride Information Centre. This hotel is within the region of Beaver River Recreation Site.

Today you’ll traverse the Rocky Mountains along the spectacular Icefields Parkway. Flanked by snowcovered mountain ridges, cascading waterfalls and sparkling glaciers you’ll see the spectacular Athabasca Glacier, where you can take an Ice Explorer ride. Overnight in Lake Louise.

Meals Included: Ro

Mountaineer Lodge Lake Louise

A great central location in the village, 5 minutes from Lake Louise ski area, free breakfast, free ski shuttle and affordable accommodations makes the Mountaineer Lodge a popular spot to stay in Lake Louise. This 78 room hotel offers a variety of including rooms with one king, two queens, family suites and two bedroom suites. All rooms have a fridge, high speed Internet (Wi-Fi) and most include a microwave as well. Complimentary continental breakfast is served daily in the Breakfast Room. Popular with skiers is our secure ski storage, waxing room and free ski shuttle to Lake Louise ski area. The hot tub, steam room and spectacular mountain views are sure to round out your Lake Louise vacation experience.

The Trans-Canada Highway leads you to Banff, a year-round resort region that boasts true wilderness scenery, numerous outdoor activities and modern accommodation facilities. An internationally renowned national park, Banff offers a world of sightseeing opportunities. Prepare for a full day of spectacular scenery tomorrow.
Overnight in Banff.

Meals Included: Ro

Buffalo Mountain Lodge

Perched a top a mountain, epic Northern vistas surround Buffalo Mountain Lodge. Experience the comfort of mountain lodge living! Distinct from the majority of Banff hotels, Buffalo Mountain Lodge is situated on Tunnel Mountain – formerly called “Sleeping Buffalo” by the First Nations living in the region. A peaceful mountain retreat, the lodge is surrounded by 9 acres of towering fir, pine, and spruce trees, yet just a 15 minute walk or 3 minute drive from the shopping, nightlife and restaurants that are on offer in downtown Banff. A favourite visitor pastime is to observe the deer and elk who frequently nibble on the lawn, right outside the lodge’s windows.  

The day is at leisure to explore Banff and itsenvirons. You may want to go on a discovery tourof the famous resort town, visit the Cave and Basinand Bow Falls, and take a thrilling gondola ride to the summit of Sulphur Mountain. Overnight in Banff.

Meals Included: Ro

Buffalo Mountain Lodge

Perched a top a mountain, epic Northern vistas surround Buffalo Mountain Lodge. Experience the comfort of mountain lodge living! Distinct from the majority of Banff hotels, Buffalo Mountain Lodge is situated on Tunnel Mountain – formerly called “Sleeping Buffalo” by the First Nations living in the region. A peaceful mountain retreat, the lodge is surrounded by 9 acres of towering fir, pine, and spruce trees, yet just a 15 minute walk or 3 minute drive from the shopping, nightlife and restaurants that are on offer in downtown Banff. A favourite visitor pastime is to observe the deer and elk who frequently nibble on the lawn, right outside the lodge’s windows.  

Today you will drive through Kootenay National Park, a landscape dominated by lofty peaks, glaciers, deep valleys and crystal-blue lakes. A visit to the park’s hot springs or the Radium Hot Springs Resort offers numerous activities and sights. Wildflowers decorate the alpine meadows, while grizzly bears, moose and mountain goats roam the park. Overnight in Panorama Mountain Resort.

Meals Included: Ro

Panorama Mountain Resort Premium Village

Located in the B.C. Rockies, Panorama Mountain Village is a family year-round resort. During the winter season Panorama features true slope side lodging with one of North America’s biggest vertical descents. Panorama offers daily shuttle service from the Calgary International Airport. The winter brings skiers from afar in search of Rocky Mountain powder and Panorama’s famed long groomed cruisers. The mountain is over 4000 vertical feet and has nearly 3000 acres of terrain. From the resort, guests can also Nordic ski, snowshoe, snowmobile and relax in Canada’s largest slope side hot pools.Also operating right out of the Village is rk heliski. Over 40 years of experience in the back country ensure safe and unforgettable skiing. rk heli-ski specializes in heli-ski adventures for intermediate and first time heli-skiers. During the summer season Panorama is home to the acclaimed Greywolf Golf Course. Designed by talented Canadian architect Doug Carrick, who has built many of Canada's best courses in the past decade, Greywolf features many holes that will be seared in your memory bank for a long time. Panorama is also home to the Panorama Bike Park. The park has a number of downhill trails to challenge riders of all levels. There are endless opportunities for family fun activities including: kids adventure camp, horseback riding, ATV tours, white water rafting, hiking, cross-country biking, mini-golf, fishing and more.

Spend a full day in Invermere, a summer paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Enjoy a myriad of activities, such as hiking, fishing, bird watching, boating and windsurfing on Lake Windermere. You can also visit Invermere’s museum housing pioneer artifacts and local archives. Overnight in Panorama Mountain Resort.

Meals Included: Ro

Panorama Mountain Resort Premium Village

Located in the B.C. Rockies, Panorama Mountain Village is a family year-round resort. During the winter season Panorama features true slope side lodging with one of North America’s biggest vertical descents. Panorama offers daily shuttle service from the Calgary International Airport. The winter brings skiers from afar in search of Rocky Mountain powder and Panorama’s famed long groomed cruisers. The mountain is over 4000 vertical feet and has nearly 3000 acres of terrain. From the resort, guests can also Nordic ski, snowshoe, snowmobile and relax in Canada’s largest slope side hot pools.Also operating right out of the Village is rk heliski. Over 40 years of experience in the back country ensure safe and unforgettable skiing. rk heli-ski specializes in heli-ski adventures for intermediate and first time heli-skiers. During the summer season Panorama is home to the acclaimed Greywolf Golf Course. Designed by talented Canadian architect Doug Carrick, who has built many of Canada's best courses in the past decade, Greywolf features many holes that will be seared in your memory bank for a long time. Panorama is also home to the Panorama Bike Park. The park has a number of downhill trails to challenge riders of all levels. There are endless opportunities for family fun activities including: kids adventure camp, horseback riding, ATV tours, white water rafting, hiking, cross-country biking, mini-golf, fishing and more.

Driving high above the valley today you’ll arrive at Rossland, one of Canada’s more unusual townships.
Nestled within the crater of a long-extinct volcano, Rossland was the largest town in British Columbia at the height of the Gold Rush. Today, this charming alpine village is home to two Canadian Olympic Champion skiers, world-class mountain-biking facilities, two museums, scenic lakes and hiking trials that conveniently begin in the heart of the town. Overnight in Rossland.

Meals Included: Ro

Prestige Mountain Resort Rossland

Situated in beautiful Rossland BC and only minutes from some of BC's best golf terrain, our full service resort features exquisite deluxe rooms and designer suites. Onsite features include restaurant, lounge, cappuccino bistro, fitness centre, indoor hot tub, and sauna. Lifestyle and getaway packages available.

A leisurely drive down the mountain today will carry you to Penticton, situated between the Skaha and Okanagan lakes. A native word meaning ‘place to live forever’, Penticton today is the thriving fruit capital of British Columbia. Every spring, the city blooms as thousands of fruit trees cast an unforgettable fragrance and wash of colour across the city limits. Overnight in Penticton.

Meals Included: Ro

Penticton Lakeside Resort and Conference Centre

Penticton Lakeside Resort is a full service hotel in Penticton that offers luxurious amenities, clean, spacious rooms, and a spectacular view of Okanagan Lake. We offer a number of dining options, nearby attractions, and room accommodations to ensure that you can thoroughly enjoy your stay with us.

You’ll have more time today to further explore this fertile farm region. Don’t miss the Okanagan River Channel - a man-made canal running between the Skaha and Okanagan lakes and a marvel of modern engineering. Another local highlight is the beached SS Sicamous, a 72 m lake sternwheeler that travels the waterways as it would have done over a century ago. Overnight in Penticton.

Meals Included: Ro

Penticton Lakeside Resort and Conference Centre

Penticton Lakeside Resort is a full service hotel in Penticton that offers luxurious amenities, clean, spacious rooms, and a spectacular view of Okanagan Lake. We offer a number of dining options, nearby attractions, and room accommodations to ensure that you can thoroughly enjoy your stay with us.

Today you traverse the very heart of British Columbia. At the half way point, you may enjoy a brief stop in Hope - its ruggedly spectacular scenery often attracting film crews from Hollywood and around the world. For outdoor enthusiasts, Manning Provincial Park is a favourite destination because of its deep valleys, Blackwall Peak alpine meadows, Cascade Lookout and azure-blue lakes. Continue through and down the mountains to arrive at the coastline and the welcome, modern metropolis of Vancouver. Overnight in Vancouver.

Meals Included: Ro

Coast Coal Harbour Hotel by APA

The Coast Coal Harbour Hotel by APA is situated right on the water, a stone’s throw from beautiful Stanley Park as well as the bustling Gastown district and the renowned shopping on Robson St. Each of the guest rooms at our downtown Vancouver hotel features floor-to-ceiling windows, Electric Bidet Seat(TOTO® Washlet), 55” flat screen TVs and traditional welcoming origami cranes, a symbol of hospitality. These high quality amenities are signature features of APA Hotel in Japan and unique to APA’s Urban Style Hotel concept.

Return to Vancouver International Airport in time for check-in for your return flight.

You will get a personalized Canada Roadbook containing essential travel information featuring overview notes of the area of travel, local sightseeing and attractions, daily itinerary highlights, provincial maps with city guides, hotel vouchers and customized day-by-day routing maps.

YOUR FLY / DRIVE INCLUDES

  • Accommodation for 19 nights
  • Ferry crossings (under height car and passengers):
  • Day 3, Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay (1 hour 35 minutes)
  • Day 6, Nanaimo to Horseshoe Bay (1 hour 35 minutes)
  • Provincial Taxes and Federal GST

NOT INCLUDED

  • Airport transfers
  • Meals and attractions unless otherwise specified
  • Car rental, taxes and insurance