Rockies to Vancouver, Canadian Style Self Drive

After arriving in Calgary, you pick up your car and depart the city and set your sights today on the magnificent Rocky Mountains. Experience the majesty of the mountains as you first travel through the foothills and then enter Banff National Park where the lofty peaks form a picturesque crown around the parklands. After you have arrived in the bustling town of Banff, the remainder of the day is free to explore its many dining and shopping venues. Overnight in Banff.

Today is yours to explore the beautiful surrounding of the lodge, set it one Canada’s most spectacular parks. Perhaps embark on one of the many hiking trails that are accessible from trail heads near the lodge. Alternatively, you may wish to take advantage of the numerous mountain bike trails and several road riding areas near both the lodge and the Banff townsite. Trails range from easy to difficult and are one of the best ways to experience both the natural wonders of the area and discover the charms of the town and its amenities. Overnight in Banff.

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.

Today you take to the rapids on a thrilling white water rafting trip. Travelling approximately 9-kilometres, you will encounter many Class 2 white water rapids on this introductory-level excursion. A licensed guide provides commentary on the local and natural history, accented by incomparable views of Jasper National Park. Returning to the resort, perhaps take some time to independently explore the local hiking trails, or go for a relaxing paddle boat or canoe on the calm waters of the lake. Overnight in Jasper.

Embark on a tour of one of the most spectacular areas of Jasper National Park. The first stop is at Maligne Canyon where 10,000 years of erosion
have created a 49-metre deep gorge. Set off on a short walk to marvel at the Maligne River, see the “mysteriously” disappearing Medicine Lake before proceeding to Maligne Lake. Embark on a 90-minute interpretative boat cruise to the worldrenowned Spirit Island, followed by a tasty treat at the Lake Chalet. Alternatively, you may enjoy a guided 75-minute walk along the shoreline trail of Maligne Lake. Return to the resort and to relax for the evening and reflect on the day’s adventures. Overnight in Jasper

Today you retrace your route along the Icefield’s Parkway, giving you another opportunity to stop and photograph some of the canyon landscapes enshrouded by the towering mountains in the background. At the Columbia Icefield, you board the specially designed Ice Explorer for a journey on to the massive Athabasca Glacier and experience the thrill of walking on centuries-old glacial ice. After this exciting experience, continue on to arrive in the small town of Lake Louise named after the glacier-fed lake that boasts emerald green waters set against white of the ice shelf in the distance. Overnight at Baker Creek Chalets.

The next two days are yours to discover why this quiet area is the perfect location to reconnect with nature and either challenge your adventurous spirit, or find a place of serenity and personal reflection. Hiking trails that lead to all levels of routes are close by the resort, making it easy to plan either a short hike or a series of hikes for the day. The resort’s proximity to Lake Louise gives you easy access to the outfitters and adventure suppliers based there. Guides, equipment rentals and tours can make any stay an unforgettable one. Overnights at Baker Creek Chalets.

The next two days are yours to discover why this quiet area is the perfect location to reconnect with nature and either challenge your adventurous spirit, or find a place of serenity and personal reflection. Hiking trails that lead to all levels of routes are close by the resort, making it easy to plan either a short hike or a series of hikes for the day. The resort’s proximity to Lake Louise gives you easy access to the outfitters and adventure suppliers based there. Guides, equipment rentals and tours can make any stay an unforgettable one. Overnights at Baker Creek Chalets.

On this full day of travelling, journey through the pristine landscapes that mark the border between Alberta and British Columbia that lie at the very heart of the Rocky Mountains. First traversing the forests, plains and passes of Yoho National Park, you cross over the provincial border and into Glacier National Park - home of the towering Mt. Robson. Continuing westward, the road passes by the picturesque southern shores of Shuswap Lake and its contributing waterways. Arriving at Lac le Jeune Resort, check into your hotel and relax after a rewarding day of exploration. Overnight at Lac le Jeune Resort.

The resort is your playground for the next two days, inviting you to enjoy the wide range of water and land activities both at the resort and the surrounding area. It is a fabulous area for fishing, wildlife photography and viewing, rowing, paddling, bird watching, geocaching, mountain biking and hiking. There is a public beach at the provincial park just a short walk away and many places to just hang out and read a book and catch some sun. You may even request the hotel chef make you up a picnic lunch so can enjoy your day on the water or out on the trail. Large powerboats are not permitted on the lake so it is the perfect place to paddle around. Overnights at Lac Le Jeune Resort.

The resort is your playground for the next two days, inviting you to enjoy the wide range of water and land activities both at the resort and the surrounding area. It is a fabulous area for fishing, wildlife photography and viewing, rowing, paddling, bird watching, geocaching, mountain biking and hiking. There is a public beach at the provincial park just a short walk away and many places to just hang out and read a book and catch some sun. You may even request the hotel chef make you up a picnic lunch so can enjoy your day on the water or out on the trail. Large powerboats are not permitted on the lake so it is the perfect place to paddle around. Overnights at Lac Le Jeune Resort.

Departing the resort this morning, you will traverse the stunning, sagebrush-covered ranch land along the South Thompson River and its vast herds of cattle and cowboys on horseback. Entering between the towering rock walls of the Fraser Canyon, marvel at the thunder of the whitewater rapids of the Fraser River gushing far below. Over 750,000 litres of water surge through the 34-metre Hell’s Gate gorge every minute and a suggested gondola ride over this part of the canyon is sure to impress. Further downstream, the lush Fraser Valley opens up into the maritime basin of the Lower Mainland as you approach Vancouver, Canada’s ‘Gateway to the Pacific’. Overnight in Vancouver.

Today you discover the unforgettable sights and sounds of this Oceanside metropolis on your Vancouver city tour. See such city highlights as Place, Robson Street, Sports Venues, the Library, theatres, Chinatown and historic Gastown. The tour also makes stops in Stanley Park en route to the Capilano Suspension Bridge in the North Shore rainforest. Cross the 450-ft-long bridge over a spectacular canyon to the Treetops Adventure observation structure before concluding with a visit to Granville Island with its public market, shops, eateries and galleries along the water. Overnight in Vancouver.

Today your Canadian adventure comes to an end as you check out of your hotel and check in at Vancouver International Airport for your departure flight.