West Canada with the Family
Itinerary
Days 1-4 – Bikes & Bays of Vancouver
As well as being the launchpad for Western Canada, Vancouver is a real highlight in itself. So, before heading off in search of whales, bears, lakes, and mountains, why not spend a few days discovering one of the world’s most liveable cities? Family fun can be found across the city, from the famous Stanley Park to Grouse Mountain and Granville Island. You’ll never be short of ways to entertain yourselves! We’ll organise a guided bike ride around the vast Stanley Park for all the family to take in the views from the seawall across to the bustling city.
Days 4-6 – Zipping through Whistler
Today you’ll pick up your hire car at the airport and travel along the Sea to Sky Highway to Whistler – this journey will take you around 2 hours. You’ll head up to the former Winter Olympic village of Whistler – a family-friendly adventure playground which fits perfectly into any trip to West Canada. You’ll be staying in a comfy hotel a short walk from the centre. During your time here, you’ll go on an exciting zip-trekking excursion through the snow-capped peaks and forests, before relaxing and exploring the charms of this famous Alpine village. If you need even more adventure, then bike hire, paddleboarding and hiking can all be arranged locally.
Days 6-7 – Tipi on Thompson River
Today you’ll travel from Whistler to Thompson River, taking around 4 hours. During the next two days, you’ll sleep under the stars in a traditional tipi tent, located just outside Lytton between craggy canyons and the flowing Thompson River. The tipi experience will give your family a real ‘glamping’ feeling as you sleep under the stars in the Canadian wilderness. Take a walk along the riverside or try your hand at rafting on the river. In the evening you can unwind with a dip in the pool or hot tub and a delicious barbecue.
Days 7-9 – Paddling in the Peaks
After your tipi stay, you’ll hit the road again, this time travelling to Sun Peaks. Today’s drive will take approximately 1 hour. Hike, bike, paddle and kart your way around the adventure playground that is Sun Peaks – an alpine village in the heart of British Columbia. This mountain resort comes alive during the summer months, with families flocking to indulge in the outdoor activities on offer. You’ll stay for a couple of nights in the heart of the village and try your hand at stand-up paddleboarding on the pristine waters of the surrounding lakes.
Days 9-11 – Waterfalls & Walking Trails of Wells Gray
From Sun Peaks you’ll travel on to Clearwater near Wells Gray Park. This will take 1.5 hours. Get back to nature and get off the beaten track in Wells Gray Provincial Park. Here you’ll stay in a lakeside cabin about 20 minutes drive from the town of Clearwater. Here you can explore the park by on foot or by kayak. Your resort has boats to take out on the lake, play area, BBQ facilities and a great restaurant so there is plenty of options to entertain the family.
Days 11-13 – Wildlife of the Rocky Mountains
Next, you’ll drive from Clearwater to the famous Rockies – taking around 4 hours. Located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Jasper and its surrounding National Park is a must for any family trip to Canada. You’ll stay a couple of nights close to the centre of this relaxed mountain town, where you’ll find a welcoming atmosphere and plenty of great places to eat. It’s a perfect base to explore the nearby pristine lakes and valleys, and you’ll head out with a local guide in search of the local wildlife – if you’re lucky, you’ll spot a passing bear or grazing moose!
Days 13-17 – Mountains & Lakes of Banff
Today’s journey from Jasper to Banff would take around 4 hours direct but this drive is one of the most scenic in the world! There are plenty of gushing waterfalls, canyons, turquoise lakes and viewpoints to stop at along the way, plus the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre where you can see the impressive Athabasca Glacier and take a walk on the ice itself. If you would like us to add this into your itinerary just ask your Travel Specialist.
High up in the Rocky Mountains, and filled with lush forests, snow-capped mountains and colourful lakes, Banff National Park is a real highlight for any family trip to Canada. You’ll spend 3 nights in the centre of Banff town, with its many restaurants and attractions. You’ll have plenty of time to explore the hiking trails and hot springs around the area independently, make sure you visit the famous Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, we advise getting there early to avoid the crowds. Leaving Banff behind you’ll drive to Calgary, which takes around 1.5 hours. Here you’ll stay one night before dropping your car at the airport and boarding your flight home.
Accommodation
