A Taste of West Canada
Itinerary
Days 1-3 – Vibrant Vancouver
Start or end your Canadian adventure in this perfectly located city between the sea and the mountains. Vancouver sits in stark contrast to the vast and rugged nature of the rest of the country and is a highlight of western Canada not to be missed. See why it’s often heralded as the most liveable city in the world, as you explore the vast Stanley Park, stroll through the historic Gastown district and sample the many culinary delights in this bustling multicultural city. We’ve included a guided bike ride through Stanley Park to help you get under the skin of this vibrant city!
Days 3-5 – Whale Tails in Victoria
Today you’ll make your own way to the airport in Vancouver to pick up your rental car. From here you’ll make your way to the Vancouver Tsawwassen ferry port for the 1.5 hour cruise to Swartz Bay on Vancouver Island, you’ll need to book your ferry in advance. It’s then another 30-minute drive to Victoria. Next up, you’ll visit Victoria, a charming city with good chances of spotting whales swimming off the shore. You’ll jump in a boat in search of these black and white giants; a trip you won’t forget in a hurry. Spend the rest of your time meandering down the Inner harbour and enjoying the old world ambience. You’ll be staying in a hotel in the city centre, walking distance to cosy restaurants.
Days 5-8 – The Bear Necessities
Today you’ll drive from Victoria to Tofino which takes around 4.5 hours. On the wild coast of the Pacific Rim, you’ll find dramatic coastlines, rocky trails and sandy beaches. Your home for the next couple of nights is a lodge close to the coast. During your stay you’ll head out on a large rubber dinghy with a guide and sail along the fjords in search of black bears foraging for food. Then take a walk through the misty rainforest, past giant cedars and moss-covered firs, and discover a nature trail that’s jam-packed with flora and fauna.
Days 8-10 – Meadows & Mountains of Whistler
Today you’ll travel from Tofino to the peaks of Whistler. First up, a 3 hour drive from Tofino to Nanaimo ferry port. The crossing to the mainland takes around 1.5 hours with the chance of seeing whales on the way so keep your eyes peeled! From there you’ll take the Sea to Sky Highway to Whistler which takes just over an hour.
Today, you’ll reach the lively resort town of Whistler – nestled between two soaring mountains and home to a plethora of outdoor adventure just waiting to be discovered. You can spend the next three days cycling, hiking, tubing, and zip trekking around this mountainous landscape – the choice is endless! We’ll also arrange your tickets for the incredible Peak2Peak Gondola ride which offers unrivalled views and lifelong memories.
Days 10-12 – Waterfalls & Walking Trails of Wells Gray
Today you’ll meander the 5 hour drive from Whistler to Clearwater near Wells Gray Park. Get back to nature and relax with two days 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 on horseback, on foot or by kayak. Marvel at the mighty conifers towering above or sit back with a good book and a lakeside view – this is the perfect place to kick back and relax during your Canadian adventure.
Days 12-14 – Rambling through the Rockies
Next up you’ll head further east on the drive between Clearwater and Jasper, this journey takes around 4 hours. In the heart of the Rocky Mountains, the Jasper National Park is about as Canadian as it gets. Huge snow-capped peaks soaring above lush green valleys, waterfalls, bright blue lakes, and well…..you get the picture! You’ll spend a couple of nights in a lodge, nestled in the middle of the National Park. Here you’re surrounded by nature and wildlife, during your time here we will organise a guided group tour for you to explore the lakes and hiking trails of this beautiful part of the world.
Days 14-16 – Snow-caps & Nature Trails
Swapping one famous National Park for another you’ll head to the town of Banff. This will take you around 4 hours. Once you arrive in Banff you can settle into your central hotel and explore the town. Banff is a hot-spot in the Rockies and has an adventurous, fun vibe to it, it is very tourist-friendly and has some nice restaurants. After a good night’s sleep, you can visit the National Park where you’ll find some of the best trails and views around.
There are plenty of walking trails to try out and restaurants for a tasty meal, as well as an interesting museum where you can learn about Canada’s indigenous people. If you fancy some time relaxing then a visit to the Upper Hot Springs is a must, with its mineral waters drawn from deep within Sulphur Mountain. Today you’ll start your journey home with your final drive from Banff to Calgary airport, taking just over an hour. Here you’ll board your plane back home as your Canadian adventure comes to an end!
Accommodation
