From Mountain Peaks to Rugged Coasts

Itinerary

Itinerary:
Banff - Jasper - Wells Gray/Clearwater - Thompson River - Okanagan Valley - Telegraph Cove - Tofino - Vancouver
Duration:
18 days / 17 nights
Price:
from £ 3,225.- per person (excluding flights and car hire)
Rental car:
Compact car from £75 per day
Car hire and insurance prices may vary depending on departure dates

If you’ve got a little more time and want to spend 3 weeks exploring West Canada then this itinerary offers all the highlights with a twist here and there! You’ll start off in the epic Rocky Mountains, driving through stunning scenery and hiking amongst the peaks. Next up a pit-stop in a traditional Tipi next to Thompson River and a spot of wine tasting in the Okanagan Valley. Head to Vancouver Island for orca and bear spotting before a stay in the bustling city.

Person looking out to the mountains in Banff

Days 1-3 – Snow-caps & Nature Trails

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.

Days 3-5 – Rambling through the Rockies

Today you’ll drive from Banff to Jasper, this journey will take 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 5-7 – Waterfalls & Walking Trails of Wells Gray

Next you’ll travel from Jasper to Clearwater near Wells Gray Park, this will take around 4 hours. 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 7-8 – Tipi on Thompson River

Today you’ll drive from Clearwater to Thompson River – it will take approximately 1.5 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 8-10 – Wine Down in Okanagan Valley

Head down to wine country today with a drive time of 2.5 hours. Between Vancouver and the Rocky Mountains is a fertile wine valley full of sun-drenched orchards and shimmering lakes with sandy beaches. You’ll stay in a lodge which offers a panoramic view of the surrounding hills and vineyards. Whilst here you’ll head out on a wine-tasting tour of the local vineyards in this area. You’ll visit 4 different vineyards, to get a true taste of all the variations of wine this region has to offer. There are full red wines and white fruity wines all waiting to be sampled.

Days 10-11 – A night in Vancouver

Head to the city today with a drive of 4.5 hours. You’ll spend one night in the city of New Westminster, on the outskirts of Vancouver city before you head over to Vancouver Island by ferry the following day – but don’t worry you’ll be back to explore properly at the end of your trip!

Days 11-13 – Untouched Orca Bay

Today you’ll head out of the city to Horseshoe Bay to catch the ferry – the drive will only take around 30 mins. The crossing to Nanaimo is 1.5 hours. When you arrive you’ll head north to Telegraph Cove, this part of the journey will take approximately 4 hours. Telegraph Cove and Port McNeill are small fishing villages in the Johnstone Strait is, in our opinion, the best place to spot killer whales in Canada. Here, the migration route runs close to the coast, and from the beginning of July until the end of September you can admire these impressive animals. You’ll travel on a scenic windy road, through dense forest to get to your comfortable lodge either located near Telegraph Cove or in nearby picture-perfect Port McNeill.

During your stay, you’ll board a boat and head out in search of whales. The chance of seeing orcas here is very high, around 90%, so make sure you have your camera and binoculars at the ready. Travel through peaceful waters between green islands and hold your breath as the majestic fins rise out of the water. The underwater microphone lets you hear the deep humming noises of the killer whales.

Days 13-16 – The Bear Necessities

Next up Bears! You’ll drive to Tofino on the opposite coast which will take you about 6 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 16-18 – Vibrant Vancouver

Today you’ll wave goodbye to Vancouver Island, travelling back to Nanaimo to catch the ferry – this drive will take you around 3 hours. The crossing to the mainland takes around 2 hours with the chance of seeing whales on the way so keep your eyes peeled! From there you’ll drive 40 mins to the airport to drop off your car before your stay in the city. 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!

Today it’s time to say goodbye to Canada as your adventure ends. You’ll be collected from your hotel and transferred to the airport to cacth your flight home!