From Vancouver to Calgary by motorhome
Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Vancouver
Welcome to Canada! Your adventurous motorhome tour through Western Canada starts today. You will be greeted at the airport by the numerous totem poles – an unmistakable sign that you have arrived in Canada. For the 30-40 minute transfer to your city hotel in downtown Vancouver, we recommend taking a taxi. Alternatively, you could use the Sky Train which takes around 25 minutes and is significantly cheaper. Your hotel is located on the lively Robson Street, an ideal starting point for exploring the city’s sights, numerous restaurants and inviting cafés on foot. You’ll be staying in Vancouver for the next two nights so that you start your motorhome trip well-rested and adjusted to the Canadian time zone.
Tip: Travel with soft travel bags/suitcases as they are easier to store in the motorhome and take up less room than bulky, hard-shell suitcases.
Day 2 – Free Time in Vancouver
Today we have not planned anything for you, so you can explore Vancouver at your own pace. You could start your discovery tour in the historic Gastown district and stroll from there to Chinatown. As one of the largest North American districts of its kind, Vancouver’s Chinatown is a lively area that gives you a glimpse into the Chinese cultural heritage in Canada. Let yourself be carried away into the Far Eastern culture, taste dim sum or enjoy a cup of green tea. A visit to the Vancouver Lookout, an observation tower with panoramic views, is also a worthwhile experience. As your ticket is valid all day, you have the option of returning in the evening to admire the city lit up at night.
Tip: Vancouver is a great place to explore by bike. If you would like to hire a bike during your stay in Vancouver, please let your travel specialist know
Day 3 – From Vancouver to Victoria in a motorhome
Today your motorhome adventure begins. You’ll make your own way to collect your RV and receive a detailed briefing on the vehicle’s functions. The motorhome is fully equipped with a kitchen to prepare your meals and a table and chairs for evenings by the campfire. The power supply is sufficient for a few days, so you don’t need a campsite with a hook-up everywhere.
From the RV pick-up centre, it’s a short drive of around 30 minutes to the port of Tsawwassen, where you will take the ferry to Vancouver Island (90-minute journey). During the crossing, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the Gulf Islands and you might even be lucky enough to spot a whale or dolphin, making your journey to Vancouver Island even more memorable. After arriving in Swartz Bay, it is only half an hour’s drive to Victoria, where you will spend your first night in the motorhome.
Day 4 – Whale watching off Vancouver Island
Wrap up warm this morning and don’t forget your binoculars as you’ll be heading out on a whale-watching tour. A small, partially covered boat awaits you at the harbour. Your knowledgeable guide has lots of experience searching for these majestic creatures and they’ll do their best to help you search the waters. Keep an eye out for spouting fountains, groups of birds gathering or foaming waves as these are often good indications that whales are nearby.
We have not planned anything for this afternoon, so take the opportunity to explore the area on your own before returning to your campground for another comfortable night in the RV. If you are interested in more activities then we can arrange a sightseeing flight in a seaplane along the coast for you – just speak to your travel specialist.
Days 5-6 – Bear watching near Tofino – Ucluelet
Next, you’ll drive along the Pacific coast to Ucluelet, which happens to be one of the most beautiful road trips in Canada. You’ll pass through lush forests, rugged coastlines and charming seaside towns. The small coastal town of Ucluelet – often called “Ukee” by the locals, is a quiet, laid-back base for many outdoor adventures. This afternoon you could take a hike through the rainforest of the Pacific Rim National Park, hire a kayak and paddle through the calm waters of Ucluelet Harbour or just take some time to relax at your campsite and take in the beautiful wild surroundings. If you can catch the sunset at Amphitrite Point Lighthouse, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views over the Pacific Ocean.
The following day, you will be kitted out with some warm, waterproof overalls, before boarding a sturdy ‘Zodiac’ (a robust inflatable boat) and exploring the coastal inlets, keeping an eye out for bears. From the water, there are excellent opportunities to observe the large black bears as they forage for crabs, mussels and other marine animals. Don’t forget to take binoculars with you to get an even better view of the bears.
Day 7 – From Tofino to Nanaimo
Today you will drive around three hours onto Nanaimo, the perfect place for your departure from Vancouver Island. The ferry station is no more than half an hour’s drive from the campsite. Take the time to stop along the way for a hike or a coffee break at Sprout Lake or in one of the provincial parks you pass through. When you arrive in Nanaimo you can take a stroll along the Harborfront Walkway before returning to the campsite and relaxing with a drink by the campfire.
Day 8 – Nanaimo – Whistler
After a leisurely breakfast, continue your journey and take the ferry to Horseshoe Bay on the British Columbia mainland. From here, the iconic ‘Sea to Sky Highway’ takes you from the coast into the mountains, driving along winding roads with breathtaking views around every corner. The journey starts with small bays along the coast and transforms into majestic snow-capped peaks and lush green valleys as you enter the heart of the mountains. After a scenic journey of around 3.5 hours, you will arrive at your campsite in the world-renowned mountain resort town of Whistler. Whistler is famous for its incredible outdoor activities, beautiful landscapes and vibrant village atmosphere. Wander the pedestrianised streets, potter around the shops and settle in at a local bar to enjoy a well-earned drink and soak up the impressive mountain views.
Day 9 – Whistler – Peak2Peak Gondola
After breakfast, we recommend exploring the charming town of Whistler. Some chalets are reminiscent of Austrian mountain villages and the town can be quite lively, especially in the summer months. From mid-June, the Peak-2-Peak gondola is in operation, taking you on a 4-kilometre route to the top of the Blackcomb Mountains. From the summit, you can hike through alpine meadows that are still covered in snow in early June but turn into colourful seas of flowers over the course of the summer. Note that there are no marked hiking trails on the summit.
As an optional adventure, you can also book a ‘Ziptrek’. In a forest crisscrossed by streams and rocks, five wooden platforms and suspension bridges connected by wire ropes have been erected at a height of around 30 metres. Equipped with a harness and helmet, you’ll glide from platform to platform, cross small streams and get very close to the treetops.
Day 10 – Wells Gray Provincial Park
Today, you will continue on your Canadian motorhome adventure from Whistler to Wells Gray Provincial Park. You will be driving along winding mountain roads and passing some narrow wooden bridges with impressive views. Around 1.5 hours into your journey you will pass Duffey Lake, located between Pemberton and Lillooet, and this scenic spot is perfect for breaking up today’s drive and stretching your legs. Take in the peaceful atmosphere and dramatic views of the rugged mountain peaks and dense forests, and enjoy a picnic lunch by the lake. With plenty of other highlights to see along the way, it’s worth allowing yourself ample time for this drive so you can slow down and appreciate the natural beauty of this area. After leaving Duffey Lake it won’t be long before the landscape transforms from dramatic mountain peaks to rolling hills and ranchland.
Soon enough you’ll reach the charming town of Clearwater, known as the gateway to Wells Gray Provincial Park, home to the iconic Helmcken Falls – the highest waterfall in Canada…twice as high as the famous Niagara Falls! As well as the incredible falls, the park is home to a variety of hiking trails and wildlife viewing opportunities including bears, moose, deer and bald eagles which are best spotted on a guided wildlife tour. If you’re looking for more adventurous activities then you could get the adrenaline pumping on a whitewater rafting tour, or paddle the calm lake waters by canoe or kayak which can be arranged within the park.
Day 11 – From Clearwater to Jasper
Today you’ll drive to Jasper, a national park in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, known for its vast wilderness and dramatic landscapes. The drive takes around four hours and the closer you get to Jasper, the more the landscape changes. Instead of deciduous trees, you will start to see towering evergreens and the terrain will become more rugged and mountainous. Welcome to the famous Rockies! On the way, you will pass Mount Robson, which at 3,954 metres is the highest mountain in Canada. Head to the visitor centre to pick up a map of the area and more information about the hiking trails and paths in the park. One of the highlights is Maligne Lake, famous for its sparkling blue waters and Spirit Island which is one of the most photographed spots in Canada. Here you can hire canoes, and kayaks or take a scenic boat cruise along the calm waters. In Jasper, you will spend the night in a peaceful campground, immersed in the stunning wilderness of the Canadian Rockies.
Day 12 – From Jasper to Banff
Today you continue your motorhome tour through Western Canada and head south on the famous Icefields Parkway. Along the road, the views just keep getting better—glistening peaks, frozen valleys, shimmering lakes, and towering glaciers at every turn. Stop at the Athabasca Glacier and the other signposted viewpoints along the way. You will experience a breathtaking view of the Rocky Mountains: mighty grey mountains with snow-covered peaks, glistening glaciers that slide majestically over each other and wild, azure blue meltwater rivers. An ideal place for a stopover is Peyto Lake, a mirror-smooth, intensely blue glacial lake.
Your destination today is the mountain town of Banff, which is also known for its hot springs. If you wish, you can take an evening trip to the Banff Upper Hot Springs and relax in the warm, soothing waters.
Day 13 – Kananaskis
Kananaskis is located south of Banff and is on the way to Calgary. We think it’s an ideal place to end your trip. It’s not too far from the motorhome rental station, so you can enjoy the holiday vibe until the end of your tour through Western Canada by motorhome. The town of Canmore is very picturesque and you can sample different types of beer in the local brewery before buying the last of your souvenirs. The following day you will drop off your trusty motorhome and head to Calgary Airport for your international flight home.
Tips for your motorhome tour through Western Canada
Best time to visit
The best time to travel on this motorhome trip from Vancouver is between July and September. If you travel to Canada in May or early June, there is still snow in the Rocky Mountains, and the glacial lakes are also still frozen. You can expect a dreamlike landscape with fewer visitors, but of course, this also means that you won’t be able to canoe and the deep blue of the lakes will be hidden under the ice.
Book campsites spontaneously
July/August is the best time to travel through Western Canada in a motorhome. However, this also means that there are a lot of campers on the road and you usually won’t get a (nice) spot without a reservation. If it gets tight, you may be allowed to stand on gravel areas in front of the entrance to the national park campsites, for example. With the flights booked, your route is fixed, so let us book the campsites for you accordingly and you won’t have to worry about anything on-site.
Our concept
As a specialist for individual round trips, we put together your trip through Western Canada by motorhome in the same way as our rental car tours. The motorhome including all kilometres and the highest insurance, campsites and excursions are included in the price. We do not offer pure vehicle rentals.
Your vehicle
The C-Small is suitable for up to three adults. If you are travelling with children, the next larger vehicle in the C-Medium class is suitable, as child seats cannot be fitted in the smaller motorhome.
Accommodation
