Day 1 Vancouver to Whistler | 122 km/76 mi Your self-drive holiday begins today as you pick up your rental car (not included). This morning depart Vancouver along the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway to Whistler. Highlights along the way include the cascading Shannon Falls and the Stawamus Chief Rock where climbers from all over the globe migrate to climb the granite cliffs. Arrive into Whistler by early afternoon.
Day 2 Whistler to Sun Peaks | 357 km/222 miBegin your spectacular drive on the Duffey Lake Road where you will see breathtaking views of Joffre Glacier. Continue on through Lillooet, known as the land of the Gold Rush Trail to Sun Peaks.
Day 3 Sun Peaks to Jasper | 444 km/276 miToday, follow the Thompson River through rolling plateaus to the snowy peaks of the Monashee Mountains. View Pyramid Falls and the expansive glaciers of the Albreda Icefields. Pass by Mount Robson which at 3954 metres is the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies.
Day 4 Jasper | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 3 ExcursionsToday you can personalize your day by choosing one of three excursionsOption 1. Maligne Lake CruiseCruise Maligne Lake, where you can marvel at the magnificent shoreline and Spirit Island.Option 2. Jasper River FloatEnjoy a gentle rafting tour on the Athabasca River for a unique perspective of Jasper National Park.Option 3. Jasper Nature WalkA guided nature walk featuring a spectacular array of rolling hills, jagged peaks, forests, meadows, marshes, streams, and stunning glacial lakes.
Day 5 Jasper to Banff | Ice Explorer + Skywalk | 292 km/182 miToday, travel through the spine of the Canadian Rockies along the amazing Icefields Parkway and encompass the ultimate glacier exploration. From walking on ancient ice with the Ice Explorer ride, to standing on a glass platform almost one thousand feet in the air at the Glacier Skywalk (included), today’s experiences will leave you with a special appreciation for this treasured region of the Rockies
Day 6 Banff | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 4 ExcursionsToday you can personalize your day by choosing one of four excursionsOption 1. Banff GondolaMaximize your views of Banff National Park with minimal exertion on a round-trip gondola ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain.Option 2. Lake Minnewanka CruiseAdmire views of the Canadian Rockies by boat as you cruise across the turquoise-hued Lake Minnewanka and over to Devil’s Gap.Option 3. River Explorer Canoe TourEnjoy the serenity of the Bow River and marvel at the surroundings. A fun & interactive way with your guide to explore the waterways of Banff National Park. Perfect for families. No paddling experience necessary.Option 4. Bow River Horseback AdventureSaddle up for a journey through the celebrated landscape of Banff National Park on this guided horseback riding adventure.
Day 7 Banff to Kamloops | Rocky Mountaineer TrainAll aboard Rocky Mountaineer for the scenic rail journey to Kamloops in the interior of British Columbia. As the train crosses over the continental divide you pass through the spiral tunnels in Yoho National Park, a remarkable engineering achievement. Continue on through Rogers Pass in Glacier National Park with endless views of snow-capped mountains and stunning glaciers. Later in the day, you will pass Craigellachie, where the last spike was driven completing the Canadian Pacific Railway Trans Canada link in 1885. (Breakfast & lunch included)
Day 8 Kamloops to Vancouver | Rocky Mountaineer TrainRe-board the Rocky Mountaineer train and follow the Thompson River through Ashcroft - one of Canada’s driest towns (with an average rainfall of just 18 centimetres). Pass through Rainbow Canyon with its cliffs striped with pinks, greens and greys creating a stunning affect. Continue on to the Fraser Canyon where at Hells Gate you will observe a water torrent past the canyon walls at its narrowest point. The last leg of the journey takes you through the lush farming region of the Fraser Valley to arrive in the Pacific port of Vancouver late afternoon.(Breakfast & lunch included)
