Canadian Rockies & Vancouver Island Road Trip

Day 1 Vancouver to Victoria | 69 km/43 mi + Ferry Depart Vancouver and travel south to Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal for the scenic 90-minute BC Ferries crossing to Swartz Bay on Vancouver Island. As you sail through the Strait of Georgia, take in views of the Gulf Islands, forested shorelines and distant mountain peaks. Upon arrival, continue south to Victoria, British Columbia’s elegant capital city, set beside the sparkling Inner Harbour and known for its gardens, coastal scenery and historic charm.

Day 2 Victoria | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 4 Excursions Today you can tailor your day by selecting one of four Victoria experiences. Option 1. Butchart Gardens Admission Explore the world-famous Butchart Gardens, a National Historic Site of Canada and one of the most beautiful garden estates in the country. Wander through 22 hectares/55 acres of floral displays, landscaped pathways, sunken gardens and peaceful viewpoints spread across the 53 hectare/130 acre estate. Option 2. Eat like a Canadian Food Tour Discover Victoria through its flavours on a guided culinary walking tour. Sample local ingredients, historic dishes and modern Canadian favourites while exploring the Inner Harbour and nearby neighbourhoods. Along the way, meet the chefs, makers and local food experts who help make Victoria one of Canada’s most enjoyable small-city dining destinations. Option 3. Whale Watch Cruise Head out onto the Salish Sea for a thrilling 3.5-hour whale watching cruise from Victoria. Travel aboard a covered or open vessel in search of orcas, humpback whales, sea lions, porpoises and seabirds. Hydrophones may be used to bring the underwater world to life, adding another dimension to this remarkable marine experience. Option 4. High Tea at the Fairmont Empress Hotel Enjoy the timeless tradition of Afternoon Tea at the Fairmont Empress, one of Victoria’s most iconic landmarks. Settle into an elegant setting overlooking the Inner Harbour and savour fine tea, delicate finger sandwiches, pastries and freshly baked scones in a setting that reflects the city’s historic charm.

Day 3 Victoria to Tofino/Ucluelet | 313 km/195 mi Leave Victoria and travel north through Vancouver Island’s gentler southern landscapes, passing rolling forests, coastal communities and rural scenery along the way. En route, stop in Duncan, the “City of Totems,” and Chemainus, known for its large outdoor murals. If time permits, visit the Quw’utsun’ Heritage Village for insight into the traditions, stories and artistry of the northwest coast people. Continue west across the island toward Tofino and Ucluelet, where wave-washed beaches, coastal rainforest and Pacific Ocean scenery create one of Canada’s most spectacular coastal settings.

Day 4 Tofino | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 2 Excursions Today you can tailor your day by choosing one of two unforgettable West Coast wildlife experiences. Option 1. Coastal Bear Watch Cruise | Min age 5 yrs Set out by Zodiac along the sheltered inlets and rocky shoreline of Clayoquot Sound in search of black bears foraging at low tide. From the comfort and safety of the vessel, watch for bears turning over stones in search of rock crab, framed by misty rainforest, tidal flats and the wild beauty of Vancouver Island’s Pacific Coast. Option 2. Whale Watching Cruise | Min age 3 yrs Cruise through the pristine waters of Clayoquot Sound, where forested islands, ocean swells and snow-capped mountain backdrops create a remarkable setting for marine wildlife viewing. Depending on the season, you may encounter gray whales, humpback whales, sea lions, seabirds and bald eagles soaring above the shoreline.

Day 5 Tofino/Ucluelet to Whistler | 329 km/206 mi + Ferry Leave the wild Pacific Coast behind and travel east across Vancouver Island’s rugged mountain interior. The scenery becomes increasingly dramatic as you pass through Sutton Pass before continuing toward Sproat Lake, known for its historic Mars Water Bombers. En route, stop at Cathedral Grove to walk among towering 800-year-old Douglas fir and cedar trees, then continue to Nanaimo for your scenic BC Ferries crossing to Horseshoe Bay. From here, follow the Sea-to-Sky Highway north toward Whistler, where the route hugs the edge of Howe Sound, offering sweeping ocean vistas, sheer granite cliffs and cascading waterfalls. Pass through the coastal community of Squamish, set beneath the towering Stawamus Chief, and continue along winding mountain roads framed by dense forest, glacier-fed rivers and dramatic peaks as you make your way into the alpine resort village of Whistler.

Day 6 Whistler | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 5 Excursions Today you can tailor your day by choosing one of five Whistler experiences. Option 1. Whistler Guided Lunch Tour Discover Whistler’s lively culinary scene on a guided lunch tour through the village. Enjoy a delicious multi-course experience at some of the resort’s favourite local dining spots, with sweet stops along the way for artisan chocolate and treats. Option 2. River of Golden Dreams Guided Canoe Tour Paddle one of Whistler’s most scenic waterways on a summertime canoe journey from Alta Lake to Green Lake. Drift past wildflower-lined banks, mountain views, old-growth forest and quiet wetlands, with the chance to spot local wildlife along the way. Option 3. Whistler Peak 2 Peak Gondola Experience Whistler from above on the spectacular Peak 2 Peak Gondola, connecting Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. Take in panoramic views of glaciers, alpine valleys, extinct volcanoes and snow-capped peaks from one of the most iconic mountain gondola rides in the world. Option 4. Ziptrek Eco Tour Soar above Whistler’s stunning rainforest on Ziptrek Eco Tours’ Bear or Eagle Tours—an unforgettable ziplining adventure blending thrilling heights with breathtaking nature and eco-education. Option 5. Upgrade Option: Bear Safari in Whistler Olympic Park Venture into the wilderness of Whistler Olympic Park in search of black bears in their natural habitat. Travel by vehicle through pristine alpine landscapes, watch for bears foraging in open meadows and enjoy impressive mountain views from the park’s iconic ski jump area.

Day 7 Whistler to Sun Peaks | 357 km/222 mi Leave Whistler and travel the dramatic Duffey Lake Road, one of British Columbia’s most scenic mountain drives. If time permits, stop near Joffre Lakes for breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and Joffre Glacier before continuing through steep valleys, alpine lakes and rugged interior scenery. Pass through Lillooet, a historic community known as “Mile Zero” of the Old Cariboo Wagon Road and an important landmark on the Gold Rush Trail, before continuing to Sun Peaks, a welcoming alpine resort village surrounded by forested hills and mountain views.

Day 8 Sun Peaks to Jasper | 444 km/276 mi Depart Sun Peaks and travel through British Columbia’s interior, following changing landscapes of forested valleys, rivers and mountain scenery. Continue toward Mount Robson Provincial Park, where the impressive slopes of Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, rise above the surrounding wilderness. From here, travel east along the Yellowhead Route and enter Jasper National Park, a vast mountain landscape known for its wildlife, glacier-fed lakes, forests and dramatic peaks.

Day 9 Jasper | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 3 Excursions Today you can tailor your day by selecting one of three Jasper experiences. Option 1. Maligne Lake Cruise | Operating season is weather dependent Cruise across Maligne Lake, one of Jasper National Park’s most photographed settings. Surrounded by mountain peaks, forested shoreline and brilliant alpine water, the journey includes views toward Spirit Island, one of the Canadian Rockies’ most iconic natural landmarks. Option 2. Jasper River Float Enjoy a gentle rafting experience on the Athabasca River, offering a relaxed and scenic perspective of Jasper National Park. Drift through a wide mountain valley with views of forests, peaks and wildlife habitat while your guide shares stories of the area’s natural and human history. Option 3. Jasper Nature Walk Explore Jasper National Park on a guided nature walk through a landscape of rolling hills, jagged peaks, forests, meadows, marshes, streams and glacial lakes. Along the way, learn more about the plants, wildlife and mountain ecology that make this region so remarkable.

Day 10 Jasper to Banff | Ice Explorer + Skywalk | 292 km/182 mi Today, travel south along the Icefields Parkway, one of the most spectacular mountain drives in the world. This remarkable route follows the spine of the Canadian Rockies, passing glacier-fed lakes, sweeping valleys, waterfalls and towering peaks. At the Columbia Icefield, step aboard the Ice Explorer for a journey onto ancient glacier ice, then continue to the Glacier Skywalk, where a glass-floored platform extends high above the Sunwapta Valley. These included experiences offer a powerful perspective on the scale, beauty and geology of this treasured region before you continue to Banff.

Day 11 Banff | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 7 Excursions Today you can tailor your day by selecting one of seven Banff experiences. Option 1. Banff Gondola Ride the Banff Gondola to the summit of Sulphur Mountain for sweeping views over Banff, the Bow Valley and the surrounding peaks of Banff National Park. At the top, enjoy viewing platforms, interpretive exhibits and time to take in one of the most impressive panoramas in the Canadian Rockies. Option 2. Lake Minnewanka Cruise Cruise across the turquoise waters of Lake Minnewanka, surrounded by mountain peaks, forested shoreline and open alpine scenery. As you travel toward Devil’s Gap, enjoy a relaxed and scenic perspective of one of Banff National Park’s most beautiful glacier-fed lakes. Option 3. River Explorer Canoe Tour Enjoy a gentle guided canoe tour along the Bow River, where calm waters, mountain views and riverside scenery create a peaceful way to experience Banff National Park. This fun and interactive excursion is ideal for families, with no paddling experience necessary. Option 4. Bow River Horseback Adventure Saddle up for a guided horseback ride through the celebrated landscapes of Banff National Park. Follow scenic riverside trails, take in mountain views and experience the Rockies in a classic western style. Option 5. Banff Townsite E-Bike Tour Explore Banff on a relaxed guided e-bike ride to some of the town’s most scenic highlights, including Bow Falls, Surprise Corner, downtown Banff and the Cave and Basin National Historic Site. Enjoy mountain views, local history and an easy-paced ride suitable for beginners and families. Option 6. Upgrade Option: Moraine Lake & Lake Louise Sunset Wildlife Adventure with Picnic Dinner Experience the beauty of Lake Louise and Moraine Lake during the soft glow of golden hour. Travel through the mountain landscapes of Banff National Park as the evening light brings out the colour of the turquoise lakes, surrounding peaks and forested valleys. Along the way, watch for wildlife such as elk and deer, enjoy scenic shoreline walks and savour a picnic dinner in one of the Canadian Rockies’ most iconic settings. Option 7. Upgrade Option: Continental Divide Helicopter Tour Take to the skies on a spectacular helicopter flight over the Canadian Rockies and the Continental Divide. From above, admire a dramatic landscape of jagged peaks, alpine valleys, glaciers, hidden lakes and remote wilderness that few visitors ever see from the ground. This upgraded experience offers an unforgettable aerial perspective of the scale and beauty of the Rockies.

Day 12 Banff to Calgary | 115 km/72 mi Say goodbye to the fresh mountain air and majestic scenery of the Rockies as you leave Banff National Park and follow the Trans-Canada Highway east. Along the way, the dramatic peaks, forested slopes and glacier-carved valleys gradually soften into rolling foothills and wide-open prairie landscapes. If time permits, consider a scenic detour to Cochrane, a western foothills town set above the Bow River, where ranching heritage, river pathways and wide views back toward the Rockies make a relaxed final stop before Calgary.

Day 1 Calgary to Banff | 115 km/72 mi Leave the Stampede City of Calgary and travel west toward the rising peaks of the Canadian Rockies. As the prairie landscape gives way to foothills and mountain views, continue into Banff National Park and the resort town of Banff, one of Canada’s most iconic alpine destinations. Surrounded by dramatic peaks, forested valleys and glacier-fed rivers, Banff offers a spectacular introduction to the natural beauty and wildlife of the Rockies.

Day 2 Banff | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 7 Excursions Today you can tailor your day by selecting one of seven Banff experiences. Option 1. Banff Gondola Ride the Banff Gondola to the summit of Sulphur Mountain for sweeping views over Banff, the Bow Valley and the surrounding peaks of Banff National Park. At the top, enjoy viewing platforms, interpretive exhibits and time to take in one of the most impressive panoramas in the Canadian Rockies. Option 2. Lake Minnewanka Cruise Cruise across the turquoise waters of Lake Minnewanka, surrounded by mountain peaks, forested shoreline and open alpine scenery. As you travel toward Devil’s Gap, enjoy a relaxed and scenic perspective of one of Banff National Park’s most beautiful glacier-fed lakes. Option 3. River Explorer Canoe Tour Enjoy a gentle guided canoe tour along the Bow River, where calm waters, mountain views and riverside scenery create a peaceful way to experience Banff National Park. This fun and interactive excursion is ideal for families, with no paddling experience necessary. Option 4. Bow River Horseback Adventure Saddle up for a guided horseback ride through the celebrated landscapes of Banff National Park. Follow scenic riverside trails, take in mountain views and experience the Rockies in a classic western style. Option 5. Banff Townsite E-Bike Tour Explore Banff on a relaxed guided e-bike ride to some of the town’s most scenic highlights, including Bow Falls, Surprise Corner, downtown Banff and the Cave and Basin National Historic Site. Enjoy mountain views, local history and an easy-paced ride suitable for beginners and families. Option 6. Upgrade Option: Moraine Lake & Lake Louise Sunset Wildlife Adventure with Picnic Dinner Experience the beauty of Lake Louise and Moraine Lake during the soft glow of golden hour. Travel through the mountain landscapes of Banff National Park as the evening light brings out the colour of the turquoise lakes, surrounding peaks and forested valleys. Along the way, watch for wildlife such as elk and deer, enjoy scenic shoreline walks and savour a picnic dinner in one of the Canadian Rockies’ most iconic settings. Option 7. Upgrade Option: Continental Divide Helicopter Tour Take to the skies on a spectacular helicopter flight over the Canadian Rockies and the Continental Divide. From above, admire a dramatic landscape of jagged peaks, alpine valleys, glaciers, hidden lakes and remote wilderness that few visitors ever see from the ground. This upgraded experience offers an unforgettable aerial perspective of the scale and beauty of the Rockies.

Day 3 Banff to Jasper | Ice Explorer + Skywalk | 292 km/182 mi Today, travel along the Icefields Parkway, one of the most spectacular mountain drives in the world. This unforgettable route follows the spine of the Canadian Rockies, passing glacier-fed lakes, sweeping valleys, waterfalls and towering peaks. At the Columbia Icefield, step aboard the Ice Explorer for a journey onto ancient glacier ice, then continue to the Glacier Skywalk, where a glass-floored platform extends high above the Sunwapta Valley. These included experiences offer a powerful perspective on the scale, beauty and geology of this treasured region of the Rockies.

Day 4 Jasper | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 3 Excursions Today you can tailor your day by selecting one of three Jasper experiences. Option 1. Maligne Lake Cruise | Operating season is weather dependent Cruise across Maligne Lake, one of Jasper National Park’s most photographed settings. Surrounded by mountain peaks, forested shoreline and brilliant alpine water, the journey includes views toward Spirit Island, one of the Canadian Rockies’ most iconic natural landmarks. Option 2. Jasper River Float Enjoy a gentle rafting experience on the Athabasca River, offering a relaxed and scenic perspective of Jasper National Park. Drift through a wide mountain valley with views of forests, peaks and wildlife habitat while your guide shares stories of the area’s natural and human history. Option 3. Jasper Nature Walk Explore Jasper National Park on a guided nature walk through a landscape of rolling hills, jagged peaks, forests, meadows, marshes, streams and glacial lakes. Along the way, learn more about the plants, wildlife and mountain ecology that make this region so remarkable.

Day 5 Jasper to Sun Peaks | 444 km/276 mi Leave Jasper National Park and travel west along the Yellowhead Route, passing the impressive slopes of Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. Beyond Mount Robson Provincial Park, the journey follows river valleys, mountain scenery and changing landscapes as you continue through the Monashee and Cariboo mountain regions. Arrive in Sun Peaks, a welcoming alpine resort village surrounded by forested hills and mountain views.

Day 6 Sun Peaks to Whistler | 357 km/222 mi Continue through British Columbia’s rugged interior toward Lillooet, a historic community known as “Mile Zero” of the Old Cariboo Wagon Road and an important landmark on the Gold Rush Trail. From here, travel the dramatic Duffey Lake Road, where winding mountain roads, steep valleys, alpine lakes and glacier views create one of the most scenic drives in the province. If time permits, stop near Joffre Lakes for breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and Joffre Glacier before continuing to Whistler, one of Canada’s premier mountain resort destinations.

Day 7 Whistler | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 5 Excursions Today you can tailor your day by choosing one of five Whistler experiences. Option 1. Whistler Guided Lunch Tour Discover Whistler’s lively culinary scene on a guided lunch tour through the village. Enjoy a delicious multi-course experience at some of the resort’s favourite local dining spots, with sweet stops along the way for artisan chocolate and treats. Option 2. River of Golden Dreams Guided Canoe Tour Paddle one of Whistler’s most scenic waterways on a summertime canoe journey from Alta Lake to Green Lake. Drift past wildflower-lined banks, mountain views, old-growth forest and quiet wetlands, with the chance to spot local wildlife along the way. Option 3. Whistler Peak 2 Peak Gondola Experience Whistler from above on the spectacular Peak 2 Peak Gondola, connecting Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. Take in panoramic views of glaciers, alpine valleys, extinct volcanoes and snow-capped peaks from one of the most iconic mountain gondola rides in the world. Option 4. Ziptrek Eco Tour Soar above Whistler’s stunning rainforest on Ziptrek Eco Tours’ Bear or Eagle Tours—an unforgettable ziplining adventure blending thrilling heights with breathtaking nature and eco-education. Option 5. Upgrade Option: Bear Safari in Whistler Olympic Park Venture into the wilderness of Whistler Olympic Park in search of black bears in their natural habitat. Travel by vehicle through pristine alpine landscapes, watch for bears foraging in open meadows and enjoy impressive mountain views from the park’s iconic ski jump area.

Day 8 Whistler to Tofino/Ucluelet | 303 km/189 mi + Ferry Leave Whistler this morning and travel back along the Sea-to-Sky Highway to Horseshoe Bay for your scenic BC Ferries crossing to Vancouver Island. As you sail across the Strait of Georgia, watch for coastal mountains, forested islands and open ocean views before arriving in Nanaimo. From here, continue west across the island toward the wild Pacific Coast. En route, stop at Cathedral Grove to walk among towering 800-year-old Douglas fir and cedar trees, then continue to Sproat Lake, known for its historic Mars Water Bombers. The drive becomes increasingly dramatic as you pass through Sutton Pass and the rugged mountain interior before descending toward Tofino and Ucluelet, where rainforest, surf beaches and Pacific Ocean scenery create one of Canada’s most spectacular coastal settings.

Day 9 Tofino | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 2 Excursions Today you can tailor your day by choosing one of two unforgettable West Coast wildlife experiences. Option 1. Coastal Bear Watch Cruise | Min age 5 yrs Set out by Zodiac along the sheltered inlets and rocky shoreline of Clayoquot Sound in search of black bears foraging at low tide. From the comfort and safety of the vessel, watch for bears turning over stones in search of rock crab, framed by misty rainforest, tidal flats and the wild beauty of Vancouver Island’s Pacific Coast. Option 2. Whale Watching Cruise | Min age 3 yrs Cruise through the pristine waters of Clayoquot Sound, where forested islands, ocean swells and snow-capped mountain backdrops create a remarkable setting for marine wildlife viewing. Depending on the season, you may encounter gray whales, humpback whales, sea lions, seabirds and bald eagles soaring above the shoreline.

Day 10 Tofino/Ucluelet to Victoria | 313 km/195 mi Leave the wave-washed beaches and rainforest trails of the West Coast behind as you travel back across Vancouver Island toward Victoria. The journey takes you from rugged Pacific scenery to rolling forests, coastal communities and the island’s gentler southern landscapes. En route, stop in Chemainus, known for its large outdoor murals, and Duncan, the “City of Totems.” If time permits, visit the Quw’utsun’ Heritage Village for insight into the traditions, stories and artistry of the northwest coast people. Continue south to Victoria, British Columbia’s elegant capital city, set beside the sparkling Inner Harbour.

Day 11 Victoria | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 4 Excursions Today you can tailor your day by selecting one of four Victoria experiences. Option 1. Butchart Gardens Admission Explore the world-famous Butchart Gardens, a National Historic Site of Canada and one of the most beautiful garden estates in the country. Wander through 22 hectares/55 acres of floral displays, landscaped pathways, sunken gardens and peaceful viewpoints spread across the 53 hectare/130 acre estate. Option 2. Eat like a Canadian Food Tour Discover Victoria through its flavours on a guided culinary walking tour. Sample local ingredients, historic dishes and modern Canadian favourites while exploring the Inner Harbour and nearby neighbourhoods. Along the way, meet the chefs, makers and local food experts who help make Victoria one of Canada’s most enjoyable small-city dining destinations. Option 3. Whale Watch Cruise Head out onto the Salish Sea for a thrilling 3.5-hour whale watching cruise from Victoria. Travel aboard a covered or open vessel in search of orcas, humpback whales, sea lions, porpoises and seabirds. Hydrophones may be used to bring the underwater world to life, adding another dimension to this remarkable marine experience. Option 4. High Tea at the Fairmont Empress Hotel Enjoy the timeless tradition of Afternoon Tea at the Fairmont Empress, one of Victoria’s most iconic landmarks. Settle into an elegant setting overlooking the Inner Harbour and savour fine tea, delicate finger sandwiches, pastries and freshly baked scones in a setting that reflects the city’s historic charm.

Day 12 Victoria to Vancouver | 69 km/43 mi Leaving Victoria, drive north to Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal for the scenic 90-minute BC Ferries crossing to Tsawwassen. As you sail through the Strait of Georgia, take in views of the Gulf Islands, forested shorelines and distant mountain peaks. From Tsawwassen, continue to downtown Vancouver, where your Flexidrive ends after a journey that has taken you from the Canadian Rockies, the Icefields Parkway and alpine resort villages to Whistler, Vancouver Island’s wild Pacific beaches, coastal rainforest, marine wildlife, garden beauty and classic British Columbia scenery.