Western Canada Family Road Trip

Day 1 Vancouver to Victoria | 69 km/43 mi + Ferry Leaving Vancouver drive south to Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal for a 90 min ferry ride to Swartz Bay. On-board BC Ferries enjoy the scenery of the Gulf Islands as you cross the Strait of Georgia. From Swartz Bay continue on to the charming city of Victoria.

Day 2 Victoria | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 2 Excursions Today you can personalize your day by choosing one of two excursions Option 1. Whale Watching is search of Orca’s This coastal excursion is an exhilarating round trip of 50 to 80 kilometres in search of Orcas, minke whales, grey whales, porpoises, harbour seals and other marine wildlife Option 2. Eat like a Canadian Food Tour Not many people can define exactly what Canadian food is. From local ingredients to historic dishes, this tour is the best way to experience Canadian culinary culture. Sip and savour local cuisine, explore the iconic Inner Harbour, and meet the chefs and owners that make Victoria such an exciting culinary hot spot

Day 3 Victoria to Tofino/Ucluelet | 313 km/195mi Travel to the rugged West Coast of Vancouver Island and head to Pacific Rim National Park. En route stops should be made at Duncan the ‘City of Totems’, where you may visit the Quw’utsun’ Heritage Village, which will provide you with an insight into the lives of the northwest coast people (admission not included). Make a stop in the artist community of Chemainus, where you can admire the giant murals which adorn the exterior walls throughout the town. Drive through majestic Sutton Pass and the Sawtooth Range of the Cascade Mountains to arrive in Tofino around mid-afternoon.

Day 4 Tofino | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 2 Excursions Today you can personalize your day by choosing one of two excursions Option 1. Coastal Bear Watch Cruise Search for foraging bears from the comfort and safety of a 24’ Zodiac vessel. Abundant on the West Coast of Vancouver Island, black bears roam the shores at low tide in search of their favorite delicacy, the Rock Crab. Option 2. Whale Watching Cruise Cruise through the pristine waters of Clayoquot Sound to view beautiful scenery and wildlife. Depending on the time of year, you may encounter gray whales, humpback whales, sea lions, sea birds and resident bald eagles.

Day 5 Tofino/Ucluelet to Whistler | 329 km/206 mi + Ferry Depart Tofino for your return journey to the East Coast. En route, picture stops should be made at Cathedral Grove to enjoy the splendour of 800-year-old Douglas Fir and Cedar trees, as well as the Mars Water Bombers at Sproat Lake, the world’s two largest water-bombers used for the sole purpose of putting out forest fires. From Departure Bay sail on BC Ferries to Horseshoe Bay. and continue 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.

Day 6 Whistler | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 3 Excursions Today you can personalize your day by choosing one of three excursions Option 1. TreeTrek Canopy Walk Explore the magnificent old-growth rainforest and enjoy stunning vistas on this unique adventure. Perfect for all ages with no ziplining required. Option 2. River of Golden Dreams Twilight Wildlife Viewing Canoe Trip Enjoy a gentle evening paddle in search of wildlife along a slow moving, crystal clear river. Bears are a regular sight on the River of Golden Dreams, as are beaver, otter, eagles, osprey, fish, bats, birds, mink, raccoons and other wildlife Option 3. Peak 2 Peak Gondola Ride the mountain’s network of chair lifts and gondolas to access trails that wind through a volcanic landscape. Enjoy jaw-dropping vistas ancient glaciers, alpine lakes, wildflower-filled slopes and an abundance of wildlife

Day 7 Whistler to Sun Peaks | 293 km/183 mi Begin 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 8 Sun Peaks to Jasper | 444 km/277 mi 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 at 3954 metres, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. Arrive in Jasper late afternoon.

Day 9 Jasper | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 3 Excursions Today you can personalize your day by choosing one of three excursions Option 1. Maligne Lake Cruise Cruise Maligne Lake, where you can marvel at the magnificent shoreline and Spirit Island. Option 2. Jasper River Float Enjoy a gentle rafting tour on the Athabasca River for a unique perspective of Jasper National Park. Option 3. Jasper Nature Walk A guided nature walk featuring a spectacular array of rolling hills, jagged peaks, forests, meadows, marshes, streams, and stunning glacial lakes.

Day 10 Jasper to Banff | Ice Explorer + Skywalk | 292 km/182 mi Today, 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 11 Banff | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 3 Excursions Today you can personalize your day by choosing one of three excursions Option 1. Banff Gondola Maximize your views of Banff National Park with minimal exertion on a round-trip gondola ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain. Option 2. Cowboy Cookout Lunch or Dinner Wagon or Horseback Enjoy a leisurely one-hour trail ride along the banks of the Bow River to the BBQ site, where your cook prepares your steak to order. Option 3. River Explorer Canoe Tour Enjoy 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.

Day 12 Banff to Calgary | 115 km/72 mi It is time to say goodbye to Banff and your Canada adventure. Drive to Calgary to drop off your rental car and begin your journey home

Day 1 Calgary to Banff | 115 km/72 mi Leave the Stampede City of Calgary for the short drive to the resort town of Banff, renowned for its scenic natural beauty and stunning wildlife.

Day 2 Banff | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 3 Excursions Today you can personalize your day by choosing one of three excursions Option 1. Banff Gondola Maximize your views of Banff National Park with minimal exertion on a round-trip gondola ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain. Option 2. Cowboy Cookout Lunch or Dinner Wagon or Horseback Enjoy a leisurely one-hour trail ride along the banks of the Bow River to the BBQ site, where your cook prepares your steak to order. Option 3. River Explorer Canoe Tour Enjoy 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.

Day 3 Banff to Jasper | Ice Explorer + Skywalk | 292 km/182 mi Today, 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 4 Jasper | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 3 Excursions Today you can personalize your day by choosing one of three excursions Option 1. Maligne Lake Cruise Cruise Maligne Lake, where you can marvel at the magnificent shoreline and Spirit Island. Option 2. Jasper River Float Enjoy a gentle rafting tour on the Athabasca River for a unique perspective of Jasper National Park. Option 3. Jasper Nature Walk A guided nature walk featuring a spectacular array of rolling hills, jagged peaks, forests, meadows, marshes, streams, and stunning glacial lakes.

Day 5 Jasper to Sun Peaks | 444 km/276 mi Leaving Jasper National Park, travel the ‘Yellowhead’ Route past the sprawling grandeur of Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. Beyond Mount Robson Provincial Park, the highway follows the Thompson River through the snowy peaks of the Monashee and Caribou Mountains to the resort village of Sun Peaks where you will enjoy a night’s stay.

Day 6 Sun Peaks to Whistler | 357 km/222 mi Continue to Lillooet, known as the land of the Gold Rush Trail and ‘Mile Zero’ of the Old Caribou Wagon Road. Leaving Lillooet travel the Duffey Lake Road to Whistler. Be sure to stop at Joffre Lake for breathtaking views of Joffre Glacier.

Day 7 Whistler | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 3 Excursions Today you can personalize your day by choosing one of three excursions Option 1. TreeTrek Canopy Walk Explore the magnificent old-growth rainforest and enjoy stunning vistas on this unique adventure. Perfect for all ages with no ziplining required. Option 2. River of Golden Dreams Twilight Wildlife Viewing Canoe Trip Enjoy a gentle evening paddle in search of wildlife along a slow moving, crystal clear river. Bears are a regular sight on the River of Golden Dreams, as are beaver, otter, eagles, osprey, fish, bats, birds, mink, raccoons and other wildlife Option 3. Peak 2 Peak Gondola Ride the mountain’s network of chair lifts and gondolas to access trails that wind through a volcanic landscape. Enjoy jaw-dropping vistas, ancient glaciers, alpine lakes, wildflower-filled slopes and an abundance of wildlife.

Day 8 Whistler to Tofino/Ucluelet | 329 km/206 mi + Ferry Depart Whistler along the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway to Horseshoe Bay. Highlights along the way highlights include the cascading Shannon Falls and the Stawamus Chief Rock. At Horseshoe Bay, board BC Ferries to Vancouver Island and continue on to. Tofino. En route, picture stops should be made at Cathedral Grove to enjoy the splendour of 800-yearold Douglas Fir and Cedar trees as well as the Mars Water-Bombers at Sproat Lake: the world’s two largest water-bombers used for the sole purpose of putting out forest fires. After the Mars Water-Bombers, drive through the majestic Sutton Pass and the Sawtooth Range of the Cascade Mountains to arrive in Tofino around late-afternoon.

Day 9 Tofino | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 2 Excursions Today you can personalize your day by choosing one of two excursions Option 1. Coastal Bear Watch Cruise Search for foraging bears from the comfort and safety of a 24’ Zodiac vessel. Abundant on the West Coast of Vancouver Island, black bears roam the shores at low tide in search of their favorite delicacy, the Rock Crab. Option 2. Whale Watching Cruise Cruise through the pristine waters of Clayoquot Sound to view beautiful scenery and wildlife. Depending on the time of year, you may encounter gray whales, humpback whales, sea lions, sea birds and resident bald eagles.

Day 10 Tofino/Ucluelet to Victoria | 313 km/195mi Travel back to the East Coast of Vancouver Island and head south to Victoria. En route stops should be made at the artist community of Chemainus, where you can admire the giant murals which adorn the exterior walls throughout the town and Duncan the “City of Totems”. If time permits visit the Quw’utsun’ Heritage Village which provides you with an insight into the lives of the northwest coast people.

Day 11 Victoria | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 2 Excursions Today you can personalize your day by choosing one of two excursions Option 1. Butchart Gardens Admission On its 100th birthday in 2004, the Butchart Gardens was named a National Historic Site of Canada. Explore 22 Hectares/55 acres of breathtaking gardens on the 53 hectare/130 acre estate. Option 2. Eat like a Canadian Food Tour Not many people can define exactly what Canadian food is. From local ingredients to historic dishes, this tour is the best way to experience Canadian culinary culture. Sip and savour local cuisine, explore the iconic Inner Harbour, and meet the chefs and owners that make Victoria such an exciting culinary hot spot

Day 12 Victoria to Vancouver | 69 km/43 mi + Ferry Leaving Victoria drive north to Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal for a 90 min ferry ride to Tsawwassen. On board BC Ferries enjoy the scenery of the Gulf Islands as you cross the Strait of Georgia. From Tsawwassen continue on to downtown Vancouver where your fabulous Western Canada self drive comes to an end.