Self-Drive: Mighty Parks of Western Canada

Day 1 UK to Calgary

Today you begin your journey by boarding your international flight to Calgary. On arrival you will collect your hire car and drive to your centrally located hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or head out into the city and begin exploring the local sights at your own pace. (N)

Accommodation in Calgary: Delta Calgary Downtown (or similar)

Day 2 Calgary

Calgary is a cosmopolitan city set in-between the foothills of the Rocky Mountains and vast prairies. Calgary offers a wide variety of activities and attractions; from history and the arts to national sports and the great outdoors entwined with the charming local cowboy culture. Take a trip back in time when you visit the Heritage Park Historical Village, give bobsleighing a try at the Olympic Park, watch a live sports game or swing by the iconic Stampede Park. (N)

Accommodation in Calgary: Delta Calgary Downtown (or similar)

Day 3 Calgary to Waterton Lakes National Park - 274 km

This morning you will leave the city skyscrapers behind as you journey around 3½ hours through Alberta’s rolling prairie landscapes until you reach the contrasting rugged peaks of Waterton Lakes National Park. Spend today soaking up the spectacular sights of the park, perhaps going for a self-led hike around the crystal-clear Waterton Lake that was naturally carved out of rock by ancient glaciers. (N)

Accommodation in Waterton Lakes National Park: Prince of Wales Hotel (or similar)

Day 4 Waterton Lakes National Park

Waterton Lakes National Park is a hidden gem in southwestern Alberta that’s less frequently visited than other Rockies’ parks in Alberta, in part due to its location, but for those that make the journey, it is certainly worthwhile. A place like no other; with unusual geology, rare flora and a mild climate with plenty of wildlife roaming freely. Enjoy how blissfully quiet and uncrowded the park is as you participate in outdoor pursuits or simply just relax and take in the picturesque views of Waterton Lake from your stately hotel. (N)

Accommodation in Waterton Lakes National Park: Prince of Wales Hotel (or similar)

Day 5 Waterton Lakes National Park to Banff - 373 km

Today you will drive north through meadow flats, heading towards the dominating peaks of the Rocky Mountain range as you journey around 4½ hours to Banff. Although Banff town is small and pedestrian friendly, it’s the beauty of the surrounding National Park that draws people to it. Established in 1885, Banff is Canada’s oldest National Park and has since turned into one of the world’s premier destination spots. (N)

Accommodation in Banff: Hidden Ridge Resort (or similar)

Day 6 Banff

From your cosy mountain retreat, venture outdoors and enjoy one of the many activities on offer. Swim or kayak in the turquoise lakes that are framed by mountain peaks and evergreen forests. Alternatively, hike, climb or go wildlife watching. You may choose to take a trip into Banff Town, the park’s cultural core; which is dotted with an array of boutique shops, galleries and restaurants. (N)

Accommodation in Banff: Hidden Ridge Resort (or similar)

Day 7 Banff to Kootenay National Park - 135 km

Just an hour and a half from Banff, Kootenay National Park is British Columbia’s equivalent of Alberta’s iconic Rocky Mountains and holds the same UNESCO World Heritage Site status. Kootenay offers the same pristine scenery but benefits from less crowds, low population numbers and wide open spaces, providing the perfect opportunity for you to really appreciate the surrounding nature and easily spot wildlife including bears, moose and elk. (N)

Accommodation in Kootenay National Park: Best Western Prestige Inn Radium Hot Springs (or similar)

Day 8 Kootenay National Park

You might choose to spend today hiking self-led nature trails, cycling to hidden waterfalls or stopping for a picnic next to a gleaming lake before hopping in a canoe and exploring further by boat. Kootenay National Park has a number of natural mineral-rich hot springs, some of which are located in Radium Hot Springs, where you will be staying. The natural rock pools are the perfect way to relax and recharge after a full day of activities. (N)

Accommodation in Kootenay National Park: Best Western Prestige Inn Radium Hot Springs (or similar)

Day 9 Kootenay National Park to Yoho National Park - 169 km

Today you will spend around 2 hours driving through the Rocky Mountain range, crossing free-flowing rivers and passing by alpine forests until you reach the small town of Field, the only settlement in Yoho National Park. Yoho National Park is renowned for the Burgess Shale, a layer of half a billion year old valuable fossils as well as its impressive lakes and waterfalls; Lake O’ Hara, Takakkaw Falls and Emerald Lake, where you will be staying. (N)

Accommodation in Yoho National Park: Emerald Lake Lodge (or similar)

Day 10 Yoho National Park

You might choose to spend this morning following easy walking trails around Emerald Lake, visiting Natural Bridge, enjoying roadside views and a bite to eat in Field before driving to the jaw-dropping Takakkaw Falls, which is arguably at its best in the late afternoon. (N)

Accommodation in Yoho National Park: Emerald Lake Lodge (or similar)

Day 11 Yoho National Park to Jasper - 264 km

Before commencing your epic journey to Jasper along the Icefields Parkway, take a short detour to Louise Lake to admire the impressive views of the glacier-fed lake. Today’s journey along the Icefield Parkway will take around 8 hours, but will be one of the most impressive of the entire trip. Make sure you stock up on food and drinks before you leave as there is little else but nature until you reach Jasper. Jasper National Park is Canada’s largest and wildest park and home to a large proportion of the country’s grizzly bears. The park is one of the greatly protected ecosystems in the Rocky Mountains, and prides itself in homing a laid-back town that’s nestled amidst majestic peaks and offers endless outdoor adventures. (N)

Accommodation in Jasper: Mount Robson Inn (or similar)

Day 12 Jasper

Spend today exploring Jasper National Park and its spectacular surroundings. Take a ride on the Jasper SkyTram that whisks you up Whistler Mountain and enjoy the fabulous panoramic views from the summit. In the afternoon visit the thunderous Athabasca Falls or the Columbia Ice Field which provides a great glacier experience. (N)

Accommodation in Jasper: Mount Robson Inn (or similar)

Day 13 Jasper to Calgary - 599 km

Today will be spent driving back to Calgary which will take around six and a half hours. When you arrive, check into your hotel and enjoy the last night of your holiday by heading out for a bite to eat at a local restaurant or relaxing after your journey. (N)

Accommodation in Calgary: Delta Calgary Downtown (or similar)

Day 14 Calgary to the UK

Spend this morning at your leisure, taking in the last of Calgary’s scenic delights. Later on you will drive to Calgary International Airport where you will drop off your hire car and board your international flight back to the UK. (N)

Day 15 Arrive UK

Today you will arrive back into the UK, where you will continue your journey home. (N)

Self-Drive: Mighty Parks of Western Canada

15 days from £1949 per person

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Itinerary: Self-Drive: Mighty Parks of Western Canada

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