Self-Drive: The Rockies from Vancouver to Calgary

Day 1 UK to Vancouver

Begin your journey today by boarding your international flight to Vancouver. Collect your hire car on arrival and drive to you to your centrally located hotel. The afternoon is free for you to explore at your leisure or relax at your hotel. (N)

Accommodation in Vancouver: Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre (or similar)

Day 2 Vancouver

Vancouver is a multi-cultural hub that’s brimming with energy. Hand-pick the attractions and places of interest you wish to explore further as you spend the day weaving around the city on an inclusive hop-on, hop-off city tour. Later on you might choose to head to Canada Place to view the Sails of Light which are illuminated at dusk, before heading to vibrant Chinatown to check out the colourful markets and grab a bite to eat. (N)

Accommodation in Vancouver: Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre (or similar)

Day 3 Vancouver

You might choose to spend your morning hiring bikes and cycling around the urban jungle that is Stanley Park, spotting colourful totem poles and breathing in the fresh Canadian air. Later on you could drive to the iconic Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, from where you can take in the remarkable views of the Capilano River. Alternatively, this afternoon would be the perfect opportunity to book a whale watching trip to spot these great mammals in their natural environment. (N)

Accommodation in Vancouver: Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre (or similar)

Day 4 Vancouver to Whistler - 122 km

Today marks the start of your ultimate driving adventure through Western Canada. Hop in your car and enjoy the first of many scenically-beautiful road journeys as you wind your way along the Sea to Sky Highway to Whistler (journey time approximately 2 hours). Whistler is a ski and outdoor pursuits haven that hosted the Alpine races for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. The picturesque village is nestled between two mighty mountains and is the perfect base to enjoy the all year round activities; from epic snow sports, hiking and biking to spas, shopping and flavoursome cuisine options. (N)

Accommodation in Whistler: Crystal Lodge Hotel (or similar)

Day 5 Whistler

Spend today at leisure, exploring all that Whistler has to offer. You might choose to drive to the wild and wonderful Garibaldi Provincial Park where you will find immensely beautiful scenery along the well-maintained hiking trails and great Elfin Lakes. This afternoon you could soar through the clouds above the evergreen forests taking in the breathtaking bird’s eye views of Whistler during a zipline or canopy tour. Or, visit the Olympic Plaza and take your pick from the variety of fun activities on offer. (N)

Accommodation in Whistler: Crystal Lodge Hotel (or similar)

Day 6 Whistler to Kamloops - 298 km

This morning you will leave for Kamloops (journey time approximately 3.5 hours), via Lillooet, the golden gate that marks the start of the Cariboo Gold Rush Trail. Carry on past Marble Canyon Provincial Park and check out historic Hat Creek Ranch in Cache Creek. When you arrive, spend the rest of the day getting to know Kamloops; take a ride of the Heritage Steam Train, head to the local Wildlife Park or just relax and enjoy Kamloops restaurant scene. (N)

Accommodation in Kamloops: The Plaza Hotel by Wyndham (or similar)

Day 7 Kamloops to Clearwater - 124 km

Today you will journey north until your reach Clearwater (journey time approximately 1.5 hours). Spend time today getting to know more about the area’s rich culture and history of First Nations inhabitance, European exploration and prospectors from the days of the Cariboo Gold Rush. Whilst in the area, you might choose to drive further north to visit the spectacular 300ft-high Helmcken Falls on the Murtle River in Wells Gray Provincial Park. (N)
Accommodation in Clearwater: Alpine Meadows Resort (or similar

Day 8 Clearwater to Jasper - 319 km

During your journey towards Jasper, make a stop at Mount Robson, the highest peak of the Canadian Rocky Mountains (3954m). Take your time exploring Moose, Yellowhead and Whitney Lakes which are well set up for boating and canoeing. Later you will arrive at your accommodation in Jasper National Park, one of the greatly protected ecosystems in the Rocky Mountains and home to a large proportion of the country’s grizzly bears. (N)

Accommodation in Jasper: Pyramid Lake Resort (or similar)

Day 9 Jasper

Today is devoted to exploring the magnificent canyons, crystal clear lakes, jagged peaks and thundering waterfalls of Jasper National Park. You might wish to ride the Jasper SkyTram and enjoy the panoramic views atop Whistler Mountain or enjoy a circular walk of the Maligne Canyon. Later, if time permits, you might wish to visit the Columbia Ice Field to enjoy a great glacier experience. (N)

Accommodation in Jasper: Pyramid Lake Resort (or similar)

Day 10 Jasper to Banff - 290 km

As you leave Jasper today, make photo stops at Athabasca and Sunwapta Falls before continuing your drive to Banff along the iconic Icefields Parkway (journey time approximately 4 hours). Take your time travelling this route, breathing in the crisp air and stopping off to marvel at the natural wonders including Bow Glacier, Peyto Lake and Lake Louise. Upon arrival in Banff, settle into your cosy mountain retreat. (N)

Accommodation in Banff: Mount Royal Hotel (or similar)

Day 11 Banff

Spend today exploring Banff at your own pace. Banff was the first National Park that was founded in Canada in 1883 and has since turned into one of the world’s premier destination spots, offering a varied mix of activities for you to enjoy. Ride the Sulphur Mountain Gondola, visit the Hoodoos or head into picture perfect Banff Town to browse the boutique shops and take in the surroundings with a cup of coffee. Spend this afternoon relaxing at Banff Hot Springs or head into the alpine forests to enjoy adventurous activities such as hiking, climbing, canoeing and wildlife-watching. (N)

Accommodation in Banff: Mount Royal Hotel (or similar)

Day 12 Banff to Calgary - 126 km

Today is the last leg of your Western Canada self-drive experience as you drive to Calgary (journey time approximately 1.5 hours). As you arrive into Calgary you might choose to stop off and explore the 1988 Winter Games Olympic Park, before spending the day visiting the city’s well known sights such as Fort Calgary, Stampede Park or Heritage Park historical old-west village. (N)

Accommodation in Calgary: Hotel Blackfoot (or similar)

Day 13 Calgary to the UK

Spend today taking in the last of Calgary’s scenic delights, before you drive on to Calgary International Airport. When you arrive, drop your hire car off and board your international flight back to the UK. (N)

Day 14 Arrive UK

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

Self-Drive: Crossing the Rockies from Vancouver to Calgary

14 days from £1950 per person

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Pettitts guide to price for this itinerary would be £1950 per person

Itinerary: Self-Drive: Crossing the Rockies from Vancouver to Calgary

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