Self-Drive: Exploring the Great Canadian Rockies

16 days from £2050 per person

Route: Vancouver – Penticton – Revelstoke – Banff – Jasper – 100 Mile House – Whistler - Vancouver

Canada is a spectacular country where breathtaking scenery and wildlife awaits around every corner. Starting in Vancouver, travel past colossal mountains and great lakes as you make your way to the easy-going town of Penticton, before reaching Revelstoke, a historical gem that’s high up in the Rocky Mountains. Cruise through the Glacier National Park to Banff and on to Jasper via the stunning Icefields Parkway. After your fill of outdoor pursuits in Jasper, you’ll head to 100 Mile House, a small town that was founded during the Cariboo Gold Rush. Enjoy your last slice of mountain culture at the alpine village of Whistler before your Canadian Rockies adventure draws to an end and you fly home from Vancouver.

Day 1 UK to Vancouver

Today you begin your journey by boarding your international flight to Vancouver. 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 explore the city at your leisure. (N)

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

Day 2 -3 Vancouver

Vancouver is an energetic city that’s brimming with character and charm; the perfect place to meander around before you begin your self-drive adventure through the Canadian Rockies mountain range. Spend the next two days exploring this cosmopolitan city where you can explore the city’s iconic attractions and sights at your own pace. (N)

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

Day 4 Vancouver to Penticton - 418 km

Today you leave the contrasting scenery of Vancouver behind as you weave through deep green forests and past towering coastal mountains, Penticton bound (journey time approximately 5 hours). You’ll drive through Manning Provincial Park, a great spot to break up the journey and stretch your legs, by following one of the many walking trails in the area. Later on you’ll arrive at Penticton, a laid-back city that’s nestled between two lakes in the Okanagan Valley. Home to an abundance of wineries, beautiful stretches of golden sandy beaches and a variety of outdoor activities for you to enjoy. (N)

Accommodation in Penticton: Ramada Penticton Hotel & Suites (or similar)

Day 5 Penticton to Revelstoke - 257 km

Take this morning to explore more of the local sights and beautiful scenery of Okanagan Valley before driving to Revelstoke (journey time approximately 4 hours). From hiking and biking in the summer months to skiing and snowboarding in the winter, Revelstoke is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream location in a spectacular and historic mountain setting. (N)

Accommodation in Revelstoke: Best Western Plus Revelstoke (or similar)

Day 6 Revelstoke to Banff - 290 km

Today you will drive through the impressive wilderness and exceptional alpine scenery of Glacier National Park; a great place to stop and scale the park’s heights or stroll around meadow flats. Spot wildlife as you drive through the heart of the park and along Rogers Pass as you make your way to Banff (journey time approximately 4 hours). Banff was the first National Park that was founded in Canada in 1885 and has since turned into one of the world’s premier destination spots. (N)

Accommodation in Banff: Mount Royal Hotel (or similar)

Day 7 - 8 Banff

From your cosy mountain retreat you can venture out into this characteristic resort that has plenty of activities on offer. The mountains tower over the bright turquoise lakes and evergreen forests that house the endless opportunities for hiking, boating, climbing, canoeing and wildlife-watching. Take a trip into Banff Town, the park’s cultural core; a muse for artists that offers an array of boutique shops, restaurants and a lively nightlife scene. Go for a dip in the world famous hot springs or ride the Sulphur Mountain Gondola. (N)

Accommodation in Banff: Mount Royal Hotel (or similar)

Day 9 Banff to Jasper - 290 km

Today you will drive along the Icefields Parkway to Jasper National Park (journey time approximately seven and a half hours). Stop off at Louise Lake en route to admire the impressive views and visit the renowned Fairmont Chateau that overlooks the glacier-fed lake. 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: Pyramid Lake Resort (or similar)

Day 10 -11 Jasper

Spend the next couple of days exploring the beautiful surroundings of Jasper National Park. You might choose to take a ride on the Jasper SkyTram that whisks you up Whistler Mountain, where you can appreciate the impressive panoramic views; you even have the option of hiking to the summit if you are feeling adventurous. You might decide to spend this afternoon visiting the Columbia Ice Field which provides a great glacier experience, or head to the thunderous Athabasca Falls. (N)

Accommodation in Jasper: Pyramid Lake Resort (or similar)

Day 12 Jasper to 100 Mile House - 451 km

Today you will drive to 100 Mile House via Yellowhead Pass (journey time approximately 5½ hours). Stop off at the small and friendly town of Blue River or partake in some water-based activities in Clearwater to break up your journey. 100 Mile House was formed during the Cariboo Gold Rush as a pit-stop 100 miles up the Cariboo Road from Lillooet. Today, it oozes cowboy culture; rustic charm and authentic ranches, the perfect place to incorporate a guest or dude ranch stay into your holiday. (N)

Accommodation in 100 Mile House: Super 8 100 Mile House (or similar)

Day 13 Whistler

Whistler is a firm favourite year-round resort with two majestic mountains and a picture perfect village burrowed in between. In the winter you can enjoy epic snow sports, and in the summer months activities range from golf, nature trails and mountain biking. (N)

Accommodation in Whistler: Crystal Lodge (or similar)

Day 14 Whistler

Spend today at your leisure, exploring all that Whistler has to offer. You might choose to soar above the dense green forests and take in the breathtaking bird’s-eye views of Whistler on a zipline tour. It’s also worth having a look to see what is on at the Olympic Plaza during your visit, as there are often fun activities including tobogganing, ice skating, live music and cultural events for you to enjoy. (N)

Accommodation in Whistler: Crystal Lodge (or similar)

Day 15 Whistler to Vancouver - 135 km/ Vancouver to the UK

Enjoy spending this morning in Whistler at your leisure. Later on you will return to Vancouver International Airport (journey time approximately two and a half hours) where you will drop off your hire car and board your international flight back to the UK. (N)

Day 16 Arrive UK

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

Self-Drive: Exploring the Great Canadian Rockies

16 days from £2050 per person

ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS

CONTACT US TO DISCUSS YOUR HOLIDAY PLANS

Pettitts guide to price for this itinerary would be £2050 per person

Itinerary: Self-Drive Exploring the Great Canadian Rockies

What's included

What's not included

Guide to Price

What To Do Next?

SPEAK TO ONE OF OUR TRAVEL SPECIALISTS TO START PLANNING YOUR TAILOR-MADE HOLIDAY