Day 1
Fly to Calgary
Arrive in Calgary, picking up your rental car and heading to your first hotel for the start of your holiday. The rest of the day is yours to explore at leisure, perhaps with a trip to Calgary Tower for a birds-eye view of the city over the plains to the Rockies.
Day 2
Calgary to Kananaskis (56 miles)
Swap Calgary for the Kananaskis Valley, set in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Known for its rugged mountainous scenery, Kananaskis Country is situated by the edge of the Kananaskis River. Here you can pick up one of the beautiful hiking trails and stroll at your own pace through the lovely landscapes. Stay overnight in Kananaskis for two nights.
Day 3
Kananaskis Valley
Explore the beauty of the Kananaskis Valley today, admiring the breath-taking scenery of your surrounds. There are numerous outdoor pursuits at your disposal here, from golfing and swimming to tennis, horseback riding, hiking or biking. There are several local outfitters to hire equipment so take your pick.
Day 4
Kananaskis to Banff (34 miles)
Take a scenic drive to the resort town of Banff, past Canmore and Harvey Heights. Banff is arguably one of the most popular and famous locations in Canada, most notably for the Bow Falls and Banff Springs Hotel – both worth checking out when you arrive. Alternatively, take the Sulphur Mountain Gondola to see the most spectacular views of the Rockies and enjoy time in the state-of-the-art visitor centre. Overnight in Banff for two nights.
Day 5
Banff National Park
Today provides you with a whole day to explore Banff National Park, from the Banff Natural History Museum to river rafting and boat tours on Lake Minnewanka. We can book a tour of Banff and it's wildlife, or a full day out through the mountains, lakes and waterfalls. There are also horseback riding opportunities or you can join a Cowboy Cookout by covered wagon.
Day 6
Banff to Jasper (177 miles)
Drive to Jasper this morning via the spectacular Icefields Parkway; we suggest stopping at Lake Louise and Peyto Lake on the way. Lake Louise remains one of the most photographed lakes in Canada and is known as the ‘Jewel of the Rockies’. Overnight in Jasper for two nights.
Day 7
Jasper National Park
Take a full day to relax and tour Jasper and its beautiful surrounds. We would recommend a cruise on Maligne Lake to Spirit Island and also a trip up the Jasper Tramway for spectacular views - we can book both of these excursions for you.
Day 8
Jasper to Sun Peaks (273 miles)
Head to Sun Peaks today via the scenic and renowned Yellowhead Highway. Sun Peaks Canada's second biggest ski resort and is a beautiful place to stay in the summer. Famous for its wildflower meadows, you can take the chairlift up to these meadows and follow the hiking trail through the lovely countryside, and if you arrive in time, then at 13.00 there is a guided walk you could book.
Day 9
Sun Peaks to Harrison Hot Springs (248 miles)
Drive past Kamloops and continue onwards into the breath-taking landscape of the Fraser Canyon. Along the way you'll see Hell’s Gate and the Fraser Valley to reach your base for the night – Harrison Hot Springs. Overnight in Harrison Hot Springs for two nights.
Day 10
Harrison Hot Springs
Take a day to relax and enjoy the beauty and soothing waters of the mineral-rich hot springs at Harrison Hot Springs. There are plenty of things to keep you occupied here, with Harrison Lake providing wide sandy beaches and numerous recreational activities.
Day 11
Harrison Hot Springs to Victoria (180 miles – land only)
Your journey takes you Victoria on Vancouver Island, where you will drive along the rugged coastline, passing Nanaimo and Chemainus. In Victoria, we recommend visiting the Inner Harbour, Beacon Hill Park and Bastion Square, perhaps stopping for afternoon tea at the Fairmont Empress Hotel. There is a variety of tours we could book you onto - by bus, by foot or by bike.
Day 12
Victoria to Vancouver (44 miles – land only)
Spend your remaining time in Victoria this morning visiting the Butchart Gardens before returning to the mainland for a mini cruise across the Strait of Georgia. The rest of the day can be spent in Vancouver, going shopping, dining at the gourmet restaurants and experiencing the vibrant nightlife. Overnight in Vancouver for two nights.
Day 13
Vancouver
Take today to really get to know Vancouver and the surrounding sights, from Chinatown, Gastown, the Capilano Suspension Bridge and Grouse Mountain to Stanley Park and the MacMillan Planetarium.
Day 14
End of Tour
Today marks the end of the tour so your final route takes you from the city centre to Vancouver International Airport in time for your return flight.
Day 15
Arrive back home