Banff National Park, Alberta
Banff National Park, Alberta
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Self-Drive Discover Whistler and the Canadian Rockies

7 nights from £2,029 per person Including Flights

Overview

This 8-day self-drive of the Canadian Rockies takes you from Calgary to Vancouver, offering a mix of adventure and breathtaking scenery. Start with a drive from Calgary to Banff, staying at a range of hotels, and explore Banff with optional excursions like the Banff Gondola or Lake Minnewanka Cruise. The journey continues through the stunning Icefields Parkway to Jasper, where you can experience glacier adventures, including the Ice Explorer ride and Glacier Skywalk. In Jasper, enjoy activities like the Maligne Lake Cruise or a nature walk. Then, head to Sun Peaks, passing Mount Robson and the Thompson River, before reaching Whistler. In Whistler, enjoy options such as a guided lunch tour or the Peak 2 Peak Gondola. Finally, travel to Vancouver via the Sea-to-Sky Highway, with a stop at the Sea to Sky Gondola. Choose to explore Vancouver or extend your trip to Vancouver Island for wildlife experiences. (DH)

Highlights

  • Explore Banff with excursions like the Banff Gondola and Lake Minnewanka Cruise. 
  • Experience glacier adventures on the Icefields Parkway, including the Ice Explorer ride and Glacier Skywalk. 
  • Discover Whistler's scenic beauty and activities like the Peak 2 Peak Gondola. 
  • Enjoy the breathtaking Sea-to-Sky Highway en route to Vancouver with views of Howe Sound.

Itinerary Overview

7 night tour begins Calgary ends Vancouver: Fly into Calgary and drive to Banff 2 nights – Jasper 2 nights – Sun Peaks 1 night – Whistler 2 nights – Fly home

Extend your stay and discover the scenic Vancouver Island by staying in Victoria 2 nights – Tofino 2 nights before flying home from Vancouver.

Daily departures available May - Oct

Whats included?
  • Flights & taxes
  • Accommodation
  • Checked baggage
  • ATOL protection
  • In resort assistance & 24 hour contact centre
Why Book with Canadian Sky?
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  • Choice of airlines and the option to switch
  • A friendly, family run business with a wealth of experience.
  • Great deals on offer for multiple destinations
  • Low deposits
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Day 1

Calgary to Banff (72 miles)

Fly into Calgary International Airport, pick up your rental car and drive to Banff where you will stay for two nights. We have included all hotel as standard but opt to upgrade to Superior or Deluxe level hotels.

Standard: Elk + Avenue
Superior: Banff Caribou Lodge
Deluxe: Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel

Day 2

Banff

During your stay in Banff, personalise your experience by choosing one of the following excursions included in your tour. Click on Optional Excursions for further information on each tour

Option 1: Banff Gondola
Option 2: Lake Minnewanka Cruise
Option 3: River Explorer Canoe Tour
Option 4: Bow River Horseback Adventure

Day 3

Banff to Jasper (182 miles)

Today, journey through the heart of the Canadian Rockies along the breathtaking Icefields Parkway for the ultimate glacier adventure. Experience walking on ancient ice with the Ice Explorer ride, then stand on a glass platform nearly a thousand feet above the ground at the Glacier Skywalk (included). Overnight in Jasper for two nights.

Standard: The Crimson Hotel
Superior: Forest Park Hotel
Deluxe: Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge

Day 4

Jasper

During your stay in Jasper, personalise your experience by choosing one of the following excursions included in your tour.

Option 1: Maligne Lake Cruise

Option 2: Jasper River Float

Option 3: Jasper Nature Walk


Day 5

Jasper to Sun Peaks (276 miles)

Leaving Jasper National Park, journey along the ‘Yellowhead’ Route, passing the majestic Mount Robson, the tallest peak in the Canadian Rockies. Beyond Mount Robson Provincial Park, the road winds alongside the Thompson River, meandering through the snow-capped peaks of the Monashee and Caribou Mountains, before reaching the resort village of Sun Peaks, where you will enjoy an overnight stay.

Standard: Sun Peaks Grand Hotel, Deluxe Room
Superior: Sun Peaks Grand Hotel, Deluxe Mountain Village View Room
Deluxe: Sun Peaks Grand Hotel, Deluxe Balcony Mountain Village View Room

Day 6

Sun Peaks to Whistler (222 miles)

Continue on to Lillooet, renowned as the land of the Gold Rush Trail and ‘Mile Zero’ of the Old Caribou Wagon Road. From Lillooet, travel along the Duffey Lake Road to Whistler. Make sure to pause at Joffre Lake to take in the stunning vistas of Joffre Glacier. Enjoy two nights in Whistler.

Standard: Aava Hotel or Listel Hotel
Superior: Delta Whistler Village Suites
Deluxe: Fairmont Chateau Whistler

Day 7

Whistler

During your stay in Whistler, personalise your experience by choosing one of the following excursions included in your tour.

Option 1: Whistler Guided Lunch Tour
Option 2: River of Golden Dreams Canoe Tour
Option 3: Whistler Peak 2 Peak Gondola

Day 8

Whistler to Vancouver (76 miles)

Depart Whistler this morning along the picturesque Sea-to-Sky Highway to Vancouver, a vibrant port city set amidst stunning natural beauty. Stop en route at the Sea to Sky Gondola for panoramic bird’s-eye views of Howe Sound, along with interpretive walking trails, viewing platforms, and a restaurant and tea house at the summit. Travel back to Vancouver for your flight home.

Alternatively, choose to spend a couple of nights in Vancouver, discovering this metropolitan city. Or how about adding an extension to Vancouver Island seeing Victoria and Tofino for its superb wildlife and whale watching.

  • International return flights
  • 7 nights accommodation as described or similar in Standard level. Upgrade to Superior or Deluxe at a supplement.
  • Economy car rental with fully inclusive insurance (upgrades available at supplement)
  • Day 2 – Banff - A choice of 1 excursion from: Banff Gondola, Lake Minnewanka Cruise, River Explorer Canoe Tour, Bow River Horseback Adventure
  • Ice Explorer ride onto Athabasca Glacier + Glacier Skywalk
  • Day 4 – Jasper - A choice of 1 excursion from: Maligne Lake Cruise, Jasper River Float, Jasper Nature Walk
  • Day 7 - Whistler – A choice of 1 excursion from: Whistler Guided Lunch Tour, River of Golden Dreams Guided Canoe Tour, Peak 2 Peak Gondola,
  • Sea to Sky Gondola Ride
  • Electronic Roadbook

What's not included

  • Airport transfers
  • Resort fees
  • Fuel & road tolls, car parking charges
  • Meals unless stated, entrance fees and additional excursions
  • One way car hire drop fee
  • Day 7 – Whistler - Upgrade Option: Bear Safari in Whistler Olympic Park at a supplement

Your tour includes a selection of optional excursions, allowing you to choose one from each location.

Day 2 – Banff

Option 1: Banff Gondola
Take a scenic gondola ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain for stunning panoramic views of Banff National Park and enjoy breathtaking vistas of peaks and valleys.

Option 2: Lake Minnewanka Cruise
Cruise across the turquoise waters of Lake Minnewanka to Devil’s Gap, taking in stunning views of the Canadian Rockies along the way.

Option 3: River Explorer Canoe Tour
Explore the tranquil Bow River with a guided, interactive experience. Ideal for families, this easy adventure requires no paddling experience and offers a fun way to take in the beauty of Banff National Park.

Option 4: Bow River Horseback Adventure
Embark on a guided horseback ride through the stunning landscapes of Banff National Park, soaking in its beauty from a unique vantage point.

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Day 4 – Jasper

Option 1: Maligne Lake Cruise
Embark on a scenic cruise of Maligne Lake, taking in the breathtaking shoreline and the iconic Spirit Island.

Option 2: Jasper River Float
Take a relaxing rafting tour along the Athabasca River, offering a peaceful and unique view of the stunning Jasper National Park.

Option 3: Jasper Nature Walk
Join a guided nature walk through diverse landscapes, including rolling hills, jagged peaks, lush forests, meadows, marshes, streams, and breathtaking glacial lakes.

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Day 7 – Whistler

Option 1: Whistler Guided Lunch Tour
Spend an afternoon in Whistler exploring its diverse culinary scene with a multi-course lunch at top local spots and indulging in delicious treats at nearby chocolate shops.

Option 2: River of Golden Dreams Canoe Tour
This summer canoe trip takes you on a scenic journey from Alta Lake to Green Lake, with wildflower-lined shores, ancient forests, and local wildlife along the way.

Option 3: Whistler Peak 2 Peak Gondola
Experience the stunning beauty of Whistler Mountain on the Peak Adventure, where you’ll take in breathtaking views of glaciers, extinct volcanoes, and snow-covered peaks.

Emma Bolton
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