Arrive at Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and transfer independently to your hotel. The rest of your day is at your leisure. You may choose to venture out to the Gastown District. This area has retained its historic charm and independent spirit with Victorian architecture, charming boutiques, one-of-a-kind galleries and some of the best culinary fare in Vancouver. A visit to Gastown should include a stroll along Water Street, where you’ll find a picture-perfect collection of old buildings, cobblestones, the Steam Clock, and vintage lampposts.
Accommodations: (STD) Ramada Vancouver Downtown or similar
Today you will have the full day to explore Vancouver. If you are looking for an adventure, we have just the thing for you. We suggest the Vancouver City and Capilano Suspension Bridge Park Tour. This comprehensive tour will take you see spectacular waterfront landmarks including the sails of Canada Place and the bustling Robson Street shopping strip. Then soak in the view over Lions Gate Bridge as you venture to the adrenaline-pumping Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. Next up are the sandy shores of English Bay on the west side of Stanley Park, then Granville Island, and a scenic drive through historic Chinatown and Gastown. This tour is approximately 6 hours in length. If you decide to explore Vancouver on your own, the following are a few of the most notable attractions to include: the Capilano Suspension Bridge, Vancouver Aquarium, Stanley Park Horse-Drawn Tour, FlyOver Canada, Vancouver Lookout, Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, and the Vancouver Art Gallery.
The ferry from Vancouver departs Tsawwassen beginning at 7am and then every hour on the hour until 7pm. A great place to start exploring this charming city is at Butchart Gardens (actually located about 14 miles north of Victoria). This group of floral display gardens has been in bloom for over 100 years and is designated a National Historic Site of Canada. Another National Historic Site is the Craigdarroch Castle built in 1890 by wealthy coal baron, Robert Dunsmuir. The Craigdarroch Castle is a stunning example of Victorian architecture, including exquisite stained-glass windows, woodwork and period antiques. Climb the 87 steps up the grand oak staircase to the Tower for the best views in Victoria. Next, it’s on to Victoria’s Inner Harbour where you can discover the architectural splendor of the Parliament Buildings. Or, immerse yourself in a world-class museum of natural and human history at the Royal BC Museum.
Accommodations: (STD) Zed Hotel or similar
You can decide either to stay and explore a little more in Victoria or set off to Harrison Hot Springs, a small resort village made famous by its geothermal hot springs. The ferry from Victoria departs Swartz Bay at 7am and then every hour on the hour until 7pm. Once arrived, a range of outdoor activities await, but above all, it is a place to relax as many venture there for health and wellness. Kick your sandals off and sunbathe on the sandy beaches of Harrison Lake, the largest body of freshwater in Southwestern BC. Embark on an interpretative boat tour, take in art and music at a local gallery, go back in time through a CP railway station built in the 1800’s or curl up with a good book at one of several charming cafes.
Accommodations: (STD) Harrison Beach Hotel
Fresh air and spectacular lake and mountain views make Harrison Hot Springs the perfect place to escape the hectic pace and rejuvenate your body, mind and soul. Good health is at the heart of Harrison Hot Springs’ culture. You can get reconnected and delight your senses at renowned BC spas. Relaxing hot stone massages, nuturing body wraps, facials and complete manicure/pedicure services are all waiting for you. If you want to venture off the beaten path, Harrison Lake is also home to two other natural hot springs. They are located near Port
Douglas and at Clear Creek. Still, Harrison isn’t just spas and lounging in the sun; there are many great activities to stimulate your adventurous side, sights that charm, and delicious restaurants to indulge your taste buds.
Leave Harrison Hot Springs at your leisure and depart for Kamloops. You can either choose to follow the Trans- Canadian Highway where you’ll get a slightly longer, yet beautiful drive along Fraser River or drive directly to Kamloops. Take full advantage of the area’s diverse geography of dry semi-arid grasslands and towering alpine mountains and witness the spectacular confluence of the two branches of the Thompson River near Kamloops Lake. Visit Sun Peaks Resort, a ski area that also offers great summer activities or just relax a bit in the center of Kamloops. The city’s location in the Thompson Okanagan region – the wine-making hub of British Columbia – also means wine and food lovers are certainly not overlooked.
Accommodations: (STD) Accent Inn Kamloops or similar
Decide to enjoy Kamloops some more, or depart for Valemount near Jasper National Park. Prepare for a scenic drive along the North Thompson River. A great optional stop along the way might be in Clearwater, with Wells Gray Provincial Park just to the north. The park encompasses 5,250 square kilometres, with four rivers, six major lakes, and 39 named waterfalls, including Canada’s fourth highest, Helmcken Falls. You can also stop over in the small, yet charming town of Blue River, which is surrounded by vast forests swarming with big game such as black bears, deer, moose, grizzly bears and lots of bird species. Next, when in Valemount, you can start exploring Jasper National Park at your leisure, but you’ll be able to enjoy all its beauty tomorrow.
Accommodations: (STD) Super 8 Valemount or similar
Before you leave Valemount this morning, take time to explore the Jasper area a little more as it’s the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies. Board the longest and highest guided aerial tramway in Canada and be amazed as you gain a new perspective of Jasper’s stunning National Park. Your seven minute flight aboard the Jasper Skytram will take you to an altitude of 2,277 meters and give you endless views of six mountain ranges, glacially fed lakes, rivers and of course the mountain town of Jasper. If you have the time, consider a hike an
maximize your chances to spot some wildlife. Some of the park’s scenic attractions include Mount Edith Cavell, Pyramid Lake with Pyramid Mountain, Maligne Lake, Medicine Lake and the Tonquin Valley, and all include spectacular walking trails. A great experience, and easy hike is along the Bighorn Alley Trail. Don’t forget to bring your swimsuit as you can soak in some beach time under snow-capped peaks. Keep an eye out for the famous ‘Red Chairs’, as there are seven sets of red Adirondack chairs placed in quiet and scenic locations throughout
Jasper National Park for visitors to enjoy the exquisite mountain and lakeside vistas. Each location shares a great story about the landscape and history. Overnight in Hinton, east of Jasper National Park.
Accommodations: (STD) Holiday Inn Express & Suites Hinton
Prepare for a drive through the beautiful Jasper National Park towards Golden, just a little west of Banff National Park. Take the Icefields Parkway, a stretch of road named ‘One of the World’s Most Spectacular Drives’ by National Geographic, is dotted with more than 100 ancient glaciers, cascading waterfalls, dramatic rock spires, and emerald lakes set in sweeping valleys of thick pine and dense forests. You will want to stop at Lake Louise, which is world famous for its turquoise lakes, the Victoria Glacier, and its soaring mountain backdrop. To get a closer look, you can rent a canoe from the Lake Louise Boathouse or walk around the Shoreline Trail to the Victoria Glacier. The hiking in the Lake Louise area is some of the most scenic and spectacular in the world. You can visit the nearby Glacier National Park of Canada or Mount Revelstoke.
Accommodations: (STD) Best Western Mountainview Inn or similar
Start your day by visiting Glacier National Park if you weren’t able to stop by yesterday. Here you can experience famous old-growth forests with a leisurely stroll around the Hemlock Grove Boardwalk, a barrier-free trail that passes beneath ancient hemlocks. Meeting of the Waters Trail takes you on a 30-minute loop that includes a bridge over the meeting point of Asulkan Brook and the Illecillewaet River. If you prefer mountain trekking, the 20-minute Rockgarden Trail will take you along a boardwalk, up rock staircases and through
hillsides strewn with moss covered boulders. The top of the trail offers a sweeping one-of-a-kind view of the Selkirk Mountain wilderness. As your journey continues, you will drive through Yoho National Park where you can explore towering rock walls, spectacular waterfalls and 28 peaks over 3,000 meters in height. The Takakkaw Falls are among the highest in Canada and the gateway to some of Yoho’s most beautiful hiking. Continue on to Banff for your two night stay.
Accommodations: (STD) Spruce Grove Inn or similar
Today you will have the full day to explore Banff. Nestled in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage site Banff National Park, the town of Banff offers unparalleled rugged beauty. Its pristine mountain ranges and lush wilderness are perfect for those who want to experience nature. Take a Gondola ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain for breathtaking panoramic views of six mountain ranges and the town of Banff far below. Then hike along the walkway to Sanson’s Peak and watch for wildlife. Perhaps discover Banff and its wildlife on a guided tour. You will visit Banff’s landmarks and historic places, and learn about its wildlife. Want a real thrill? Then experience whitewater rafting in the Canadian Rockies! From Class II to Class IV+ rapids, you will feel your heart beating faster with the thrill of anticipation as your raft gets ready to bounce through the whitewater.
Start the day as you wish, today only a short, yet scenic drive to Calgary awaits, with several stopping opportunities along the way. Perched in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies, the country’s third largest city becomes a home base for many winter sports enthusiasts, but the Canada Olympic Park also offers a wide array of adventurous activities during the summer months. Take in scenic views of two rivers, visit unique historic attractions, dine in romantic restaurants, stroll in great parks and hop inside some museums. Besides enjoying the natural beauty of Calgary, you can relive the former Wild West glory days at Heritage Park, cheer on the local sports teams at the Saddledome, or indulge in a little retail therapy along the Stephen Avenue Walk. Explore the exhibits at Fort Calgary, and stroll through Canada’s largest living history museum, Heritage Park Historical Village. Kids might like a visit to the Calgary Zoo, a massive park harboring a huge variety of animals. The complex is also home to a sprawling botanical garden, featuring flora from across the world; and the Prehistoric Park, which showcases the region’s history as a stomping ground for dinosaurs.
Accommodations: (STD) Best Western Premier Freeport Inn & Suites
Enjoy the day at your leisure before departing to the Calgary International Airport (YYC).
The vehicle includes unlimited mileage, CDW coverage (all risks without deductible of the rented vehicle), Civil Liability Insurance (SLI) with coverage of up to $ 1 million for damages claimed by third parties and all local taxes and fees. CAD500 franchise in vehicles rented in Canada.
