Self-Drive Mountain Country

Tour Information

19nt Tour Begins & Ends Vancouver: 2nts Vancouver; 1nt Harrison Hot Springs; 1nt Penticton; 1nt Revelstoke; 2nts Banff; 2nts Jasper; 2nts Clearwater; 1nt 100 Mile House; 1nt Prince George; 1nt Smithers; 1nt Prince Rupert; 1nt Port Hardy; 1nt Campbell River; 2nts Victoria

A classic route, featuring breathtaking scenery in the provinces of British Columbia and Alberta. From Vancouver, travel east through the Okanagan Valley and Glacier National Park to the world-renowned resort regions of Banff and Jasper. Via Mount Robson, Wells Gray Provincial Park and the Cariboo Region, head north to the Pacific Coast and sail the spectacular Inside Passage on B.C. Ferries to Vancouver Island. Ahead lies charming Victoria and then a return ferry ride to Vancouver.

Day 1

FLY FROM THE UK - VANCOUVER
Arrive Vancouver International Airport and transfer independently to your downtown hotel. Pick up your Canada Roadbook at the front desk as you check in. Remainder of the day is at leisure.
Overnight in Vancouver at Coast Plaza Hotel or Century Plaza Hotel & Spa or Empire Landmark.

Day 2

VANCOUVER
You will have the entire day to tour Vancouver and the surrounding area. Some suggestions: Stanley Park, the MacMillan Planetarium, Chinatown, Gastown, Granville Island, Capilano Suspension Bridge, Grouse Mountain and Stanley Park.
Overnight in Vancouver at Coast Plaza Hotel or Century Plaza Hotel & Spa or Empire Landmark.

Day 3

VANCOUVER TO HARRISON HOT SPRINGS (78 Miles)
Leaving the coast today, you will traverse a great maritime plain and at the end of today’s journey, arrive at the well-known vacation resort of Harrison Hot Springs. Picturesquely situated at the foot of the 70 km long Harrison Lake and flanked by mountains, you can enjoy walking on the beach or exploring the two hot mineral springs for which the town is famous. Be sure to keep an eye out overhead for potential eagle sightings. En route, we suggest a visit to Minter Gardens.
Overnight in Harrison Hot Springs at Executive Hotel Harrison Hot Springs or Harrison Hot Springs Hotel.

Day 4

HARRISON HOT SPRINGS TO PENTICTON (180 Miles)
Enjoy the scenic drive to Penticton via the dense forests of Manning Provincial Park and approach your destination from the south. In the park, you can take a walk on the remnants of the Dewdney Trail or the Rhododendron Flats. The town of Penticton lies at the lower end of Okanagan Lake and the lush orchards and vineyards of the Okanagan Valley. The region is also renowned for its beaches and hot, dry climate.
Overnight in Penticton at Penticton Lakeside Resort.

Day 5

PENTICTON TO REVELSTOKE (161 Miles)
Morning is at leisure to enjoy the Okanagan Valley. Drive past spectacular waterfalls, towering peaks and beautiful lakes en route to the Revelstoke area.
Overnight in Revelstoke at Sandman Inn Revelstoke.

Day 6

REVELSTOKE TO BANFF (174 Miles)
Drive through Glacier National Park and Rogers Pass en route to the bustling resort town of Banff. We suggest a visit to Lake Louise.
Overnight in Banff / Canmore at Rundlestone Lodge or Mount Royal Hotel or Banff Ptarmigan Inn.

Day 7

BANFF NATIONAL PARK
Entire day to tour Banff and the surrounding area. We suggest a visit to Banff Natural History Museum. You may also try river rafting or a boat tour on Lake Minnewanka.
Overnight in Banff at Rundlestone Lodge or Mount Royal Hotel or Banff Ptarmigan Inn.

Day 8

BANFF TO JASPER (177 Miles)
Drive to Jasper via the spectacular Icefields Parkway. We suggest a stop at Peyto Lake en route and an Ice Explorer ride on the Columbia Icefield.
Overnight in Jasper at Lobstick Lodge or Chateau Jasper.

Day 9

JASPER NATIONAL PARK
You will have the full day to relax and tour Jasper and surrounding area. We suggest a Maligne Lake boat cruise, a visit to the Miette Hot Springs, or a ride on the Jasper Tramway.
Overnight in Jasper at Lobstick Lodge or Chateau Jasper.

Day 10

JASPER TO CLEARWATER (214 Miles)
Drive the scenic Yellowhead Highway to Wells Gray Park. We suggest a stop at Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Rockies.
Overnight in Clearwater at Helmcken Falls Lodge or Wells Gray Guest Ranch or Clearwater Lodge.

Day 11

CLEARWATER / WELLS GRAY PROVINCIAL PARK
Many activities are available in the park including hiking, canoeing, horseback riding or river rafting.
Overnight in Clearwater at Helmcken Falls Lodge or Wells Gray Guest Ranch or Clearwater Lodge.

Day 12

CLEARWATER TO 100 MILE HOUSE (93 Miles)
From the park, it is a short drive into the dramatic cattle ranching country of the Cariboo Region. 100 Mile House was born in the 19th-century during the days of the Cariboo Gold Rush, when a roadhouse was built here to service gold seekers heading into the goldfields. They travelled along the Cariboo Wagon Road, beginning in Lillooet and frequently stopped at the roadhouse that became known as 100 Mile House.
Overnight in 100 Mile House at 108 Resort and Conference Centre or Hills Health Ranch.

Day 13

100 MILE HOUSE TO PRINCE GEORGE (202 Miles)
We suggest a visit to Barkerville, a restored pioneer settlement from the Gold Rush era.
Overnight in Prince George at Coast Inn of the North or Ramada Hotel Downtown.

Day 14

PRINCE GEORGE TO SMITHERS (233 Miles)
Travel the rugged wilderness terrain of the interior mountain ranges. This is also a region with cultural and historical ties to many native bands.
Overnight in Smithers at Hudson Bay Lodge or Aspen Motor Inn.

Day 15

SMITHERS TO PRINCE RUPERT (217 Miles)
Follow the scenic Skeena River Valley to the active port city of Prince Rupert. In Hazelton, you may want to visit Ksan Native Village and its tribal houses, museum, carving shed and totem poles of the Gitksan First Nation. Situated on Kaien Island, Prince Rupert was home to the Tsimshian and Haida nations for 5000 years and their legacies can be seen in the totem poles of Service Park, Roosevelt Park and the Sunken Gardens.
Overnight in Prince Rupert at Coast Prince Rupert Hotel or Crest Hotel.

Day 16

PRINCE RUPERT TO PORT HARDY (25 Miles land only)
Enjoy a full day ocean cruise on board B.C. Ferries along the British Columbia coastline. The famous Inside Passage cruise comes to an end in Port Hardy.
Overnight in Port Hardy at Port Hardy Inn or Airport Inn.

Day 17

PORT HARDY TO CAMPBELL RIVER (146 Miles)
Travel the eastern shore of Vancouver Island to Campbell River, a focal point for sport salmon fishing.
Overnight in Campbell River at Coast Discovery Inn & Marina or Best Western Austrian Chalet or Anchor Inn Campbell River.

Day 18

CAMPBELL RIVER TO VICTORIA (165 Miles)
Continue along the coast, past Nanaimo and Chemainus, and enjoy the scenic Malahat Drive.
Overnight in Victoria at Coast Harbourside Hotel and Marina or Best Western Carlton Plaza Hotel or Royal Scot Suite Hotel.

Day 19

VICTORIA
Today, explore this elegant capital city. We suggest a visit to Beacon Hill Park and the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria. Drop in for afternoon tea at the Fairmont Empress Hotel or visit the famous Butchart Gardens.
Overnight in Victoria at Coast Harbourside Hotel and Marina or Best Western Carlton Plaza Hotel or Royal Scot Suite Hotel.

Day 20

VICTORIA TO VANCOUVER / END OF TOUR (44 Miles land only)
Traverse the charming Saanich Peninsula before enjoying a mini-cruise on B.C. Ferries back to Vancouver through the Strait of Georgia. Check in at Vancouver International Airport for your departure flight.

Day 21

ARRIVAL BACK TO THE UK

What's Included

• Transatlantic schedule flights
• Car hire (economy size) from day 3
• Accommodation for 19 nights
• Ferry crossings: Day 16, Inside Passage cruise Prince Rupert to Port Hardy (depart: 07:30, arrive: 22:30, 15 hours). Day 20, Swartz Bay to Tsawwassen (1 hour 35 minutes)
• A personalised Canada Roadbook, containing essential travel information featuring overview notes of the area of travel, local sightseeing and attractions, daily itinerary highlights, provincial maps with city guides, hotel vouchers and customised day-by-day routing maps

Not included

• Airport transfers
• Meals and attractions unless otherwise specified
• Park entrance fees