Self-Drive Mountain Express

Tour Information

7nt Tour Begins Calgary, Ends Vancouver: 1nt Calgary; 2nts Banff; 1nt Jasper; 1nt Sun Peaks; 2nts Vancouver

This itinerary is ideal for travellers who have limited holiday time, but want to see as many of western Canada’s highlights as possible. In just a week, this tour itinerary takes passengers through Calgary, Banff National Park, the Canadian Rockies, Jasper National Park, along the Yellowhead Highway by Mount Robson National Park and into the BC interior. The journey then continues west via the imposing Fraser Canyon, before reaching the beautiful coastal city of Vancouver, where you will conclude your stay.

Day 1

FLY FROM THE UK - CALGARY
Arrive at Calgary’s International Airport and transfer independently to your centrally-located hotel. Pick-up your Canada Roadbook at the front desk as you check-in. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to create your own urban adventure in the Stampede City and form your first Impressions of Western Canada.
Overnight in Calgary.
Standard Accommodation: Delta Bow Valley or International Hotel Suites Calgary.
Deluxe Accommodation: Fairmont Palliser

Day 2

CALGARY TO BANFF (81 Miles)
Leaving Calgary behind, you will set your sights today on the magnificent Rocky Mountains. Feel the majesty of these mountains as you first travel through the foothills and then enter Banff National Park where the craggy peaks loom larger the closer you get. After you have arrived in the bustling town of Banff, the remainder of the day is free to explore its charms.
Overnight in Banff.
Standard Accommodation: Rundlestone Lodge or Mount Royal Hotel or Banff Ptarmigan Inn.
Deluxe Accommodation: Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel or Rimrock Hotel.

Day 3

BANFF NATIONAL PARK
The entire day is free to tour Banff and the surrounding area. We suggest a visit to the Luxton Museum, a gondola ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain or a stroll through town admiring the many shops. You may also try river rafting on the Bow River or take a boat tour on beautiful Lake Minnewanka.
Overnight in Banff.
Standard Accommodation: Rundlestone Lodge or Mount Royal Hotel or Banff Ptarmigan Inn.
Deluxe Accommodation: Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel or Rimrock Hotel.

Day 4

BANFF TO JASPER (177 Miles)
Drive to Jasper via the spectacular Icefields Parkway, said to be one of the most scenic routes in all the world. We suggest stops at Lake Louise and Peyto Lake en route. A visit to Maligne Canyon in Jasper National Park should also not be missed. Return to the road for the final stretch to the resort town of Jasper.
Overnight in Jasper.
Standard Accommodation: Lobstick Lodge or Chateau Jasper.
Deluxe Accommodation: Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge.

Day 5

JASPER TO SUN PEAKS (242 Miles)
The Yellowhead Highway will take you on a route first explored by trappers and traders. You will see Mount Terry Fox as well as Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Rockies, often shrouded by clouds. If time permits, we suggest exploring Wells Gray Provincial Park, a nature reserve priding itself on the untamed and pristine state of its wilderness. Continue to Sun Peaks, a year-round resort catering to families as well as sports enthusiasts.
Overnight in Sun Peaks.
Standard Accommodation: Coast Sundance Lodge or Nancy Green’s Cahilty Lodge.
Deluxe Accommodation: Delta Sun Peaks Resort.

Day 6

SUN PEAKS TO VANCOUVER (251 Miles)
Driving past Kamloops, you’ll traverse the stunning, sagebrush-covered ranch lands along the South Thompson River. This is still the land of vast herds of cattle and cowboys on horseback. Entering between the towering rock walls of the Fraser Canyon, you’ll be amazed at the whitewater rapids of the Fraser River gushing far below. Over 750,000 litres of water surge through the 34-metre Hell’s Gate gorge every minute and a gondola ride over this part of the canyon is sure to impress. Further downstream, the lush Fraser Valley opens up into the maritime basin characteristic of the Lower Mainland region of British Columbia as you approach Vancouver, Canada’s Gateway to the Pacific.
Overnight in Vancouver.
Standard Accommodation: Coast Plaza Hotel & Suites or Quality Hotel Inn at False Creek.
Deluxe Accommodation: Fairmont Waterfront Hotel or Fairmont Hotel Vancouver.

Day 7

VANCOUVER
Full day in Vancouver and the surrounding area. Climb aboard a San Francisco-style trolley for a fully-commented Vancouver city tour. Sightsee at your own pace as you hop-on and hop-off for any length of time at many premier attractions, parks, gardens, galleries and restaurants.
Overnight in Vancouver.
Standard Accommodation: Coast Plaza Hotel & Suites or Quality Hotel Inn at False Creek.
Deluxe Accommodation: Fairmont Waterfront Hotel or Fairmont Hotel Vancouver.

Day 8

END OF TOUR
Check-in at Vancouver International Airport for your departure flight.

Day 9

ARRIVAL BACK TO THE UK

What's Included

• Transatlantic schedule flights
• Car hire (economy size) from day 2
• Accommodation for 7 nights
• Day 7, Vancouver - Hop-on / Hop-off Trolley Tour
• 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