Day 1
Arrive Calgary drive to Banff (80 miles)
Touch down in Calgary and pick up your car rental from the airport. Feel the anticipation build as you head west - prairie skies giving way to those first Rocky Mountain peaks. After you’ve checked in to Banff, keep things wonderfully low-key: a gentle riverside walk, a playground pause, a wander through town for supplies, then an early, easy dinner. The goal tonight is simple - everyone rested, fed and ready for the mountains.
Overnight: Banff Ptarmigan Inn or similar.
Or upgrade to the Moose Hotel & Suites in Superior One Bedroom Suite.
Day 2
Banff
Wake up to crisp mountain air and choose your family’s first “pinch me” moment. Maybe you float up the gondola for big views with little legs kept happy, or you head for Lake Louise for that famous turquoise shoreline stroll. If you’re up early, Johnston Canyon is a brilliant family walk with bridges, rushing water and plenty to point at. Keep lunch simple—picnic blankets and packed treats often beat queues—then spend the afternoon ticking off easy favourites like Bow Falls and Surprise Corner, with time for an ice cream reward back in town.
Overnight: Banff Ptarmigan Inn or similar.
Or upgrade to the Moose Hotel & Suites in Superior One Bedroom Suite or similar.
Day 3
Banff to Jasper via the Icefields Parkway (180 miles)
Today is a highlight reel day: the Icefields Parkway. Think towering peaks, glacier-fed lakes and viewpoints that make everyone fall quiet for a second. Start with a full tank, plenty of snacks and the mindset to stop often. Pick a handful of easy, high-reward breaks - Peyto Lake’s iconic view, the short wander at Mistaya Canyon, a look at the Columbia Icefield, and the roar of Athabasca Falls are all fantastic with kids. Roll into Jasper by late afternoon, stock up on essentials, and finish with a slow evening stroll by the river as the light softens.
Overnight: Lobstick Lodge or similar.
Or upgrade to Jasper Inn & Suites in Two Bedroom Family Suite or similar.
Day 4
Jasper
Jasper is all about big nature with family-friendly access - waterfalls, canyons and lakes that feel straight out of an adventure book. Start at Maligne Canyon, where bridges and rushing water keep everyone engaged, then choose a midday treat: a cruise on Maligne Lake for effortless scenery, or the SkyTram for sweeping views without a long hike. In the afternoon, make space for proper play time by the water and keep an eye out for wildlife (dusk is often best). If the skies are clear, end the day with a cosy stargazing moment - blanket, hot drink and a few wishes.
Overnight: Lobstick Lodge or similar.
Or upgrade to Jasper Inn & Suites in Two Bedroom Family Suite or similar.
Day 5
Jasper to Wells Gray Guest Ranch (215 miles)
After breakfast, the route turns west and the journey becomes part of the story. Break up the longer drive with two or three planned stops - somewhere to run, somewhere to snack, somewhere to spot a view - so the day feels adventurous rather than long. By late afternoon you’ll arrive at Wells Gray Guest Ranch, where everything slows down in the best possible way. Settle in your cabin, all are equipped with full amenities including a comfortable sitting area, kitchen (small fridge, coffee/tea bar and microwave and basic kitchen utensils), a private bathroom with toilet and shower. So it’s worth picking up some dinner ingredients to have in the fridge.
Dinner at the Black Horse Saloon rotates daily with various themed nights such as Canadian Ranch night (maple-glazed slow-roasted beef with poutine), BBQ nights and classic comfort food nights. You’ll be staying here for the next three nights.
Overnight: Wells Gray Guest Ranch in Deluxe Log Cabin with Continental Breakfast.
Day 6
Wells Gray Guest Ranch
Ranch life is wonderfully simple - and families tend to love the rhythm. Start with a hearty breakfast, then head out for a guided activity (activities like horse riding,
canoeing, rafting and sightseeing are all part of the ranch’s daily summer routine). However, if you want an introduction to horse riding along with a slow paced trail ride to get your confidence up, add on the Tipi Trail Ride under Optional Excursions and let our sales specialists know.
After lunch, choose a second adventure - perhaps a gentle hike, time by the water, or a hands-on ranch activity - then leave plenty of space for downtime. A swim, a book, a nap or free play can be just as memorable as the headline moments. As evening settles in, gather for a relaxed dinner and something cosy—board games, stories, or stepping outside to look up at a sky full of stars.
Overnight: Wells Gray Guest Ranch in Deluxe Log Cabin with Continental Breakfast.
Day 7
Wells Gray Guest Ranch + optional Wells Gray waterfalls
Your final ranch day can be shaped around your family’s mood. If everyone is thriving on the ranch routine, stay on-site for more horse time and fresh-air fun. Or take a half-day outing to Wells Gray Provincial Park for famous waterfalls and easy viewpoints—high-impact scenery with minimal effort. Either way, keep the afternoon unhurried: favourite repeats, a last swim, and packing that doesn’t feel like a rush. Enjoy your final ranch dinner, swap stories from the week, and turn in early—tomorrow brings new scenery and a new pace.
Overnight: Wells Gray Guest Ranch in Deluxe Log Cabin with Continental Breakfast.
Day 8
Wells Gray area to Whistler (280 miles)
Today you’ll trade ranch calm for Whistler’s lively village energy. Set off after breakfast and plan a scenic lunch stop plus a good stretch break so everyone arrives smiling. Once you’re checked in, Whistler is easy: pedestrian streets, little shops, and plenty of places to pause for a treat. If you still have energy, a gentle wander around Lost Lake is a perfect first taste of Whistler’s outdoorsy charm.
Overnight: Crystal Lodge or similar
Upgrade to Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside in 2 Bedroom Lower Floor Valley View or similar.
Day 9
Whistler
Build your Whistler day around one main adventure, then keep everything else easy. Ride the gondola for alpine views and short, family-friendly trails; cruise the bike paths at your own pace; or choose a lake day for swimming, paddling and lounging. A picnic lunch by the water is often the simplest win, and the afternoon is ideal for a smaller add-on - mini golf, a short stroll, or a second splash if the kids can’t get enough.
Keep dinner early and relaxed, then pack up tonight so tomorrow’s drive to Vancouver feels smooth and unhurried.
Overnight: Crystal Lodge or similar.
Or upgrade to Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside in 2 Bedroom Lower Floor Valley View or similar.
Day 10
Whistler to Vancouver via the Sea-to-Sky Highway (75 miles)
Take the Sea-to-Sky Highway down to Vancouver as the mountains begin to make room for ocean views. It’s worth building in one or two stops to keep the day fun - Shannon Falls is a quick win, the Sea to Sky Gondola delivers big scenery with minimal walking, and the Britannia Mine Museum is a brilliant hands-on option (especially if the weather turns).
Arrive in Vancouver, check in, and keep your first city evening simple: a short section of the Stanley Park seawall, a beach wander, and an easy meal nearby is the perfect contrast after your mountain days.
Overnight: Sandman Hotel Vancouver Downtown or similar.
Or upgrade to Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre in Family Room (Two Bedrooms) or similar.
Day 11
Vancouver
Save today for whatever your family loves most about cities: green space, hands-on fun, or a little bit of everything. Spend the morning in Stanley Park - choose an easy stretch of the seawall, add a playground stop, and, if it fits your plans, visit the Vancouver Aquarium area. If you’d rather go full “curious minds”, head to Science World and wander around False Creek afterwards. For a more relaxed, food-focused day, Granville Island is ideal: market browsing, an easy lunch, and plenty to explore without racking up big miles.
Build in a sweet treat stop mid-afternoon, leave time for last souvenirs, then head back to pack at a sensible hour. A quick check of car-return timing and the route to the airport tonight makes tomorrow feel effortless.
Overnight: Sandman Hotel Vancouver Downtown or similar.
Or upgrade to Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre in Family Room (Two Bedrooms) or similar.
Day 12
Fly home
Depending on your flight time, enjoy a final relaxed breakfast, then allow plenty of time for fuel, car return and airport check-in. Pick up snacks for the flight, take one last look at the mountains (or the ocean), and head home with a camera roll full of memories.
