Overview & Highlights

Experience the striking beauty of Western Canada on this stunning fly-drive that takes you through some of the world’s most breathtaking scenic roads.

On this 16-day itinerary, you’ll wind your way through the small towns and landmarks of Alberta, taking in the awe inspiring landscapes of Jasper and Banff. From here, continue to the quaint towns and galleries of Invermere and Nelson. Admire the unique desert views of Osoyoos and end your road trip in Vancouver.

Begin your trip in Alberta’s capital, Edmonton at a hotel in the North River Valley, looking out over the beautiful North Saskatchewan River.

Take to the road and drive through Alberta, take a break to relax at Miette Hot Springs, the hottest of Canadian Rockies, taking in breathtaking views of Icefields Parkway and visiting famous Lake Louise.

Leaving Alberta, cross the Rockies to British Columbia. Enjoy the relaxed vibe of the little visited mountain towns of Invermere and Nelson before heading to southern regions to hike or bike the beautiful mountains. Kayak on the shining waters of the lakes and get a taste of one of the 200 Okanagan wineries.

End your trip in Vancouver, a city best explored on foot, with many excellent restaurants, shops and sights. Wander round Stanley Park and view forests and totem poles and maybe take a scenic sea plane flight or a whale watching trip by boat.

• Admire the dramatic mountains and famed serene lakes of Western Canada
• Take it at your own pace with the freedom of self-driving
• Walk the road less travelled by and discover southern British Columbia
• Enjoy optional guided hikes, thrilling river rafting and horseback riding
• Miette Hot Springs and spa treatments around Banff
• Icefields Parkway, Lake Louise, Jasper

• Day 1: Fly to Edmonton
• Day 2: Drive from Edmonton to Jasper winding through the quaint small towns of Edson and Hinton, visit Miette Hot Springs.
• Day 3: Explore around Jasper with options of a Motorcycle Sidecar Tour or a serene cruise on Maligne Lake.
• Day 4: Drive 153 miles along the Icefields Parkway, one of the world’s most scenic mountain drives. Stop at stunning ice blue waterfalls. Enjoy a series of adventures, including the Columbia Icefield Skywalk to cross the cliff-edge glass walkway. Finish your day at Moraine Lake Lodge after driving though beautiful mountains and optional stops at Peyto Lake and Bow Lake.
• Day 5: Explore around Moraine Lake and look out for wildlife including bears!
• Day 6: Drive to Banff for two nights. Visit nearby Lake Louise, one of Alberta’s well-known lakes for its beauty and unique turquoise waters. Take the Banff Gondola to experience incredible 360-degree panoramic views of six stunning Canadian Rockies’ mountain ranges or take a cruise along Lake Minnewanka. Head up to the summit for some lunch or dinner at Sky Bistro to overlook the mountains, or Northern Lights Alpine Kitchen for a buffet and a panoramic view. Banff is home to nine natural hot springs for you to sink into and marvel at the scenery.
• Day 7: Optional hikes or horse riding around Banff.
• Day 8: Leaving Alberta behind, cross the Rockies into British Columbia. Take the Vermillion and Kootenay Crossing for sights of ice blue rivers and beautiful sky-high. The Kootenay National Park is open all-year round so take a detour to explore the ancient fossils or dip into the steamy hot springs while overlooking the mountainous scenery.
• Day 9: Explore the quaint artists town of Invermere.
• Day 10: take the breathtaking route of 230 miles to Nelson. Visit Fairmont Hot Springs to rejuvenate in the hot waters. Fort Steele Heritage Town is also en-route, a must-see town filled with old-style buildings. Stay for two nights at by Kootenay lake for incredible views.
• Day 11: Wander round Nelson Museum, Archives and Gallery, visit Ainsworth Hot Springs and scenic parks or lake beaches. For more active adventures you can enjoy mountain biking or zip lining or take to the water for some sailing on Kootenay Lake.
• Day 12: Drive 165 miles to Osoyoos and stop at Christina Lake and Kettle River before heading to Watermark Beach Resort. Explore South Okanagan’s beauty. Play on the award-winning golf course, enjoy a spa treatment and dine in award-winning restaurants in the heart of Canda’s wine region.
• Day 13: Explore Osoyoos, take a scenic bike ride through Kettle Valley Railway and let Hoodoo Adventures take you through the best route for views of Lake Okanagan. Check out the highly recommended Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre for guided tours of the Spotted Lake and Osoyoos Lake.
• Day 14: Take the scenic route from Osoyoos to Vancouver for breathtaking views of the mountains for 250 miles. Stop at wineries and explore the tunnels and bridges of The Othello Tunnels that pass over the Coquihalla River. Visit Hells Gate Airtram to explore the Fraser Canyon and Fraser River. Stop at Nooksack Falls for a scenic view of rocky trails and the North Fork Nooksack River or tour the City of Bellingham for outdoor activities and stunning views of the snow-capped volcano.
• Day 15: Explore Vancouver. Cross the Capilano Suspension Bridge that sits amongst the treetops for an adrenaline-pumping experience. Visit Stanley Park to fill your last day with urban beauty, taking in its landscapes of shimmering waters and majestic mountains. Floatplanes are available for a flight over the Gulf Islands to end your scenic trip with stunning ariel views, or touch down in Victoria for a day spent in Butchart Gardens.
• Day 16: A final day in Vancouver before dropping off your car and taking your flight back to London.

This is just one example of a self drive holiday to Western Canada. We can create your own bespoke holiday to include highlights to suit your interest and can also combine with other parts of North America.

We can also tailor your journey to include a trip on the luxury Rocky Mountaineer train.