Route VV3: Rockies, Coast & Island

Travel spectacular roadways covering the highlights of Western Canada. From Vancouver Island and its impressive Pacific Rim National Park, visit the provincial capital of British Columbia, Victoria, and travel through Whistler and the Coast Mountains into the interior of the province. Continue through Mount Revelstoke, Glacier & Yoho National Parks before entering the Rocky Mountains of Alberta. Explore Banff & Jasper National Parks, staying in the quaint mountain towns of Banff, Lake Louise & Jasper. Return to the cosmopolitan city of Vancouver via wells Gray Provincial Park and the historic Fraser River Valley.

Route - 17 days/16 nights

Vancouver (Airport) - Vancouver (1 night) - Victoria (1 night) - Tofino (2 nights) - Whistler (1 night) - Revelstoke (1 night) - Golden/Yoho (1 night) - Banff (2 nights) - Lake Louise (1 night) - Jasper (2 nights) - Blue River (1 night) - Sun Peaks/Kamloops (1 night) - Vancouver (2 nights) - Vancouver (Airport)

Dates 2012

Daily departures from Vancouver.
Regular Season: June 1 - Sept 20, 2012

For travel in spring and fall (e.g. May & October), please contact us! Discounts available but exact route and inclusions may vary.

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival Vancouver

Arrival at the Vancouver Airport where you will be welcomed by one of our representatives. He/she will take you to the rental car desk where you will pick up your vehicle. It is also a chance to go over the itinerary and any last minute questions. In the evening enjoy the great variety of cuisine, multitude of bars and shops along Vancouver's famous Robson Street. If you prefer to rest up, you have the option of choosing a hotel closer to the airport and ferry terminal (next day).

Night in Vancouver. Approx. 50 KM.

Day 2 Vancouver - Victoria

From the port of Tsawwassen, south of Vancouver, you will board a ferry to Vancouver Island, a scenic crossing of approximately 1 hour through the Gulf Islands. Explore the provincial capital of British Columbia, Victoria, with its distinct British flare: the centre, Government Street, the Parliament building, and the Royal BC Museum. Experience "high tea" at the Fairmont Empress Hotel in the harbour area.

Night in Victoria. Approx. 150 KM.

Day 3 Victoria - Tofino

From Victoria, you will follow the coastal Highway 1 towards Parksville. Then travelling into the interior you will pass the town of Port Alberni and Cathedral Grove, a protected forest of giant cedars. Arrival in the coastal town of Tofino which will serve as your base to explore the impressive Pacific Rim National Park. Take some time to explore the town's galleries or enjoy the sunset from one of the national park's wild beaches.

Night in Tofino. Approx. 350 KM.

Day 4 Tofino

A day to explore and relax in Tofino and Pacific Rim National Park. We highly recommend a whale watching excursion by boat or zodiac from Tofino this morning. Kayak tours are also a great option for exploring the coastline.

Night in Tofino. Approx. 50 - 100 KM.

Day 5 Tofino - Whistler

An early departure from Tofino takes you to the ferry from Nanaimo through the Strait of Georgia to Horseshoe Bay, just north of Vancouver. Take the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway to the picturesque town of Whistler, situated in the Coast Mountains. This vibrant ski town offers plenty of recreational opportunities in summer from hiking to golf, as well as a great variety of restaurants and bars.

Night in Whistler. Approx. 375 KM.

Day 6 Whistler - Revelstoke

Following Highway 99 north, you will head towards the town of Cache Creek. A stop at the Historic Hat Creek Ranch is recommended. Continue east along Highway 1 past Shuswap Lake and the towns of Salmon Arm and Sicamous. Entering the impressive mountains of the Selkirk Range, and passing Three Valley Gap, you will arrive in the quaint, artistic town of Revelstoke, in the valley below Mount Revelstoke National Park.

Night in Revelstoke. Approx. 525 KM.

Day 7 Revelstoke - Golden/Yoho

Before continuing your journey east, if the weather is good, we suggest the 26km drive (or shuttle) up the Meadows in the Sky Parkway to the summit of Mount Revelstoke (open to the summit July - September) for a truly awe-inspiring view and landscape. You will continue through Glacier National Park and cross famous Roger's Pass on your way towards Yoho National Park. In Golden, visit the Grizzly Bear Refuge (included) at the Kicking Horse Resort. The visit will include the gondola ride up and lunch at the 2,450 m summit. End your day in either Golden or Emerald Lake Lodge in Yoho.

Night in Golden/Yoho. Approx. 150 - 200 KM.

Day 8 Golden/Yoho - Banff

Today you will have time to explore Yoho National Park. Take a short hike to Wapta Falls near the western entrance, visit Emerald Lake and its aquamarine waters, take the drive up the Yoho Valley Road (open approx. July - September) to Takkakaw Falls, the second highest waterfall in Canada. Rafting the Kicking Horse River is also an option for those looking for some white water action. Your journey today will then take you west into Banff National Park and the town site of Banff.

Night in Banff. Approx. 150 - 200 KM.

Day 9 Banff

This morning we suggest visiting the highlights of the Banff area: the Bow River Falls, Lake Minnewanka, and the Cave & Basin Historic Site. Your ride up the Banff Gondola (included), will take you to the peak of Sulphur Mountain where you can enjoy a short walk along the summit boardwalk to a historic weather station. Bighorn sheep often graze along these upper slopes. If the weather is good, take in the wonderful views of the valley below and the national park. During the afternoon, we suggest a stroll down Banff Avenue with its many boutiques and restaurants, a canoeing excursion from the Bow River canoe docks to the Vermillion Lakes, or a sunset/dinner horseback ride up the Sundance Canyon. The Whyte Museum is also worth a visit, especially if the weather is not co-operating.

Night in Banff. Approx. 50 KM.

Day 10 Banff - Johnston Canyon - Lake Louise

This morning you will travel from Banff towards the village of Lake Louise. Along the way, we suggest a stop at Johnston Canyon where a short hike along a series of catwalks will take you to the Upper Falls. Upon arrival in Lake Louise, drive up to the lake and soak up the view from the shore of the famous lake with the backdrop of Victoria Glacier. To escape the majority of visitors, in the afternoon, we suggest a hike from the Chateau to one of the backcountry tea houses (Lake Agnes or Plain of the Six Glaciers). Horseback rides and canoe rentals are alternative ways to get away from the crowds in the high season. In the late afternoon, you will have time to visit Lake Moraine, one of the most beautiful lakes of the national park, nestled in the Valley of the Ten Peaks. The village offers many options for fine dining, either at one of the restaurants at the Chateau, Deer Lodge or Post Hotel.

Night in Lake Louise. Approx. 100-150 KM.

Day 11 Lake Louise - Icefields Parkway - Jasper

An impressive day awaits you as you leave Lake Louise northbound on the spectacular Icefields Parkway through Banff National Park towards Jasper National Park. The route features many viewpoints including Crowfoot Glacier, Peyto Lake and Bow Lake. At Bow Lake, go back in time by taking a peak or having a meal at the historic Num-ti-jah Lodge. Upon reaching the Columbia Icefields, visit the Icefield Centre and board the "Ice Explorer" (included) which will take you right up onto the Athabasca Glacier for a close-up view of the retreating arm of this massive icefield. Stops at Sunwapta Falls and Athabasca Falls are also recommended before arriving at the Jasper town site.

Night in Jasper. Approx. 250 KM.

Day 12 Jasper

Start the day by visiting prehistoric Maligne Canyon, a unique geological formation, which, although very narrow, has a depth of 50 metres in places. Criss-crossing the canyon over a series of six bridges, you can explore the area from all angles. The access road to Maligne Lake is also worth driving if only for wildlife viewing. It is common to spot moose, deer, and bears. Boat tours are possible to the end of the lake. After a stop in town for lunch, drive up the Edith Cavell Road for a short hike and a close, impressive view of Angel Glacier. In the late afternoon, head up the Jasper Tramway (included) to the summit of Whistlers where you can take a short hike. Rafting on the Athabasca, Fraser or Sunwapta Rivers is a great option for those looking for something more active. Consider adding an extra day in Jasper as there are many things to see and do in the area.

Night in Jasper. Approx. 100 - 200 KM.

Day 13 Jasper - Mt. Robson - Blue River

Today you will head west from Jasper along the Yellowhead Highway. Mount Robson Provincial Park awaits you as you enter the province of British Columbia. At 3,954 metres, Mt. Robson is the highest peak in the Rockies. Take a helicopter sightseeing flight for a bird's eye view of this impressive mountain and surrounding lakes and glaciers (optional). Your journey continues to Blue River, a beautiful, remote spot in the Monashee Mountains. Enjoy the lodge setting, take a swim in the nearby lake, or head out for a wildlife viewing river excursion.

Night in Blue River. Approx. 250 KM.

Day 14 Blue River - Sun Peaks/Kamloops

This morning we suggest visiting Wells Gray Provincial Park with its waterfalls and volcanic rock formations. Take a short hike to visit Helmcken Falls, the most famous and accessible of the falls. Stop at one of the area's ranches for lunch and continue to Sun Peaks resort just north of Kamloops.

Night in Sun Peaks/Kamloops. Approx. 250 KM.

Day 15 Sun Peaks/Kamloops - Vancouver

Today you have two options: (1) take the Coquihalla Highway from Kamloops to Hope (with toll) and arrive in Vancouver a little earlier or (2) take the longer, more scenic route along Highway 1 past Cache Creek, through the Thompson and Fraser River Valleys. From Hope, you will continue to downtown Vancouver. Enjoy the great variety of cuisine, multitude of bars and shops. We recommend exploring Robson Street and English Bay this evening.

Night in Vancouver. Approx. 400 KM (or 500 KM)

Day 16 Vancouver

This morning you will visit North Vancouver with a first stop at Capilano Park (included) boasting the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the world. In the afternoon, you will head up to the summit of Grouse Mountain (included), at 1,130 metres, where you have the opportunity to take in the views, visit the various exhibitions on Canadian culture and history, check out the Grizzly Bear Refuge and have something to eat. Returning to the city centre, we recommend a stop in Stanley Park, to watch the sunset.

Night in Vancouver. Approx. 150 KM.

Day 17 Departure Vancouver

This morning you will have a last opportunity to visit some of the other highlights of Vancouver's city centre: Gastown and Chinatown and Granville Island, before making your way to the Vancouver Airport. Drop-off the rental car and time to head home. Until next time!

Includes

• 16 nights of lodging (tourist/superior, lodge/boutique, or luxury/premier)
• Sulphur Mountain Gondola in Banff
• Excursion in the "Ice Explorer" at the Columbia Icefields
• Jasper Tramway
• Capilano Park in Vancouver
• Grouse Mountain in Vancouver
• Grizzly Bear Refuge in Golden, including gondola ride & lunch at the summit
• Vancouver Island ferrys and reservation fees (passengers & vehicle)
• Vehicle rental (various class types)
• Annual Parks Canada Discovery Pass (permits access to national parks, vehicle & passengers)
• Reception at the Vancouver Airport upon arrival
• Support of local Paso Norte team
• Taxes and levies

Optional

• Rafting (Jasper, Yoho)
• Helicopter flightseeing (Mt.Robson, Banff/Canmore)
• Horseback riding (Wells Gray, Banff)
• Whale watching (Tofino, Victoria)