Canada: Canadian fly drive Holiday, Lakes and Lodges

Depart London Heathrow on a scheduled flight to Vancouver. Pick up your rental car at the airport and drive to your accommodation in downtown Vancouver.

This morning, leave Vancouver along the scenic Sea to Ski Highway to Whistler. Highlights along the way include the cascading Shannon Falls and the Stawamus Chief Rock where climbers from all over the globe migrate to climb the granite cliffs. Continue on to Whistler where a stop is a must for a short stroll through this charming alpine resort before continuing on the Duffey Lake Road where you will see breathtaking views of Joffee Glacier. Continue on through Lillooett for 2 hours along a well maintained gravel road to Tyax Mountain Lake Resort nestled on the shores on Tyaughton Lake.

Tyax offers a wide array of optional activities for all ages including western horseback riding, guided fly fishing tours, fly casting and gold panning lessons, mountain biking on gentle rolling or challenging single track, floatplane adventures over the Chilcotin Wilderness and drop off's at remote alpine lakes; as well as off-road safaris along old mining trails leading to the wildflower carpeted alpine meadows.

Return through Lillooett known as the land of the Gold Rush Trail. Departing Lillooet, turn east along Highway 99 toward Cache Creek, from here travel a short distance to your overnight accommodation at Lac Le Jeune Resort. Located in a stunning wilderness setting where fish jump from the glassy surface of the lake and Ospreys soar overhead. Please note, this rustic lodge offers peace and relaxation without having phones or a television in the room.

Today, follow the Thompson River through rolling plateaus to the snowy peaks of the Monashee Mountains. View the Pyramid Falls and the expansive glaciers of the Albreda Icefields. Pass by Mount Robson, which is the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies at 12,972 feet; then on to the resort town of Jasper, for a 2 night stay at Jasper Park Lodge. Set deep in the Canadian Rockies, Jasper Park Lodge embodies the peace, tranquillity and natural beauty that make these parks so famous. Whether you are looking for a relaxing day by the pool or a beautiful horse back ride into the mountains, this deluxe lodge is the place to stay.

Today, explore this charming mountain village close to many terrific scenic highlights. Take a tram ride up Whistlers Mountain or a boat cruise on Maligne Lake (not included). In the evening soak in the pools at Miette Hot Springs, and watch the sunset over Pyramid and Patricia Lakes (included).

This morning depart on the scenic drive that takes you through the spine of the Canadian Rockies. You view a never-ending procession of mammoth mountains, jagged peaks, over 100 glaciers and pristine emerald colour lakes. Along the way see such sights as the Columbia Icefield and take an Ice Explorer ride out onto the glacier (included). Also watch for the Sarbach Glacier, Peyto Lake, Bow Lake, with the Bow Glacier providing the backdrop, and Crowfoot Glacier before your arrival at Moraine Lake Lodge. Moraine Lake Lodge is situated on the shore of Moraine Lake, known for its iridescent turquoise colour, Moraine Lake has become known as The Jewel of the Rockies.

Please note: Mountain lakes in this region will be frozen through to mid June.

A short drive today through majestic mountain passes into Yoho National Park. The word Yoho is the Cree word expressing awe. This 507 square mile national park is filled with gem coloured glacial lakes and waterfalls, snow-covered peaks and dense forests of western red cedar and western hemlock. Historic railroads, spiral tunnels within mountain sides and steep rock faces where mountain goats roam are just some of the sights to be seen. Other Yoho marvels include a natural rock bridge over the Kicking Horse River, Hoodoos, some of Canada's highest waterfalls and the Burgess Shale fossil find where over 120 marine animal species dating back as far as 530 million years were discovered.

Built of hand-hewn timber and featuring massive stone fireplaces, the Lodge includes a formal dining room, quiet reading and sitting rooms. From the upper or lower large verandas, enjoy the serene views of this wilderness landscape.

Enjoy the leisurely drive to Banff. Choose the Bow Valley Parkway, beside the Bow River with an option for you to take a stop at Johnston Canyon and walk along the paved footway to either the lower or upper waterfalls before continuing to Banff. This afternoon, explore Banff and area. In town you'll find lots of excitement - shopping, cafes, nightlife and museums.

A full day to explore Banff and the surrounding area at leisure. In town, you'll find lots of excitement - shopping, cafes, nightlife, museums and a whole lot more. Check out the Cave and Basin National Historic Site, Banff Gondola (included) where you will enjoy a panoramic view of the Bow Valley, and then take a dip in the hot mineral pools at the Upper Hot Springs.

Today, you will travel along the 1A Highway to Calgary. En route, you may wish to stop at the historic Cochrane Ranch (not included) before driving to your overnight accommodation in Calgary.

Check-out of your accommodation drive to Calgary International Airport where you drop off your rental car before your return flight home.