Canada : Whistler and The Rocky Mountains Self-Drive Tour
Explore the stunning Canadian Rocky Mountains by car at your own pace
Enjoy a spectacular trip at your own pace from Vancouver to Calgary whilst visiting a charming mountain village and Exploring Whistler, Jasper and Banff.
Itinerary
|
Day 1 -
Arrive Vancouver
|
|
Depart London Heathrow on a scheduled flight to Vancouver. Pick up your rental car at the airport and drive to your overnight accommodation.
|
|
Day 2 -
Vancouver to Whistler (76 miles 122 km)
|
|
Fully refreshed and well-rested, you will depart 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 tackle the granite cliffs. Arrive in Whistler by early afternoon.
|
|
Day 3 -
Explore Whistler
|
This charming alpine resort is nestled between the world-renowned Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. Today you are free to enjoy an extensive range of summer activities, from golf on one of the 4 championship designer golf courses, water activities on any of the 5 lakes or numerous rivers, to mountain top dining. Or, you may simply prefer to just relax and enjoy some of the many fine cafes and restaurants in this European inspired alpine village.
|
|
Day 4 -
Whistler to Sun Peaks (183 miles / 293 km)
|
|
Begin your spectacular drive on the Duffey Lake Road where you will see breathtaking views of Joffee Glacier. Continue on through Lillooett, known as the land of the Gold Rush Trail, and onto Cache Creek where you will stop to visit the historic Hat Creek Ranch (included). From here, you will travel a short distance to your overnight accommodation at the Cahilty Lodge, located in the stunning resort of Sun Peaks.
|
|
Day 5 -
Sun Peaks to Jasper (277 miles / 444 km)
|
Today, you will follow the Thompson River through rolling plateaus to the snowy peaks of the Monashee Mountains. View Pyramid Falls and the expansive glaciers of the Albreda Icefields. Pass by Mount Robson, at 12,972 feet, which is the highest peak in the entire Canadian Rockies. Arrive in Jasper late afternoon.
|
|
Day 6 -
Explore Jasper
|
The day is yours to explore, at leisure, this charming mountain village close to many terrific scenic highlights. Take a tram ride up Whistlers Mountain, or visit Maligne Lake, one of the most photographed lakes in the world, and enjoy a 90 minute cruise heading toward the south end of this postcard setting (Maligne Lake cruise not included). You will marvel at the magnificent shoreline with dense forest and glacial peaks rising abruptly from the water's edge. Stopping at Spirit Island, you will have the opportunity to take your own version of the world famous photograph of the lake.
|
|
Day 7 -
Jasper to Banff (182 miles / 292 km)
|
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 into Lake Louise. From Lake Louise 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. Please note: Mountain lakes in this region will be frozen through to mid June.
|
|
Day 8 -
Explore Banff
|
|
A full day to explore Banff and area. In town you'll find lots of excitement - shopping, cafes, nightlife, museums. Check out the Cave and Basin National Historic Site, Banff Gondola (included) where you will see a panoramic view of the Bow Valley, and then take a dip in the hot mineral pools at the Upper Hot Springs.
|
|
Day 9 -
Banff to Calgary (72 miles / 115 km)
|
Depart Banff and drive to Calgary along the 1A Highway. En-route, you may wish to stop at the historic Cochrane Ranch (not included) before driving to your overnight accommodation.
|
|
Day 10 -
Calgary
|
|
Check out of your accommodation and drop off your rental car at Calgary International airport before your return flight home.
|
|
Day 11 -
Arrive London Heathrow
|
|
|
Prices
| Dates |
Prices From |
| Adult |
01/05/2009 - 15/05/2009
| £1,618 |
16/05/2009 - 20/06/2009
| £1,717 |
21/06/2009 - 06/10/2009
| £2,012 |
07/10/2009 - 31/10/2009
| £1,797 |
| Notes |
|
Prices are per person, based on two adults sharing.
|
What's Included?
-
Scheduled flights from London Heathrow to Vancouver and Calgary to London Heathrow
-
10 days Hertz mid size car rental which includes:
- Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) with a $500 deductible
- All Taxes (Provincial Sales Tax [PST] and Goods and Services Tax [GST])
- Provincial Road Tax (PVRT)
- Tax For Fuel (TFFC)
- Airport Concession Fee (CFR)
- Vehicle Licensing Fee (VLF)
- Air Conditioning Tax (ACSURCH)
- Unlimited mileage
- One way Drop Off Fee
-
9 nights accommodation
-
Admission to Hat Creek Ranch
-
Sulphur Mountain Gondola
-
Ice Explorer Ride onto the Athabasca Glacier
-
Admission to either Banff Upper Hot Springs or Miette Hot Springs Jasper
-
Exclusive travel documentation package including personalised maps, itineray and driving directions
-
Canadian Goods and Services Tax (GST)
What's NOT Included?
-
Fuel for rental car
-
Meals
-
Road tolls
-
Gratuities
Similar Activities
Canada : Canada by rail - The Grand Rail Circle - 12 days
Vancouver to Whistler, Quesnel, Jasper, Lake Louise and Banff by rail
The complete Canada by rail experience, featuring three different Canadian rail routes, together with the highlights of the Canadian Rockies and two nights in the resort town of Whistler. ...
Availability:
Canada : Sunshine Coast Circle Self-Drive Tour - 12 days
A fly-drive experience along north west Canada's beautiful coastline with a whale watching cruise
Tucked into the southwest corner of mainland British Columbia, the Sunshine Coast is a 110 mile stretch of paradise where the mossy rainforest drops from a chiseled shoreline into the Strait of Georgia, and winds itself northward beneath the Coast Mountains from Howe Sound to Desolation Sound. ...
Availability:
Canada : The Authentic West Self-Drive Tour - 14 days
Enjoy a spectacular western adventure at your own pace through the Canadian Rockies
Enjoy a spectacular round-trip at your own pace departing Vancouver and visiting an authentic working ranch and beautiful Lodges with scenic views of the mountains. Enjoy the tranquility of the Maligne Lake, Pyramid and Patricia Lakes, Lake Louise and Emerald Lake Lodge. ...
Availability:
Canada : The Rockies and Vancouver - 8 days
Vancouver to Calgary via Banff by rail
Nestled between the Coast Mountains and the Pacific Ocean and host to the 2010 Olympic Winter Games, Vancouver is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Experience the delights of Vancouver and the charming resort town of Banff in the heart of the Canadian Rockies on this unforgettable ...
Availability:
Canada : Trans Canada Rail Adventure - 13 days
West to east rail including Lake Louise and Niagara Falls
Canada is a country built by rail so what better way to explore it than by train? This tour will take you from West to East between Vancouver and Toronto, with visits to the magnificent Niagara Falls and the beautiful mountain towns of Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper along the way. ...
Availability:
|
|