Cheakamus Lake, Garibaldi Provincial Park, Whistler
Cheakamus Lake, Garibaldi Provincial Park, Whistler
Mount Robson behind the Yellowhead Highway & Scenery in Whistler
Mount Robson behind the Yellowhead Highway & Scenery in Whistler
Barkley Sound, Pacific Coast, Vancouver Island
Barkley Sound, Pacific Coast, Vancouver Island
Columbia Icefield Ice Explorer Ride
Columbia Icefield Ice Explorer Ride
Maligne Lake, Jasper National Park
Maligne Lake, Jasper National Park
Banff Town, Sulphur Mountain Gondola & Lake Moraine
Banff Town, Sulphur Mountain Gondola & Lake Moraine
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  4. Self-Drive Canadian Rockies and Rainforests

Self-Drive Canadian Rockies and Rainforests

11 nights from €2,939 per person Including Flights

Overview

This 11-night self-drive tour takes you through Canada’s beautiful West Coast, starting in Calgary and exploring Banff, Jasper, Sun Peaks, Whistler, Tofino, and Victoria. In Banff, enjoy excursions like the Banff Gondola or Lake Minnewanka Cruise. Journey along the Icefields Parkway to Jasper for glacier adventures and the Glacier Skywalk. Visit Sun Peaks, Whistler, and Tofino, with stops for breath taking views and wildlife encounters, including whale watching or bear watching. Explore Victoria’s highlights, such as Butchart Gardens or a whale-watching cruise, before ending in Vancouver with the option to extend your stay. (DH)

Highlights

  • Discover the beauty of Banff with stunning views from the Banff Gondola and a scenic Lake Minnewanka Cruise, exploring crystal-clear waters.
  • Embark on a thrilling glacier adventure along the Icefields Parkway, including a ride on the Ice Explorer and a walk on the Glacier Skywalk.
  • In Tofino, get up close with nature on a coastal bear watch or whale-watching cruise, observing black bears and majestic whales in their natural habitat.
  • Explore Victoria’s iconic Butchart Gardens, renowned for its vibrant floral displays, or indulge in a classic high tea at the historic Fairmont Empress Hotel.

Itinerary Overview

11 night tour begins Calgary ends Vancouver: Fly into Calgary and drive to Banff 2 nights – Jasper 2 nights – Sun Peaks 1 night – Whistler 2 nights – Tofino 2 nights – Victoria 2 nights – Fly home

Daily departures available May - Oct

Whats included?
  • Flights & taxes
  • Accommodation
  • Checked baggage
  • CAR licensed & bonded
  • In resort assistance & 24 hour contact centre
Why Book with Canadian Sky?
  • Hassle-free - book direct quickly and easily
  • Choice of airlines and the option to switch
  • A friendly, family run business with a wealth of experience.
  • Great deals on offer for multiple destinations
  • Low deposits
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Day 1

Calgary to Banff (72 miles)

Fly into Calgary International Airport, pick up your rental car and drive to Banff where you will stay for two nights. We have included all hotel as standard but opt to upgrade to superior or Deluxe level hotels.

Standard: Elk + Avenue
Superior: Banff Caribou Lodge
Deluxe: Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel

Day 2

Banff

During your stay in Banff, personalise your experience by choosing one of the following excursions included in your tour. Click on Optional Excursions for further information on each tour

Option 1: Banff Gondola
Option 2: Lake Minnewanka Cruise
Option 3: River Explorer Canoe Tour
Option 4: Bow River Horseback Adventure

Day 3

Banff to Jasper (182 miles)

Today, journey through the heart of the Canadian Rockies along the breathtaking Icefields Parkway for the ultimate glacier adventure. Experience walking on ancient ice with the Ice Explorer ride, then stand on a glass platform nearly a thousand feet above the ground at the Glacier Skywalk (included). Overnight in Jasper for two nights.

Standard: The Crimson Hotel
Superior: Forest Park Hotel
Deluxe: Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge

Day 4

Jasper

During your stay in Jasper, personalise your experience by choosing one of the following excursions included in your tour.

Option 1: Maligne Lake Cruise
Option 2: Jasper River Float
Option 3: Jasper Nature Walk

Day 5

Jasper to Sun Peaks (276 miles)

Leaving Jasper National Park, journey along the ‘Yellowhead’ Route, passing the majestic Mount Robson, the tallest peak in the Canadian Rockies. Beyond Mount Robson Provincial Park, the road winds alongside the Thompson River, meandering through the snow-capped peaks of the Monashee and Caribou Mountains, before reaching the resort village of Sun Peaks, where you will enjoy an overnight stay.

Standard: Sun Peaks Grand Hotel, Deluxe Room
Superior: Sun Peaks Grand Hotel, Deluxe Mountain Village View Room
Deluxe: Sun Peaks Grand Hotel, Deluxe Balcony Mountain Village View Room

Day 6

Sun Peaks to Whistler (222 miles)

Continue on to Lillooet, renowned as the land of the Gold Rush Trail and ‘Mile Zero’ of the Old Caribou Wagon Road. From Lillooet, travel along the Duffey Lake Road to Whistler. Make sure to pause at Joffre Lake to take in the stunning vistas of Joffre Glacier. Enjoy two nights in Whistler.

Standard: Aava Hotel or Listel Hotel
Superior: Delta Whistler Village Suites
Deluxe: Fairmont Chateau Whistler

Day 7

Whistler

During your stay in Whistler, personalise your experience by choosing one of the following excursions included in your tour.

Option 1: Whistler Guided Lunch Tour
Option 2: River of Golden Dreams Canoe Tour
Option 3: Whistler Peak 2 Peak Gondola

Day 8

Whistler to Tofino/ Ucluelet (206 miles + ferry)

Depart Whistler this morning along the picturesque Sea-to-Sky Highway to Vancouver, a vibrant port city set amidst stunning natural beauty. Stop en route at the Sea to Sky Gondola for panoramic bird’s-eye views of Howe Sound, along with interpretive walking trails, viewing platforms, and a restaurant and tea house at the summit.

Carry on travelling south to reach Horseshoe Bay to board the BC ferry to Vancouver Island, reaching Tofino. Pause at Cathedral Grove to see ancient trees, then visit the Mars Water-Bombers at Sproat Lake. Continue through Sutton Pass and the Sawtooth Range, arriving in Tofino by late afternoon. Overnight for two nights.

All levels: Water’s Edge Shoreside Suites or Black Rock Resort

Day 9

Tofino/ Ucluelet

During your stay in Tofino, personalise your experience by choosing one of the following excursions included in your tour.

Option 1: Coastal Bear Watch Cruise
Option 2: Whale Watching Cruise

Day 10

Tofino/ Ucluelet to Victoria (195 miles)

Travel back to the East Coast of Vancouver Island, heading south to Victoria. En route, stop in Chemainus, an artist community known for its giant murals that decorate the town's exterior walls, and in Duncan, the “City of Totems.” If time allows, visit the Quw’utsun’ Heritage Village for a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the northwest people. Arrive in Victoria where you will stay for two nights.

Standard: Inn at Laurel Point
Superior: Inn at Laurel Point
Deluxe: Fairmont Empress Hotel

Day 11

Victoria

During your stay in Victoria, personalise your experience by choosing one of the following excursions included in your tour.

Option 1: Butchart Gardens Admission
Option 2: Eat like a Canadian Food Tour
Option 3: Whale Watch Cruise
Option 4: High Tea at the Empress Hotel

Day 12

Victoria to Vancouver (43 miles + Ferry)

Leave Victoria and drive north to Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal for a 90 minute ferry ride to Tsawwassen. Enjoy the scenery on board as you cross the Strait of Georgia. From Tsawwassen drive to the airport to drop your car off for your flight home.

Alternatively, stay a couple of extra nights in Vancouver.

  • International return flights
  • 7 nights accommodation as described or similar in Standard level. Upgrade to Superior or Deluxe at a supplement.
  • Economy car rental with fully inclusive insurance (upgrades available at supplement)
  • Day 2 – Banff - A choice of 1 excursion from: Banff Gondola, Lake Minnewanka Cruise, River Explorer Canoe Tour, Bow River Horseback Adventure
  • Ice Explorer ride onto Athabasca Glacier + Glacier Skywalk
  • Day 4 – Jasper - A choice of 1 excursion from: Maligne Lake Cruise, Jasper River Float, Jasper Nature Walk
  • Day 7 - Whistler – A choice of 1 excursion from: Whistler Guided Lunch Tour, River of Golden Dreams Guided Canoe Tour, Peak 2 Peak Gondola,
  • Sea to Sky Gondola Ride
  • Day 9 – Tofino/ Ucluelet – A choice of 1 excursion from: Coastal Bear Watch Cruise, Whale Watching Cruise
  • Day 11 – Victoria – A choice of 1 excursion from: Butchart Gardens Admission, Eat like a Canadian Food Tour, Whale Watch Cruise, High Tea at the Empress Hotel
  • Electronic Roadbook

What’s not included

  • Airport transfers
  • Resort fees
  • Fuel & road tolls, car parking charges
  • Meals unless stated, entrance fees and additional excursions
  • One way car hire drop fee
  • Day 7 – Whistler - Upgrade Option: Bear Safari in Whistler Olympic Park at a supplement

Your tour includes a selection of optional excursions, allowing you to choose one from each location.

Day 2 – Banff

Option 1: Banff Gondola
Take a scenic gondola ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain for stunning panoramic views of Banff National Park and enjoy breathtaking vistas of peaks and valleys.

Option 2: Lake Minnewanka Cruise
Cruise across the turquoise waters of Lake Minnewanka to Devil’s Gap, taking in stunning views of the Canadian Rockies along the way.

Option 3: River Explorer Canoe Tour
Explore the tranquil Bow River with a guided, interactive experience. Ideal for families, this easy adventure requires no paddling experience and offers a fun way to take in the beauty of Banff National Park.

Option 4: Bow River Horseback Adventure
Embark on a guided horseback ride through the stunning landscapes of Banff National Park, soaking in its beauty from a unique vantage point.

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Day 4 – Jasper

Option 1: Maligne Lake Cruise
Embark on a scenic cruise of Maligne Lake, taking in the breathtaking shoreline and the iconic Spirit Island.

Option 2: Jasper River Float
Take a relaxing rafting tour along the Athabasca River, offering a peaceful and unique view of the stunning Jasper National Park.

Option 3: Jasper Nature Walk
Join a guided nature walk through diverse landscapes, including rolling hills, jagged peaks, lush forests, meadows, marshes, streams, and breathtaking glacial lakes.

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Day 7 – Whistler

Option 1: Whistler Guided Lunch Tour
Spend an afternoon in Whistler exploring its diverse culinary scene with a multi-course lunch at top local spots and indulging in delicious treats at nearby chocolate shops.

Option 2: River of Golden Dreams Canoe Tour
This summer canoe trip takes you on a scenic journey from Alta Lake to Green Lake, with wildflower-lined shores, ancient forests, and local wildlife along the way.

Option 3: Whistler Peak 2 Peak Gondola
Experience the stunning beauty of Whistler Mountain on the Peak Adventure, where you’ll take in breathtaking views of glaciers, extinct volcanoes, and snow-covered peaks.

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Day 9 – Tofino

Option 1: Coastal Bear Watch Cruise
Observe foraging bears from the comfort and safety of a 24-foot Zodiac vessel. On Vancouver Island's West Coast, black bears roam the shores at low tide, hunting for their favourite treat, the Rock Crab.

Option 2: Whale Watching Cruise
Cruise through the crystal-clear waters of Clayoquot Sound, taking in stunning scenery and wildlife. Depending on the season, you may spot grey whales, humpback whales, sea lions, seabirds, and resident bald eagles.

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Day 11 – Victoria

Option 1: Butchart Gardens Admission
On its 100th birthday in 2004, the Butchart Gardens was named a National Historic Site of Canada. Explore 22 hectares (55 acres) of stunning gardens within the 53-hectare (130-acre) estate.

Option 2: Eat like a Canadian Food Tour
Defining Canadian food is a challenge, but this tour offers the perfect way to experience it. Savor local cuisine, explore the iconic Inner Harbour, and meet the chefs and owners behind Victoria’s vibrant culinary scene.

Option 3: Whale Watch Cruise
Get up close to killer whales on the Salish Sea with a 3.5-hour guided whale-watching cruise from Victoria. Board a covered or open boat equipped with hydrophones to listen to the whales and enhance the underwater experience.

Option 4: High Tea at the Empress Hotel
Enjoy a traditional high tea at the Fairmont Empress Hotel, indulging in a selection of teas, finger sandwiches, pastries, and scones. Set in an elegant atmosphere, this experience highlights the charm of Victoria's historic landmark.

Yvonne Knott
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