Ultimate Western Canada Self-Drive (Tour code: 12959)

Leave Vancouver and travel inland through the Fraser Valley before climbing into the mountain passes that lead toward British Columbia’s Thompson Okanagan region. The scenery changes throughout the day, from coastal mountains and forested valleys to high-country landscapes and the sun-drenched slopes of the Okanagan Valley. Known for its orchards, vineyards, lakes and warm climate, this region offers a striking contrast to the coast, with boreal forest to the north, semi-arid landscapes to the south and rolling vineyard-covered hills surrounding Kelowna.

Overnight in Kelowna at The Royal Kelowna

Okanagan

Set out on a half-day wine tour along the scenic West Kelowna Wine Trail, where vineyards, lake views and rolling hills create a beautiful introduction to Okanagan wine country. Visit a selection of local wineries, sample some of the region’s finest wines and hear stories from your guide about the people, landscapes and growing conditions that shape this celebrated wine region. With warm hospitality, relaxed touring and sweeping views over Okanagan Lake, this is an enjoyable way to experience the heart of Kelowna’s wine country.

Overnight in Kelowna at The Royal Kelowna

Okanagan | Credit: Destination BC/Patrice Halley

Depart Kelowna and travel north through the Okanagan Valley, where orchards, vineyards and lake views gradually give way to the forested landscapes of the Shuswap region. Continue past Shuswap Lake, known for its remarkable shoreline, before reaching Craigellachie, where the Last Spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway was driven in 1885. From here, the route becomes increasingly dramatic as you enter Glacier National Park and climb over Rogers Pass, surrounded by steep peaks, dense forest and rugged alpine scenery. Watch for wildlife such as mountain goats, bears and other native species as you continue through this spectacular mountain corridor. After crossing the Columbia River, travel into Yoho National Park, a landscape of towering waterfalls, ice-clad peaks, natural rock formations and the rushing Kicking Horse River. Arrive at Emerald Lake Lodge, set beside one of the most beautiful alpine lakes in the Canadian Rockies.

Overnight in Field at Emerald Lake Lodge

Emerald Lake | Credit: Destination BC Dave Heath

Depart the peaceful shores of Emerald Lake and travel east through Yoho National Park, whose name is a Cree expression of awe. This spectacular park is known for gem-coloured glacial lakes, waterfalls, snow-covered peaks, dense cedar and hemlock forests, historic railways, spiral tunnels and steep rock faces where mountain goats may be seen. Continue through mountain passes into Banff National Park. In summer, travellers may enjoy either the Bow Valley Parkway, known for its quieter pace, forested scenery and wildlife viewing opportunities (subject to seasonal closures), or the Trans-Canada Highway, which offers a faster route with sweeping mountain vistas. Along the way, Johnston Canyon is a popular highlight, where a paved trail follows the canyon walls to rushing waterfalls, turquoise pools and dramatic limestone scenery. Continue to Banff, surrounded by alpine beauty, mountain views and the lively atmosphere of one of Canada’s most iconic Rockies towns.

Overnight in Banff at Moose Hotel & Suites

Aerial of Banff Townsite | Credit: Paul Zizka

Today, you can personalise your day by choosing one of five excursions.

Overnight in Banff at Moose Hotel & Suites

Freedom of Choice Options

• Banff Gondola:

  Ride the Banff Gondola to the summit of Sulphur Mountain for sweeping views over Banff, the Bow Valley and the surrounding peaks of Banff National Park. At the top, enjoy viewing platforms, interpretive exhibits and time to take in one of the most impressive panoramas in the Canadian Rockies.

OR

• Lake Minnewanka Cruise:

  Cruise across the turquoise waters of Lake Minnewanka, surrounded by mountain peaks, forested shoreline and open alpine scenery. As you travel toward Devil’s Gap, enjoy a relaxed and scenic perspective of one of Banff National Park’s most beautiful glacier-fed lakes.

OR

• River Explorer Canoe Tour:

  Enjoy a gentle guided canoe tour along the Bow River, where calm waters, mountain views and riverside scenery create a peaceful way to experience Banff National Park. This fun and interactive excursion is ideal for families, with no paddling experience necessary.

OR

• Bow River Horseback Adventure:

  Saddle up for a guided horseback ride through the celebrated landscapes of Banff National Park. Follow scenic riverside trails, take in mountain views and experience the Rockies in a classic western style.

OR

• Banff Townsite E-Bike Tour:

  Explore Banff on a relaxed guided e-bike ride to some of the town’s most scenic highlights, including Bow Falls, Surprise Corner, downtown Banff and the Cave and Basin National Historic Site. Enjoy mountain views, local history and an easy-paced ride suitable for beginners and families.

Banff Gondola | Credit: Pursuit

Today, travel along the Icefields Parkway, one of the most spectacular mountain drives in the world. This unforgettable route follows the spine of the Canadian Rockies, passing glacier-fed lakes, sweeping valleys, waterfalls and towering peaks. At the Columbia Icefield, step aboard the Ice Explorer for a journey onto ancient glacier ice, then continue to the Glacier Skywalk, where a glass-floored platform extends high above the Sunwapta Valley. These included experiences offer a powerful perspective on the scale, beauty and geology of this treasured region of the Rockies.

Overnight in Jasper at Forest Park Hotel
 

Glacier Skywalk | Credit: Pursuit

Today, you can personalise your day by choosing one of three excursions.

Overnight in Jasper at Forest Park Hotel

Freedom of Choice Options

• Maligne Lake Cruise:

  Cruise across Maligne Lake, one of Jasper National Park’s most photographed settings. Surrounded by mountain peaks, forested shoreline and brilliant alpine water, the journey includes views toward Spirit Island, one of the Canadian Rockies’ most iconic natural landmarks. Operating season is weather dependent.

OR

• Jasper River Float:

  Enjoy a gentle rafting experience on the Athabasca River, offering a relaxed and scenic perspective of Jasper National Park. Drift through a wide mountain valley with views of forests, peaks and wildlife habitat while your guide shares stories of the area’s natural and human history

OR

• Jasper Nature Walk:

  Explore Jasper National Park on a guided nature walk through a landscape of rolling hills, jagged peaks, forests, meadows, marshes, streams and glacial lakes. Along the way, learn more about the plants, wildlife and mountain ecology that make this region so remarkable.

Maligne Lake

Leave Jasper National Park and travel west along the Yellowhead Route, passing the impressive slopes of Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. Beyond Mount Robson Provincial Park, the journey follows river valleys, mountain scenery and changing landscapes as you continue through the Monashee and Cariboo mountain regions. Arrive in Sun Peaks, a welcoming alpine resort village surrounded by forested hills and mountain views.

Overnight in Sun Peaks at Sun Peaks Grand Hotel
 

Sun Peaks

Nestled in the mountains of British Columbia, Sun Peaks transforms into a vibrant summer playground. Visitors can enjoy hiking and biking trails, alpine wildflowers, scenic chairlift rides, and a welcoming village filled with cafés, shops, and events. 

Overnight in Sun Peaks at Sun Peaks Grand Hotel

Credit: Tourism Sun Peaks

Continue through British Columbia’s rugged interior toward Lillooet, a historic community known as “Mile Zero” of the Old Cariboo Wagon Road and an important landmark on the Gold Rush Trail. From here, travel the dramatic Duffey Lake Road, where winding mountain roads, steep valleys, alpine lakes and glacier views create one of the most scenic drives in the province. If time permits, stop near Joffre Lakes for breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and Joffre Glacier before continuing to Whistler, one of Canada’s premier mountain resort destinations.

Overnight in Whistler at Delta Whistler Village Suites
 

Whistler | Credit: Tourism Whistler / Mike Crane

Whistler is a charming Canadian village known for its stunning scenery and outdoor activities. Nestled in the mountains, it offers hiking trails, picturesque lakes, and a welcoming atmosphere with various dining and shopping options. Explore Whistler by pre-selecting one of the following Freedom of Choice excursions below.

Overnight in Whistler at Delta Whistler Village Suites

Freedom of Choice Options

• Whistler Guided Lunch Tour:

  Discover Whistler’s lively culinary scene on a guided lunch tour through the village. Enjoy a delicious multi-course experience at some of the resort’s favourite local dining spots, with sweet stops along the way for artisan chocolate and treats.

OR

• River of Golden Dreams Guided Canoe Tour:

  Paddle one of Whistler’s most scenic waterways on a summertime canoe journey from Alta Lake to Green Lake. Drift past wildflower-lined banks, mountain views, old-growth forest and quiet wetlands, with the chance to spot local wildlife along the way.

OR

• Whistler Guided Lunch Tour:

  There’s no better way to spend an afternoon in Whistler than exploring the eclectic culinary scene. Guests will enjoy a delicious multi-course lunch while visiting some of the best local lunch spots and indulge a sweet tooth at a couple of chocolate shops
   

OR

• Whistler Peak 2 Peak Gondola:

  Experience Whistler from above on the spectacular Peak 2 Peak Gondola, connecting Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. Take in panoramic views of glaciers, alpine valleys, extinct volcanoes and snow-capped peaks from one of the most iconic mountain gondola rides in the world.

OR

• Ziptrek Eco Tour:

  Soar above Whistler’s stunning rainforest on Ziptrek Eco Tours’ Bear or Eagle Tours - an unforgettable ziplining adventure blending thrilling heights with breathtaking nature and eco-education.

Peak 2 Peak Gondola | Credit: Tourism Whistler

Leave Whistler this morning and travel back along the Sea-to-Sky Highway to Horseshoe Bay for your scenic BC Ferries crossing to Vancouver Island. As you sail across the Strait of Georgia, watch for coastal mountains, forested islands and open ocean views before arriving in Nanaimo. From here, continue west across the island toward the wild Pacific Coast. En route, stop at Cathedral Grove to walk among towering 800-year-old Douglas fir and cedar trees, then continue to Sproat Lake, known for its historic Mars Water Bombers. The drive becomes increasingly dramatic as you pass through Sutton Pass and the rugged mountain interior before descending toward Tofino and Ucluelet, where rainforest, surf beaches and Pacific Ocean scenery create one of Canada’s most spectacular coastal settings.

Overnight at Water's Edge Shoreside Suites (or similar)

Sea to Sky Highway | Credit: Destination BC

Today, you can personalise your day by choosing one of two excursions.

Overnight at Water's Edge Shoreside Suites (or similar)

Freedom of Choice Options

• Coastal Bear Watch Cruise:

  Set out by Zodiac along the sheltered inlets and rocky shoreline of Clayoquot Sound in search of black bears foraging at low tide. From the comfort and safety of the vessel, watch for bears turning over stones in search of rock crab, framed by misty rainforest, tidal flats and the wild beauty of Vancouver Island’s Pacific Coast.

OR

• Whale Watching Cruise:

  Cruise through the pristine waters of Clayoquot Sound, where forested islands, ocean swells and snow-capped mountain backdrops create a remarkable setting for marine wildlife viewing. Depending on the season, you may encounter gray whales, humpback whales, sea lions, seabirds and bald eagles soaring above the shoreline.

Tofino | Credit: James Wheeler

Leave the wave-washed beaches and rainforest trails of the West Coast behind as you travel back across Vancouver Island toward Victoria. The journey takes you from rugged Pacific scenery to rolling forests, coastal communities and the island’s gentler southern landscapes. En route, stop in Chemainus, known for its large outdoor murals, and Duncan, the “City of Totems.” If time permits, visit the Quw’utsun’ Heritage Village for insight into the traditions, stories and artistry of the northwest coast people. Continue south to Victoria, British Columbia’s elegant capital city, set beside the sparkling Inner Harbour.

Overnight in Victoria at Inn at Laurel Point
 

Victoria

Located on Vancouver Island, Victoria offers waterfront views, historic sites, and a welcoming atmosphere with plenty of dining and shopping options. Explore Victoria by pre-selecting one of the following Freedom of Choice excursions below.

Overnight in Victoria at Inn at Laurel Point

Freedom of Choice Options

• Butchart Gardens Admission:

  Explore the world-famous Butchart Gardens, a National Historic Site of Canada and one of the most beautiful garden estates in the country. Wander through 22 hectares/55 acres of floral displays, landscaped pathways, sunken gardens and peaceful viewpoints spread across the 53-hectare/130-acre estate.

OR

• Eat like a Canadian Food Tour:

  Discover Victoria through its flavours on a guided culinary walking tour. Sample local ingredients, historic dishes and modern Canadian favourites while exploring the Inner Harbour and nearby neighbourhoods. Along the way, meet the chefs, makers and local food experts who help make Victoria one of Canada’s most enjoyable small-city dining destinations.

OR

• Whale Watch Cruise:

  Head out onto the Salish Sea for a thrilling 3.5-hour whale watching cruise from Victoria. Travel aboard a covered or open vessel in search of orcas, humpback whales, sea lions, porpoises and seabirds. Hydrophones may be used to bring the underwater world to life, adding another dimension to this remarkable marine experience.

OR

• High Tea at the Fairmont Empress Hotel:

  Enjoy the timeless tradition of Afternoon Tea at the Fairmont Empress, one of Victoria’s most iconic landmarks. Settle into an elegant setting overlooking the Inner Harbour and savour fine tea, delicate finger sandwiches, pastries and freshly baked scones in a setting that reflects the city’s historic charm.

Butchart Gardens

Leaving Victoria, drive north to Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal for the scenic 90-minute BC Ferries crossing to Tsawwassen. As you sail through the Strait of Georgia, take in views of the Gulf Islands, forested shorelines and distant mountain peaks. From Tsawwassen, continue to downtown Vancouver, where your Flexidrive ends after a journey that has taken you from the Canadian Rockies, the Icefields Parkway and alpine resort vil lages to Whistler, Vancouver Island’s wild Pacific beaches, coastal rainfor est, marine wildlife, garden beauty and classic British Columbia scenery.