Today marks the start of your tour to Canada. You’ll fly from your selected airport, with a connecting flight along the way, and arrive later in the day in the city of Calgary, found in Alberta, one of the country’s ten provinces.

Keep an eye out from the plane – you might spot one of Canada’s two million lakes. In fact, Canada boasts more lakes than the rest of the world put together.

After your arrival, you’ll head through immigration and collect your luggage. Just opposite the arrivals terminal, you’ll find clearly marked signs directing you to the ‘Rental Car Centre’. This is where you’ll find the car hire desk and can redeem your voucher (you’ll find further details on your voucher)*.

Once you’ve collected your car, you’ll drive to your hotel in central Calgary. After such a long journey, you’ll probably be feeling rather tired, but before you put your feet up, why not pop out for a bite to eat nearby?

Today, remember to pick up your Parks Canada Discovery Pass at reception. This will be needed for entry to the national parks and it means you’ll be able to avoid the long queues.

Today’s driving distance: approx. 21 km / 30 min.

*It’s possible to upgrade your hire car. Speak to your travel specialist if you’d like to find out more

You’ll probably find yourself waking up earlier than usual, but any jet lag will soon be forgotten with all the fresh air waiting for you outside.

Calgary is primarily a convenient gateway for your tour into the Rocky Mountains, but if you fancy soaking up a bit of city atmosphere before the natural wonders sweep you away, there’s plenty to discover here. Calgary is especially renowned for its annual rodeo festival, the Calgary Stampede, held every July.

One of Calgary’s leading attractions is the Calgary Tower, standing at 191 metres. From the top, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views over the city skyline, the vast prairie, the Bow River, and of course the Rocky Mountains themselves, their snow-capped peaks rising majestically on the far horizon.

When you’re ready, set your sights for the mountain town of Banff – a journey of roughly 1½ hours. The route, following a stretch of the Trans Canada Highway, is straightforward and, through your windscreen, the mighty mountain range ahead will beckon you like a magnet.
The Rocky Mountains set the scene for the days to come, and one thing’s for certain – you’ll be left breathless more than once, both literally and figuratively.

Banff is a charming town nestled in Bow Valley right inside Banff National Park. Here too, the powerful Bow River carves its way through the town, and we highly recommend a walk along the well-laid footpaths to the town’s famed waterfall, Bow Falls. If you’re keen on a higher vantage point, hop aboard the Banff Gondola, which whisks you up 700 vertical metres in less than eight minutes to the summit of Sulphur Mountain, where panoramic views of no fewer than six mountain ranges await. At the top, you can enjoy a drink or a meal at the Sky Bistro, where outstanding food meets sensational scenery.

If you’re up for a short drive in the area, Tunnel Mountain Drive is one of the region’s scenic routes. Here, you can spot eroded rock formations known as hoodoos.

Round off your day with a delicious dinner at one of Banff’s many restaurants. Perhaps tonight is the night to sample one of the country’s national dishes: salmon.

Today’s driving distance: approximately 125 km / 1½ hours

Begin your day bright and early in Banff with breakfast at one of the town’s cosy cafés, ensuring you’re fully fuelled for the day’s adventures ahead.

Banff National Park is brimming with natural gems well worth a visit. Two of the most famous are Moraine Lake and Lake Louise. During the peak season from May to October, these highlights are particularly popular, and it’s mandatory to reserve transport if you wish to visit Moraine Lake. You can park at Lake Louise, but spaces are limited, so we recommend arriving in the morning or evening when your chances of finding a parking spot are highest. Please note that Moraine Lake opens on June 1st*.

Yet another spectacular natural wonder awaits in Yoho National Park, just under an hour’s drive from Banff in the neighbouring province of British Columbia. There, you’ll discover the iconic Emerald Lake, a breathtaking vision of nature framed by its vivid green waters, snow-capped peaks, forested shores, and the charming log cabin of Emerald Lake Lodge. It truly doesn’t get more picturesque than this!

If you haven’t yet experienced one of the hot springs in the area, today is the perfect opportunity. Banff boasts several, but Banff Upper Hot Springs—nestled up on Sulphur Mountain—is among the most popular. Imagine unwinding after an active day in water heated to 37–40°C, soaking up views of Rundle and Cascade Mountains, and, if you’re lucky, spotting the region’s distinctive white mountain goats. Reaching the springs is easy—you can drive up and park within walking distance. Tickets for the hot springs are purchased locally at the reception.

*You can book the excursion below when booking your tour. If you wish to use other providers or the national park’s shuttle service, you’ll need to reserve your own ticket when bookings open. Learn more about this in our practical information.

Today’s route from Banff to Jasper is no ordinary journey – it takes you along one of the most spectacular drives in the world: the Icefields Parkway. This is Highway 93 North, named after the largest glacier in the Canadian Rockies, the Columbia Icefields. Spanning 230 km through the mountains, words can hardly do it justice – it truly has to be experienced. The sheer scale between you and the majestic peaks is staggering. Driving through this scenery, you might feel as if you’ve been transported into a film set.

About 45 minutes’ drive from Banff, make sure to pull over at the stunning Peyto Lake, before continuing north towards the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre. Expect around a 2.5 hours’ drive from Banff to the visitor centre, plus extra time for stops along the way.

It’s one thing to see a glacier – it’s quite another to touch one. That’s exactly what you have to look forward to today: from the Icefield Discovery Centre, you’ll set off on a guided excursion up onto the Athabasca Glacier*. The journey is made in an “Ice Explorer” – a giant off-road bus that carries you halfway up the expanse, while your guide shares insights into the area’s fascinating geology. Along the way, you’ll have a chance to step out onto the ancient ice itself, which is around 400 years old.

Either before or after your glacier adventure, you can experience an added rush of adrenaline by venturing out onto the Columbia Icefield Skywalk – a glass walkway extending some 280 metres above the valley floor (optional activity).

The final section of today’s drive covers just under 100 km, with the mountain town of Jasper ahead, nestled in Jasper National Park. Once you arrive in Jasper, the choice is yours: unwind at your hotel, or perhaps head out to enjoy a drink or meal at one of the town’s welcoming restaurants.

Today’s driving distance: approximately 290 km / 3.5 hours.

*Excursion to Athabasca Glacier: Please check your voucher for the meeting time and location. Redeem your voucher inside the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre, and we recommend arriving about one hour before your excursion begins. Warm clothing is advised.

We recommend filling your tank before you set off from Banff.

You have most of the day at your leisure in Jasper National Park, before experiencing a truly special encounter with nature this evening on a night-time safari.

Among the highlights of the park is the beautiful Maligne Lake, a feast for the eyes with its vivid azure waters, framed by dramatic mountain peaks and glaciers. Maligne Lake is a popular spot in the summer months, so we recommend visiting early in the day. The scenic 48 km drive from Jasper township to Maligne Lake presents several fascinating places to stop along the way, including Maligne Canyon—the deepest gorge in the Rocky Mountains—and Medicine Lake.

Jasper is reputed to be one of the most wildlife-rich parks in the Canadian Rockies. With a bit of luck, you may be treated to some wonderful sightings this evening as you head out at dusk with a small group*. You’ll be collected from your hotel, or a nearby one, in a minivan, and then whisked away to the places in the park your local guide thinks offer the best opportunities to spot the stars of the show: bears, moose, eagles, and mountain goats. As you eagerly scan the landscape for wildlife, your guide will also introduce you to the hidden corners of the park that few travellers experience. While there’s never a guarantee of animal encounters in the wild, you’re sure to return with memories to cherish. After about three hours, you’ll be dropped back at your meeting point, where you can make your way to your hotel.

*Evening safari excursion in Jasper: Please check your voucher for the meeting time and place.

Today, you’ll be heading southwest towards the town of Clearwater—a drive of roughly 3.5 hours. Your route takes you from Jasper along another scenic stretch, the Yellowhead Highway.

About an hour out from Jasper, there’s a mountain peak on the horizon that will no doubt catch your eye more than any other: Mount Robson, the tallest summit in the Canadian Rockies. It’s the ideal spot to pause for a coffee at the charming Mount Robson Café, with its views of the awe-inspiring mountain as your backdrop.

Roughly 3.5 hours from Jasper you’ll arrive in Clearwater, which borders the Wells Gray Provincial Park. In Clearwater itself, you’ll find the Wells Gray Provincial Visitor Centre—perfect for picking up advice on good hiking trails and a map of the park. Some of the waterfalls are accessible by car, while others will require you to lace up your walking boots and set off on foot.

The park is renowned for its dramatic waterfalls, volcanic craters, and glaciers, and you’re in for a breathtaking moment as you stand at the foot of Canada’s fourth highest waterfall, Helmcken Falls, which plunges 141 metres into a steep gorge (about a 45-minute drive from Clearwater).

But that’s not all—there are plenty more highlights to experience in the park, from Spahats Creek Falls to canoe trips on Clearwater, or Azure Lake, whitewater rafting, and guided horseback rides. The park is also home to many black bears, which are most likely to be spotted—often along the roadside on Clearwater Valley Road—in May and June, as well as in the autumn months, when they’re foraging for food such as berries, fruit, and bark.

Today’s driving distance: approx. 320 km / 3.5 hours.

We recommend setting off with a full tank before leaving Jasper.

*Please note that today you’ll be leaving Alberta and entering the province of British Columbia, which means crossing into a different time zone: British Columbia is one hour behind Alberta.

You can comfortably spend a bit of your morning exploring Wells Gray Provincial Park, as your next stop – the charming mountain town of Sun Peaks – is only about an hour and a half’s drive away. It’s entirely up to you whether you’d like to soak up the picturesque nature of Wells Gray, or set off straight towards Sun Peaks.

During the winter, Sun Peaks is famed as Canada’s second largest ski destination, while in summer, the area transforms into a haven of activities, including hiking and mountain-biking through stunning mountain scenery, or simply strolling through Sun Peaks Village with its restaurants, independent shops, outdoor concerts, and market days. You’ll also find a range of activities such as outdoor yoga, paddleboarding, golf, spa treatments, and fly fishing (these can be booked locally).

Today’s driving distance: approx. 135 km / 1.5 hours

Please note that there is no petrol station in Sun Peaks itself. The nearest fuelling point is in Kamloops, around a 40-minute drive away.

Today, your journey continues towards the renowned Olympic city, Whistler. This will be the longest drive of your tour, but as with all journeys through the Canadian mountains, it’s filled with breathtaking views and fascinating stops along the way.

We recommend taking the shortest yet most interesting route, following in the footsteps of the gold prospectors via Cache Creek and Lillooet.

Less than an hour from Sun Peaks, you’ll reach the western-style town of Kamloops. From Kamloops, join the Trans-Canada Highway 1 West, heading towards Cache Creek.

Cache Creek was a key hub during the Gold Rush of the 1860s. Here, you can visit the town’s historic landmark, the Historic Hat Creek Ranch, situated on the iconic Cariboo Wagon Route. The area has been home to the local Shuswap people, fur traders, prospectors, ranchers, and settlers throughout history, and at the ranch, you’ll really feel the echoes of the past among the authentic buildings and equipment.

After an insightful stop in Cache Creek, you follow the Cariboo Highway and Hwy 99 along a historic route to Lillooet, which, back in the 1860s, was one of the largest cities in North America. The town became known as “Mile Zero” – the starting point of the original Cariboo Wagon Road which, over 150 years ago, was traversed by mules, horses, camels, and gold prospectors.

Lillooet, which sits on the banks of the Fraser River, was at the heart of the Fraser River Gold Rush and is part of the famous Gold Rush Trail. From Lillooet, your drive will take you along a dramatically scenic section of Highway 99, also called Duffey Lake Road.

You’ll arrive later in the day at the famous mountain town of Whistler, host city for the 2010 Winter Olympics and Canada’s favourite ski resort. Here, you’ll spend a couple of nights with plenty of time to relax or get active, depending on your mood.

End your day exploring Whistler’s charming town centre, where you can wander between boutiques and excellent restaurants.

Today’s driving distance: approx. 360 km / 4 hrs 45 min.

The day in Whistler is yours to enjoy however you wish, and there’s certainly no shortage of things to do. Perhaps you fancy wandering through the shops, lingering over a coffee, or soaking up the sun by the pool – or maybe you’re ready for more adventures amidst Whistler’s stunning natural surroundings?

The town of Whistler itself sits nestled between Blackcomb and Whistler Mountains, and it’s best appreciated from the world-famous Peak 2 Peak Gondola – the longest free-span cable car on the planet. Here, you’ll glide an astonishing 436 metres above the ground in just 11 minutes. If you crave a bit more adrenaline, you can even take a ride on one of North America’s longest zip lines.

Once the snow melts from Whistler’s slopes, the pistes transform into a mountain biker’s paradise during the summer months. If you prefer a gentler ride, you’ll find plenty of scenic cycling routes across more forgiving terrain as well. Bicycles are available for hire at various locations around town. In the wider area, you’ll also have the chance to try kayaking, canoeing, or white-water rafting.

And if you’d rather keep your feet firmly on the ground, there’s a wealth of hiking trails on offer to suit walkers of all abilities.

You can spend the first part of the day enjoying Whistler’s stunning surroundings and crisp mountain air, before making your way later on to the vibrant city of Vancouver.

Although you will already have journeyed along several iconic roads by now, today’s route—a drive of just under an hour and a half—is no exception. Leaving Whistler, you’ll travel along Highway 99, more famously known as the “Sea to Sky Highway.” As the name suggests, today’s drive will see you take in stunning contrasts—soaring peaks on one side, the shimmering coastline on the other. From Whistler’s rugged mountains down to deep fjords, you’ll experience it all.

Just a fifteen minutes’ drive from Whistler, you might like to stop at Brandywine Falls Provincial Park to take in the impressive 70-metre-high Brandywine Falls.

In addition to beautiful views from the comfort of your car, today’s journey promises a real highlight: the celebrated Sea to Sky Gondola (tickets are available locally or online). At the summit, you’ll be greeted by spectacular panoramic views over Howe Sound—part of UNESCO’s world network of biosphere reserves. While the gondola ride itself lasts only about 10 minutes, you’ll reach a lofty enough elevation that there can still be plenty of snow at the top in early spring. Warm up with a cup of hot chocolate or enjoy lunch at one of the cosy mountain eateries dotted across the highlands.

Later in the day, you’ll arrive in Vancouver. Here, you’ll return your vehicle at a centrally located city office*. Your accommodation is just a short journey from the car hire office, and we recommend booking an Uber to your hotel.

You’ll be staying right in the heart of this beautiful metropolis, and this evening is the perfect opportunity to start exploring the city, which boasts an incredible range of restaurants, from chic dining to welcoming cafés.

Today’s driving distance: approximately 122 km / 1.5 hours

*Returning your vehicle: Please be sure to return your car by the latest return time as shown on your voucher.

Today, it’s time to truly immerse yourself in this charming city, with the agenda completely up to you. Vancouver is truly unique – a vibrant metropolitan area set right on the edge of nature, with all the energy of a big city but at an inviting, relaxed pace.

Where should you begin? An easy way to take in the city’s highlights is to hop aboard one of the popular hop-on hop-off buses. Alternatively, you can make use of the excellent public transport, or simply explore on foot or by bike.

We highly recommend a visit to the city’s urban haven, Stanley Park, where you’ll find the famous totem poles, adorned in colourful, intricate carvings that tell stories of the achievements of the First Nations people.

Be sure to stroll through the historic district of Gastown, home to one of the world’s only working, steam-powered clocks – the Gastown Steam Clock, dating from 1977, which sends out a puff of steam and a whistle on the hour. Afterwards, linger in this delightful neighbourhood, filled with independent shops as well as a variety of places to eat and enjoy live entertainment.

If you’re keen to try Canadian cuisine, head to the bustling food market on Granville Island, a firm favourite not just with visitors but with locals as well. This small island buzzes with creativity, thanks to the many artists who both perform and sell their work here. Settle down with a drink at one of the many waterfront cafés and soak in the views of the water and Vancouver’s skyline. We recommend arriving during shop opening hours in the daytime, as most of the eateries tend to close earlier in the evening.

If you’re up for a final adrenaline rush, don’t miss one of Vancouver’s most popular attractions: the Capilano Suspension Bridge, situated just outside the city. Spanning 137 metres in length and hanging a dramatic 70 metres above the forest floor, the bridge welcomes nearly 1.2 million visitors each year. We recommend booking your tickets to the park in advance. The ticket also includes a complimentary return transfer from a designated pick-up point in downtown Vancouver.

Today, it’s time to conclude your Canadian adventure. You’ll check out of your hotel and take an Uber or taxi to Vancouver International Airport, just under 13 km from downtown. Be sure to check your itinerary for departure times and arrive in good time (see recommended times in our practical info).

You can also choose to extend your stay in Vancouver, or perhaps visit Toronto or New York on your way back?

You will return home after a journey filled with unforgettable experiences.