Coast Discovery and the Rockies

Day 1 - Fly from UK to Calgary

Upon arrival into Calgary, pick up your rental car and begin your Rockies adventure. Take the short (2-hour) drive from Calgary to Banff on either the Trans-Canada Highway or the more scenic 1A Highway. Once in Banff proceed to your selected hotel to check in and the remainder of the day is yours to explore at your own leisure.

Day 2 - Explore Banff - take a gondola ride & relax at the Hot Springs

A full day to explore Banff and the surrounding area. In town you’ll find lots of excitement including shopping, cafés, nightlife and 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 (included).

Day 3 - Banff to Moraine Lake

Today take the scenic journey along the Trans-Canada Highway, where you will drive through the mountains to Moraine Lake. This picturesque lake is one of the most pictured lakes in Canada. Moraine Lake has several walk trails with a popular trail being The Rockpile Trail, which takes you along beside the lake and taking you up hill providing amazing views across the lake.

Day 4 - Moraine Lake to Jasper

View a never-ending procession of mammoth mountains, jagged peaks, over 100 glaciers and pristine emerald-coloured lakes. Along the way see such sights as the Sarbach Glacier, Peyto Lake, Bow Lake, with the Bow Glacier providing the backdrop, and Crowfoot Glacier before your arrival at the Columbia Icefield for an Ice Explorer ride out onto the glacier (included). Leaving the Athabasca Glacier, your camera should be ready to capture the majesty of the Athabasca Falls prior to your arrival into Jasper. Please note: Mountain lakes in this region will be frozen through to mid-June

Day 5 - Explore Jasper – Visit Maligne Lake

Explore this charming mountain village close to many terrific scenic highlights. Visit Maligne Lake, one of the most photographed lakes in the world, and enjoy a guided walk around the lake. Or enjoy a 90-minute cruise heading toward the south end of this postcard setting (Maligne Lake cruise 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.

* Maligne Lake Cruise is only operational from Mid June to September. 

Day 6 - Jasper to Clearwater via the Yellowhead Route

Leaving Jasper National Park, travel the ‘Yellowhead’ Route past the sprawling grandeur of Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. Beyond Mount Robson Provincial Park, the highway follows the Thompson River through the snowy peaks of the Monashee and Caribou Mountains to Blue River. Continue south along the Yellowhead Highway to the town of Clearwater. The balance of the day is yours to spend exploring Wells Gray Provincial Park, home to Helmcken, Dawson and Spahats Falls.

Day 7 - Enjoy Wells Gray Provincial Park

A full day to enjoy all the wonders Wells Gray has to offer. Hike to thundering Helmcken Falls, explore the park on horseback, try river rafting or canoe the serene waters of Clearwater Lake.

Day 8 - Clearwater to Whistler

Begin the day traveling via 100 mile house to the gold rush town of Cache Creek, where you should stop to visit the historic Historic Hat Creek Ranch (not included), which literally takes you back to the days of the gold rush. Continue the journey south to Lillooet known as the land of the Gold Rush Trail and was 'Mile Zero' of the Old Caribou Wagon Road during the Gold Rush Years. Now the area is home to the largest Canadian producers of the medicinal plant, Ginseng. Departing Lillooet travel the Duffey Lake Road to Whistler. On the upper elevations of the Duffey Lake Road enjoy breathtaking views of Joffee Glacier and snow capped Mount Currie that rises to a height of 2,596 metres (8,518 feet). Before continuing onwards to Whistler.

Day 9 - Peak 2 Peak Gondola

This charming alpine resort is nestled between world-renowned Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. Enjoy an extensive range of summer activities from golf, water activities on any of the 5 lakes or numerous rivers, to mountain top dining. This charming alpine resort town is nestled between world-renowned Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. Experience the beauty via the Peak 2 Peak Gondola on Whistler Mountain as you soak in the unbelievable views of Whistler Village, glaciers, lakes, forests and snow-capped peaks. For the adventurous be sure to take the peak express chairlift to the summit and take in the Cloudraker Skybridge and Raven's Eye Cliff Walk.  Summer dates are subject to change due to factors such as weather and snowpack, if gondola is not operating the holiday cost will be adjusted, alternatively we can offer the Sea to Sky gondola ride.

Day 10 - Whistler to West Coast Wilderness Lodge

Depart the charming town of Whistler and make your way south towards Horseshoe Bay for the ferry to Langdale Ferry terminal. Continuing onto to the West Coast Wilderness Lodge where you will call home for the next 3 days. Located on the edge of the wilderness on the Sunshine Coast offering spectacular water views of Jervis & Hotham Sounds. This resort offers first-class adventure, gourmet dining and luxury accommodations.

Day 11 - West Coast Wilderness Lodge

Go on a cruise of beautiful Jervis Inlet past towering, 7000 feet-high cliffs, dozens of waterfalls and historical petroglyphs (ancient rock paintings of Coast Salish First Nations origin). The tour will take you through Malibu Rapids to enter Princess Louisa Inlet, an incredible fjord renowned for its beauty and protected waters.

Day 12 - West Coast Wilderness Lodge to Campbell River

After breakfast check out of the West Coast Wilderness Lodge and begin travelling to Powell River for your BC Ferry to Comox (ferry toll included). Arrive onto Vancouver Island and continue your drive north to Campbell River. 

Day 13 - Campbell River

A free day to explore Campbell River, ask your  Stewart Travel specialists if you wish to add on one of our Campbell River experiences. 

Day 14 - Quadra Island to Victoria

Departing Quadra Island making your way back south towards Victoria. Crossing over on the Ferry to Campbell River, why not stop and explore Campbell River along the way. Enjoy walks along Discovery Pier where you might be able to spot a whale and eagle. Campbell River is famous for its salmon it is must try for a great lunch to fuel up for the rest of your journey to Victoria.

Day 15 - Whale Watching

Enjoy a whale watching  cruise from Victoria through the Haro Strait, with your on board guide is on hand to provide information about the whales and local environments. You may find orcas, humpback whales and minke whale while on board your cruise.

Day 16 - Victoria to Vancouver

Today depart Victoria and make the short journey over to Vancouver. Board the ferry at Swartz Bay over to Tsawwassen, once you have arrived in Vancouver, drop off your car before checking into your Vancouver accommodation.

Day 17 - Vancouver Sightseeing

This morning we have include the 3.5 hour Vancouver City Highlights tour. Prepare to experience the unique history and unfolding splendour as you tour through the modern streets of Vancouver. Drive by the most renowned sights and learn how Vancouver became the city it is today. Situated on the edge of the Pacific Ocean and framed by British Columbia's imposing mountains, it's easy to fall in love with this astonishing city. Drive through historic neighbourhoods such as Gastown, Chinatown, scenic English Bay and the picturesque Vancouver Harbour. Stops in Stanley Park feature Indigenous Peoples' Totem Poles, spectacular views of the mountains and the Lions Gate Bridge. Also includes the opportunity to wander through the charming farmer's market at Granville Island.

Day 18 - Fly Vancouver to UK

Today marks the end of your itinerary. Check out of your hotel and make your way to Vancouver airport for your onward flight home.