Family Canadian Rockies Self Drive

Day 1 - UK to Banff (127km/80 miles)

Arrive in Calgary Airport collecting your car hire and drive to Banff for your 3 night stay. 

Day 2 - Banff Gondola

Today we have included admission to the Banff Gondola! 

The Banff Gondola promises gasp-worthy views of six mountain ranges, the Bow Valley and the charming town of Banff. After an 8-minute ride to Sulphur Mountain's 7,500-foot (2,286-meter) summit, you arrive at a complex with several viewing areas, interactive exhibits, and restaurants. Also here are hiking trailheads and access to an elevated boardwalk leading to Sanson's Peak.

Spending the rest of you day at lesuire.

Day 3 - Lake Minnewanka Cruise

Today enjoy a cruise across one of Banff's most picturesque lakes. 

Few places in Alberta offer the postcard beauty of Lake Minnewanka, part of Banff National Park. Admire views of the Canadian Rockies and prairies as you cruise across the turquoise-hued lake and over to Devil's Gap during this boat tour. Scan the lakeshore for big-horned sheep, deer, bald eagles, and even the occasional bear. Along the way, learn about the indigenous people who used to call the surrounding area their home. A perfect excursion for nature lovers and families alike.

Day 4 - Banff to Jasper (288km/180 miles)

The drive to Jasper is one of Canada's most scenic drives along the Icefields Parkway, On your journey we have included admission to the Glacier Skywalk and Ice Explorer. 

The Icefields Parkway has been recognised as one of the most scenic drives in the world, with over 100 visible glaciers, turquoise lakes, and waterfalls. Ride in a huge ice explorer for a guided tour of the glacier and listen to engaging commentary about glaciers, the local ecosystem, and environmental changes. Then walk on the glass-bottom Skywalk for photo-worthy views over the cliff's edge.

Ice Explorer Glacier Tour

The Columbia Icefield is located on the boundary of Banff and Jasper National Parks. One of the largest accumulations of ice and snow south of the Arctic Circle, it covers an area of nearly 325 square kilometres. The continuous accumulation of snow feeds eight major glaciers including the Athabasca, Dome, and Stutfield, all visible from the Icefields Parkway. The Columbia Icefield is a true "continental divide," for its meltwater feeds streams and rivers that pour into the Arctic, Atlantic, and Pacific oceans. Facing the Columbia Icefield Visitors Centre lies the Athabasca Glacier - a tongue of ice 6 kilometres long and one kilometre wide descending almost to road level. Take time for Brewster's Ice Age Adventure, a tour onto the icy slopes of the Athabasca Glacier. You will travel in a specially designed Ice Explorer to the middle of the glacier, on a 5 kilometre round trip journey. Your driver/guide will explain how glaciers are formed and point out interesting geological features as you travel in safety and comfort. At the icefall below the glacier headwall, you will have the option of stepping out onto ice formed from snow falling as long as 400 years ago.

Glacier Skywalk

Opened in May 2014, the area's newest attraction consists of a 500 metre interpretive boardwalk and a glass-floored observation platform extending 30 metres out over the Sunwapta Valley. Glacier Skywalk offers spectacular scenery and a rare view of nature. Anyone of any age and any activity level can immerse themselves in nature in a way that makes them feel truly overwhelmed by their surroundings and their unique vantage point!

Day 5 - Jasper Motorcycle Tour

Feel the rush of the open road and the wind on your face as you tour the incredible landscape of Canadian Rockies and Jasper National Park in the sidecar of a Harley Davidson motorcycle driven by a professional driver. Pick from among a range of destinations for your ride, customized to meet your interests, including Medicine Lake, Maligne Canyon, Maligne Lake or Mount Edith Cavell. Along the way, spot local wildlife and listen to insightful commentary from your guide about the area's history and natural scenery.

Spending the rest of your day at leisure. 

Day 6 - Jasper Dark Sky Planetarium Experience

Join local astronomy guides for a fun, funny, inspirational, audience-participation tour inside our 40-seat domed theatre, virtually exploring Jasper Dark Sky Preserve - an 11,000 sq km astronomy park. Inside the planetarium, your guide will share with you information regarding local aboriginal constellations, views of the Northern Lights, and a trip into space orbiting from the Jasper Rockies.

Day 7 - Jasper to Clearwater (318km/198miles)

Your drive today takes you along the scenic Yellowhead Highway and take in the breathtaking vistas of the steep-walled gorges and crashing falls of the North Thompson River. As you begin to leave Jasper you might get a glimpse of the iconic Mount Robson as you leave Alberta journeying into British Columbia. 

Day 8 - Clearwater

A full day to enjoy Clearwater, explore Wells Grey Provincial Park home to waterfalls, and a variety of hiking trails the perfect outdoor destination. 

Day 9 - Clearwater to Whistler (423km/263miles)

Your drive today takes you to the Alpine Town of Whistler. Filled with a range of outdoor activities for the whole family to enjoy! 

Day 10 - Whistler Canoe Experience

This 3-hour summertime paddle from Whistler takes you on an enchanting canoe journey from Alta Lake to Green Lake. Alta Creek is also known as the River of Golden Dreams, as it boasts gorgeous scenery of British Columbia. Wildflower-lined banks, old-growth forests and local wildlife are all part of your passing tableaux.  

Day 11 - Whistler Treetrek Canopy Walk

Journey high among the treetops on a spectacular network of suspension bridges, suspended stairways, boardwalks and trails on the TreeTrek Canopy Walk. You'll explore the magnificent old-growth rainforest and enjoy stunning vistas on this unique adventure. Perfect for all ages with no ziplining required.

Day 12 - Whistler to Vancouver (121km/76miles)

Your drive today takes you out of the wilderness and into the vibrant city of Vancouver!

Droping your car hire off upon arrival. 

Day 13 - Vancouver Bike Tour

Today we have included bike hire allowing you to cycle around the city, we recommend visiting Stanley Park a 400-hectare park with plenty to see and do. Enjoy a bike ride along the seawall, visit the Vancouver Aquarium, learn about First Nation's culture at the Totem Poles, the adventure is endless at Stanley Park. 

Day 14 - Capilano Suspension Bridge

Immerse yourself in nature's splendor moments from downtown Vancouver. History meets the great outdoors at the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, where you wander through the stunning temperate rain forest. Soar over the Capilano River as you cross the suspension bridge, climb through old-growth fir trees on the Treetops Adventure, and rise high above the canyon along a towering wall of granite on the new Cliffwalk.

Day 15 - Vancouver to UK

Transfer from your hotel to Vancouver Airport for your onward flight.