Lakes & Lodges Self Drive

Day 1 - Calgary to Canmore (123 km/ 77 mi)

Arrive in Calgary picking your car hire up from the airport making your way to Canmore for your overnight stay at the Malcolm Hotel. 

Day 2 - Canmore to Banff (26km / 17mls)

Spend the morning exploring Canmore, take in one of the many easy walking trails in the area before enjoying a leisurely lunch in one of the patio restaurants. This afternoon make the short drive to nearby Banff for your 3-night stay.

Day 3 - Sightsee Banff

A full day to explore Banff. 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 (not included).

We highly recommend pre-booking a meal at the Sky Bistro for when you reach the top.

Day 4 - Explore Banff at leisure

Day at leisure exploring Banff National Park.

Day 5 - Banff to Moraine Lake (73 km/45 mi)

A short drive today through majestic mountain passes into Yoho National Park.

This national park is filled with gem-coloured glacial lakes and waterfalls and dense forests of western red cedar and western hemlock. Historic railroads, spiral tunnels within mountain sides and steep rock faces where mountain goats roam are just some of the sights to be seen.

Other Yoho marvels include a natural rock bridge over the Kicking Horse River, Hoodoos, some of Canada’s highest waterfalls and the Burgess Shale fossil find where over 120 marine animal species dating back as far as 530 million years were discovered.

Stop off enroute from Banff to Lake Louise before carrying on to Moraine Lake Lodge.

Day 6 - Moraine Lake to Jasper (254 km/158 mi)

This morning depart on the scenic Icefields Parkway that takes you through the spine of the Canadian Rockies.

You 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 Columbia Icefield and take an Ice Explorer ride out onto the glacier (included). Before arriving in Jasper. 

Day 7 - Jasper Exploring

Today, explore this charming mountain village close to many terrific scenic highlights. We have included a boat cruise on Maligne Lake.

There are many beautiful walks around the lake.  Should you wish to pre-book a tour for later in the day/evening then we can recommend the Jasper Wildlife Discovery Tour, speak to one of our Canada Experts for more details.

Day 8 - Jasper to Clearwater (338 km/210 mi)

Set out for Clearwater along the scenic Yellowhead Highway and take in the breathtaking vistas of the steep-walled gorges and crashing falls of the North Thompson River.

On your journey today, perhaps you will get a glimpse of Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies.

Leaving Alberta you enter British Columbia. We recommend stopping off for any food shopping on the way to Alpine Meadows.

Day 9 - Explore Wells Gray Provincial Park

Today is yours to spend at your leisure. You may wish to relax and enjoy the facilities on offer at Alpine Meadows Resort or explore nearby Wells Gray Provincial Parks, famous for its waterfalls.

Day 10 - Clearwater to Whistler (378 km/235 mi)

Return through Lillooet, known as the land of the Gold Rush Trail and ‘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.

Visit the Gold Rush Town of Cache Creek where you can visit the Historic Hat Creek, which literally takes you back to the days of the Gold Rush. 

Day 11 - Whistler at leisure

A full day to explore Whistler! This charming alpine resort 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. 

Day 12 - Whistler to Vancouver (121 km/75 mi)

Today take the journey from Whistler to Vancouver along the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway.

Highlights along the way include the cascading Shannon Falls and the Stawamus Chief Rock where climbers from all over the globe migrate to climb the granite cliffs. 

Drop off your hire car in downtown Vancouver this afternoon.

Day 13 - Vancouver Sightseeing

This morning we have you booked on the 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. Duration 3.5 hours Remainder of the afternoon at your leisure. We recommend you ending your tour in Granville Island, have lunch in the area and wander around the market and shops before taking a water taxi back to downtown Vancouver.

Day 14 - Vancouver at leisure

Spend today at your leisure in Vancouver.

Why not ask one of our Canada Experts for recommendations of pre-bookable excursions such as the Victoria & Butchart Gardens day trip or Grouse Mountain and Capilano Suspension Bridge tour.

Day 15 - Fly from Vancouver

Today make your way to Vancouver Airport before your onward flight home.