Holiday Overview
This superb road trip takes in some of the most spectacular lakes and lodges in Canada.
First stop is Canmore in the heart of the Rockies, continue your journey to Banff then Moraine Lake for your lakeside lodge stay at Moraine Lake Lodge. Following this head to the stunningly located Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, situated on Lake Beauvert, it's easy to see why British Royalty stays here when in the area! Travel to British Columbia staying at the secluded Alpine Meadows Resort before Nita Lake Lodge in Whistler.
Ending this sensational road trip with a 3 night stay in the cosmopolitan coastal city of Vancouver.
Lakes & Lodges Self Drive includes:
- Return flights from the UK
- Car Hire
- 14 nights accommodation
- Vancouver City Highlights Tour
- Historic Hat Creek (admission)
- Ice Explorer ride onto the Athabasca Glacier
- Glacier Skywalk at Columbia Icefields
- Jasper Maligne Lake Cruise
- Banff Gondola admission
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.
Featured accommodation
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.
Featured accommodation
Buffalo Mountain Lodge
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.
Featured accommodation
Buffalo Mountain Lodge
Unmissable Experiences
Banff Gondola
Day 4 - Explore Banff
Day at leisure exploring Banff National Park.
Featured accommodation
Buffalo Mountain Lodge
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.
Featured accommodation
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.
Featured accommodation
Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
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.
Featured accommodation
Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
Unmissable Experiences
Jasper Experiences
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.
Featured accommodation
Alpine Meadows Resort
Enhance your experience
Best Western Plus Gateway to the Falls
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.
Featured accommodation
Alpine Meadows Resort
Enhance your experience
Best Western Plus Gateway to the Falls
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.
Featured accommodation
Nita Lake Lodge
Day 11 - Whistler
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.
Featured accommodation
Nita Lake Lodge
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.
Featured accommodation
Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver
Enhance your experience
Sheraton Wall Centre
Fairmont Waterfront Hotel
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 Reminder 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.
Featured accommodation
Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver
Enhance your experience
Sheraton Wall Centre
Fairmont Waterfront Hotel
Unmissable Experiences
Vancouver Experiences
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.
Featured accommodation
Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver
Enhance your experience
Sheraton Wall Centre
Fairmont Waterfront Hotel
Unmissable Experiences
Vancouver Experiences
Day 15 - Fly Vancouver to UK
Today make your way to Vancouver Airport before your onward flight home.
The Malcolm Hotel, Canmore
The Malcolm Hotel is the first traditional hotel to be built in Canmore in the last 20 years. Situated between two natural-flowing creeks, it provides four-star service and hospitality to 124 well-appointed rooms and suites all with luxury amenities. Its ambiance and design reflect the pageantry, royalty, and heritage of the past Scottish King - Malcolm III, who is also known as Canmore’s namesake.
Buffalo Mountain Lodge, Banff
Distinct from the majority of Banff hotels, Buffalo Mountain Lodge is situated on Tunnel Mountain – formerly called “Sleeping Buffalo” by native peoples living in the region.
The Rocky Mountains have long been an area of great significance to indigenous peoples. The valleys were places of ceremony and celebration. The lakes and mineral springs offered rejuvenation for mind, body and spirit.
Moraine Lake Lodge, Lake Louise
Nestled in a spectacular valley in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, Moraine Lake Lodge provides the ultimate romantic getaway for those seeking a luxurious escape for a honeymoon, anniversary, hiking experience, or a relaxing holiday.
Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
Located on the shores of Beauvert Lake in the magnificent Canadian Rockies in a UNESCO World Heritage Site, The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge resort invites you to experience the unique accommodations and Luxury Signature Cabins, sure to evoke memories of this Jasper Lodge that will last a lifetime.
Alpine Meadows Resort
Imagine a vacation retreat where your days are filled with endless recreational possibilities and your evenings are spent in a state of peaceful bliss under the stars, while basking in the evening glow of Hallamore Lake. Escape your everyday hustle and relax while you soak up the peaceful ambiance of Alpine Meadows Resort.
Best Western Plus Gateway to the Falls
The Best Western Plus Gateway to the Falls is located in the heart of the beautiful Wells Gray Provincial Park in Clearwater, BC
Nita Lake Lodge, Whistler
Experience a fresh take on classic Whistler luxury. Nestled on the shores of a glacier-fed lake in Whistler BC, the luxury boutique Nita Lake Lodge offers genuine service with a personal touch.
Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver
Few hotels can rival the elegance, European charm and hospitality of The Sutton Place Hotel. One of Vancouver’s most beautiful boutique hotels, situated in the heart of downtown Vancouver. The spectacular setting allows guests to experience exceptional service and all the needed amenities within the cosmopolitan ambience of the city set against a majestic backdrop of mountains and sea.
Sheraton Wall Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia
Located in the heart of downtown Vancouver, the Sheraton Wall Centre is a short walk from business and entertainment neighbourhoods, Robson Street shops and Yaletown restaurants.
Fairmont Waterfront Hotel, Vancouver
The Fairmont Waterfront luxury hotel showcases the best of Vancouver. Conveniently located, the hotel connects by covered walkway to the Vancouver Convention and Exhibition Centre, the cruise ship terminal at Canada Place, and the Sky train. Situated on scenic Burrard Inlet, it has a central to sightseeing and shopping in Vancouver.
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Alternative Holidays That May Interest You
Below you will find a small selection of 2024, 2025 holidays that may interest you. Remember, we tailor-make each holiday to your exact needs, so please call us on 0800 270 0069 and let one of our Holiday experts design the perfect trip for you
Canada Holiday Offers
Rockies & Rainforest East Bound Fly Drive
- 15 Nights
- Vancouver
- Victoria
- Tofino
- Parksville
- Whistler
- Clearwater
- Jasper
- Banff
- Calgary
Canada Holiday Offers
Lakes & Lodges Self Drive
- 13 Nights
- Calgary
- Canmore
- Banff
- Jasper
- Moraine Lake
- Clearwater
- Whistler
- Vancouver
Ontario & Quebec
Best of the East Fly Drive
- 14 Nights
- Toronto
- Niagara Falls
- Algonquin Park
- Ottawa
- Mont Tremblant
- Quebec City
- Montreal
- Kingston
Peaks & Grapes Fly Drive
- 12 Nights
- Vancouver
- Whistler
- Sun Peaks Resort
- Jasper
- Banff
- Kelowna
Canada Family Holidays MCT
Vancouver, Bears & Whales
- 14 Nights
- Vancouver
- Whistler
- Campbell River
- Knight Inlet
- Tofino
- Victoria
Canada Wildlife Holidays
Vancouver Island & the Grizzlies Fly Drive
- 14 Nights
- Vancouver
- Victoria
- Tofino
- Parksville
- Desolation Sound
- Whistler
Yukon & Alaska
The Grand Prospector Fly Drive Holiday
- 17 Nights
- Whitehorse
- Haines
- Haines Junction
- Valdez
- Anchorage
- Talkeenta
- Denali National Park
- Fairbanks
- Tok
- Dawson City
The Charms of Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia Delights Self Drive
- 7 Nights
- Halifax
- Baddeck
- Liscombe Mills
July Holidays
Whistler & Pacific Coast Fly Drive
- 6 Nights
- Vancouver
- Whistler
- Tofino
- Victoria