Holiday Overview
Discover snow-capped mountains, glacial lakes and dense rainforests; ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain for stunning views and on the surface of the Athabasca glacier for the thrill of a lifetime.
Stay in pretty mountain villages, lakeside resorts and on the Pacific coast with its crashing rollers. Watch for whales as you cruise on Clayoquot Sound and for bear, elk and mountain sheep as you drive the famous Icefields Parkway.
Driving from Vancouver through Vancouver Island and on to the Rockies you can experience all this… and more.....
This itinerary can be taken in reverse order, from Calgary to Vancouver, please call for full details.
Rockies & Rainforest East Bound Fly Drive includes:
- Return Flights from the UK
- 15 nights hotel accommodation
- Car Hire
- BC Ferries Car and Passenger Fare (Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay)
- Vancouver Hop on Hop off
- Whale Watching tour (Victoria) or alternative tour
- Coastal Bear Cruise or Whale Watching tour from Tofino (choice is yours)
- Ice Explorer Ride & Glacier Skywalk
- BC Ferries Passenger Fare (Departure Bay to Horseshoe Bay)
- Whistler Peak 2 Peak Adventure Gondola Ride
- Discover Jasper & its Wildlife tour
- Banff Sulphur Mountain Gondola (admission)
Day 1 - Fly UK Vancouver
On arrival at Vancouver Airport, transfer to your Vancouver hotel.
Featured accommodation
Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver
Enhance your experience
Sheraton Wall Centre
Fairmont Waterfront Hotel
Day 2 - Vancouver Sightseeing
The day is yours to discover the coastal city of Vancouver. Canada's third largest metropolitan centre, Vancouver is a busy port city with a multi cultural ambiance. The spectacular setting invites you outdoors; explore the restaurants, shopping galleries and museums, nightlife, entertainment and more. To help you sightsee at your leisure we have included the Hop on Hop off Bus Tour.
Featured accommodation
Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver
Enhance your experience
Sheraton Wall Centre
Fairmont Waterfront Hotel
Unmissable Experiences
Vancouver Experiences
Day 3 - Vancouver to Victoria (69 km/43 mi + Ferry)
Leaving Vancouver drive south to Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal for a 90 min Ferry ride (ferry toll included) to Swartz Bay. On-board BC Ferries enjoy the scenery of the Gulf Islands as you cross the Strait of Georgia. From Swartz Bay continue on to the charming city of Victoria.
Featured accommodation
Inn at Laurel Point
Enhance your experience
Hotel Chateau Victoria
Fairmont Empress
Day 4 - Victoria Exploring & Whale Watching
Start your day with an exhilarating 3 hour whale watching tour. (please note we can swap this to the Butchart Gardens tour or a foodie tour should you wish) The remainder of your day is free to explore Victoria, with its turn-of-the-century architecture, the stunning Inner Harbour, British traditions such as high tea, and shops full of woollens and china.
Featured accommodation
Inn at Laurel Point
Enhance your experience
Hotel Chateau Victoria
Fairmont Empress
Unmissable Experiences
Victoria Experiences
Day 5 - Victoria to Tofino (313 km/195mi)
Travel to the rugged West Coast of Vancouver Island and head to Pacific Rim National Park. En-route stops should be made at Duncan, the ‘City of Totems’, where you may visit the Quw’utsun’ Heritage Village, which will provide you with an insight into the lives of the northwest coast people (admission not included). Make a stop in the artist community of Chemainus, where you can admire the giant murals which adorn the exterior walls throughout the town. Drive through majestic Sutton Pass and the Sawtooth Range of the Cascade Mountains to arrive in Tofinoaround mid afternoon.
Featured accommodation
Zed Tofino
Enhance your experience
Middle Beach Lodge - at the Beach
Wickaninnish Inn
Unmissable Experiences
Tofino Experiences
Day 6 - Tofino/Ucluelet (Pacific Rim National Park)
You may wish to walk along the famed Long Beach, with its miles of pristine sandy beach and pounding surf, or explore the rain forests on a selection of well groomed trails. Also today enjoy either a whale watch cruise in search of gray whales, humpback whales, sea lions, sea birds and resident bald eagles, or a Bear Viewing cruise in search of black bears who head for the closest food source - the ocean!
Featured accommodation
Zed Tofino
Enhance your experience
Middle Beach Lodge - at the Beach
Wickaninnish Inn
Unmissable Experiences
Tofino Experiences
Day 7 - Tofino to Parksville (221 km/138 mi)
Depart Tofino for your return journey to the East Coast and the city of Parksville. En-route, picture stops should be made at Cathedral Grove to enjoy the splendour of 800 year old Douglas Fir and Cedar trees, as well as the Mars Water-Bombers at Sproat Lake, the world’s two largest waterbombers used for the sole purpose of putting out forest fires.
Featured accommodation
Quality Resort Bayside
Day 8 - Parksville to Whistler (108 km/68 mi + Ferry)
From Departure Bay sail for 1 hr 45 min on BC Ferries (ferry toll included) to Horseshoe Bay. Travel along the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway to Whistler. 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.
Featured accommodation
Aava Hotel
Enhance your experience
Summit Lodge Boutique Hotel
Fairmont Chateau Whistler
Day 9 - Whistler Exploring (Peak to Peak Gondola Ride)
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.
Featured accommodation
Aava Hotel
Enhance your experience
Summit Lodge Boutique Hotel
Fairmont Chateau Whistler
Unmissable Experiences
Peak 2 Peak Gondola
Day 10 - Whistler to Wells Gray Provincial Park (421 km/262 mi)
Travel north today from the mountain village via the upper elevations of the Duffey Lake Road. Enjoy breath-taking views of Joffre Glacier and snow-capped Mount Currie that rises to a height of 2,596 meters (8,518 feet). Continue the journey north to 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 could stop to visit the historic Hat Creek Ranch (not included), which literally takes you back to the days of the Gold Rush.
Featured accommodation
Alpine Meadows Resort
Day 11 - Clearwater/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.
Featured accommodation
Alpine Meadows Resort
Unmissable Experiences
Clearwater Experiences
Day 12 - Wells Gray Provincial Park to Jasper (318 km/198 mi)
Set out for Jasper 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 British Columbia, you enter Alberta and Jasper National Park. Jasper was originally a tent city serving the railway, and is now a quaint mountain village (breakfast included).
Featured accommodation
Chateau Jasper
Enhance your experience
Forest Park Hotel
Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
Day 13 - Jasper Exploring
Jasper offers many terrific scenic highlights to explore. Take a tram ride up Whistlers Mountain, or visit Maligne Lake, one of the most photographed lakes in the world, and enjoy a 90-minute cruise heading toward the south end of this postcard setting (admissions not included). This evening we have included our most popular excursion in the Rockies - Discover Jasper & its Wildlife.
Jasper National Park is well known for its significance as a World Heritage site due to its natural beauty and historical significance. Allow our friendly, local driver/guides to show you some of Jasper's hidden gems and share their knowledge of the history, geology, and ecology of the area.
As you travel through Jasper and the surrounding area in one of our comfortable sightseeing vehicles, not only will you be amazed at some of the beautiful scenery on this journey, you will also learn about the ways the wildlife in the area contribute to the rich diversity of the National Park. Our knowledgeable guides are trained to seek out all of the park's most iconic creatures. Big or small, Jasper National Park provides a great opportunity to view animals in their natural habitat. Have your camera ready to capture some amazing photos of the highlights of this informative and entertaining "Discovery Tour".
The Wildlife Discovery Tour is a driving tour with minimal walking. Maximum group sizes are 28 passengers. Photos of wildlife are usually taken from the inside the vehicle or on the ground at a safe distance from the animals. While the natural habitat around Jasper is conducive to animal sightings, animal viewing is not guaranteed and depends largely on the season, the time of day, and the weather.
Kindly note that the selected route is at the discretion of your driver/guide.
Featured accommodation
Chateau Jasper
Enhance your experience
Forest Park Hotel
Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
Unmissable Experiences
Jasper Experiences
Day 14 - Jasper to Banff (289 km/180 mi)
Your scenic drive along the Icefields Parkway today takes you through the spine of the Canadian Rockies. 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). Also watch for the Sarbach Glacier, Peyto Lake, Bow Lake, with the Bow Glacier providing the backdrop, and Crowfoot Glacier before your arrival into Lake Louise. From Lake Louise, choose the Bow Valley Parkway, beside the Bow River, with an option for you to take a stop at Johnston Canyon and walk along the paved footpath to either the lower or upper waterfalls before continuing to Banff.
Featured accommodation
Elk+ Avenue Hotel
Enhance your experience
Hotel Canoe & Suites
The Fairmont Banff Springs
Unmissable Experiences
Glacier Skywalk
Day 15 - Banff Exploring (Banff Gondola)
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 (not included), Banff Gondola (included) where you will see a panoramic view of the Bow Valley, and why not end your day with a dip in the hot mineral pools at the Upper Hot Springs (not included).
Featured accommodation
Elk+ Avenue Hotel
Enhance your experience
Hotel Canoe & Suites
The Fairmont Banff Springs
Unmissable Experiences
Banff Experiences
Day 16 - Banff to Calgary (115 km/ 72mi)
Depart the Rocky Mountains at your own leisure to the Great Central Plains that roll to the east for 2000 kilometres and extend as far south as Mexico. This is ‘cattle ranching country’ and the breadbasket of Canada. Your tour concludes with the return of your rental vehicle at Calgary Airport, in time for your return flight to the UK.
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.
Inn at Laurel Point, Victoria BC
The Inn at Laurel Point is located on a pretty peninsula jutting out into Victoria's Inner Harbour. Offering stunning views of the Inner Harbour, this hotel has an overall Japanese-influenced design and is only 4 blocks from the Royal BC Museum and Government Street shopping, accessible via a waterfront walkway.
Hotel Chateau Victoria
Discover Victoria at its finest through an authentic local experience in the heart of downtown. With deeply entrenched roots in the local community and a strong sense of environmental responsibility – the Chateau Victoria strives to share all that makes Victoria special to each and every guest.
Fairmont Empress, Victoria BC
The Fairmont Empress hotel sits majestically at the cornerstone of Victoria’s sparkling Inner Harbour and city centre of arts, entertainment and cultural attractions. This Vancouver Island resort is located in British Columbia’s capital city and features turn of the century architecture, classic beauty and an unrivalled location on the water.
Zed Tofino
Hotel Zed Tofino isn't like any other hotel experience. We're a swanky, totally 70's hotel nestled in the rainforest of Tofino, with amenities you'd never expect and never forget! Where else in the world would you find a bike path that runs straight through the lobby? Or a psychic's den, custom driftwood VW interactive van, mini disco or secret retro arcade?!
Middle Beach Lodge - at the Beach, Tofino
Spectacularly perched on 40 acres of secluded West Coast oceanfront, Middle Beach Lodge features almost a mile of private beach, rugged headlands, two magnificent lodges, and twenty rustic self-contained cabins. This tranquil, natural domain offers the perfect sanctuary for those seeking a quiet retreat to restore spirits, a getaway to rekindle romance, or a wilderness adventure to strengthen family ties. It is the perfect setting for enjoying the super natural beauty of British Columbia and for getting away from it all.
Wickaninnish Inn, Tofino
The Wickaninnish Inn offers direct access to Chesterman Beach, and panoramic ocean or beach views from every guest room. The Inn has 75 deluxe guest rooms and suites (with fireplace, soaker tub and individual balcony), and a 720 sq. ft. meeting/banquet room (accommodating up to 60 people). The Pointe Restaurant seats 75 and the full-service Ancient Cedars Spa is a destination spa offering extensive body and esthetic treatments.
Quality Resort Bayside
This Parksville resort hotel offers beachfront accommodation, ocean views and delicious dining all in one great location. Sleep in; beach comb; golf; keep fit in the cardio room, heated pool or racquet courts; hold hands; enjoy casual gourmet dining overlooking the bay.
Aava Hotel, Whistler, British Columbia
The Aava is just a snowballs throw from Whistler Village and a few more footsteps to the lifts of Whistler & Blackcomb Mountains. Experience Whistlers’ culinary excellence and vibrant nightlife. Whether for business or fun, the Aava is the perfect hotel to relax in affordable style.
Summit Lodge Boutique Hotel, Whistler British Columbia
Summit Lodge is Whistlers quirky award-winning boutique hotel. It is located just steps away from the Olympic Plaza and some of Whistlers top restaurants.
Fairmont Chateau Whistler, British Columbia
Nestled at the base of Blackcomb Mountain, Whistler's landmark ski-in ski-out hotel and golf resort, The Fairmont Chateau Whistler defines mountain luxury. Naturally spectacular, The Fairmont Chateau Whistler resort hotel delivers an ideal setting for families, meetings and weddings alike.
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.
Clearwater Lodge
The Clearwater Lodge combines comfort, style and customer service to ensure a wonderful stay for you.
Chateau Jasper
The Chateau Jasper is an exceptional hotel with an excellent variety of accommodations and facilities. Situated in Jasper, this eco-friendly hotel is close to Jasper Activity Centre, Jasper National Park, and Jasper-Yellowhead Museum and Archives. Also nearby are Jasper Information Centre National Historic Site and Jasper Municipal Library. Athabasca Falls is 30 minutes' drive from the Chateau Jasper and the Miette Hot springs are 1 hour's drive away.
Forest Park Hotel
Offering cosy accommodations, eclectic dining, extensive resort style facilities, and a wide variety of exciting adventure and relaxation packages, The Forest Park Hotel is the hotel of choice when visiting the beautiful Jasper National Park. Located at the east end of the town's main street, this resort style property can accommodate all of your needs.
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.
Elk+ Avenue
Just a few steps from the quaint streets and ample restaurants, shopping and nightlife of downtown Banff, Elk + Avenue Hotel brings an upscale twist to the classic mountain escape.
Hotel Canoe & Suites, Banff
Nestled on Banff Avenue, the Hotel Canoe & Suites is Banff's latest addition, conveniently located just a short stroll away from the bustling downtown area. With its contemporary design subtly blending into the surrounding mountain landscape, this modern yet nature-inspired hotel offers an ideal retreat for guests seeking a mountain escape.
The Fairmont Banff Springs
The Fairmont Banff Springs hotel in Alberta, Canada is one of the world's leading luxury hotels set in its own extensive grounds. This resort, built in 1888, is styled after a Scottish Baronial castle and is a National Historic Site. Located in Banff National Park, the Banff Springs hotel boasts stunning views, exceptional regional cuisine and impeccable service offering an unforgettable retreat.
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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
- Banff
- Emerald Lake
- Moraine Lake
- Jasper
- Lake Louise
- 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