Spirit of the West Self Drive

Day 1 - Fly 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 - Banff Exploring (Banff Gondola)

A full day to explore Banff and area. In town you’ll find lots of excitement shopping, cafes, nightlife, 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.

Day 3 - Banff

A day at leisure to take in Banff National Park and everything that it has to offer. Perhaps even book an organised excursion such as a Helicopter tour of the Rockies, Cowboy Horseback Cookout, Lake Minnewanka cruise, Wildlife Safari and much much more.

Day 4 - Banff to Lake Louise (62 km/38 mi)

Drive along the Bow Valley Parkway, and enjoy a short nature walk at Johnston Canyon. Continue on to the "Jewel of the Rockies," Lake Louise, for your overnight accommodation.

Day 5 - Lake Louise to Jasper (208 km/129 mi)

Today, travel through the spine of the Canadian Rockies along the amazing Icefield Parkway. You’re sure to be enthralled by the scenery, wildlife, incredible blue lakes and sparkling waterfalls en route (Please note: Mountain lakes in this region will be frozen through to mid June).

A stop at Peyto Lake along the way is a must. Don’t miss the Columbia Icefield for a ride onto the Athabasca Glacier on board an Ice Explorer (included) before continuing your journey to Jasper.

Day 6 - Maligne Lake Cruise

This fully narrated cruise takes you along Maligne Lake, the largest glacially fed lake in the Canadian Rockies, part of the UNESCO-listed Jasper National Park.

Visit Spirit Island, accessible only by boat, and admire views of imposing granite peaks, vibrant blue water, and ancient forests.

Keep your camera close and your senses alert as you scan the area for the eagles, bears, and deer that call this area home. Expert and amateur photographers alike will relish in the opportunities to capture the alpine scenery.

(Please note Maligne Lake cruise is operational from June to September)

Day 7 - Jasper to Sun Peaks (444 km/277 mi)

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 the resort village of Sun Peaks where you will enjoy a nights stay.

Day 8 - Sun Peaks to Vancouver (326 km/203 mi)

Begin the day travelling along Logan Lake route to the gold rush town of Cache Creek, where you stop to visit the historic Hat Creek Ranch (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 breath-taking views of Joffee Glacier and snow capped Mount Currie that rises to a height of 2,596 meters (8,518 feet).

Continue on through the mountain village of Whistler and along the scenic Sea to Sky Highway to Vancouver.

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.

This self drive can also be taken in reverse - from Vancouver to Banff or Calgary

Day 9 - Vancouver City Highlights

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 10 - Explore Vanvouver

Day at leisure to take in the rest of Vancouver's sights/attractions. Granville Island Market, FlyOver Canada and Vancouver Harbour Cruise are firm favourites. Alternatively not ask one of our Canada experts about the full day tour options available from Vancouver. Whistler and the Shannon Falls tour with Peak 2 Peak Gondola ride is a favourite as is Victoria with Butchart Gardens.

Day 11 - Fly from Vancouver

Depart Vancouver this afternoon for your return flight.