Spirit of the West Solo Traveller

Day 1 - Flight 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 - Jasper Exploring

Explore this charming mountain village close to many terrific scenic highlights. 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 (Maligne Lake cruise not included).

You will marvel at the magnificent shoreline with dense forest and glacial peaks rising abruptly from the water’s edge.

Stopping at Spirit Island, you will have the opportunity to take your own version of the world famous photograph of the lake.

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. 

Day 9 - Explore Vancouver

Day at leisure to explore Vancouver. With a waterfront location and stunning views over the mountain ranges it's hard not to fall in love with this vibrant, cosmopolitan city which is home to no less than 3 beaches and world famous Stanley Park. We highly recommend hiring bicycles to go around Stanley Park or perhaps pack a picnic and have a leisurely walk.

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 later today for your return flight.