Wilderness Explorer Fly Drive

Day 1 - Fly to Vancouver

On arrival in Vancouver make your own way from the airport to your downtown hotel. 

Day 2 - Explore Vancouver

This morning we have included a 3.5 hour Vancouver City Highlights tour to help you take in the best of the city. 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. Remainder of the afternoon is at your leisure.

Day 3 - Explore Vancouver

Today we have included the full day tour to Whistler & Shannon Falls with a ride on the popular Sea to Sky Gondola. Revel in the natural beauty as you wind your way along the Sea to Sky Highway to Whistler with a stop at Shannon Falls and the Sea to Sky Gondola. Ride the gondola up Mount Habrich high above the Howe Sound's coastal fjord, take a heart-quickening walk across the Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge for views of the surrounding snowcapped mountain peaks. Feel the mist from the roaring water of Shannon Falls on a short nature walk. Explore the many shops and restaurants of Whistler Village where you will have time to yourself. After a full day in the mountains, sit back and relax on your return journey to Vancouver.

Day 4 - Vancouver to Manning Park (217km / 135mls)

Pick up your hire car this morning from downtown Vancouver for your drive to Manning Park. Depart Vancouver through the fertile farmland of the Fraser Valley bound for Manning Park,. This is one of the best provincial parks in BC to see wildlife nearby. This rugged mountain park is a staggering 65,880 hectares.

Day 5 - Manning Park to Penticton (178km / 111 mls)

Today you will make your way from Manning Park to Penticton for your overnight stay at the Penticton Lakeside Resort.

Day 6 - Penticton to Clearwater (343km / 214mls)

Make your way from Penticton to Clearwater for your 2 night stay.

Day 7 - Explore Clearwater

Today is yours to explore the volcano-shaped wilderness of Wells Gray Provincial Park. Explore the park's mineral springs, serene lakes, dormant volcanoes and rushing falls. Not to be missed are the towering Helmcken Falls near the entrance to the park. 

Day 8 - Clearwater to Jasper (339km / 211 mls)

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.

Day 9 - Explore Jasper

Today is at your leisure to explore the uniquely beautiful landscape of Jasper National Park where serene lakes and gentle meadows stand in stark contrast to its jagged peaks and spectacular glaciers. We have included a Maligne Lake boat cruise, but can also recommend a ride on the Jasper Tramway - the longest and highest aerial tramway in the Rockies. Later today we have also included a Jasper Wildlife Discovery tour, (3 hour duration) this is not to be missed. 

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. The 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. Photos of wildlife are usually taken from the inside the vehicle. 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.

Day 10 - Jasper to Cathedral Mountain Lodge (248km / 155 mls)

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 before a Glacier Skywalk (included). Also watch for the Sarbach Glacier, Peyto Lake, Bow Lake, with Bow Glacier proving the backdrop, and Crowfoot Glacier.  From here you will then head arrive at your destination - Yoho National Park. The word Yoho is the Cree word expressing awe. This 1313sq. km (507 sq. miles) national park is filled with gem-coloured glacial lakes and waterfalls, snow-covered peaks 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.

Day 11 - Explore Yoho National Park

Use today at your leisure to explore Yoho National Park, perhaps even make use of the complimentary canoe hire at Moraine Lake.

Day 12 - Cathedral Mountain Lodge to Banff (80km /50mls)

Enjoy the leisurely drive to Banff. 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. We have included admission to the Banff Hot Springs for you later today.

Day 13 - Explore Banff

A full day to explore Banff and the surrounding area. In town you'll find lots of excitment including shopping, cafes, nightlight 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.

Day 14 - Banff to Canmore (25kms / 16mls)

Today you will take a short drive from Banff to the Hotel Malcolm in Canmore for your overnight stay. This is a stunning property with fantastic facilities on offer. Use you last stop to relax and unwind before returning home tomorrow. We highly recommend taking in some of the easy walking trails in the nearby area for some terrific views and scenery. Check out the Boardwalk, Upper Grassi Lake Trail and Policeman Creek Trail.

Day 15 - Fly from Calgary

Make your way from Canmore to Calgary Airport, where you will drop off your hire car before your return flight.