Vancouver & The Rockies
A spectacular journey from the Alberta Rockies to Vancouver’s Pacific coastline on an unforgettable Canadian adventure.
This breathtaking 14-night journey leads you through the heart of Western Canada — from the glacier-fed lakes and towering peaks of the Canadian Rockies to the rugged Pacific coastline of Vancouver Island, and finally the cosmopolitan spark of Vancouver. Along the way you’ll visit Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper, Whistler, Victoria, Tofino and more, each offering its own unique blend of scenery, wildlife and culture. Expect turquoise lakes, cascading waterfalls, snow-capped mountains, dense rainforests and dramatic ocean views at every turn.
Travelling by car gives you the freedom to enjoy iconic highlights such as the Icefields Parkway, the Columbia Icefield Skywalk, Maligne Lake, the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve and Vancouver’s world-famous Stanley Park. Paired with charming towns, ferry crossings, Indigenous heritage, wildlife encounters and unforgettable sunsets over the Pacific, this is a truly spectacular Canadian adventure — a perfect mix of wilderness, relaxation and world-class scenery.
Remember: We’re UK-based, and every holiday we create is fully flexible – you can add nights, upgrade hotels, or enhance your itinerary. We love designing tailor-made self-drive adventures just for you!
14 night self drive holiday from £2,699pp including flights, accommodation & car rental
Highlights
Drive the legendary Icefields Parkway between Lake Louise and Jasper, one of the world’s most scenic routes.
Explore Vancouver Island’s dramatic Pacific coast with beaches, rainforests and unforgettable wildlife encounters.
Discover Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper, the crown jewels of Canada’s national park system.
Enjoy three nights in Vancouver, with Stanley Park, Gastown and coastal mountain views on your doorstep.
Your itinerary
Day 1: Calgary – Gateway to the Rockies
A lively Western city with Rocky Mountain views
Fly into Calgary, where rolling prairies meet the first rise of the Rockies. After collecting your car, settle into this modern Western city known for its annual Stampede, vibrant food scene and warm hospitality. If time allows, glide up the Calgary Tower for panoramic views or stroll Stephen Avenue for lively shops and cafés. Perfect for easing into your Canadian adventure.
1 Night in
Calgary, AB
Arrival
Day
Days 2–3: Banff – Turquoise Lakes & Mountain Peaks
Canada’s famous alpine town surrounded by world-class scenery
Make the scenic drive into Banff National Park, where dramatic peaks frame the charming town of Banff. Spend your first evening soaking in the Banff Upper Hot Springs or riding the gondola to Sulphur Mountain. With a full day to explore, visit Bow Falls, stroll Tunnel Mountain trails, wander Banff Avenue or join a wildlife-spotting cruise on Lake Minnewanka. Elk, deer and even bears are commonly seen in these forested valleys — nature is everywhere in Banff.
2 Nights in
Banff, AB
80 miles
Day 4: Lake Louise – Canada’s Most Iconic Lake
Glacial lakes, waterfalls and postcard-perfect scenery
Follow the Icefields Parkway south toward Lake Louise, where milky-turquoise water mirrors the surrounding Victoria Glacier. Nearby Moraine Lake, framed by ten mountain peaks, is equally breathtaking. Enjoy hiking trails, lakeshore strolls or an optional drive into Yoho National Park to see Emerald Lake and the spectacular Takakkaw Falls. This is one of the most photogenic places on Earth.
1 Night in
Lake Louise, AB
35 miles
Days 5–6: Jasper – Waterfalls, Wildlife & Alpine Tranquillity
Epic mountains and pristine national park wilderness
Journey north along the Icefields Parkway — consistently ranked among the world’s greatest scenic drives. Stop at Bow Lake, Sunwapta Falls and the mighty Columbia Icefield, where you can step onto ancient ice or walk the Glacier Skywalk’s glass platform. Jasper offers a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere: explore Maligne Lake and Spirit Island, walk the deep gorges of Maligne Canyon, soak in Miette Hot Springs or enjoy stargazing in one of the world’s largest Dark Sky Preserves.
2 Nights in
Jasper, AB
145 miles
Day 7: Kamloops – Rivers, Ranchlands & Rolling Hills
A picturesque transition from mountains to BC’s interior
Travel west past Mount Robson, the highest summit in the Canadian Rockies, then follow the North Thompson River through rugged canyons and ranching country. Kamloops is a friendly lakeside town known for sunny weather, mountain biking and local vineyards. It’s an ideal stopover as your journey shifts from alpine peaks to coastal landscapes.
1 Night in
Kamloops, BC
275 miles
Day 8: Whistler – Alpine Adventures & Olympic Legacy
A world-famous mountain resort with endless outdoor fun
Arrive in Whistler, the iconic mountain resort home to the 2010 Winter Olympics. Ride the Peak 2 Peak Gondola for extraordinary views, wander the pedestrian village, or explore alpine trails surrounded by wildflowers in summer. Whistler blends vibrant energy with spectacular natural beauty — perfect for adventure or relaxation.
1 Night in
Whistler, BC
185 miles
Day 9: Victoria – Gardens, Harbours & Colonial Charm
A beautiful island capital reached by scenic ferry
Descend to Horseshoe Bay for a scenic ferry crossing to Vancouver Island, often accompanied by seals or whales. Arrive in Victoria, known for its elegant architecture, harbour views and blooming gardens. Visit the spectacular Butchart Gardens, stroll the Inner Harbour, or enjoy local seafood overlooking the water in British Columbia’s sunniest city.
1 Night in
Victoria, BC
Ferry &
120 miles
Days 10–11: Tofino – Wild Pacific Coast & Rainforest Trails
Surf beaches, wildlife tours and Pacific Rim National Park
Drive across the island through ancient rainforests to reach the rugged Pacific Rim coast. Base yourself in Tofino or Ucluelet, where storm-carved beaches and misty forests create a truly wild atmosphere. Spend your full day exploring Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, taking whale- or bear-watching boat trips, kayaking calm inlets or following boardwalk trails to secluded coves. This is one of Canada’s most magical coastal regions.
2 Nights in
Ucluelet, BC
200 miles
Days 12–14: Vancouver – Mountains, Ocean & City Buzz
One of the world’s most liveable cities — where nature meets culture
Cross back to the mainland and arrive in Vancouver, a city defined by ocean views, multicultural neighbourhoods and outdoor living. Spend your days cycling around Stanley Park’s seawall, exploring Gastown’s historic streets, browsing Granville Island Market or riding the Skyride to Grouse Mountain. With scenic beaches, vibrant nightlife and world-class dining, Vancouver is the perfect finale to your Canadian road trip. On your final day, enjoy a relaxing morning before your overnight flight back to the UK — taking home unforgettable memories of Canada’s mountains, lakes and Pacific coastline.
3 Nights in
Vancouver, BC
Ferry &
145 miles
June - mid Sept: Many lodgings and transport links are only open during the Summer. Amazing wildlife including bears, bald eagles, whales, sea otters and seals can be spotted.
Daytime temperatures are usually cool but very comfortabl, generally in the 15-20°C range and even into the high 20s. Days are long during the with July being the peak month.
You’ll need a connecting flght from the UK, probably via Seattle or Vancouver, we highly recommend a couple of days to explore the connecting city. Alaska is 8 or 9 hours behind the UK.
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