The Wild West | Uncover the Scenic Treasures of Western Canada

Day 1-2

Vancouver

Fly in to Vancouver and transfer to your hotel. The next two days are yours to create your own urban adventure amid the stores, parks, restaurants, theatres and other attractions of downtown Vancouver. Maybe take a hop-on/hop-off sightseeing tour to take in the sights at your leisure such as Stanley Park, Grouse Mountain and Capilano Suspension Bridge.

2 nights in Vancouver.

Day 3

Vancouver to Ashcroft

Collect your car and drive out to the vast ranch lands of British Columbia’s interior following the mighty Fraser River. At Hell’s Gate you will have a chance to explore the imposing Fraser Canyon by airtram, before visiting Lytton, one of the villages made famous by the Gold Rush.

1 night in Ashcroft.

Day 4-5

Ashcroft to Clearwater

Today you will follow the Yellowhead Highway through the water and lava shaped valley of the North Thompson River for a two-night stay in Clearwater, so you can enjoy all that Wells Gray Provincial Park has to offer, including canoeing and viewing the stunning Helmcken Falls .

2 nights in Clearwater.

Day 6-7

Clearwater to Jasper

En route to Jasper, your scenic journey will give you views of Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies before spending the night in this lovely mountain town.

1 night in Jasper.

Day 7

Jasper to Banff

Your adventure continues along the majestic Icefields Parkway, through a landscape of peaks and glaciers. Remember to stop for a walk on the glacier, detour to see the iconic turquoise Peyto Lake, Moraine Lake, and of course Lake Louise, before arriving in Banff.

2 nights in Banff.

Day 8

Banff

You can visit the Cave and Basin, Bow Falls, and take a gondola ride to the summit of Sulphur Mountain. Other activities include river rafting, biking, horseback riding and hiking.

Day 9-10

Banff to Panorama

Today you will drive through Kootenay National Park, a landscape dominated by lofty peaks, glaciers, deep valleys and crystal-blue lakes. You could visit the park’s hot springs or partake in some of the numerous activities in the area such as hiking, whitewater rafting, fishing, birdwatching, boating and windsurfing on Lake Windermere. Wildflowers decorate the alpine meadows, while grizzly bears, moose and mountain goats roam the park.

2 nights in Panorama.

Day 10

Panorama

Spend a whole day exploring the mountain resort of Panorama and the lakeside areas of Windermere and Invermere, which is also a fabulous town with a great choice of shops, restaurants and bars.

Day 11

Panorama to Nelson

Another beautiful drive, this remote area is a traveller’s dream…no crowds and no pollution. See the heritage of the gold-seekers at Fort Steele and admire the vistas of the Purcell and Selkirk mountain ranges as you take the world’s longest free ferry ride across Kootenay Lake.

1 night in Nelson.

Day 12-13

Nelson to Osoyoos

The scenic adventure continues as you drive west, parallel to the US border, across the Bonanza Pass. Visit Grand Forks on the Kettle River and relive the period of Russian settlement before arriving for a 2-night stay in Osoyoos, home to Canada’s only true desert.

2 night in Osoyoos.

Day 14-15

Osoyoos to Sechelt

This morning you will follow the Fraser River to Horseshoe Bay, just north of Vancouver, where you catch the 40 minute ferry to the Sunshine Coast.

The next two days will be spent on meandering roads and ferries as you explore the sweeping seascapes, rugged cliffs, broad beaches and serene inlets of the breathtaking Sunshine Coast. Visit Princess Louisa Inlet or the Skookumchuck Narrows enroute. Historic Lund, at the end of the road, is a charming village surrounded by the ocean and the Coast Mountains.

2 nights on the Sunshine Coast.

Day 16

Sunshine Coast to Quadra Island

A 75 minute ferry sails from Powell River to Vancouver Island, and then drive through the Comox Valley to Campbell River. A 10 minute ferry brings you to Quadra Island, where you can immerse yourself in rich native heritage and culture. Take to the hiking trails and you will find many fascinating sites including a native village, authentic totem poles and mysterious rock carvings.

1 night on Quadra Island.

Day 17

Quadra Island to Tofino

Cross Vancouver Island through the ancient rainforests. Keep your eyes open for bears, deer, wolves or even cougars, and take the chance to visit Horne Lake Caves or Cathedral Grove. The Pacific Rim National Park is a marvel of ecological and geographical diversity, as you will see as you pass through dense rainforests, steep ravines and along windswept beaches.

3 nights in Tofino.

Day 18-19

Tofino

You’re free to explore the rugged coastline along the network of hiking trails or walk the shoreline of Long Beach in search of shells and driftwood. Make sure you take to the water on a zodiac for wildlife watching or enjoy a spa treatment by the sea.

Day 20-21

Tofino to Victoria

This morning the spectacular winding road takes you back to the east coast of the island. You will be able to visit many hidden gems including native rock carvings at Sproat Lake and the picturesque falls at Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park. You can also stop to visit the murals of Chemainus, the Forest Museum or the totem poles of Duncan. Your trail ends in Victoria, with its maritime heritage and colonial charm where you will spend your last two nights.

Visit the harbour area or enjoy the scenic Butchart Gardens, maybe even with the evening fireworks which illuminate the gardens.

2 nights in Victoria.

Day 22

Victoria to Vancouver

Your final morning can be spent viewing the totem poles of Thunderbird Park or the Royal British Columbia Museum before you take the 95-minute mini-cruise back to Vancouver in order to catch your flight back to the UK.