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Overview
The Western Adventure is a true family affair, with destinations and scenery to stimulate, motivate and rejuvenate both young and old.
From the wild west city of Calgary you will travel in the footsteps of dinosaurs and see the amazing museum in Drumheller and the Alberta Badlands. You will then ascend the spectacular Rocky Mountains for a stay in Banff, before stepping upon a mammoth glacier near Jasper. Heading west, you will spend two days on a ranch (no riding experience needed). Harrison Hot Springs brings a warm, welcome and wet respite for weary bones amid the natural splendour of Manning Provincial Park. Further westward, your journey takes you to the Pacific in search of whales, before delivering you to the glittering urban spectacle of Vancouver.
This itinerary is flexible and can be tailor-made to suit you; if you want to add extra days in one area, extend the holiday or maybe change the direction of travel. Talk to one of our experts about how to make this holiday the perfect one for you and your family.
LD - Travelled to Nova Scotia"We explored lots of that south coast"
We have just returned from our week in Nova Scotia and wanted to thank you for organising it all. Both hotels were excellent, the Halliburton was very well placed in the city and their restaurant is really excellent. The Hotel Atlantica's cottage was just what we wanted, by the sea and equipped with all we needed and quiet. We explored lots of that south coast with a quick trip to the north but more to see next time! Your printed driving instructions were a GREAT help, not something we have been given before and greatly appreciated them.
Itinerary (14 Nights)
Here’s a day-by-day guide to your itinerary. Feel free to ask us to add other days or ideas and excursions by contacting us directly, so we can give you the best price.
Day 1-2
Fly in to Calgary and collect your family SUV to drive in to Calgary for...
Day 1-2
Calgary
Fly in to Calgary and collect your family SUV to drive in to Calgary for a 3-night stay. Check in to a downtown hotel, specially selected to accommodate you and your family.
The next few days can be spent exploring the modern, family-friendly attractions of this urban cowboy city; Calgary Zoo, Calgary Tower and the nearby Heritage Park historical village are great choices for all ages.
3 nights in Calgary.
Day 3
Today we suggest a full day tour in to the Dinosaur Badlands. And you have...
Day 3
Calgary
Today we suggest a full day tour in to the Dinosaur Badlands. And you have the choice to drive or take an organised bus tour. Venture into 65 million years of history at Drumheller and visit the Royal Tyrell Museum of Palaeontology, housing the world’s largest display of dinosaurs. From Horseshoe canyon, you’ll survey the Badlands of Alberta before stepping back into pre-historic times. Follow the 50km Dinosaur Trail through rugged terrain marked with mysterious hoodoos, and explore the vast dinosaur fossil digs.
Days 4-5
Days 4-5
Calgary
to
Banff
Today you will drive in to Banff National Park for the next two nights. Banff is a paradise for families who enjoy the great outdoors and there a wide range of activities, including flightseeing, riding, hiking and river rafting. Keep your eyes open, you are bound to encounter a variety of wildlife along the way. Banff also offers a number of interesting attractions for you to discover such as the Cave and Basin, Bow Falls, and take a thrilling gondola ride to the summit of Sulphur Mountain.
2 nights in Banff.
Day 6
Your drive today takes you along the spectacular Icefields Parkway to Jasper. This majestic highway...
Day 6
Banff
to
Jasper
Your drive today takes you along the spectacular Icefields Parkway to Jasper. This majestic highway meanders in the shadow of towering mountains revealing a panorama of peaks, glaciers, waterfalls and valleys. The highlight of the day should be the Glacier Adventure; take an unforgettable ride on the Ice Explorer Snowcoach over the Columbia Icefield, and a walk on the Glacier Skywalk. A further stop to visit Peyto Lake will make a great family selfie!
2 nights in Jasper.
Day 7
Today is your raft/float tour. Join the fun on this 16km raft/float trip on the...
Day 7
Jasper
Today is your raft/float tour. Join the fun on this 16km raft/float trip on the Athabasca River. A National Park licensed guide will provide commentary on the history of Jasper while navigating along the same route used by the fur traders almost 2 centuries ago. Enjoy comparable views of Jasper National Park as you pass through calm stretches interspersed by small sets of rapids. Life jackets and specially designed rafts offer a safe and comfortable trip. Following your tour a Maligne Lake boat cruise, a visit to Miette Hot Springs, or a ride on the Jasper Tramway are recommended. Take in the breathtaking panorama of Jasper National Park’s serene lakes and gentle meadows standing in stark contrast to its jagged peaks and spectacular glaciers.
Days 8-9
Jasper to Ashcroft
Drive the scenic Yellowhead Highway to Ashcroft. Drive past the mist-shrouded peak of Mount Robson....
Days 8-9
Jasper
to Ashcroft
Drive the scenic Yellowhead Highway to Ashcroft. Drive past the mist-shrouded peak of Mount Robson. The highest peak in the Rockies can be seen for miles as you wind your way south through a vast unspoiled wilderness to Sundance Ranch, a family friendly ranch where you will spend the next 2 nights. No experience is necessary and the children will be expertly looked after by the wranglers as they learn to be cowboys! Children under 8 years of age do not go on trail rides, but they can be led around at a walk in the riding arena by an adult, under the supervision of a wrangler. Child minding can be arranged.
2 nights at Sundance Ranch, Ashcroft.
Day 10
Ashcroft to Manning Park
Today you can take one of two routes, towards a night in Manning Park, a...
Day 10
Ashcroft
to Manning Park
Today you can take one of two routes, towards a night in Manning Park, a great overnight stop for families. Either take Highway 1 and the option of viewing the white water rapids of the Fraser River gushing far below. Over 750,000 litres of water surge through the 34m Hell’s Gate gorge every minute and a ride on the airtram is recommended. Or you can head down scenic Highway97c through the Nicola Valley.
1 night in Manning Park.
Day 11
Manning Park to Victoria
Today your road leads to Victoria, the capital city of British Columbia, on Vancouver Island....
Day 11
Manning Park
to
Victoria
Today your road leads to Victoria, the capital city of British Columbia, on Vancouver Island. You will get there via a BC ferry cruise across the Strait of Georgia, passing the rugged coastline and tranquil beaches of the Gulf Islands en route.
2 nights in Victoria.
Day 12
Take to the ocean today in search of in search of orcas, minke whales, grey...
Day 12
Victoria
Take to the ocean today in search of in search of orcas, minke whales, grey whales, porpoises, harbour seals and other marine wildlife. You will ride aboard a covered ocean cruiser with a viewing deck giving you a safe and intimate whale watching experience. Families with older children can use the exhilarating zodiac boats. Visit the Royal British Columbia Museum, visit the famous Butchart Gardens or drop in for an afternoon High Tea at the Empress Hotel.
Day 13-14
Back aboard BC Ferries, you’ll return toTsawwassen and drive into Vancouver. Drop your car and...
Day 13-14
Victoria
to
Vancouver
Back aboard BC Ferries, you’ll return toTsawwassen and drive into Vancouver. Drop your car and spend the next 2 days exploring the many attractions of this cosmopolitan city. Highlights include Stanley Park, Gastown, Granville Island, Grouse Mountain and Capilano Suspension Bridge.
2 nights in Vancouver.
