Mountain Explorer

There is no better way to explore Western Canada than driving the open roads and soaking up the amazing scenery and atmosphere that this beautiful region has to offer. Perfect for those with more time, this self-drive tour travels to north British Columbia where you will witness hundreds of kilometres of gigantic forests, crystal clear lakes and snow-capped mountains. One of the many highlights is a journey through the Inside Passage where you will see a corridor of mighty cliffs, amazing wildlife and fjords.

MEAL PLAN → No meals are included.

ACCOMMODATION → Is in three star hotels. In remote areas such as National Parks or small towns, this standard may not exist and accommodation may be more simple and rustic. Hotels will be confirmed with final itineraries.

TOUR INCLUDES → Prices include an Alamo rental car on a rental only basis including unlimited mileage and size depending on the number of people in your party. Please call for details of allocated cars and Alamo’s rental packages. A comprehensive step-by-step self-drive holiday guide with maps, driving instructions and sightseeing information is included in your Mountain Explorer self-drive. Prices also include the Inside Passage cruise from Prince Rupert to Port Hardy on Day 12 for car and passengers. Day cabins can be prebooked at a supplement. Ferry crossing from Swartz Bay (Vancouver Island) to Tsawwassen (Vancouver) on Day 16.

GRATUITIES → Tipping is common practice in Canada. We recommend between 10-15% for waiting staff, barmen and guides and smaller amounts for doormen and porters.

TRAVEL TIPS → Please note that most of Canada’s National Parks charge entrance fees for visitors, prices start from CA$8 per person per day. Further details can be found at www.pc.gc.ca.

NB → Children under 5 years are not accepted on the Mountain Explorer & Activity Package.

DAY 1 → Collect your Alamo rental car on arrival at Vancouver airport and drive to your hotel, where your step-by-step driving kit will be waiting for you. The next day is entirely at leisure for you to explore this beautiful waterfront city. Drive to Grouse Mountain for a bird’s eye view of Vancouver’s skyline, walk along the Capilano suspension bridge or take a city tour visiting highlights including Stanley Park, Gastown and Chinatown.

DAY 3 → Take time to visit Vancouver further, before taking the scenic drive to Penticton. Located in the Okanagan Valley it is known for its many vineyards, beautiful warm lakes and beaches (approx. 257 miles).

DAY 4 → Morning at leisure to enjoy the pleasant climate in the Okanagan Valley before you head north east to Revelstoke passing spectacular waterfalls, towering peaks and beautiful lakes. Stay overnight near Revelstoke (approx. 162 miles).

DAY 5 → Drive through Glacier National Park and Rogers Pass en route to the Canadian Rockies. Yoho National Park marks the provincial border between British Columbia and Alberta. A stop at Lake Louise is a must to see the acclaimed ‘ Jewel of the Rockies’, the turquoise lake has a stunning backdrop and will surely take your breath away. Continue your drive to Banff where you’ll stay for the next two nights. The following day is free for you to enjoy Banff at your leisure. Walk around the pretty town, visit Banff National History Museum or for those who enjoy the water, take a boat tour on nearby Lake Minnewanka (approx. 177 miles).

DAY 7 → Continue your journey along the dramatic Icefields Parkway to Jasper. Throughout your drive, you’ll witness amazing mountain vistas, walls of ice and beautiful lakes, which is why it’s one of the world’s most classic drives. Make a stop at the Columbia Icefield where you can ride in a specially designed ‘Snowcoach’ on to Athabasca Glacier. Stay in Jasper for the next two nights and explore the unique landscapes of this stunning National Park including serene lakes, jagged peaks and spectacular glaciers. Take a cruise on Maligne Lake, visit Miette Hot Springs or ride on the Jasper Tramway (approx. 179 miles).

DAY 9 → Today’s route will take you along the Yellowhead Highway past Mount Robson, before you enter back in to British Columbia and drive through dense forests and along the Fraser River to Prince George for an overnight stay (approx. 233 miles).

DAY 10 → Your drive today will take you through the rugged terrain of the interior mountain ranges to Smithers where you will stay for the night (approx. 231 miles).

DAY 11 → Follow the scenic Skeena River Valley to the port city of Prince Rupert, where you will stay overnight. Prince Rupert’s harbour is the third deepest in the world (approx. 216 miles).

DAY 12 → An early start this morning as you board your BC Ferry for your full day cruise along the famous ‘Inside Passage’. Get your cameras ready as you pass by Sitka Spruce and Red Cedar trees, spectacular mountain ranges, fjords, glaciers and amazing wildlife including eagles, whales and sea lions. Late arrival in Port Hardy, where you will stay overnight.

DAY 13 → Travel the eastern shore of Vancouver Island to Campbell River, known as the ‘Salmon Capital of the World’ (approx. 147 miles).

DAY 14 → Continue south along the coast, past the quaint seaside towns of Parksville, Nanaimo and Qualicum Beach. As you approach Victoria, British Columbia’s capital you will travel along the scenic Malahat Drive, which affords generous vistas of the water and the Gulf Islands. Enjoy two nights in this charming waterfront city. Stroll around the harbour and watch the float planes land or enjoy traditional afternoon tea at the Fairmont Empress. Take a drive out to see the amazing colourful floral and shrub displays at Butchart Gardens, which are set in an old stone quarry (approx. 166 miles).

DAY 16 → Leave Victoria and board your 1½ hour mini-cruise around the Gulf Islands through the Strait of Georgia to Vancouver. Stay overnight in a hotel near Vancouver airport (approx. 66 miles).

DAY 17 → Enjoy your final day at leisure before you drop your rental car off at Vancouver airport.

ACTIVITY PACKAGE UPGRADE

An optional activity package can be added to enhance your Mountain Explorer fly-drive, which includes the following:

DAY 2 → Four hour coastal Rainforest adventure from Vancouver where you will be accompanied by an experienced guide as they take you to the natural cathedrals, pillared by 500-year old trees and translucent canopies hundreds of feet above you.

DAY 6 → Enjoy an adrenalin rush on your four hour white water rafting along the Kananaskis River.

DAY 7 → Prepare yourself for the experience of the Columbia Icefield as you climb onboard Ice Explorer ride on the Athabasca Glacier which reaches the incredible depth of 320 metres.

DAY 15 → Spot grey whales, porpoises, harbour seals and other marine wildlife on your three hour whale-watching cruise from Victoria.

Destination introduction

Cruise out of Vancouver through the Strait of Georgia and spot the resident orcas travelling in a pod, one drifting aside and leaping from the water, flashing its black and white belly towards you.

Chug through the Canadian Rockies on an epic train journey, carve your way across deep powder drifts on a snowboard, and try white-water rafting in the Kananaskis River. In Banff National Park, soak in the Upper Hot Springs among snow-draped vistas or horseride along the Bow River and stop to soak up panoramic views of the valley

from Sulphur Mountain.

Glimpse wolves, moose and caribou in Jasper National Park and drive to the world-famous Columbia Icefields, a huge sweep of white feeding eight major glaciers. Visit Jasper in January for the annual snow festival, featuring a party and Chilli Cook-Off, or slide down mammoth hills on a toboggan and kayak across glistening Lake Louise.

Western Canada is a paradise for nature lovers. Let our Canada Personal Travel Experts tailor make your holiday today.