DAY 1 → On arrival in Calgary collect your rental car and make your way to your downtown hotel. Your day-by-day driving kit will be waiting for you at your hotel. Enjoy the remainder of the day and evening at leisure.
DAY 2 → Leave the cowboy city of Calgary and set your sights on the magnificent Rocky Mountains as you arrive in Banff. Offering lots of charm and activities there is plenty to keep you busy during your stay. Explore the wilderness of the National Park, enjoy a gondola ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain, visit the Cave and Basin or hike along one of the groomed trails (approx. 79 miles).
DAY 4 → This morning head out on your short drive to the ‘Jewel of the Rockies’, Lake Louise. Admire the mesmerising beauty of this emerald coloured lake with the Victoria Glacier in the background, the views will surely take your breath away (approx. 36 miles).
DAY 5 → Drive to Jasper via the spectacular Icefields Parkway, said to be one of the most dramatic and scenic drives in the entire world. A stop at Peyto Lake and a visit to Maligne Canyon in Jasper National Park are recommended. At the Columbia Icefield, take an Ice Explorer ride onto the massive glacier and experience the thrill of walking on centuries old glacial ice. Arrive in Jasper for a two night stay. The next day is at leisure to explore the National Park at your own pace, why not visit Miette Hot Springs or take a boat cruise on Maligne Lake (approx. 144 miles).
DAY 7 → Drive along the picturesque Yellowhead Highway to Wells Gray Park. Before leaving the Rocky Mountains you will encounter one of its most spectacular sights, the mist shrouded peak of Mount Robson. On arrival at Wells Gray Park you will be amazed at mineral springs, serene lakes, dormant volcanoes and towering Helmcken Falls. Stay overnight in Clearwater (approx. 197 miles).
DAY 8 → This morning perhaps visit the Yellowhead Museum for a taste of frontier life before travelling through the ‘Lakes Country’ region. Carry on along the Cariboo Highway past towns and villages that echo the past, as this route was travelled by gold seekers and traders during the famous Cariboo Gold Rush of the late 1800’s. Your stay for the next two nights is in the largest lodge in the west, Tyax Mountain Lake Resort (four star). The resort is any adventurers dream offering everything from bird and wildlife watching, horseback riding, mountain biking, gold panning and hiking and also benefits from great standards of accommodation and facilities (approx. 246 miles).
DAY 10 → Head off early today to allow yourself the maximum time in the premier resort town of Whistler. The winding road leads through an arid landscape that gradually changes to lush forests lined with snow-capped mountain ranges. During your time in Whistler browse around the town centre, play a round of golf, hike along the endless trails or whitewater raft down one of the turbulent rivers (approx. 85 miles).
DAY 11 → Travel on the Sea-to-Sky Highway through a landscape carved out by glaciers and edged by craggy fjords. After a brief stop at Shannon Falls continue to Horseshoe Bay to board your ferry across the Strait of Georgia to Vancouver Island. Drive west to the Pacific Coast through ancient rainforests and provincial parks where there is also the possibility of spotting wildlife too including bears, deers or wolves. 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 windswept beaches. The next day explore the rugged coastline, walk the many hiking trails or along Long Beach in search of seashells and driftwood (approx. 229 miles).
DAY 13 → Today’s journey will take you back to the east coast of Vancouver Island, en route you may want to visit Horne Lake Caves or Cathedral Grove. Your drive will take you past quaint seaside towns and the murals of Chemainus before you arrive in the warm and colonial town of Victoria. This beautiful city has a fascinating maritime history, a picturesque harbour, interesting museums and a must see attraction, Butchart Gardens (approx. 195 miles).
DAY 14 → Leave Victoria behind and embark on your short cruise back to mainland British Columbia and Vancouver. Your time here is yours to do as you please. Why not drive north of the city to the Capilano Suspension Bridge or for a birds eye view of the city and beyond head to Grouse Mountain. Whilst in the city leave your car at the hotel and explore the city by foot. Walk along the harbour, visit Gastown, Chinatown and the quirky markets of Granville Island (approx. 46 miles).
DAY 16 → Time for last minute sightseeing or shopping down at Robson Street before returning your car at Vancouver airport.
ACTIVITY PACKAGE UPGRADE
An optional activity package can be added to enhance your Unlimited Adventures fly-drive, which includes the following:
DAY 3 → Two hour Sundance Loop horseback ride from Banff which includes a leisurely horseback ride along the base of Sulphur Mountain where you will take in views of the Bow River.
DAY 6 → A 2½ hour river raft trip on the Athabasca River. A fun way to take in the views of Jasper National Park whilst learning about the parks history.
DAY 9 → Adventure package at Tyax Mountain Lake Resort, which includes a two hour ATV tour, horseback riding, fishing and half day hiking or mountain biking in search of bears, moose and wolves.
DAY 12 → A 2½ hour whale-watching cruise from Tofino. A thrilling whale watching expedition where you will cruise the waters in search of sea lions, puffins and the grey whale.
DAY 15 → Four hour Coastal Rainforest Adventure from Vancouver where a experienced guide will lead you from your hotel to natural cathedrals, pillared by 500 year old trees and also take you to the dizzy heights of Capilano Canyon.