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.

Tour overview
•   Collect your rental car and driving kit in Vancouver
•   Time at leisure to explore Vancouver 
•   Discover the vineyards, lakes and beaches of Penticton in the Okanagan Valley
•   One night near Revelstoke
•   Drive through Glacier National Park en route to the Canadian Rockies
•   Two nights to explore Banff with an optional boat tour on Lake Minnewanka
•   Drive along the dramatic Icefields Parkway to Jasper National Park

•   Optional ride in a 'Snowcoach' on the Athabasca Glacier
•   Two nights in Jasper to explore spectacular glaciers, lakes, hot springs and jagged peaks
•   Drive through the dense forest scenery of British Columbia and the rugged terrain to Smithers
•   Full day cruise along the famous 'Inside Passage' spotting wildlife including whales and sea lions
•   Visit the Campbell River, known as the 'salmon capital of the world'
•   Two nights in the waterfront city of Victoria
•   Mini-cruise around the Gulf Islands through the Strait of Georgia to Vancouver
•   Day at leisure in Vancouver

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 10 for car and passengers. Ferry crossing from Swartz Bay (Vancouver Island) to Tsawwassen (Vancouver) on Day 13.
GRATUITIES
10-15% for waiting staff, barmen and guides and smaller amounts for doormen and porters.
TRAVEL TIPS
Most of Canada’s National Parks charge entrance fees for visitors. Further details can be found at www.pc.gc.ca.

DAY 1 - VANCOUVER
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.

DAY 2 - VANCOUVER TO PENTICTON
Take time to visit Vancouver further, before taking the scenic drive to Penticton for an overnight stay. Located in the Okanagan Valley it is known for its vineyards, beautiful warm lakes and beaches (approx. 255 miles).

DAY 3 - PENTICTON TO REVELSTOKE
Morning at leisure to enjoy the pleasant climate in the Okanagan Valley before you head northeast to Revelstoke for an overnight stay, passing spectacular waterfalls, towering peaks and beautiful lakes along the way (approx. 160 miles).

DAY 4 - REVELSTOKE TO BANFF
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’. 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. 175 miles).

DAY 6 - BANFF TO JASPER NATIONAL PARK
Continue your journey along the dramatic Icefields Parkway. 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 classic drives. Make a stop at the Columbia Icefield where you can ride in a specially designed ‘Snowcoach’ on to the Athabasca Glacier (local charge). Stay tonight in Jasper and explore stunning Jasper National Park (approx. 180 miles).

DAY 7 - JASPER NATIONAL PARK TO PRINCE GEORGE
Today’s route will take you along the Yellowhead Highway past Mount Robson, before you enter back into British Columbia and drive through dense forests and along the Fraser River to Prince George for an overnight stay (approx. 235 miles).

DAY 8 - PRINCE GEORGE TO SMITHERS
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. 230 miles).

DAY 9 - SMITHERS TO PRINCE RUPERT
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. 215 miles).

DAY 10 - PRINCE RUPERT TO PORT HARDY
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 at the northern tip of Vancouver Island, where you will stay overnight.

DAY 11 - PORT HARDY TO CAMPBELL RIVER
Travel the eastern shore of Vancouver Island to Campbell River, known as the ‘Salmon Capital of the World’ (approx. 147 miles).

DAY 12 -CAMPBELL RIVER TO VICTORIA
Continue along the east coast of Vancouver Island, 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 Gulf Islands. Stop overnight in this attractive provicial capital (approx. 166 miles).

DAY 13 - VICTORIA TO VANCOUVER
Take the ferry across the Strait of Georgia back to Vancouver where your journey ends.