Western Wonders

Discover the natural beauty of British Columbia and Alberta on this comprehensive self-drive, visiting the main sights and attractions of this breathtaking region. Your journey will take you through some of the world’s most photographed landmarks - the National Parks of Banff and Jasper to the scenic and beautiful oceanside cities of Vancouver and Victoria.

Tour overview
•   Collect your rental car and day-by-day driving guide in Calgary
•   Explore Calgary and journey into the Rockies
•   Optional outdoor pursuits in the Kananaskis Valley - golf, swimming, horseriding or biking
•   Two nights in popular Banff to explore the town and surrounding area
•   Scenic drive to Jasper along the Icefields Parkway - one of the world's most spectacular roads
•   Optional ride on the 'Ice Explorer' across the Athabasca Glacier
•   Tour Jasper and its hot springs, tramway and lakes
•   See Mount Terry Fox and Mount Robson - the highest peak in the Rockies
•   Stay at the year-round resort of Sun Peaks
•   Pass Kamloops, a land of vast herds of cattle and cowboys
•   Two nights in Harrison Hot Springs - enjoy watersports, hot springs and its sandy beach
•   Ferry from Horseshoe Bay across the Strait of Georgia to Nanaimo
•   Two nights to disover Vancouver

MEAL PLAN
No meals are included.

ACCOMMODATION
Is available in a choice of three star or four 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 CAD$300 approx. drop off charge is payable locally. A comprehensive step-by-step self-drive holiday guide with maps, driving instructions and sightseeing information is included in your Western Wonders self-drive. Ferry crossings are also included on Day 11 from Horseshoe Bay (Vancouver) to Nanaimo (Vancouver Island) and Day 12 from Swartz Bay (Vancouver Island) to Tsawwassen (Vancouver).

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. We recommend that you carry sufficient cash when driving or purchase a National Parks Pass locally. Further details can be found at www.pc.gc.ca.

DAY 1 - CALGARY
Welcome to Calgary, the gateway to the Rockies. Collect your Alamo rental car at Calgary airport and drive to your hotel where your day-by-day driving guide to Western Canada will be waiting at your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

DAY 2 - CALGARY TO KANANASKIS VILLAGE
This morning spend some time exploring Calgary before you begin your journey into the Rockies. Your drive to Kananaskis will take you into the foothills of the Rocky Mountains along the Kananaskis Valley known for its rugged mountain surroundings. During your two night stay, choose from numerous outdoor pursuits (local charges may apply) such as golf, swimming, tennis, horseriding and biking (approx. 60 miles).

DAY 4 - KANANASKIS VILLAGE TO BANFF NATIONAL PARK
Drive into the Rockies past Canmore and Harvey Heights, to the resort of Banff for a two night stay. Included in your trip is a ride on the Sulphur Mountain Gondola for breathtaking views, but during your stay be sure to enjoy the region's other highlights such as the waterfalls at Bow Falls. Banff’s town centre offers lots of excitement including many shops, cafés, restaurants, museums and nightlife (approx. 48 miles).

DAY 6 - BANFF NATIONAL PARK TO JAPSER NATIONAL PARK
Enjoy a scenic drive to Jasper along the Icefields Parkway, one of the most spectacular drives in Canada. Stop at picturesque Lake Louise for some great photo opportunities. Get your cameras at the ready for the drive to Jasper as you will witness mammoth mountains, pristine emerald lakes and over 100 glaciers. A stop at the Columbia Icefield is a must. Climb aboard the Ice Explorer to ride onto Athabasca Glacier, which is approx. 1,000 feet thick (extra cost). Enjoy the next couple of days in the charming village of Jasper. Relax in your hotel or tour Jasper National Park and its breathtaking scenery including Maligne Lake and Miette Hot Springs or ride on the Jasper Tramway (approx. 179 miles).

DAY 8 - JASPER NATIONAL PARK TO CLEARWATER
Today, drive along the Yellowhead Highway across the passes of the Rockies to the village of Clearwater for an overnight stop. Along the way you will see Mount Terry Fox as well as Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Rockies, often shrouded by clouds. Clearwater itself is your gateway to Wells Grey Provincial Park, a park renowned for its many beautiful waterfalls and a landscape of untamed and pristine wilderness (approx. 195 miles).

DAY 9 - CLEARWATER TO SUN PEAKS
Continue on the Yellowhead Highway south along the impressive valley of the North Thompson River to Sun Peaks, a route first explored by trappers and traders. Sun Peaks is a year round resort catering for families and sport enthusiasts (approx. 80 miles).

DAY 10 - SUN PEAKS TO HARRISON HOT SPRINGS
Driving past Kamloops, you’ll traverse the stunning ranchlands along the South Thompson River. This is still a land of vast herds of cattle and cowboys on horseback. Go through Hell’s Gate and the Fraser Valley to the resort town of Harrison Hot Springs for an overnight stay. Enjoy a relaxing time in the soothing waters of the mineral hot springs. Further recreational activities including watersports are available at Harrison Lake (local charges apply), which also boasts a sandy beach (approx. 188 miles).

DAY 11 - HARRISON HOT SPRINGS TO VICTORIA
Drive to the Pacific Coast to catch your ferry from Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo on Vancouver Island. Your cruise will take you across the Strait of Georgia, passing the rugged coastline and the tranquil beaches of the Gulf Islands. Continue on to Victoria passing through Nanaimo and Chemainus for a two night stay. Stroll around the harbour and see its many floatplanes landing and departing, browse in the quaint shops or enjoy afternoon tea (local charge) at the famous Fairmont Empress hotel (approx. 193 miles).

DAY 13 - VICTORIA TO VANCOUVER
This morning (time permitting) perhaps make a stop at famous Butchart Gardens and be amazed at the colourful and beautiful floral displays. Later enjoy your ferry ride across the Strait of Georgia to Vancouver where you will return your rental car to Vancouver airport in time for your onward journey. Alternatively, extend your trip with a few nights in the vibrant harbourside city of Vancouver allowing yourself time to explore this beautiful city, taking in sites such as Chinatown, Historic Gastown, the colourful markets of Granville Island, Stanley Park to admire the views across the bay or perhaps drive north for a walk along the Capilano Suspension Bridge (approx. 46 miles).

ACTIVITY PACKAGE UPGRADE

An exhilarating optional activity package can be added to enhance your Western Wonders self-drive, which includes the following:

DAY 5
Two hour evening wildlife safari from Banff where you will go in search  of some of Banff National Parks most visible wildlife including black  bears, elk, bighorn sheep and osprey.

DAY 7
A 3½ hour exploration of Jasper National Park's magnificent Maligne Valley seeking out the area's staggering geology and abundant wildlife.

DAY 12
Three hour whale watching and marine adventure by covered boat from  Victoria where you get the chance to spot grey whales, orcas, harbour seals and other marine life.

Upgrade price from £139 per person.