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Wines & Wilderness of BC & Alberta
Share the love between neighbouring provinces, Alberta and British Columbia, on this 14-night road trip.
Two provinces, two weeks and not far off 2000 miles of open road: this is a round-trip from Vancouver to the Rockies (and back) of unreal proportions. The landscapes it covers are wildly varied; you’ve got oceanside cityscapes and mighty mountains as well as the somewhat surprising rolling desert of the Okanagan Region where grape vines grow in their regimented lines. We’ve hit the spots you shouldn’t miss like Banff and Jasper but also diverts a little off the well-trodden trail to Waterton Lakes, the Kootenay Rockies and the Cariboo Mountains.
Itinerary overview
It all begins in ‘Vancity’, BC’s largest metropolis and the gateway to adventure. Every view’s a ...
The first leg takes you halfway to the Rockies, across the Interior Plateau to Sun Peaks. This is...
The backdrops get steadily more impressive as you continue north eastwards towards Jasper. You’ve...
While many visitors travel from Jasper to Banff in just one day, we’ve chosen a steadier, more re...
The poster child national park of Banff is your oyster for the next couple of days. First complet...
Swap the well known for the off track as you journey south. Waterton Lakes National Park sits rig...
It’s back to BC but not time to leave the Rockies just yet. To break up the drive back west, you’...
Next up: Nelson. Days here are best spent outside, whether you're tackling scenic hikes such as P...
During your two nights in British Columbia’s wine producing region you need to make a choice. In ...
Make your way back to the city. Your flight is in the evening, so you have time to enjoy the jour...
Vancouver
It all begins in ‘Vancity’, BC’s largest metropolis and the gateway to adventure. Every view’s a stunner here – you have the glitter of the skyscrapers, the many shades of green of Stanley Park, the North Shore mountains and the harbour which buzzes all day with sea planes, ferries and cruise ships. We recommend packing your first full day with city escapades like walking the park’s sea wall and trying the stone’s throw produce from Granville Island market. For a taste of the nature to come, you could head over to North Vancouver and try your head for heights at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park or the top of Grouse Mountain.
Sun Peaks
The first leg takes you halfway to the Rockies, across the Interior Plateau to Sun Peaks. This is a wonderfully scenic stop off where we have included a night’s rest – we recommend getting out onto the hiking or biking trails once you arrive to stretch your legs and take in the fresh air.
Jasper
The backdrops get steadily more impressive as you continue north eastwards towards Jasper. You’ve got the whole day to make the journey so plan some stops on the way: Wells Gray (just off the Yellowhead Highway), Rearguard Falls and Mount Robson Provincial Parks are a couple of our favourites. The next full day is all about Jasper National Park, its forests, lakes, waterfalls and wildlife.
Icefields Parkway
While many visitors travel from Jasper to Banff in just one day, we’ve chosen a steadier, more rewarding approach. Pause for a night at Glacier View Lodge which is perfectly positioned along the Icefields Parkway. With extra time to soak up the scenery, you can soak up views of the Athabasca Glacier and surrounding peaks after most visitors have gone for the day (and before they arrive the next day). You’ll get an after-hours tour of the spectacular Glacier Skywalk and a journey onto the glacier itself aboard the Ice Explorer vehicle.
Banff/Lake Louise/Canmore
The poster child national park of Banff is your oyster for the next couple of days. First complete your Icefields Parkway drive and check out spots like the Weeping Wall, the Saskatchewan River Crossing and Mistaya Canyon are a few of our top stops. You’ve got the option to make your base in Lake Louise, the town of Banff itself or Canmore – a more ‘local’ town away from the crowds. No matter where you lay your hat, the canyons, lakes and mountain viewpoints of the national park are all within easy reach. A few of our top picks are Johnston Canyon, the iconic Moraine Lake and the Banff Gondola which whisks you up to the top of Sulphur Mountain for the finest views.
Waterton Park
Swap the well known for the off track as you journey south. Waterton Lakes National Park sits right down next to where Canada meets the USA (you can take a boat trip and land on US soil without the need for your passport) and Montana’s Glacier National Park. A whole day has been set aside here to chase waterfalls, hike the trails and/or get out on the water.
Fernie
It’s back to BC but not time to leave the Rockies just yet. To break up the drive back west, you’ll pause in Fernie, an Alpine resort and haven for lovers of the outdoors. There’s a bike park and trails, viewpoints galore and hikes from easy to advanced.
Nelson
Next up: Nelson. Days here are best spent outside, whether you're tackling scenic hikes such as Pulpit Rock or venturing further afield to Lyon’s Bluff. If a slower pace is more your style, the lakeside beaches give you the chance to relax beside the water. After dark, the town’s craft beer scene takes centre stage, with taprooms serving up local brews.
Kelowna/Osoyoos
During your two nights in British Columbia’s wine producing region you need to make a choice. In the northern Okanagan, outside the towns of Kelowna and Vernon, cold climate varieties like Pinot Gris and Rieslings are grown. Down in Osoyoos, a desert surrounded town in the south, the focus flips to more warm climate grapes such as mid-weight Merlots and Cab Savs. There’s no wrong answer really, but if you don’t want to choose, you could always stretch out your holiday and spend a couple of nights in each destination.
Depart Vancouver
Make your way back to the city. Your flight is in the evening, so you have time to enjoy the journey.
Other Itineraries
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