This compact self-drive itinerary focuses on two of Canada’s most beautiful areas – the charming alpine resort of Whistler, nestled between world-renowned Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains and the spectacular Rocky Mountain National Parks, with their turquoise lakes, rugged peaks and glittering glaciers.
With a number of excursions already included in the price, this short itinerary is both enjoyable and affordable, for couples and families alike.
Included excursions along the way will ensure you take in the very best views, and a choice of activities in Whistler, Jasper and Banff will allow you to experience these stunning national parks in a way that suits you, whether you prefer a relaxing cruise or a more energetic horse-ride or rafting adventure.
Enjoy a 2-night stay in the alpine resort town of Whistler, with its extensive range of summer activities from hiking, golfing and mountain biking to water sports on any of the nearby lakes or rivers. Continue east to the majestic Rocky Mountains, where time is included in both Jasper and Banff National Parks. This itinerary allows for an easy exploration of the surrounding mountain landscapes, as well as the opportunity to take the ultimate scenic drive along the stunning Icefields Parkway, known for its many sparkling glaciers, towering peaks and thunderous waterfalls.
Included excursions along the way will ensure you take in the very best views, and a choice of activities in Whistler, Jasper and Banff will allow you to experience these stunning national parks in a way that suits you, whether you prefer a relaxing cruise or a more energetic horse-ride or rafting adventure.
Itinerary
Leave Vancouver behind and drive along the scenic Sea to Sky Highway to Whistler. Highlights along the way include the cascading Shannon Falls and the striking granite cliffs of Stawamus Chief Rock, which attracts climbers from all over the world. Stop at Squamish to take a ride on the Sea to Sky Gondola (included). At the summit you’ll find sweeping views over Howe Sound as well as hiking trails, the Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge, a restaurant and tea house. After exploring at leisure, take the gondola back down to sea level and continue your drive to Whistler. This charming alpine resort is nestled between world-renowned Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains.
Sea to Sky Gondola, Squamish
Today you can enjoy your choice of included excursion from the following options:
Whistler Guided Lunch Tour – explore the town’s eclectic culinary scene with a delicious multi-course lunch taken at various food spots.
River of Golden Dreams Canoe Tour – take an enchanting paddle from Alta Lake to Green Lake, past wildflower-lined river banks and old-growth forests.
Whistler Peak 2 Peak Gondola – travel to the top of Whistler Mountain for spectacular views of glaciers, extinct volcanoes and snow-capped peaks.
Bear Safari in Whistler Olympic Park (upgrade option extra cost) – Watch wild black bears forage amidst pristine landscapes from your vehicle. Drive up iconic Ski Jumps for breath-taking, panoramic mountain views.
Begin your spectacular drive on the Duffey Lake Road where you will see breathtaking views of Joffre Glacier. Continue on through Lillooet known as the land of the Gold Rush Trail and onto Cache Creek where you stop to visit the historic Hat Creek Ranch (admission not included). From here travel a short distance to your overnight accommodation located in a stunning resort of Sun Peaks.
Follow the Thompson River through rolling plateaus to the snowy peaks of the Monashee Mountains. Witness the beautiful Pyramid Falls and the expansive glaciers of the Albreda Icefields. Pass by Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies at 3954 metres (12,972 feet). Arrive in Jasper late afternoon.
Today you can enjoy your choice of one included experience from the following options:
Jasper Nature Walk – this guided walk offers spectacular views of jagged peaks, forests, meadows, marshes, streams, and stunning glacial lakes.
Maligne Lake Cruise
Jasper Rafting Float Trip
Set off on the famous Icefields Parkway, flanked by a never-ending procession of mammoth mountains, jagged peaks, over 100 glaciers and pristine emerald coloured lakes. Included today is the opportunity to brave the Glacier Skywalk, a glass platform suspended almost 1000 feet high over the valley, and to set foot on ancient ice with an Ice Explorer ride onto the Athabasca Glacier itself. As you continue your drive, take in views of Sarbach Glacier, Peyto Lake, Bow Lake and Bow Glacier before arriving at the dazzling Lake Louise where the Icefields Parkway ends. From Lake Louise continue south on the Bow Valley Parkway to Banff, with an optional stop at Johnston Canyon for a scenic walk to the waterfall.
Glacier Skywalk
Ice Explorer Glacier Tour
Today you can enjoy your choice of one included experience from the following options:
Banff Gondola Ride, Banff
Lake Minnewanka Cruise, Banff
River Explorer Canoe Tour, Banff
Bow River Horseback Adventure, Banff
Leave the mountains and make your way to Calgary where your journey ends. En route you may wish to stop at the historic Cochrane Ranch.
Prices & departures
What's Included
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Accommodation in rooms with private bathroom
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Intermediate car hire including unlimited mileage, 2nd driver, loss damage waiver and third-party liability
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Sea to Sky Gondola ride
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Choice of excursion in Whistler: Guided Lunch Tour / River Canoe tour / Peak 2 Peak Gondola / Bear Safari in Whistler Olympic Park (upgrade at additional cost)
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Choice of excursion in Jasper: Maligne Lake Cruise / River Raft Float / Jasper Nature Walk
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Ice Explorer ride onto the Athabasca Glacier
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Glacier Skywalk
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Choice of excursion in Banff: Banff Gondola / Lake Minnewanka Cruise / River Explorer Canoe tour / Bow River Horseback Adventure
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24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday
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No surcharge guarantee
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Full financial protection
From £1076 Excluding Flights
7 Nights
May-Oct
Prices are per person based upon 2 sharing, subject to availability. Your Travel Specialist will confirm the exact price based upon your tailored requirements, inclusions, and travel dates.
Make this trip yours
Every destination and itinerary you see here can be adapted to suit you – so reach for that bucket list and start imagining your next adventure here.
Doug
Continents set foot in
Species of whale seen
We create holidays that are as individual as you are. And we’ve been doing it for 40 years, crafting each and every holiday using our in-depth knowledge and enthusiasm for our destinations. Whatever your brief, we’ll create an amazing trip for you to get excited about. That might mean adapting one of our existing itineraries or we’ll build you one from scratch.