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Spirit Island and Maligne Lake, Jasper National Park

Discover Whistler and the Rockies

From £1076

Excluding Flights

7 Nights

May-Oct

Overview

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.

canada bc sea to sky gondola

Sea to Sky Gondola, Squamish

Located near Squamish on the scenic Sea to Sky Highway, this is an unmissable attraction between Vancouver and Whistler.

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

Maligne Lake Cruise

Take a scenic cruise on the glacial waters of Maligne Lake, surrounded by the soaring peaks of the Rockies and home to picturesque Spirit Island.
canada rafting in jasper national park alberta istk

Jasper Rafting Float Trip

Enjoy a gentle rafting tour on the Athabasca River for a unique perspective of Jasper National Park.

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

Glacier Skywalk

Not for the faint-hearted, this opportunity to step out over a glacial valley is rewarded with spectacular views from a unique new perspective!
Ice Explorer on the Athabasca Glacier, Columbia Icefields

Ice Explorer Glacier Tour

Located in Jasper National Park, the Columbia Icefield is the largest sub-polar body of ice in North America.

Today you can enjoy your choice of one included experience from the following options:

Views over Banff from Sulphur Mountain

Banff Gondola Ride, Banff

Enjoy the 8-minute ascent to the top of Sulphur Mountain for an awe-inspiring 360 degree panorama over Banff National Park.

Lake Minnewanka Cruise, Banff

A cruise on Lake Minnewanka reveals stunning wilderness scenery steeped in indigenous history.
canada alberta river rafting on bow river banff ta

River Explorer Canoe Tour, Banff

Enjoy an active adventure as you paddle a traditional Voyageur-style canoe on the tranquil Bow River.
canada horse riding in rocky mountains istk

Bow River Horseback Adventure, Banff

Enjoy a relaxing guided horse ride along the banks of the beautiful Bow River, set against a backdrop of the Rocky Mountains.

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

  • Accommodation in rooms with private bathroom

  • Intermediate car hire including unlimited mileage, 2nd driver, loss damage waiver and third-party liability

  • Sea to Sky Gondola ride

  • 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)

  • Choice of excursion in Jasper: Maligne Lake Cruise / River Raft Float / Jasper Nature Walk

  • Ice Explorer ride onto the Athabasca Glacier

  • Glacier Skywalk

  • Choice of excursion in Banff: Banff Gondola / Lake Minnewanka Cruise / River Explorer Canoe tour / Bow River Horseback Adventure

  • 24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday

  • No surcharge guarantee

  • 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
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Continents set foot in

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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. 

Experts with real experience