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Classic BC & Alberta

Visit Calgary, Banff NP, Yoho NP, Lake Louse, The Icefield Parkway, Jasper NP, Whistler, Pacific Rim NP, Tofino, Victoria & Vancouver

This Alberta & British Columbia road trip takes you through world-class scenery from start to finish. You’ll also witness spectacular wildlife viewing as you drive from Calgary to Vancouver.

The Provinces of Alberta and British Columbia are not short of a National Park or two, and on this route, you’ll pass through four of the very best. Glacial lakes, towering mountains and vast glaciers cover the Candian Rockies – the National Park’s of Banff, Yoho and Jasper will stay with you forever. Whilst Vancouver Island‘s wild and wonderful Pacific Rim National Park, will never be forgotten either.

PRICES FROM JUST £1899 pp

Classic BC & Alberta 14 nights

This spectacular road trip around British Columbia and Alberta can be tailored to meet your exact requirements. Do you have more or less than 14 days for your road trip? No problem, we can bolt on extra nights to allow you more time to explore or shorten the number of destinations as required. Should visiting the Grizzly bears around Campbell River appeal, then just ask for an additional stop on your British Columbia road trip adventure.

We'll never forget British Columbia and Alberta's National Parks

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Calgary, Alberta

Day 1

Arrive in Calgary, Alberta

Welcome to Canada! Settle into the new time zone this evening and enjoy dinner at one of the city’s great restaurants.

  • Key location: Calgary, AB
  • Calgary, AB

Banff NP Driving

Day 2

Wake up in Calgary, ready to explore the Canadian Rockies by car

Before leaving Calgary, many like to visit the top of Calgary Tower to see the city from up high and visit the Calgary Olympic Village. You’ll then leave the city behind and make your way towards Banff National Park and your first glimpse of the famous Canadian Rockies. You might like to stop off for a coffee in Canmore and visit the nearby Grassi Lakes. Enjoy the afternoon in the town of Banff. You might like to visit the hot springs, take a gentle float down the Bow River or a cruise on Lake Minnewanka. We also highly recommend taking the gondola to the summit of Sulphur Mountain to take in one of the best views in the Rockies!

  • Key location: Banff National Park
  • Banff National Park
  • 100 Miles

Moraine Lake

Day 3

Beautiful Banff National Park

A day at leisure to explore Banff National Park and it’s surroundings. Visit the famous Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, which of these two jaw-dropping scenic lakes will be your favourite? There are lots of walking trails to enjoy, or you might like to rent kayaks and take in the views from the water. You’ll also find Johnston Canyon nearby which makes for a great short hike and be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the local wildlife!

  • Key location: Banff National Park
  • Banff National Park

The Icefields Parkway

Day 4

Drive The Icefields Parkway to Jasper National Park

We highly recommend you get an early start today, so you can make the most of the incredible drive through The Icefields Parkway. There are so many scenic vista points and short hikes to enjoy, as well as the opportunity to see wildlife and glaciers. Highlights on today’s drive include Peyto Lake, the Columbia Icefield, Sunwapta Falls and Athabasca Falls. A trip on the Ice Explorer tundra buggy at the Athabasca Glacier and Columbia Icefield is another must.

  • Key location: The Icefields Parkway
  • Jasper National Park
  • 175 Miles

Spirit Island

Day 5

A full day and a half to enjoy Jasper National Park

Visit nearby Maligne Lake where you can take a cruise out to Spirit Island, whilst Maligne Canyon is also an essential place of interest. As always, your Road Trip Pack will list all the other attractions.

  • Key location: Jasper National Park
  • Jasper National Park

Elk

Day 6

Jasper National Park to Kamloops today

Spend the morning in Jasper, finishing off any remaining activities or places of interest. The adventurous might consider white-water rafting down Sunwapta River or taking a horse ride in the Rockies. Don’t fancy getting a soaking or saddle sore? Then perhaps just take the scenic SkyTram ride for some more incredible mountain views. You’ll then spend the afternoon driving west to Kamloops, admiring the stunning scenery as you go. Leave Alberta and start the British Columbia leg of the road trip on what is the longest drive of the holiday at just under 5 hours.

  • Key location: Jasper National Park
  • Kamloops, BC
  • 275 Miles

Hiking in BC

Day 7

Continue your British Columbia road trip to find Whistler

Today you’ll continue heading west to the world-famous ski resort of Whistler. The drive will take you through even more beautiful mountain scenery. Stop-off highlights include Marble Canyon Provincial Park, Joffre Lakes and Nairn Falls. Remember to keep an eye out for all the local wildlife and fingers crossed you might spot bears or moose along the way.

  • Key location: Whistler, BC
  • Whistler, BC
  • 185 Miles

Garibaldi Lake

Day 8

A full day hiking Whistler's lakes and mountains

Whistler is world-famous as a winter sports resorts, but it's well known as a summer outdoor playground too. The slopes of both Whistler and Blackcomb mountains provide the perfect base for hiking, mountain biking, zip-lining, 4WD expeditions and white-water rafting. The Peak-2-Peak gondola experience is a must for all visitors, whilst the Alpine Village offers superb dining and shopping opportunities. Whistler's lakes provide lovely settings for a relaxing walk too, as always, your Road Trip Pack will detail all of these options.

  • Key location: Whistler, BC
  • Whistler, BC

Vancouver Island

Day 9

Take the Sea-to-Sky highway and a ferry to Vancouver Island

Today you have a full day's journey to get to the west coast of Vancouver Island. The route includes a scenic ferry ride over the Strait of Georgia, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for any migrating whales whilst on board. Start the day early, with a drive down the iconic Sea-to-Sky Highway. Stop off at Brandywine Falls and Shannon Falls, and enjoy the magical views of the Howe Sound as you travel down the BC coastline. You’ll then board a ferry for Vancouver Island and after disembarking, perhaps stop off by The Old Country Market in Coombs for a late lunch and to see the 'goats on the roof’.

  • Key location: Pacific Rim NP
  • Tofino, BC
  • 230 Miles

Bald Eagle in Pacific Rim

Day 10

A full day at leisure to enjoy Vancouver Island's west coast

Sitting at the centre of Clayoquot Sound, Tofino enjoys a perfect position between the crashing waves of the Pacific and the island’s forests. The stunning beauty and ecological diversity of the Clayoquot Sound UNESCO Biosphere Reserve lies to the north, whilst the awe-inspiring Pacific Rim National Park Reserve is just to the south. Should you have some extra time and want to see some grizzlies in action, then please request a couple of days in and around Campbell River on the north-east side of the Island. We’ll be more than happy to bolt this onto your British Columbia road trip.

  • Key location: Pacific Rim NP
  • Tofino, BC

Inner Harbour, Victoria

Day 11

Onto Vancouver Island's capital - Victoria

As you drive across Vancouver Island to find the island’s capital, be sure to stop off at Cathedral Grove to see the giant Douglas Fir trees found there. Next stop is Victoria, this charming city was founded in 1843 and was named after our reigning Queen of the time. Also known as the “City of Gardens”, this small city is the perfect place to ease yourself from all the nature you’ve experienced in the last ten days before moving onto the brighter lights of Vancouver at the end of road trip. Victoria's highlights include the Royal BC Museum, British Columbia Parliament Buildings and Beacon Hill Park.

  • Key location: Victoria, BC
  • Victoria, BC
  • 195 Miles

Whale Watching Fun

Day 12

A full day to explore Victoria and its surrounding waters

If you didn't manage to spot a whale or two when crossing over to Vancouver Island earlier in the road trip, then consider taking a whale watching tour whilst in Victoria. Numerous operators leave Victoria and head towards the San Juan Islands in search of Orca and larger migrating whales.

  • Key location: Victoria, BC
  • Victoria, BC

Vancouver Skyline

Day 13

Last stop - Vancouver

Complete your British Columbia road trip with two short drives either side of a scenic ferry ride, you’ll then have 48 hours at leisure enjoying British Columbia's biggest city. Walk around the historic Gastown district with its famous Steam Clock and old-world charm. Later, take a water taxi across False Creek to Granville Island, which is home to a public market, boutique shops and galleries.

  • Key location: Vancouver, BC
  • Vancouver, BC
  • 70 Miles

Stanley Park

Day 14

Complete your road trip with a day in Vancouver's Stanley Park

Stanley Park is to Vancouverites, what Central Park is to New Yorkers. Walk or cycle around the famous Seawall Path, along the way you’ll discover totem poles, coastal views and an aquarium. As you complete this circular path, you’ll come across Third and Second Beach respectively. These beaches are often packed in summer. So find a spot and enjoy a well-earned rest after two epic weeks of discovering all of the classic Alberta and British Columbia road trip destinations.

  • Key location: Vancouver, BC
  • Vancouver, BC

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