Visit Vancouver, Okanagan Lake, Revelstoke, Glacier NP, Yoho NP, Banff NP, Icefields Parkway, Jasper NP, Sun Peaks, Whistler, Tofino, Pacific Rim NP & Victoria.
Explore Western Canada over three spectacular weeks, witnessing some of the very best scenery on the planet! The vibrant city of Vancouver acts as a gateway to stunning glacial lakes, majestic mountains and wonderfully wild beaches. The provinces of British Columbia and Alberta combine to present a landscape that is truly awe-inspiring and arguably North America’s most dramatic.
Key road trip highlights:
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We’ll suggest properties to match your preferred budget, be it low-cost, mid-range or high-end luxury that you’re looking for. We can also mix it up so you’ll experience a range of standards and experiences along your road trip.
All of our North American road trips can be tailored to meet your requirements. Do you have more or less than 21 days for your road trip? No problem, we can bolt on extra nights to allow more time to explore or shorten the number of destinations as required.
Welcome to the ultimate road trip around British Columbia and Alberta! No need to rush around after you’ve touched down in Vancouver; this is a road trip set at a leisurely pace, and you’ll return to Vancouver at the end of the itinerary for two days of sightseeing in “The Couve”. So relax and settle into your new time zone this evening and get ready for more stunning scenery than your eyes will be able to cope with.
Drive through the farming region of Fraser Valley and EC Manning Provincial Park to the wine-producing region of Okanagan Valley, which is home to 80% of the vineyards in British Columbia. It has small family-run operations up to world-class, internationally renowned vineyards.
The Okanagan Valley is one of the warmest areas in Canada. Home to vineyards and golf courses, the area comprises a string of towns along the length of the Okanagan Lake. Enjoy outdoor and water activities from the beaches that surround the lake. Farming and vineyards make this a picturesque spot, and if you like wine, then you are in luck, as there are more than 200 vineyards in the area.
East to the rugged alpine beauty that surrounds the town of Revelstoke. Revelstoke makes an excellent base for exploring the wilderness of Glacier National Park and Mt. Revelstoke National Park. The small town of Revelstoke even has a charming historic downtown to wander around. In the summer, Mt. Revelstoke is lush green valleys and wildflower meadows. In winter, this is the place to tackle North America’s longest vertical ski descent.
Spectacular alpine scenery, ancient forests and alpine meadows can all be found in Glacier National Park, British Columbia’s first National Park. The Trans Canada Parkway runs through the middle of Glacier National Park, meaning it’s accessible to road-trippers all year round. We wouldn’t advise leaving the highway during the colder months though, as parts of Glacier National Park are inaccessible due to being covered in up to 10 metres of snow!
Your journey around western Canada will continue onto British Columbia’s best-kept secret – Yoho National Park, where you can enjoy the picturesque Emerald Lake. There are many walking opportunities in the area, or you can get out on the water in a canoe or kayak. Yoho National Park is a small but perfectly formed place of outstanding natural beauty. With Wapta Falls, Takakkaw Falls (pictured), and Emerald Lake, with its bright turquoise water, the jewels in its crown.
Drive over to the world renowned Lake Louise and Banff National Park today, where the scenery will blow you away. Kicking Horse Pass, the scenic high mountain bisecting the continental divide will take you there. Stop by the glacier fed lakes of Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, taking in the brilliant blue-green waters surrounded by mountains – jaw-dropping scenery just doesn’t get any better than this.
Banff National Park is an incredible place to explore, so having three full days in this Canadian treasure is an absolute joy for anyone who appreciates the great outdoors. Moraine Lake (pictured) is a must-visit when visiting Banff, so practice your photography skills and see who can get the perfect shot of this stunning glacial lake.
A day at leisure in and around the small town of Banff. You might like to visit the hot springs, take a gentle float down the Bow River, or take 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. You will also find Johnston Canyon nearby, which makes for a wonderful short hike. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the local wildlife.
Get an early start today, so you can make the most of the incredible drive along The Icefields Parkway. There are numerous scenic vista points and short hikes to enjoy, as well as the opportunity to see wildlife and gigantic glaciers. Highlights along 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 an absolute must.
Spend a second day 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 more incredible mountain views. Visit nearby Maligne Lake (pictured) where you can take a cruise out to Spirit Island, whilst Maligne Canyon is also an essential place to visit. As always, your detailed Road Trip Pack will list all the available attractions.
Leave Alberta and return to British Columbia by driving southwest down to the ski resort town of Sun Peaks, admiring the ever-present scenery as you go. The route will take you by Mt. Robson and Wells Grey Provincial Parks. Upon arrival in Sun Peaks, you’ll have the evening at leisure, enjoying Sun Peaks bars and restaurants.
Today, you’ll continue to drive west to find Whistler. The drive will take you through more beautiful mountain scenery, and it’s well worth breaking up the journey by visiting one or all of Marble Canyon, Joffre Lakes and Nairn Falls Provincial Parks. Remember to keep a keen eye out for the local wildlife; fingers crossed, you’ll spot a bear or moose along the way.
Whistler is famous for being one of the best ski resorts in the world, but it’s also well known as a summer outdoor playground too. The slopes of both Whistler and Blackcomb mountains provide an excellent base for hiking, mountain biking, zip lining, 4WD expeditions and white-water rafting. The Peak-2-Peak gondola experience is a must for any visitor, and the alpine village provides excellent dining and shopping opportunities.
Today, you have a full day’s journey to get over to Tofino on the west coast of Vancouver Island. The journey includes a scenic ferry ride to cross over the Strait of Georgia. Start the day by driving down the Sea-to-Sky highway, stopping off at Brandywine Falls and Shannon Falls along the way, and enjoying magical views of the Howe Sound as you travel down the coast. You will then board a ferry to get over to Vancouver Island and, after disembarking, stop off at The Old Country Market in Coombs for a late lunch and to see the ‘goats on the roof’. Be sure to stop at Cathedral Grove (pictured) to see the giant Douglas Fir trees as you drive across Vancouver Island to Tofino.
The first of 2 full days at leisure to appreciate the stunning beaches of Tofino. Sitting at the centre of Clayoquot Sound, Tofino enjoys a perfect position between the crashing waves of the Pacific and the mountains and rainforests inland. The Clayoquot Sound UNESCO Biosphere Reserve’s stunning beauty and ecological diversity is the source of most Tofino activities. It is the perfect place to arrange a whale-watching or bear-watching trip.
Kayaking is a popular way to explore the waters around Tofino, or you might like to stay on dry land and hike along the Wild Pacific Trail or simply take a stroll on some of the beautiful beaches that stretch along Pacific Rim National Park between Tofino and nearby Ucluelet.
Arguably, the most British city in North America. Victoria, situated in the southern part of Vancouver Island, is the capital city of British Columbia. Victoria is a friendly, small city – stroll around Centennial Square, British Columbia Parliament Buildings, Beacon Hill Park and Fisherman’s Wharf.
Victoria is the perfect place to enjoy a whale-watching experience. Orca, grey, humpback and killer whales, along with sea lions, seals and numerous other marine wildlife, can be seen whilst visiting this charming small city.
Return to the mainland today, taking a ferry through the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve to Tsawwassen, just south of Vancouver. You’ll then have 48 hours to explore Vancouver’s must-see places. Consider visiting North Vancouver, which is home to British Columbia’s most popular attraction – Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. Walk across the famous Suspension Bridge and through a rainforest canopy with Treetops Adventure, and experience an adrenaline-pumping walk above the canyon with Cliffwalk. Spend the evening strolling around the historic Gastown District with its famous Steam Clock and old-world charm. For dinner, grab a bite at one of Gastown’s many restaurants.
Stanley Park is to Vancouverites what Central Park is to New Yorkers. Walk or cycle around the famous Seawall Path; you’ll find totem poles, coastal views and even an aquarium along the way. As you complete the circular path, you’ll come across Third and Second Beach, respectively. These lovely beaches are often packed in summer. So find a nice spot and enjoy a well-earned rest and the sight of the sun setting over the ocean. To celebrate the completion of this ultimate British Columbia and Alberta road trip, we recommend you grab a taxi or Uber and head down to the hip restaurants and bars of Yaletown. Congratulations – BC & Alberta is completed.
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You’ll find answers to most of your questions right here. If you still need assistance, Feel free to get in touch, and we’ll be sure to get back to you promptly!
Not a problem. If you are lucky enough to have extra time to explore more places or add more rest days, then just let us know and we’ll adjust your trip to match your preferred timescale.
We strongly advise that you purchase travel insurance for your holiday to cover you against medical expenses, theft and other financial costs. Should you need to cancel before travelling, some insurance policies may pay out for any loss of funds that have been paid to us and which cannot be refunded under our cancellation policy.
Many of our trips have a different end destination than the starting point, so this is not a problem. Please note a fee sometimes applies for one-way rentals between other regions or states, which will be paid to the supplier directly when collecting the vehicle. We’ll endeavour to inform you of this charge within your quote.
No, far from it. We work with a range of properties from 3* to 5*, so we can adapt the trip to match most budgets. We have access to rooms in more than 800 hotels, motels, lodges and B&Bs across North America.
The minimum age to rent a car is 21 in the United States or Canada, although, in addition, any drivers under 25 years of age will generally incur a surcharge.
Not quite what you’re looking for? Get in touch to discuss your Bespoke Road Trip plans, or check out these similar road trip itineraries…
ARTCo customers can be confident that we only work with the very best service providers, such as Virgin Atlantic, British Airways and Alamo. Any payments made to us are fully protected via the government’s ATOL scheme (Flight packages) or Financial Failure Insurance (Non-Flight Packages).
