Western Canada Mountains and Coast

Back to Alberta

Western Canada's Mountains and Coast
19 nights
From £2,295 per person
Price includes: Flights, car hire, train, ferries and accommodation.



The Canadian Rockies are home to alpine meadows, emerald lakes, wild waterways, backcountry wilderness, and some of the best hiking and skiing in the world. Banff National Park and Jasper National Park, as well as the numerous provincial parks and recreation areas of Kananaskis Country provide year round adventures and activities. Take the train through the mountains and then a scenic ferry journey to Vancouver Island. You can choose to drive between Calgary and Jasper or take coach transfers. As an alternative to the VIA RAIL train, you could take the Rocky Mountaineer from Jasper to Vancouver and then add on a trip to Vancouver Island from there.

If you are travelling in July, why not extend your stay in Calgary and take in the Calgary Stampede – ‘The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth’. Find out more here

Day 1 - Fly from the UK to Calgary.
Collect a car on arrival and stay two nights in Calgary.
The dynamic city of Calgary is located 90 minutes from the Rocky Mountains and includes attractions such as the Calgary Tower, Glenbow Museum and the Botanical Gardens, as well as great shopping and a variety of restaurants. It is also home to the Calgary Stampede, which takes place in July each year.

Day 3 - Drive to Banff, approx. 80 miles
Be sure to visit the Cave and Basin National Historic Site, the birthplace of Banff National Park for interactive displays and exhibits, interpretive trails, bird watching, hiking and cycling. Take a ride on the Banff Gondola, which rises 700 metres (2,310 feet) to the summit of Sulphur Mountain (2,286 metres/7,544 feet) for panoramic views of the Bow Valley, Banff town and surrounding mountain peaks. Take a dip in the famous hot mineral waters at the Upper Hot Springs pool. The facility also includes spa, massage and aromatherapy services.
Stay two nights in Banff.

Day 5 - Drive to Jasper, approx. 165 miles
Travel the scenic Icefields Parkway, Canada’s second highest paved highway and one of the country’s most scenic drives. Stop at the Glacier Skywalk and the Columbia Icefield. The Glacier Skywalk consists of a 400 metre interpretive boardwalk and a glass-floored observation platform extending 30 metres out over the Sunwapta Valley. At the Columbia Icefield, you can board a Brewster Ice Explorer and travel onto the icy slopes of the Athabasca Glacier. Stay three nights in Jasper Jasper National Park is the largest national park in Canada, covering an area of 18,878 square km. It's much less developed than other areas of Western Canada and offers a true wilderness feel. There are several options on offer in Jasper, including boat tour on Maligne Lake, rafting on the Athabascar River or a cable car to Whistlers Mountain for a bird's eye view of this splendid park. There's also ample opportunity for mountain biking and hiking amidst glorious lakeside scenery or visit Maligne Lake.

Day 8 - Drop-off your car in Jasper and take VIA Rail from Jasper to Prince George, departing at 12.45, and arriving at 19.05
This region rich in first nations culture and history. Passengers on this two-day daylight journey will be treated to spectacular views of the Jasper National Park and the impressive rugged Canadian Rockies, beautiful rivers, the rugged Pacific Coast, as well as travelling through the Yellowhead Pass. You might even spot some wildlife!
Stay one night in Prince George.
 
Day 9
Continue your journey across British Columbia’s interior plateau and long the mighty Skeena River to Prince Rupert. The active port city of Prince Rupert is situated on Kaien Island, which was home to the Tsimshian and Haida nations for 5000 years and their legacies can be seen in the totem poles of Service Park, Roosevelt Park and the Sunken Gardens. Visit the Museum of Northern BC to learn more about the First Nations people. Take a harbour tour or a whale watching excursion, or browse some of the unique shops and galleries in the town.
Stay two nights in Prince Rupert. 

Day 11 - Board the ferry for your Inside Passage Cruise to Port Hardy which departs at 07:30 arriving in Port Hardy at 23:30.
Port Hardy is the last bastion of civilisation in the remote and wild north end of Vancouver Island. The town has a fascinating blue-collar history and is evolving into one of North America's best as-yet undiscovered outdoor adventure destinations. Enjoy fishing, hiking, world-class scuba diving, and serious quantities of wildlife in coastal waters, wilderness parks and woodland.
Stay two nights in Port Hardy.

Day 13 - Take the bus from Port Hardy to Campbell River (approx. 3 hours)
Known as the 'Salmon Capital of the World'. With a river full of five different species of salmon, it's no surprise that bears frequent this area. Even though fishing takes precedence here, there are also some great boutique shops, art galleries and some delicious Farmer's Markets for you to also enjoy. Take a short walk in Elk Falls Provincial Park, one of the most popular provincial parks on Vancouver Island. The park boasts some impressive waterfalls, stunning hiking trails and more opportunities to fish.
Stay two nights in Campbell River.

Day 15 - Take the bus from Campbell River to Victoria (approx. 4 ½ hours)
Whilst in Victoria visit the Inner Harbour and Old Town districts, with a variety of museums, galleries and shopping boutiques. Located just outside the city is Fort Rodd Hill National Historic Site. After strolling the beautiful grounds of Fort Rodd Hill, visit the Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Site – the lighthouse is still in operation today – and Butchart Gardens, a 50-acre botanical garden renowned for its rare and exotic plants and trees mixed with native flora. Victoria and the southern part of Vancouver Island are becoming known for their wines, and also cider and spirit distilleries, and there are guided tours you can join so you can sample some of the local tipples. Take a whale watching tour either by small zodiac or covered boat.
Stay two nights in Victoria.

Day 17 - Take the bus and ferry from Victoria to Vancouver (approx. 4 hours)
Vancouver is one of the world's most beautiful cities, rich with culture, nature and world-class shopping, dining and hotels. It is also home to the Coast Salish Peoples including the Tsleil-Waututh, Musqueam and Squamish Nations. Explore Aboriginal culture at the Klahowya Village in Stanley Park and discover First Nations treasures at the Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art. 
Stay two nights in Vancouver.

Vancouver offers outstanding opportunities for outdoor adventure and the sophisticated amenities of a world-class city. Take advantage of the city’s ocean-side location, with plenty of green space and outdoor experiences in the mountains 20 minutes north of downtown. After a busy day, wind-down over a glass of BC wine and a locally inspired meal, or pamper yourself at one of Vancouver’s unique spas.

Day 19 - Fly from Vancouver to the UK



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