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Tofino, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada

Rockies & Rainforests of Western Canada self-drive

15-day tailor-made self-drive from £3,205 pp incl. flights

Summary

Short description

Sample the spectacular sights of western Canada on this luxury road trip

British Airways Sale

The British Airways Sale is now on, The British Airways Sale is now on, with Club World and Club Europe savings to a wide range of destinations. Book by 19 March 2024.

Highlights

  • Discover the delights of Vancouver, a Pacific Coast city surrounded by mountains and a peaceful harbour
  • Explore the remote wilderness of the Pacific Rim National Park on Vancouver Island’s rugged west coast
  • Finish your journey with a memorable drive through the striking scenery of the Rocky Mountains

In Brief

  • 2 Nights Vancouver
  • 2 Nights Victoria
  • 2 Nights Tofino
  • 2 Nights Whistler
  • 1 Night Sun Peaks
  • 2 Nights Jasper
  • 2 Nights Banff

About

Recommended for:
Activity adventure | Natural world | Self-drive | Summer | Wildlife

Snow-dusted Mountains, sparkling lakes, creaking glaciers and wildlife-filled forests form the centrepiece of western Canada's spectacular natural world. At its heart is the Rockies – one of the world's great mountain ranges – which separate the cities of Vancouver in British Columbia and Calgary in Alberta. It's all the spectacular backdrop for an incredible fly-drive that brings you from one city to the other via Vancouver Island, Whistler and through the heart of the Banff and Jasper national parks.

Day by day itinerary

Days 1-2
Vancouver

After making the most of your included airport lounge access, depart the UK on a day flight to Vancouver where an included transfer will bring you to your chosen city-centre hotel. Then, enjoy two free days to explore at your own pace. Perhaps soaring high above the Douglas Firs with breathtaking views across the city and surrounding peaks, the Grouse Mountain sky ride is a real highlight, putting the beauty of your location into true perspective; combine this with the Capilano Suspension Bridge for a leisurely day exploring. Other must-see highlights include historical Gastown, the colourful markets of Granville Island, lively Chinatown and the oceanside greenery of sprawling Stanley Park.

Stay: The Loden (Superior) or Fairmont Waterfront, Vancouver (Deluxe)

Days 3-4
Victoria

Leave Vancouver behind as you collect your rental car and head south to the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal. The 90-minute crossing to Vancouver Island gives time to enjoy the scenery as you cruise among the picturesque Gulf Islands. Victoria itself is truly charming, home to a treasure chest of turn-of-the century architecture, all leading down to a bustling waterfront. With two days here, you've got plenty of time to explore, with a choice of excursions between Butchart Gardens, famed for its world-leading floral displays or an Eat like a Canadian Food Tour in Victoria.

Stay: Inn at Laurel Point (Superior)  / The Fairmont Empress (Deluxe)

Days 5-6
Tofino (Pacific Rim National Park)

The rugged west coast of Vancouver Island beckons today, with a scenic drive to the Pacific Rim National Park. Along the way, you'll have time to explore Duncan – the  ‘City of Totems' – visit the artist community at Chemainus and marvel at the views of the Cascade Mountains' Sawtooth Range as you head over Sutton Pass. Then, after your arrival into Tofino, you'll choose between a coastal bear watch, or join a whale-watching tour by Zodiac this afternoon, cruising through Clayoquot Sound in search of orcas, gray whales, sea lions, porpoises, puffins and bald eagles or a Tofino Food tour.

Stay: Water's Edge Shoreside Suites (Superior) / Black Rock Oceanfront Resort (Deluxe)

Days 7-8
Whistler

Board the ferry back to the mainland to join the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway, calling into Shannon Falls and Stawamus Chief Rock on your way to Whistler. Nestled between the Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains, this year-round resort is best known for its skiing, with metres-deep powder and mile after mile of freshly groomed pistes making it one of the world's best-loved winter playgrounds. In summer activities are just as enticing, with everything from hiking and mountain biking to white-water rafting and golf making the most of the celebrated surroundings. One of the best ways to experience the full drama of the region is with a trip on the Peak 2 Peak Gondola and Peak Chair, taking you high above the tree line for sweeping mountain views.

Stay: Aava Hotel Whistler (Superior) / Fairmont Chateau Whistler (Deluxe)

Day 9
Sun Peaks

Continue north via the upper elevations of the Duffey Lake Road. Take in wonderful views of Joffre Glacier and snow-capped Mount Currie as you head for Lillooet, known as the land of the Goldrush Trail to Sun Peaks.

Stay: Sun Peaks Grand Hotel (Superior & Deluxe)

Days 10-11
Jasper

Following the Thompson River, today is a day of spectacular views. And, if the weather is on your side, you might just catch a glimpse of Mount Robson's summit, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. Then, crossing the provincial line, you'll arrive into Alberta and the pretty town of Jasper. Having started life as a tent city, serving the construction of the railway, today this quaint mountain village is a popular spot on the Rockies' well-trodden tourist trail. It's also the jumping-off point for trips into its eponymous national park, with the deep turquoise of Maligne Lake – one of the most photographed in the world – among a catalogue of highlights. A 90-minute cruise is a perfect way to take in the scenery.

Stay: Forest Park Hotel (Superior) / Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge (Deluxe)

Days 12-13
Banff

As you head south to Banff, your route takes you along the Icefields Parkway, the backbone of the Rockies and a seemingly endless procession of mountains, glaciers and emerald lakes. At the Columbia Icefields, take an Ice Explorer trip out onto the glacier before heading on to Lake Louise and Banff. You'll have a full day here to explore and choose between a ride on the Banff Gondola for panoramic valley views, or a cruise on Lake Minnewanka, or a canoe tour or horseback ride.

Stay: Elk & Avenue Hotel (Superior) / Fairmont Banff Springs (Deluxe)

Days 14-15
Calgary/UK

Leave the mountains behind as you make your way to Calgary for your overnight flight to London, arriving on day 17.

Map

Pricing

Any element of this itinerary can be adjusted to suit your needs. Just contact us to find out more.

Accommodation rating: Superior Deluxe

15-day tailor-made self-drive
from £3,205 pp incl. flights

Superior

01 - 10 May / 01 - 10 Oct 2024

from £3,205 pp. incl. flights

11 May - 30 Sep 2024

from £4,090 pp. incl. flights

Valid for travel: May to October

Includes

  • Complimentary UK airport departure lounge access
  • Return scheduled flights from UK to Vancouver and returning from Calgary
  • 13 nights accommodation including provincial taxes
  • Return BC Ferries, toll for vehicle and passengers, between Vancouver and Vancouver Island with reserved sailing time
  • Victoria - choice of excursion - Butchart Gardens Admission or Eat Like a Canadian Food Tour
  • Tofino - choice of excursion - Coastal Bear Watch cruise or Whale watching cruise 
  • Whistler - choice of excursion - Whistler Guided Lunch Tour or Peak 2 Peak Gondola
  • Jasper - choice of excursion - Maligne Lake cruise or Jasper River Float or Jasper Nature Walk
  • Ice Explorer ride onto Athabasca Glacier & Glacier Skywalk
  • Banff - choice of excursion - Banff Gondola or Lake Minnewanka cruise or River Explorer canoe tour or Bow River Horseback Adventure
  • Car hire with personalised self-drive information pack with maps and driving directions

SD39

Terms & Conditions

Prices are per person based on two people sharing a twin/double room; prices are subject to availability and possible change; normal booking conditions apply.

Meet our experts

Speak to a tailor-made specialist on 020 7590 0635

Meet the team

Adjust your itinerary with our recommended extensions

Sea-to-Sky Corridor, Rocky Mountaineer

Rocky Mountaineer - Vancouver to Jasper (via Whistler & Quesnel)

3-day luxury rail journey from £1,250 pp

Starting in Vancouver or Jasper, traverse mountain passes and canyons to see the likes of Mount Robson and Jasper National Park among the glorious Rockies, enjoying gourmet meals and five-star service aboard Rocky Mountaineer.

Why book with Wexas Travel?

At Wexas, we specialise in bespoke travel experiences. Our itineraries are just samples of what we can arrange, and can be changed depending on your precise needs, finances and ideas by our experienced destination specialists.

Contact one of our consultants on 020 7590 0635 to discuss how we can tailor your holiday.

Learn why Wexas is the leader in creating luxury holidays. What is tailor-made travel?

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Every step of the way

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