TOUR
Banff
Canada is made for exploring with so many places to visit and so many attractions to take in . Over the next few pages , we ’ ve highlighted just a handful of our favourite self-drive holidays , all of which are available to tour by car or motorhome . Don ’ t forget you can also travel some segments by rail , with air travel another possibility . We also have many more touring options available throughout Canada .
WESTERN CANADA ROCKY MOUNTAIN EXPERIENCE self-drive tour
Day 1 Fly to Vancouver with Air Canada : On arrival collect your hire car and proceed to your hotel . Day 2 Vancouver : Enjoy a guided city tour featuring Canada Place , Robson Street , Chinatown and Gastown , plus Capilano Suspension Bridge for spectacular views . Return to downtown Vancouver and the rest of the day is free . Day 3 Vancouver / Whistler : Travel the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway which traverses five distinct climatic zones and crosses the historic Pemberton and Gold Rush Trails , used by 18th century prospectors . Drive on via small towns such as Squamish before reaching Whistler Village ( 77 miles ). Day 4 Whistler : At leisure to discover Whistler ’ s charms , including woodland trails , biking and hiking trails . Day 5 Whistler / Sun Peaks : Weave through the mountains and by Lillooet Lake driving between the towering Fraser Canyon walls . Following the South Thompson River area , you ’ ll enter a land of vast cattle herds and cowboys on horseback ( 220 miles ). Day 6 Sun Peaks : At leisure in this year-round outdoor playground . Biking and hiking trails surround the town , or perhaps hire a canoe or kayak for a serene paddle . Day 7 Sun Peaks / Clearwater : Drive the Yellowhead Highway , which spans four provinces from Saskatchewan to British Columbia . Follow the Thompson River through cowboy country and into the gorges of the North Thompson River before opening up into Clearwater Lake . Beyond the town , pristine Wells Gray Provincial Park features wildlife , hiking and Helmcken Falls ( 84 miles ). Day 8 Clearwater / Jasper : Continue to follow the Yellowhead Highway down the eastern face of the Rockies into the fertile valleys of the Jasper region . The mountains part to reveal the glacier-fed lakes perched above Jasper National Park ’ s green valleys ( 197 miles ). Day 9 Jasper / Banff : Travel along the spectacular Icefields Parkway and past beautiful Lake Louise . Continue to Banff , a perfect mountain village ( 177 miles ). Day 10 Banff : At leisure . Perhaps take a gondola ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain , try river rafting on Bow Lake or take a boat tour of Lake Minnewanka .
Day 11 Banff / Waterton Lakes National Park : Drive southwest through Calgary , then near historic Fort Macleod , one of the first operational posts of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police . Approaching the US border , the protected Waterton Lakes National Park dominates the horizon with its stark captivating beauty ( 248 miles ). Day 12 Waterton Lakes National Park : Explore this stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site . Many marked scenic drives offer access to the park interior with its alpine lakes and old growth forests , without long overland hikes . Day 13 Waterton Lakes National Park / Rossland : Drive west through the mountain village of Fernie , known for its superb skiing . Cross back into British Columbia and through Cranbrook , before driving west across the rugged Rocky Mountains interior . Later , reach Rossland ( 316 miles ). Day 14 Rossland / Osoyoos : Embark on the Crowsnest Highway as it cuts through the Monashee Mountains . Driving into the Osoyoos region , you may glimpse some of the region ’ s flourishing vineyards ( 162 miles ). Day 15 Osoyoos : At leisure . Perhaps stroll the beaches beside Osoyoos Lake or visit Haynes Point Provincial Park . Day 16 Osoyoos / Vancouver : Drive the northern edge of North Cascades National Park where the terrain quickly becomes more mountainous . Pass through towns like Merritt , Hope and Chilliwack before descending into Vancouver . Day 17 Vancouver : Return your car at the airport where your tour concludes .
Whistler Inukshuk
Vancouver Whistler Sun Peaks
Clearwater Jasper
Banff
Waterton Lakes National Park
Rossland Osoyoos Vancouver
16 NIGHTS from £ 3299
Includes return international flights with Air Canada , 3H hotels throughout , 17 days compact car hire , Vancouver city tour on day 2 and a personalised roadbook .
Helmcken Falls
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PREMIER HOLIDAYS can tailor-make your Canadian experience , visit your travel agent or www . premierholidays . co . uk