Banff Holidays
Sample itineraries
Canada - Mountain Country
From £1925
A classic route, featuring breathtaking scenery in the provinces of British Columbia and Alberta. From Vancouver, travel east through the Okanagan Valley and Glacier National Park to the world-renowned resort regions of Banff and Jasper. Via Mount Robson, Wells Gray Provincial Park and the Cariboo Region, head north to the Pacific Coast and sail the spectacular Inside Passage on B.C. Ferries to Vancouver Island. Ahead lies charming Victoria and then a return ferry ride to Vancouver
Highlights:
- National Parks
- Wildlife
- Scenic Drives
- Amazing Lakes
- Inside Passage Ferry
- Canadian Wilderness
- Whale Watching
- Vancouver
-
Victoria
Price per person includes:
- Return flights to Vancouver, British Columbia
- Airport taxes
- Mid-size car hire for the duration
-
19 nights hotel accommodationin sought after locations
- Ferry from Prince Rupert to Port Hardy
- Ferry from Swartz Bay to Tsawwassen
- A personalised road book which is a complete guide to travelling within North America and provides bespoke driving instructions for your holiday
Prices are based on off-season travel. Please call or email for costs for your preferred date of travel.
Day 1 Arrive Vancouver
Arrive Vancouver International Airport and transfer independently to your downtown hotel. Pick up our Canada Roadbook at the front desk as you check in. Remainder of the day is at leisure. Overnight in Vancouver
Day 2 Vancouver
You will have the entire day to tour Vancouver and the surrounding area. Some suggestions: the MacMillan Planetarium, Chinatown, Gastown, Granville Island, Capilano Suspension Bridge, Grouse Mountain and Stanley Park. Overnight in Vancouver.
Activity
COASTAL RAINFOREST ADVENTURE ( at additional cost )
The Pacific salmon begin their journey to the inlands of the Pacific Coastal Rainforest hundreds of miles out to sea, braving predators, powerful currents and tiered ladders to arrive at the glades of this pristine area of the British Columbia coast. Luckily, with the Rainforest Adventure Tour, your travels won’t be so arduous. An experienced guide will lead you from the doorstep of your hotel to the natural cathedrals, pillared by 500-year-old trees and translucent canopies hundreds of feet above you. Marvel at the dizzying heights of the Capilano Canyon.
Day 3 Harrison Hot Springs
Distance: 83 miles
Leaving the coast today, you will traverse a great maritime plain and at the end of today's journey, arrive at the well-known vacation resort of Harrison Hot Springs. Picturesquely situated at the foot of the 70 km long Harrison Lake and flanked by mountains, you can enjoy walking on the beach or exploring the two hot mineral springs for which the town is famous. Be sure to keep an eye out overhead for potential eagle sightings. En route, we suggest a visit to Minter Gardens. Overnight in Harrison Hot Springs.
Day 4 Penticton
Distance: 193 miles
Enjoy the scenic drive to Penticton via the dense forests of Manning Provincial Park and approach your destination from the south. In the park, you can take a walk on the remnants of the Dewdney Trail or the Rhododendron Flats. The town of Penticton lies at the lower end of Okanagan Lake and the lush orchards and vineyards of the Okanagan Valley. The region is also renowned for its beaches and hot, dry climate. Overnight in Penticton.
Day 5 Revelstoke
Distance: 173 miles
Morning at leisure to enjoy the Okanagan Valley. Drive past spectacular waterfalls, towering peaks and beautiful lakes en route to the Revelstoke area. Overnight in Revelstoke.
Day 6 Banff
Distance: 186 miles
Drive through Glacier National Park and Rogers Pass en route to the bustling
resort town of Banff. We suggest a visit to Lake Louise. Overnight in Banff
Day 7 Banff
Entire day to tour Banff and the surrounding area. We suggest a visit to
Banff Natural History Museum. You may also try river rafting or take a boat tour
on Lake Minnewanka. Overnight in Banff
Activity
KANANASKIS RIVER WHITEWATER FUN (RAFTING) ( at
additional cost )
This exciting whitewater paddle raft excursion
on the Kananaskis River is a wonderful introduction to rafting, and fun for the
whole family. The Canadian Rockies provide a dramatic backdrop as a professional
river guide helps you navigate through wonderful mountain scenery and the
natural history of the area. Rated as Grade 2-3 level whitewater. River gear,
change tents, and beverages are provided
Day 8 Jasper, Alberta
Distance: 190 miles
Drive to Jasper via the spectacular Icefields Parkway. We suggest a stop at Peyto Lake en route. Take an Ice Explorer ride on the Columbia Icefield. Overnight in Jasper.
Day 9 Jasper
You will have the full day to relax and tour Jasper and surrounding area. We suggest a Maligne Lake boat cruise, a visit to the Miette Hot Springs or a ride on the Jasper Tramway. Overnight in Jasper.
Activity
MIETTE HOT SPRINGS & WILDLIFE TOUR ( at additional cost )
Take a guided wildlife viewing and historical Hot Springs tour in Jasper National Park. Set out for a discovery of the park’s various wildlife and railroad history. Then make your way to the Miette Hot Springs and enjoy a rejuvenating soak in the Hot Springs pool (admittance fee is included). This tour includes transportation from Jasper.
Day 10 Clearwater
Distance: 230 miles
Drive the scenic Yellowhead Highway to Wells Gray Park. We suggest a stop at Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Rockies. Overnight in Clearwater.
Day 11 Clearwater
Many activities are available in Wells Gray Park including hiking, canoeing, horseback riding or river rafting. Overnight in Clearwater.
Day 12 100 Mile House
Distance: 99 miles
From the park, it is a short drive into the dramatic cattle ranching country of the Cariboo Region. 100 Mile House was born in the 19th century during the days of the Cariboo Gold Rush, when a roadhouse was built here to service gold seekers heading into the goldfields. They travelled along the Cariboo Wagon Road, beginning in Lillooet and frequently stopped at the roadhouse that became known as 100 Mile House. Overnight in 100 Mile House.
Day 13 Prince George
Distance: 216 miles
We suggest a visit to Barkerville, a restored pioneer settlement from the Gold Rush era. Overnight in Prince George.
Day 14 Smithers
Distance: 250 miles
Travel the rugged wilderness terrain of the interior mountain ranges. This is also a region with cultural and historical ties to many native bands. Overnight in Smithers.
Day 15 Prince Rupert
Distance: 233 miles
Follow the scenic Skeena River Valley to the active port city of Prince Rupert. In Hazelton, you may want to visit Ksan Native Village and its tribal houses, museum, carving shed and totem poles of the Gitksan First Nation. Situated on Kaien Island, Prince Rupert 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. Overnight in Prince Rupert.
Day 16 Port Hardy
Distance: 25 miles
Enjoy a full day ocean cruise on board B.C. Ferries along the British Columbia coastline. The famous Inside Passage cruise comes to an end in Port Hardy. Overnight in Port Hardy.
Day cabins may be requested, subject to availability.
Day 17 Campbell River
Distance: 176 miles
Travel the eastern shore of Vancouver Island to Campbell River, a focal point for sport salmon fishing. Overnight in Campbell River.
Day 18 Victoria
Distance: 176 miles
Continue along the coast, past Nanaimo and Chemainus, and enjoy the scenic Malahat Drive. Overnight in Victoria.
Day 19 Victoria
Today, explore this elegant capital city. We suggest a visit to Beacon Hill Park and the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria. Drop in for afternoon tea at the Fairmont Empress Hotel or visit the famous Butchart Gardens. Overnight in Victoria.
Activity
VICTORIA WHALEWATCHING ( at additional cost )
This coastal excursion is an exhilarating round trip of 50 to 80 kilometres in search of orcas, minke whales, grey whales, porpoises, harbour seals and other marine wildlife. You will ride aboard a 14 metre ocean cruiser or a custom-built Zodiac boat that offers high speed with extraordinary stability giving you an exhilarating, safe and intimate whalewatching experience. Comments by a certified marine biologist and naturalist are provided.
Day 20 Vancouver
Distance: 55 miles
Traverse the charming Saanich Peninsula before enjoying a mini-cruise on B.C.
Ferries back to Vancouver through the Strait of Georgia. Check in at Vancouver
International Airport for your departure flight.
Please note that our holidays are flexible, if you want to make changes to this suggested itinerary please do call Bon Voyage who will be only too happy to discuss the options available to you.
