North America

Day 1 : Vancouver

Arrive in Vancouver late afternoon and enjoy a relaxing evening in one of Canada's most picturesque cities.

Days 2 - 3 : Victoria - Vancouver Island

Distance: 40 miles

Pick up your car and then take a short and scenic ferry ride through the Strait of Georgia, past the San Juan Islands to Vancouver Island.

At 280 miles long, Vancouver Island is the largest Pacific island east of New Zealand. Your two-night base is at the southern tip of the island in the charming town of Victoria. Home to the world famous the Butchart Gardens, endless cosy tea rooms and a history dating back to the 1840s.  This is also a great opportunity for an exhilarating whale watching tour.  Fingers crossed, you'll spot grey whales, orcas and minke.

Days 4 : Parksville/Qualicum Beach area - Vancouver Island

Distance: 92 miles

Follow the scenic coast to an area known as 'The Sandcastle Capital of Canada'. Take a stroll on the wide sandy beaches, watch the daily catch being brought into the harbour or enjoy the thriving arts scene.  In the evening, dine on seafood with million dollar views over the Strait of Georgia. 

Days 5 - 6 : Whistler

Distance: 86 miles

It's another short and relaxing ferry ride today from Parksville to Horseshoe Bay at the start of the incredible 'Sea to Sky Corridor'. Along this highway you'll encounter dramatic vistas and soaring mountains before you arrive into the pretty town of Whistler, located in the Coast Mountains of British Columbia.

Spend your time enjoying countless outdoor activities such as hiking, sailing or golfing. Alternatively, escape to the peaceful surroundings of Whistler's wetlands where you can enjoy breathtaking mountain scenery.  

For 360 degree views of Whistler Village, jump on the Peak 2 Peak Gondola.  From the glass bottom you can gaze down over glaciers, lakes and forests. Three hour bear viewing tours are also available from Whistler and Bon Voyage will discuss and pre-book these and other must-do Whistler attractions for you.  

Day 7 : 100 Mile House/Lac La Hache area

Distance: 155 miles

Enjoy a scenic drive north along the Cariboo Highway, past Garibaldi Provincial Park and Duffey Lake to 100 Mile House. Founded during the days of the Cariboo Gold Rush, this area is now known for cattle ranching and leisure pursuits. 

Days 8 - 9 : Jasper National Park

Distance: 282 miles

It's scenery galore today as you skirt Wells Gray Provincial Park and travel along the Thompson River to Jasper National Park. You'll see snow-capped Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Rockies, looming in the distance.  You'll cross the continental divide between British Columbia and Alberta as you cruise into the park via the scenic Yellowhead Pass.

Once in the park you may want to consider a ride on the Jasper Tramway or a relaxing soak in Miette Hot Springs. If you're feeling more adventurous, the Athabasca River offers exciting whitewater rafting excursions. For a more gentle option do a boat cruise to Spirit Island on Maligne Lake, the second-largest glacier fed lake in the world.  

Days 10 - 12 : Banff National Park

Distance: 155 miles

Drive to Banff today via the spectacular Icefields Parkway.  Be sure to venture onto the ice of the Athabasca Glacier in one of the mammoth Ice Explorer buses, and stop for a picnic lunch at Peyto Lake

Once in Banff, you have three days to explore Canada's oldest park.  We'd recommend a trip to Bow Falls and a ride on the Sulphur Mountain Gondola.  Nearby Lake Minnewanka is a delightful place to enjoy a relaxing boat trip in sensational scenery.  Lake Louise is only a 40 minute drive away, but plan on an early morning visit as 'Canada's Diamond in the Wilderness' does get busy.  

Day 13 : Revelstoke

Distance: 177 miles

Take in the awe-inspiring scenery of Yoho and Glacier National Park en route to your overnight stop in the historic mountain town of Revelstoke.

If you fancy a bit more driving then it will be worth heading for Revelstoke National Park and the Meadows In The Sky Parkway. This route rises from a elevation of 470 metres to 1835 as you transcend into a world of spruce, cedar and sub-alpine wildflower meadows. 

Days 14 - 15 : Okanagan Valley

Distance: 161 miles

Journey next into the heart of Canada's wine country - the beautiful Okanagan Valley - known for its hot, dry climate.  Tour a family-run boutique winery or relax on one of the 30 lake beaches this region is renowned for.

Days 16 - 17 : Vancouver

Distance: 265 miles

Travel via Manning State Provincial Park through the Coast Mountains before you arrive back in cosmopolitan Vancouver. You'll have more time here to discover the shimmering skyscrapers, diverse neighbourhoods and world-class museums. Be sure to take a stroll along the cobbled streets of historic Gastown, visit Stanley Park or mooch the chic boutiques on Robson Street. After spending time in this vibrant city you'll soon understand why Vancouver is consistently voted the best place to live in Canada.

Please note: If you are taking the motorhome option on this holiday your journey back to Vancouver will include a night in either Chilliwack or Fort Langley. Please call Bon Voyage for further details. 

 

Day 18 : Vancouver

Depart Vancouver on an early afternoon flight back to the UK. However, your stay doesn't have to end here and you may decide to extend your time. Perhaps you want to travel to Niagara Falls and include a city stop at New York before heading home.

Call the USA and Canada experts at Bon Voyage to discuss your perfect Great Parks and Lakes of Western Canada adventure.