Canada's Western Discovery
Begins in Vancouver and ends in Calgary

Arrive in Vancouver, pick up your car and proceed to your hotel. The remainder of your evening is at leisure to create your own urban adventure amid the stores, parks, restaurants, theaters, and various other attractions of downtown Vancouver.

You depart Vancouver today and follow the spectacular Sea-to-Sky Highway to the resort of Whistler. En route, you will admire Shannon Falls and explore the dramatic canyons, ravines, and lofty peaks of Garibaldi Provincial Park. Once in Whistler, located at the base of Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains, enjoy a hike along the endless trails and high alpine meadows.

As you follow the Cariboo Highway north, you will visit towns and villages that echo the past, as this route was traveled by gold seekers and traders during the famous Cariboo Gold Rush in the late 1800s. After driving through the region known as Lakes Country, the breathtaking vistas and unspoiled wilderness of Wells Gray Provincial Park beckon. You won’t want to miss a visit to Clearwater’s Yellowhead Museum for a taste of frontier life or to Spahats Creek Park, where the volcanic origins of the area are still in evidence.

Take the day to explore the park’s mineral springs, serene lakes and dormant volcanoes, and definitely do not miss towering Helmcken Falls, located near the entrance to the park and over twice as high as Niagara Falls. Then set out for Jasper, and follow the scenic Yellowhead Highway through the water and lava-shaped valley of North Thompson River. En route, you will enjoy panoramic views of Mount Terry Fox as well as Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies and often shrouded by mist.

Jasper National Park’s serene lakes and gentle meadows stand in stark contrast to its jagged peaks and spectacular glaciers. Take an early morning hike on one of the many trails for a chance to observe bears and deer. The wilderness of the park also offers wonderful opportunities for canoeing, whitewater rafting, and horseback riding. Great sites to visit include Miette Hot Springs, Medicine Lake, and Maligne Canyon.

You’ll proceed along the Icefields Parkway today, meandering through a landscape of peaks and glaciers before pausing to admire the picturesque alpine waters of Peyto Lake and Moraine Lake. The sparkling turquoise colors and the impressive glacier at Lake Louise are not to be missed. Take a moment to stop at the inspiring Columbia Icefield, where you may even be moved to embark on an unforgettable ride by “snowcoach” over the glacier’s surface.

Today, explore the region from the ground. You may begin by walking on the area’s numerous hiking trails. Keep your eyes open, you are bound to encounter a variety of wildlife along the way. Next, consider a thrilling helicopter ride that offers an unforgettable aerial view of the Rocky Mountains (not included). You might also visit the Sundance Range, the Bow and Spray river valleys, Hidden Glacier, and the indomitable peaks of the Three Sisters. Alternatively, travel North to see spectacular Lake Louise.

You will leave the majesty of the Canadian Rockies behind and set your sights east. We suggest a visit to Canada Olympic Park, where the bobsled and luge events of the 1988 Olympic Winter Games were held. Enjoy an evening in Calgary.

Enjoy your remaining time in Calgary before returning your rental car to the airport for your departure flight.