Canadian Mountain Express Fly Drive
Calgary • Banff • Jasper • Sun Peaks • Vancouver
Calgary • Banff • Jasper • Sun Peaks • Vancouver
This self drive holiday to Canada takes you through Calgary, Banff, Jasper, the Canadian Rockies, Jasper National Park, along the Yellowhead Highway by Mount Robson National Park and into the BC interior. The journey then continues west via the imposing Fraser Canyon, before reaching the beautiful coastal city of Vancouver, where you will conclude your stay.
You’ll begin your holiday to Canada in Calgary before jumping in the car and setting your sights towards the magnificent Rocky Mountains. You’ll drive into Banff, a bustling town at the foot of the Rockies. The next day you’ll have a full day to spend exploring the stunning surroundings of Banff National Park before then driving to Jasper via the spectacular Icefields Parkway, said to be one of the most scenic routes in all the world. We highly recommend visiting Jasper National Park and Lake Louise to take in the breathtaking scenery of these areas.
Your holiday to Canada then continues into British Columbia along the Yellowhead Highway, past Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Rockies and into Sun Peaks, a stunning mountain resort town. Travelling on past Kamloops you’ll enter between the towering rock walls of the Fraser Canyon, you’ll be amazed at the whitewater rapids of the Fraser River gushing far below. Your last stop on this self drive holiday will be in vibrant city of Vancouver. Take the time to spend a day exploring this beautiful city. We’ve included a Vancouver Hop on Hop Off Trolley Tour that includes admission to the Vancouver Lookout, which offer 360 views over the city.
Arrive at Calgary’s International Airport and transfer independently to your centrally-located hotel. Pick-up your Canada Roadbook at the front desk as you check-in. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to create your own urban adventure in the Stampede City and form your first impressions of Western Canada.
Overnight in Calgary.
Leaving Calgary behind, you will set your sights today on the magnificent Rocky Mountains. Feel the majesty of these mountains as you first travel through the foothills and then enter Banff National Park where the craggy peaks loom larger the closer you get. After you have arrived in the bustling town of Banff, the remainder of the day is free to explore its charms.
Overnight in Banff.
The entire day is free to tour Banff and the surrounding area. We suggest a visit to the Luxton Museum, a gondola ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain or a stroll through town admiring the many shops. You may also try river rafting on the Bow River or take a boat tour on beautiful Lake Minnewanka.
Overnight in Banff.
Drive to Jasper via the spectacular Icefields Parkway, said to be one of the most scenic routes in all the world. We suggest stops at Lake Louise and Peyto Lake en route. A visit to Maligne Canyon in Jasper National Park should also not be missed. Return to the road for the final stretch to the resort town of Jasper.
Overnight in Jasper.
The Yellowhead Highway will take you on a route first explored by trappers and traders. You will see Mount Terry Fox as well as Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Rockies. If time permits, we suggest exploring Wells Gray Provincial Park, a nature reserve priding itself on the untamed and pristine state of its wilderness. Continue to Sun Peaks, a year-round resort catering to families as well as sports enthusiasts.
Overnight in Sun Peaks.
Driving past Kamloops, you’ll traverse the stunning, sagebrush-covered ranch lands along the South Thompson River. This is still the land of vast herds of cattle and cowboys on horseback. Entering between the towering rock walls of the Fraser Canyon, you’ll be amazed at the whitewater rapids of the Fraser River gushing far below. Over 750,000 litres of water surge through the 34-metre Hell’s Gate gorge every minute and a gondola ride over this part of the canyon is sure to impress. Further downstream, the lush Fraser Valley opens up into the maritime basin characteristic of the Lower Mainland region of British Columbia as you approach Vancouver, Canada’s
Gateway to the Pacific.
Overnight in Vancouver.
Full day in Vancouver and the surrounding area. Climb aboard a San Francisco-style trolley for a fully-commented Vancouver city tour. Sightsee at your own pace as you hop-on and hop-off for any length of time at many premier attractions, parks, gardens, galleries and restaurants.
Overnight in Vancouver.
Drive to Vancouver International Airport where you return your rental car and check in for your departure flight.