Rockies & Rainforest East Bound Fly Drive

Day 1 - Fly UK Vancouver

On arrival at Vancouver Airport, transfer to your Vancouver hotel.

Day 2 - Vancouver Sightseeing

This morning we have included a 3.5 hour Vancouver City Highlights tour. Prepare to experience the unique history and unfolding splendour as you tour through the modern streets of Vancouver. Drive by the most renowned sights and learn how Vancouver became the city it is today. Situated on the edge of the Pacific Ocean and framed by British Columbia's imposing mountains, it's easy to fall in love with this astonishing city. Drive through historic neighbourhoods such as Gastown, Chinatown, scenic English Bay and the picturesque Vancouver Harbour. Stops in Stanley Park feature Indigenous Peoples' Totem Poles, spectacular views of the mountains and the Lions Gate Bridge. Also includes the opportunity to wander through the charming farmer's market at Granville Island.

Remainder of the afternoon is at your leisure.

Day 3 - Vancouver to Victoria (69 km/43 mi + Ferry)

Leaving Vancouver drive south to Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal for a 90 min Ferry ride (ferry toll included) to Swartz Bay. On-board BC Ferries enjoy the scenery of the Gulf Islands as you cross the Strait of Georgia. From Swartz Bay continue on to the charming city of Victoria.

Day 4 - Victoria Exploring & Whale Watching

Start your day with an exhilarating 3 hour whale watching tour. (please note we can swap this to the Butchart Gardens tour or a foodie tour should you wish) The remainder of your day is free to explore Victoria, with its turn-of-the-century architecture, the stunning Inner Harbour, British traditions such as high tea, and shops full of woollens and china. 

Day 5 - Victoria to Tofino (313 km/195mi)

Travel to the rugged West Coast of Vancouver Island and head to Pacific Rim National Park. En-route stops should be made at Duncan, the ‘City of Totems’, where you may visit the Quw’utsun’ Heritage Village, which will provide you with an insight into the lives of the northwest coast people (admission not included). Make a stop in the artist community of Chemainus, where you can admire the giant murals which adorn the exterior walls throughout the town. Drive through majestic Sutton Pass and the Sawtooth Range of the Cascade Mountains to arrive in Tofinoaround mid afternoon.

Day 6 - Tofino/Ucluelet (Pacific Rim National Park)

You may wish to walk along the famed Long Beach, with its miles of pristine sandy beach and pounding surf, or explore the rain forests on a selection of well groomed trails. Also today enjoy either a whale watch cruise in search of gray whales, humpback whales, sea lions, sea birds and resident bald eagles, or a Bear Viewing cruise in search of black bears who head for the closest food source - the ocean!

Day 7 - Tofino to Parksville (221 km/138 mi)

Depart Tofino for your return journey to the East Coast and the city of Parksville. En-route, picture stops should be made at Cathedral Grove to enjoy the splendour of 800 year old Douglas Fir and Cedar trees, as well as the Mars Water-Bombers at Sproat Lake, the world’s two largest waterbombers used for the sole purpose of putting out forest fires.

Day 8 - Parksville to Whistler (108 km/68 mi + Ferry)

From Departure Bay sail for 1 hr 45 min on BC Ferries (ferry toll included) to Horseshoe Bay. Travel along the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway to Whistler. Highlights along the way include the cascading Shannon Falls and the Stawamus Chief Rock where climbers from all over the globe migrate to climb the granite cliffs.

Day 9 - Whistler Exploring (Peak to Peak Gondola Ride)

This charming alpine resort is nestled between world-renowned Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. Enjoy an extensive range of summer activities from golf, water activities on any of the 5 lakes or numerous rivers, to mountain top dining. This charming alpine resort town is nestled between world-renowned Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. Experience the beauty via the Peak 2 Peak Gondola on Whistler Mountain as you soak in the unbelievable views of Whistler Village, glaciers, lakes, forests and snow-capped peaks. For the adventurous be sure to take the peak express chairlift to the summit and take in the Cloudraker Skybridge and Raven's Eye Cliff Walk.  Summer dates are subject to change due to factors such as weather and snowpack, if gondola is not operating the holiday cost will be adjusted, alternatively we can offer the Sea to Sky gondola ride.

Day 10 - Whistler to Wells Gray Provincial Park (421 km/262 mi)

Travel north today from the mountain village via the upper elevations of the Duffey Lake Road. Enjoy breath-taking views of Joffre Glacier and snow-capped Mount Currie that rises to a height of 2,596 meters (8,518 feet). Continue the journey north to Lillooet, known as the land of the Gold Rush Trail and ‘Mile Zero’ of the Old Caribou Wagon Road during the Gold Rush Years. Now the area is home to the largest Canadian producers of the medicinal plant, Ginseng. Visit the Gold Rush Town of Cache Creek where you could stop to visit the historic Hat Creek Ranch (not included), which literally takes you back to the days of the Gold Rush.

Day 11 - Clearwater/Wells Gray Provincial Park

A full day to enjoy all the wonders Wells Gray has to offer. Hike to thundering Helmcken Falls, explore the park on horseback, try river rafting or canoe the serene waters of Clearwater Lake.

Day 12 - Wells Gray Provincial Park to Jasper (318 km/198 mi)

Set out for Jasper along the scenic Yellowhead Highway and take in the breathtaking vistas of the steep-walled gorges and crashing falls of the North Thompson River. On your journey today, perhaps you will get a glimpse of Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. Leaving British Columbia, you enter Alberta and Jasper National Park. Jasper was originally a tent city serving the railway, and is now a quaint mountain village (breakfast included).

Day 13 - Jasper Exploring

Jasper offers many terrific scenic highlights to explore. Take a tram ride up Whistlers Mountain, or visit Maligne Lake, one of the most photographed lakes in the world, and enjoy a 90-minute cruise heading toward the south end of this postcard setting (admissions not included). This evening we have included our most popular excursion in the Rockies - Discover Jasper & its Wildlife. 

Jasper National Park is well known for its significance as a World Heritage site due to its natural beauty and historical significance. Allow our friendly, local driver/guides to show you some of Jasper's hidden gems and share their knowledge of the history, geology, and ecology of the area.

As you travel through Jasper and the surrounding area in one of our comfortable sightseeing vehicles, not only will you be amazed at some of the beautiful scenery on this journey, you will also learn about the ways the wildlife in the area contribute to the rich diversity of the National Park. Our knowledgeable guides are trained to seek out all of the park's most iconic creatures. Big or small, Jasper National Park provides a great opportunity to view animals in their natural habitat. Have your camera ready to capture some amazing photos of the highlights of this informative and entertaining "Discovery Tour".

The Wildlife Discovery Tour is a driving tour with minimal walking. Maximum group sizes are 28 passengers. Photos of wildlife are usually taken from the inside the vehicle or on the ground at a safe distance from the animals. While the natural habitat around Jasper is conducive to animal sightings, animal viewing is not guaranteed and depends largely on the season, the time of day, and the weather.

Kindly note that the selected route is at the discretion of your driver/guide.

Day 14 - Jasper to Banff (289 km/180 mi)

Your scenic drive along the Icefields Parkway today takes you through the spine of the Canadian Rockies. View a never-ending procession of mammoth mountains, jagged peaks, over 100 glaciers and pristine emerald coloured lakes. Along the way see such sights as the Columbia Icefield and take an Ice Explorer ride out onto the glacier (included). Also watch for the Sarbach Glacier, Peyto Lake, Bow Lake, with the Bow Glacier providing the backdrop, and Crowfoot Glacier before your arrival into Lake Louise. From Lake Louise, choose the Bow Valley Parkway, beside the Bow River, with an option for you to take a stop at Johnston Canyon and walk along the paved footpath to either the lower or upper waterfalls before continuing to Banff.

Day 15 - Banff Exploring (Banff Gondola)

A full day to explore Banff and the surrounding area. In town you’ll find lots of excitement including shopping, cafés, nightlife and museums. Check out the Cave and Basin National Historic Site (not included), Banff Gondola (included) where you will see a panoramic view of the Bow Valley, and why not end your day with a dip in the hot mineral pools at the Upper Hot Springs (not included).

Day 16 - Banff to Calgary (115 km/ 72mi)

Depart the Rocky Mountains at your own leisure to the Great Central Plains that roll to the east for 2000 kilometres and extend as far south as Mexico. This is ‘cattle ranching country’ and the breadbasket of Canada. Your tour concludes with the return of your rental vehicle at Calgary Airport, in time for your return flight to the UK.