The Grand Western Canada Drive

Welcome to Vancouver – a dynamic coastal city where the Pacific Ocean meets towering mountain peaks and a thriving urban culture.

The remainder of the day is at leisure to begin exploring the city at your own pace. Stroll along the iconic seawall through Stanley Park, take in the sweeping views of Burrard Inlet and the North Shore mountains, or wander through the lively neighbourhoods of Gastown and Granville Island, filled with boutiques, galleries, and artisan market stalls. In the evening, enjoy your first taste of British Columbia with a fresh Pacific seafood dinner at one of Vancouver's acclaimed waterfront restaurants.

Self-Drive & Optional Services
As this is a self-drive journey, car rental is tailored to your preferred vehicle category and travel dates and is added to the final package price upon confirmation.

You may also enhance your experience with optional add-on activities and private local guide services available throughout your trip.

Please note: This itinerary is ideal from June to September, when mountain roads and key attractions are fully accessible. Early fall (September–October) is a wonderful alternative, offering vibrant colours, fewer crowds, and the Okanagan harvest season.

Access to national parks (Parks Canada sites) is free from June 19 to September 7, 2026. Outside of this period, an additional entrance fee applies.

Today you leave Vancouver behind and drive east through one of the great landscape transitions in Canada — from the fog-softened Pacific coast, through the sheer walls of the Fraser Canyon, and out into the sun-drenched high desert of the Okanagan Valley.

Winter note: The Coquihalla Pass reaches 1,244 metres. Chains or winter tires are legally required from October 1 to April 30.

Scenic stops en route:

• Hope - Tthe last town before the mountains begin. A 20–30 minute stop; grab coffee before the Coquihalla climb.
• Coquihalla Summit Recreation Area - pull into the Great Bear Snowshed rest area for the most expansive views across the Cascade Mountains on the entire route.

Driving distance: 389 km
Estimated time: approx. 4 hours (excluding scenic stops)

Arrive in Kelowna, the beating heart of BC wine country, to settle into your hotel and enjoy a first evening stroll along the Okanagan Lake boardwalk.

Enjoy a relaxed day in Kelowna, combining the region’s renowned wine culture with the natural beauty of Okanagan Lake. The highlight of the day is a private one-hour cruise on Okanagan Lake, offering a leisurely way to take in the surrounding mountains, vineyards, and waterfront scenery from the water. Sail past local landmarks and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the lake with your private skipper.

For the rest of the day, consider:

• Naramata Bench Wine Country – Join a guided wine tour through this sun-drenched lakeside wine region, home to boutique estates, scenic vineyards, and inviting tasting rooms.
• Kelowna Waterfront – Explore the lakeside parks and beaches, or enjoy a leisurely walk along the waterfront.
• Kelowna Farmers’ and Crafters’ Market – Browse local produce, artisanal products, and regional specialties at this popular community market.

Whether you choose to explore the Okanagan’s wine country, discover Kelowna’s waterfront, or simply relax beside the lake, this day offers a perfect balance of scenery, local flavours, and leisurely exploration.

Leave Kelowna and head east on the Trans-Canada Highway, climbing from the orchard-lined Okanagan into the wilder, wetter Columbia Mountains — a transition from high desert to temperate rainforest that takes place over barely 150 kilometres and never ceases to astonish.

Route tip: Allow time for the Revelstoke Dam viewpoint just north of town — the Columbia River backed by forested peaks is a dramatic introduction to the scale of the interior ranges.

Scenic stops en route:

• Three Valley Gap – a narrow lake squeezed between sheer forested walls west of Revelstoke, where the Trans-Canada clings to the clifftop above brilliant turquoise water. One of the most striking stretches of highway in the interior.
• Mount Revelstoke National Park — Meadows in the Sky Parkway – if the season allows (typically mid-July to mid-October), drive the 26-km summit road to the alpine meadows of Heather Lake, where subalpine wildflowers bloom above the clouds and the view extends across the Selkirk and Monashee ranges in every direction.

Driving distance: 215 km

Estimated time: approx. 2.5 hours (excluding scenic stops)

Settle into Revelstoke for the evening — a town that has quietly become one of the most exciting mountain communities in Canada, with an excellent restaurant scene, craft brewery culture, and the world's highest vertical ski resort just minutes away.

Enjoy a full day exploring Revelstoke and its extraordinary surroundings at your own pace. For those who would like to experience the alpine landscape on foot, the day can be dedicated to a scenic hike in Mount Revelstoke National Park.

Drive the scenic Meadows in the Sky Parkway, winding 26 km up into the alpine zone toward Balsam Lake. Arriving early is recommended, as parking at the summit is limited. Along the way, consider a short detour on the Firetower and Heather Lake Loop, an easy walk passing a historic 1927 fire lookout and a small heather-lined lake. Continue with the Eva Lake Trail, one of the region’s classic hikes, leading through wildflower-filled subalpine meadows to a beautiful alpine lake surrounded by towering peaks. Those looking for a longer hike can extend the route to nearby Miller Lake.

If you prefer to continue exploring by car, consider the following optional enhancements:

• Mount Revelstoke National Park — Meadows in the Sky Parkway (typically mid-July to mid-October) – Drive the 26 km summit road to the alpine meadows of Heather Lake, where subalpine wildflowers bloom above the clouds and views extend across the Selkirk and Monashee ranges.
• Glacier National Park day trip – Drive 70 km east to Rogers Pass Discovery Centre and discover the history of one of North America’s most formidable mountain passes. Hanging glaciers are visible from the highway, while the Illecillewaet Glacier rises above the treeline to the south.
• Revelstoke’s local dining scene and craft breweries – Spend the evening discovering the town’s acclaimed restaurants and craft breweries, which offer a lively culinary experience after a day in the mountains.

In the evening, enjoy a slower pace and unwind at your hotel spa, taking some time to relax and recharge before continuing your journey. Whether you choose an alpine hike, scenic exploration by car, or restorative downtime, Revelstoke offers the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation.

Today's drive is one of the great geological crossings of western Canada — east through Glacier National Park over the storied Rogers Pass, across the Continental Divide, and into the limestone immensity of the Canadian Rockies.

Scenic stops en route:

• Rogers Pass Discovery Centre, Glacier National Park – stop to understand how avalanche control, spiral tunnels, and engineering ingenuity tamed one of the most formidable mountain passes in North America. Hanging glaciers are visible from the highway without leaving your car — look for the Illecillewaet Glacier above the treeline to the south.
• Golden, BC – a natural lunch stop at the confluence of the Columbia and Kicking Horse rivers, with a dramatic view of the Rocky Mountains' western wall rising directly to the east. The town has excellent cafés and bakeries and a small but vibrant outdoor culture.
• Castle Mountain Viewpoint, Bow Valley – as you descend into Alberta, pull over for the first view of Castle Mountain — a vast, flat-topped limestone fortress rising from the valley floor that announces, unmistakeably, that you have arrived in Banff National Park.

Driving distance: 325 km

Estimated time: approx. 3.5 hours (excluding scenic stops)

Welcome to Banff - a resort town in the province of Alberta, located within Banff National Park. The peaks of Mt. Rundle and Mt. Cascade, part of the Rocky Mountains, dominate its skyline. Walk Banff Avenue as the evening light turns the Rockwall amber, and enjoy your first dinner in the most famous mountain town in Canada.

Enjoy a relaxed day discovering the spectacular landscapes around Banff, with a one-hour Lake Minnewanka Cruise as the highlight. Cruise across the crystal-clear waters of Banff’s largest lake, surrounded by rugged mountain peaks and sweeping alpine scenery, while learning about the area’s fascinating history, geology, and wildlife from your knowledgeable captain.

For the rest of the day, consider:

• Johnston Canyon – Follow the scenic paved walkway through a dramatic limestone gorge to a series of beautiful waterfalls. For a more active experience, continue toward the Ink Pots.
• Banff townsite – Wander through the charming streets, browse local shops and galleries, relax in a café, or enjoy the surrounding mountain atmosphere.
• Banff Upper Hot Springs – Unwind in the naturally heated mineral waters while taking in the spectacular mountain views.

Whether you prefer scenic walks, a memorable lake cruise, panoramic mountain views, or a leisurely afternoon in town, this flexible day offers plenty of ways to experience the beauty of Banff at your own pace.

Begin the day with a Banff Gondola ride to the summit of Sulphur Mountain, ascending above Banff for spectacular panoramic views of the Bow Valley and surrounding Canadian Rockies. Take some time to explore the summit boardwalks and enjoy the alpine scenery before setting out toward Jasper.

Then embark on one of the world’s great scenic drives along the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93 North). The route winds for approximately 230 kilometres through the heart of the Canadian Rockies, passing turquoise glacial lakes, dramatic waterfalls, ancient icefields, and towering mountain peaks.

Scenic stops en route:

• Peyto Lake — Bow Summit Lookout – Take the short trail to the viewpoint overlooking the vivid turquoise waters of Peyto Lake, framed by forested slopes and rugged mountain peaks.
• Athabasca Falls – Follow the viewing platforms to where the Athabasca River plunges through a narrow gorge, creating one of the most impressive waterfalls along the Parkway.

Before continuing to Jasper, stop at the Columbia Icefield Skywalk, a spectacular glass-floored observation platform suspended above the Sunwapta Valley.

Driving distance: approx. 288 km
Estimated driving time: approx. 3.5 hours (excluding scenic stops)

Continue your journey along the spectacular Icefields Parkway, with a stop at the Columbia Icefield Skywalk along the way. Walk along the one-kilometre interpretive trail above the Sunwapta Valley, taking in dramatic views of glaciers, waterfalls, rugged mountain landscapes, and the surrounding wilderness. The experience culminates on a glass-floored observation platform suspended 280 metres above the valley floor, offering an exhilarating perspective of the Canadian Rockies.

After the Skywalk, continue north along the Icefields Parkway toward Jasper. As you approach the town, enjoy the changing mountain scenery and peaceful landscapes of Jasper National Park before checking in and settling into your accommodation.

Spend the evening at leisure, perhaps enjoying a relaxed dinner in Jasper after a spectacular day through the heart of the Canadian Rockies.

Today, discover some of the most spectacular landscapes of Jasper National Park, with a scenic Maligne Lake Cruise as the highlight. Cruise across the glacial waters of Maligne Lake toward the iconic Spirit Island, surrounded by towering peaks and pristine wilderness. Along the way, enjoy panoramic views and learn about the fascinating natural environment of this remarkable part of the Canadian Rockies.

For the rest of the day, consider:

• Maligne Canyon – Explore the dramatic limestone gorge carved by rushing water, following scenic trails and bridges with views of waterfalls and striking rock formations.
• Medicine Lake – Visit this fascinating “disappearing” lake, known for its unique underground drainage system and ever-changing appearance.
• Miette Hot Springs – Relax in the naturally heated mineral pools, surrounded by the spectacular mountain scenery of the Fiddle Valley.

Combining a memorable lake cruise with dramatic canyons, mountain scenery, and peaceful alpine landscapes, this day offers a wonderful way to experience the wild beauty of Jasper National Park.

Leave Jasper on the Yellowhead Highway (Hwy 16), crossing back into British Columbia through the broad Robson Valley — where the Rockies give way to the gentler plateaus of the BC Interior and the landscape opens into wide river valleys, ranchland, and ancient stands of Douglas fir.

Scenic stops en route:

• Mount Robson Provincial Park — stop at the visitor centre for the full story of the "Monarch of the Canadian Rockies." On a clear day, photographs from the viewpoint convey the sheer scale of this isolated giant.
• Valemount — a natural lunch stop in a small mountain community at the foot of the Cariboo Mountains.

Driving distance: 317 km

Estimated time: approx. 3.5 hours (excluding scenic stops)

Arrive in Clearwater, a small mountain town in British Columbia surrounded by vast wilderness and dramatic natural landscapes. Nestled at the gateway to Wells Gray Provincial Park, Clearwater is known for its rugged beauty, powerful waterfalls, dense forests, and peaceful atmosphere shaped by rivers and mountains.

After checking in to your lodge or lakeside retreat, take some time to unwind and take in the quiet scenery.

Please note: Clearwater is a small gateway community with limited hotel options. We have selected the best available property in the area, offering comfortable rooms, included breakfast, and a convenient base for Wells Gray Provincial Park.

Leave Clearwater and head south along Highway 5, following the Thompson River through a canyon of ochre bluffs and open ranchland — one of the most dramatically different landscapes on the entire journey after the preceding days of rainforest and mountain wilderness.

Scenic stops en route:

• Spahats Creek Provincial Park - Just south of Clearwater, a short walk from the car park leads to Spahats Falls, where water plunges 122 m into a dramatic basalt canyon — allow 20–30 minutes to take it all in.
• North Thompson River canyon - south of Clearwater, Highway 5 (British Columbia) follows the North Thompson River through a striking transition from dense forest to open ponderosa pine benchlands and dry grasslands. Watch for osprey, bald eagles, herons, and mule deer along the river.

Driving distance: 125 km

Estimated time: approx. 1.5 hours (excluding scenic stops)

Arrive in Kamloops by midday, leaving a full afternoon to explore BC's third-largest city at the confluence of the North and South Thompson rivers.

For those wishing to enhance their day, consider:

• Explore Kamloops' vibrant food scene, which makes the most of the Interior's ranching, orchard, and wine heritage — the city has quietly become one of BC's best dining stops.
• Visit the BC Wildlife Park on the eastern edge of the city — home to over 65 species of Canadian wildlife including grizzly bears, cougars, and bald eagles.
• Walk the Overlander Trail along the South Thompson River for easy riverside scenery and wide valley views.
• The Kamloops area sits within the southern edge of BC wine country — several Thompson Valley wineries offer tastings within a short drive of the city centre.

An early dinner is recommended — tomorrow's drive includes the Sea to Sky corridor and an early departure makes the most of the mountain light.

Please note: Kamloops is a one-night stop designed to comfortably break the Clearwater–Whistler journey.

Today's drive is the scenic finale of the journey - drive across the arid Thompson Plateau, then south on the Sea to Sky Highway along Howe Sound, with its fjord of granite cliffs, waterfalls, and jade-green water beneath snow-capped peaks.

Scenic stops en route:

• Lillooet — a natural lunch stop in a dramatic river canyon town, surrounded by desert-like benchlands. One of the warmest, driest towns in Canada.
• Joffre Lakes Provincial Park (just south of Pemberton) — three turquoise glacial lakes stacked on a short trail, increasingly popular but worth the stop if crowds allow.

Driving distance: 300 km
Estimated time: approx. 4 hours (excluding scenic stops)

Arrive in Whistler as the peaks catch the last light of day. Check in, settle into your hotel, and unwind before enjoying dinner at one of the many acclaimed restaurants lining the cobblestone promenade.

Enjoy a full day exploring the spectacular alpine landscapes of Whistler Blackcomb, with a PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola ride as the highlight. Travel between Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains high above the valley, taking in breathtaking panoramic views of rugged peaks, alpine forests, glaciers, and surrounding valleys. The journey offers a unique perspective of the vast Coast Mountain landscape and is one of Whistler’s signature experiences.

For the rest of the day, consider:

• High Note Trail – Follow this spectacular high-alpine trail through meadows and rugged mountain terrain, with sweeping views over Cheakamus Lake and the surrounding peaks. In late summer, the slopes are often covered in colourful wildflowers.
• Whistler Mountain – Explore the scenic trails and viewpoints around the upper mountain, or simply relax and enjoy the alpine atmosphere.
• Whistler Village – Return to the village for a leisurely afternoon, browsing local shops, relaxing in a café, or enjoying dinner as the surrounding peaks catch the evening light.

Whether you choose to explore the alpine trails, enjoy the panoramic views from the gondolas, or simply soak up the atmosphere of Whistler Village, today offers a perfect opportunity to experience the mountains at your own pace.

From Peaks to Pacific

Leave Whistler and follow Highway 99 south, descending from the alpine plateau into a world of dense old-growth forest and granite walls streaked with snowmelt.

Scenic stops en route:

• Brandywine Falls Provincial Park – A 70-metre waterfall drops into a forested canyon, reached by a short, worthwhile walk.
• Squamish & Stawamus Chief – A sheer 700-metre granite monolith dominates the view; a quick stop reveals climbers scaling its vast face.
• Shannon Falls – 335 metres of cascading water just steps from the car park, with mist drifting across the trail.
• Horseshoe Bay – A small ferry village on Howe Sound — a calm waterfront pause before the city.

Continue along Highway 1 through West Vancouver and cross the Lions Gate Bridge, with mountain views to the north and Stanley Park below — a fitting finale to the journey.

Driving distance: 125 km
Estimated time: approx. 1.5 hours (excluding scenic stops)

Upon arrival at the airport, return your rental car and prepare for departure. As your plane lifts off, take in sweeping views of Vancouver’s skyline, the sparkling coastline, lush forests, and distant mountains. Safe travels and lasting memories!