Canadian Rockies Self Drive Itineraries

Calgary YYC International Airport

5 Day Itinerary - Calgary, Banff, Lake Louise, Golden

7 Day Itinerary - Calgary, Banff, Lake Louise, Golden, Field, Jasper

10 Day Itinerary - Calgary, Banff, Lake Louise, Golden, Jasper, Field

Vancouver YVR International Airport

Vancouver to Calgary - 7 Day Itinerary

Calgary to Vancouver - 7 Day Itinerary

Vancouver Circle Tour - 14 Day Itinerary

 

5 DAY CANADIAN ROCKIES SELF DRIVE ITINERARY

 

DAY 1 - Calgary AB to Banff AB - Arrive Calgary, drive to Banff. A scenic drive that takes you in the matter of an hour and a half from Prairie Grassland, to Foothills, to the Majestic Rocky Mountains.   Depending on the time of day, head to the Banff Information Centre on Banff Ave for hiking information. Banff National Park is world-renowned for hiking. Hikes for all levels and time constraints. Alternatively, head up the Banff Gondola on iconic Sulphur Mountain followed by dinner at a wide array of dining options in downtown Banff.  Overnight in Banff.

DAY 2 - Banff AB - Visit the Banff Information Center on Banff Ave for information on the wide range of activities available in the Banff Area. Learn about the history of Canada's first National Park, shop for souvenirs, enjoy the scenery or take on a biking tour of the area. Overnight in Banff.

DAY 3 - Banff AB to Lake Louise AB - Breakfast in Banff, stroll down Banff Avenue and drive to Lake Louise. Arrive Lake Louise and drive to Emerald Lake. Park at Emerald Lake Parking lot and a short walk to the lake will reveal an excellent photo opportunity.  From Emerald Lake, it is only a 15 minute drive to the famed and historic Lake Louise. Choose to have high tea at Chateau Lake Louise, or simply browse the shops for a souvenir.  Alternatively, opt for a moderate walk around the Lake to the Lake Agnes Teahouse.  Overnight in Lake Louise

DAY  4 - Lake Louise AB to Golden BC - A one hour early morning drive  from Lake Louise to Golden through Banff and Yoho National Parks. This is an excellent opportunity for early morning wildlife viewing along the Kicking Horse Valley Corridor. Arrive at Alpine Rafting for Whitewater Rafting on the Kicking Horse River. No trip to the Canadian Rockies is complete without a 3,5, or 7 hour whitewater rafting tour. No experience is required and the river boasts Western Canada's Biggest Whitewater Thrills. Optional overnight in Golden.

DAY 5 - Calgary AB - Return to Calgary, AB.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7 DAY CANADIAN ROCKIES SELF DRIVE ITINERARY

 

DAY 1 - Calgary AB to Banff AB - Arrive Calgary, drive to Banff. A scenic drive that takes you in the matter of an hour and a half from Prairie Grassland, to Foothills, to the Majestic Rocky Mountains.   Depending on the time of day, head to the Banff Information Centre on Banff Ave for hiking information. Banff National Park is world-renowned for hiking. Hikes for all levels and time constraints. Alternatively, head up the Banff Gondola on iconic Sulphur Mountain followed by dinner at a wide array of dining options in downtown Banff.  Overnight in Banff.

DAY 2 - Banff AB - Visit the Banff Information Center on Banff Ave for information on the wide range of activities available in the Banff Area. Learn about the history of Canada's first National Park, shop for souvenirs, enjoy the scenery or take on a biking tour of the area. Overnight in Banff.

DAY 3 - Banff AB to Lake Louise AB - Breakfast in Banff, stroll down Banff Avenue and drive to Lake Louise. Arrive Lake Louise and drive to Emerald Lake. Park at Emerald Lake Parking lot and a short walk to the lake will reveal an excellent photo opportunity.  From Emerald Lake, it is only a 15 minute drive to the famed and Historic Lake Louise. Choose to have high tea at Chateau Lake Louise or simply browse the shops for a souvenir.  Alternatively, opt for a moderate walk around the Lake to the Lake Agnes Teahouse.  Overnight in Lake Louise.

DAY 4 - Lake Louise AB to Golden BC - Start the day off right with a hearty mountain breakfast from Laggan's Mountain Bakery in downtown Lake Louise and some souvenir shopping. A forty five minute early drive through Banff and Yoho National Parks will bring you to the town of Field, BC. Field is located in Yoho National Park and the starting point for many sightseeing adventures. Visit Takkakkaw Falls, the Canadian Rockies Highest Waterfall and the natural bridge on your way to Emerald Lake Lodge

Day 5 - Golden BC - Whitewater Rafting, No trip to the Canadian Rockies is complete without a 3,5, or 7 hour whitewater rafting tour with Alpine Rafting on the Kicking Horse River. No experience is required and the river boasts Western Canada's Biggest Whitewater Thrills. When rafting is done, head to Field, BC for a good night's sleep at Emerald Lake Lodge. This evening, enjoy Rocky Mountain stargazing at its finest from your private deck.

Day 6 - Field BC to Jasper AB - Wake up in Field, BC and head  to the Icefields Parkway  and travel to Jasper, Along the way, don't forget to check out Peyto Lake, Bow Summit, the Columbia Icefields, and Sunwapta Falls. Optionally you may wish to participate in the Icewalk where you are shuttled onto the Athabasca Glacier. Overnight in Jasper, AB.

Day 7 - Jasper AB  to Calgary AB - Enjoy a sleep-in and breakfast in Jasper and one last poke around for souvenirs,  followed by a drive back to Calgary, AB.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10 DAY CANADIAN ROCKIES SELF DRIVE ITINERARY

DAY 1 - Calgary AB to Banff AB - Arrive Calgary, drive to Banff. A scenic drive that takes you in the matter of an hour and a half from Prairie Grassland, to Foothills, to the Majestic Rocky Mountains.   Depending on the time of day, head to the Banff Information Centre on Banff Ave for hiking information. Banff National Park is world-renowned for hiking. Hikes for all levels and time constraints. Alternatively, head up the Banff Gondola on iconic Sulphur Mountain followed by dinner at a wide array of dining options in downtown Banff.

DAY 2 - Banff AB - Visit the Banff Information Center on Banff Ave for information on the wide range of activities available in the Banff Area. Learn about the history of Canada's first National Park, shop for souvenirs, enjoy the scenery or take on a biking tour of the area. Overnight in Banff.

DAY 3 - Banff AB to Lake Louise AB - Breakfast in Banff, stroll down Banff Avenue and drive to Lake Louise. Arrive Lake Louise and drive to Emerald Lake. Park at Emerald Lake Parking lot and a short walk to the lake will reveal an excellent photo opportunity.  From Emerald Lake, it is only a 15 minute drive to the famed and Historic Lake Louise. Choose to have high tea at Chateau Lake Louise or simply browse the shops for a souvenir.  Alternatively, opt for a moderate walk around the Lake to the Lake Agnes Teahouse.  Overnight in Lake Louise.

DAY 4 - Lake Louise AB - You'll soon learn why Lake Louise is the most photographed area in the Canadian Rockies. Select a hike that suits your abilities. We suggest a classic hike such as Sentinel Pass.

DAY 5 - Lake Louise AB to Golden BC - Start the day off right with a hearty mountain breakfast from Laggan's Mountain Bakery in downtown Lake Louise and some souvenir shopping. A forty five minute early drive through Banff and Yoho National Parks will bring you to the town of Field, BC. Field is located in Yoho National Park and the starting point for many sightseeing adventures. Visit Takkakkaw Falls, the Canadian Rockies Highest Waterfall and the natural bridge on your way to Emerald Lake Lodge

DAY 6 - Golden BC - Whitewater Rafting, No trip to the Canadian Rockies is complete without a 3,5, or 7 hour whitewater rafting tour with Alpine Rafting on the Kicking Horse River. No experience is required and the river boasts Western Canada's Biggest Whitewater Thrills. When rafting is done, head to Field, BC for a good night's sleep at Emerald Lake Lodge. This evening, enjoy Rocky Mountain stargazing at its finest from your private deck.

DAY 7 - Field BC to Jasper AB - Wake up in Field, BC and head to the Icefields Parkway and travel to Jasper AB. Today you will travel though northern Banff National Park and into Jasper National Park Sunwapta Falls along a well maintained road. Don't forget to check out Peyto Lake, Bow Summit, the Columbia Icefields, and optionally you may wish to participate in the Icewalk where you are shuttled onto the Athabasca Glacier. Overnight in Jasper, AB.

DAY 8 - Jasper AB - Spend the day in Jasper and enjoy one of the many hikes in the area. Following your hike, take a soak in Miette Hot Springs.

DAY 9 - Jasper AB to Field BC - Following breakfast in Jasper enjoy a  three and a half hour drive on the Icefields Parkway heading south to Field, BC in Yoho National Park. Stay at one of the many local B & B's in Field, and have a late lunch at Truffle Pigs Cafe, a local hotspot.  After lunch, head to Wapta Falls, for a short, easy hike to beautiful Wapta Falls. Overnight in Field, BC.

DAY 10 - Return to Calgary AB

VANCOUVER TO CALGARY 7 DAY ITINERARY

Day 1 - Arrive Vancouver BC - Pick up your rental car at the airport or in downtown Vancouver. Spend the entire day to explore one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Choose to attend a guided city sightseeing tour of Vancouver that includes the downtown area, Capilano Suspension Bridge and the Lookout Tower. From your downtown hotel you have plenty of choices for dinner and nightlife.

DAY 2 - Vancouver BC - Today you choose how to spend your day. Perhaps you'll want to take the Skyride Gondola to Grouse Mountain, take a relaxing stroll in Stanley Park, walk the seawall, Gastown or go shopping on famous Robson Street Evening cruises of the Inner Harbour are popular. Overnight in Vancouver

Day 3 - Vancouver BC to Kamloops BC- Depart Vancouver and Travel east on Trans Canada Highway via Hope to Kamloops for a scenic drive. When you get to Kamloops, take self-guided microbrewery tour and enjoy a range of unique beers. End the night at one of Kamloops top restaurants or check out the live music scene. Overnight in Kamloops, BC

Day 4 - Kamloops BC to Golden BC - After breakfast in Kamloops,   head east on the Trans Canada Highway. A stop in Revelstoke for lunch, some may wish to visit the Revelstoke Railway museum or walk along the Columbia River. Alternatively you may want a tour of the Revelstoke Dam or a drive up the Meadows-in-the-Sky Parkway.  Be sure to check out the Giant Cedars Boardwalk in Glacier National Park, to view seemingly out-of-place old growth cedar trees.

Day 5 - Golden BC - Whitewater Rafting, No trip to the Canadian Rockies is complete without a 3,5, or 7 hour whitewater rafting tour with Alpine Rafting on the Kicking Horse River. No experience is required and the river boasts Western Canada's Biggest Whitewater Thrills.  Following rafting, check out the Natural Bridge on your way to Emerald Lake Lodge. Overnight in Field, BC at Emerald Lake Lodge.

Day 6 - Field BC to Lake Louise AB - Wake up at Emerald Lake Lodge and following breakfast drive to Lake Louise. This stretch of highway will take you from Yoho National Park into Banff National Park. Once in Lake Louise, Choose to have high tea at Chateau Lake Louise or simply browse the shops for a souvenir.  Alternatively, opt for a moderate walk around the Lake to the Lake Agnes. Enjoy a meal at the Station in Lake Louise, an old railway station converted into a beautiful restaurant. Overnight in Lake Louise.

Day 7 - Lake Louise AB to Calgary AB - Enjoy a sleep-in and breakfast in Lake Louise and one last poke around for souvenirs, followed by a drive back to Calgary, AB.

 

CALGARY TO VANCOUVER 7 DAY ITINERARY

Day 1 - Calgary AB to Banff AB - Arrive Calgary, drive to Banff. A scenic drive that takes you in the matter of an hour and a half from Prairie Grassland, to Foothills, to the Majestic Rocky Mountains. Depending on the time of day, head to the Banff Information Centre on Banff Ave for hiking information. Banff National Park is world-renowned for hiking. Hikes for all levels and time constraints. Alternatively, head up the Banff Gondola on iconic Sulphur Mountain followed by dinner at a wide array of dining options in downtown Banff.  Overnight in Banff.

Day 2 - Banff AB to Lake Louise AB - Wake up in Banff and take in the scenery of Canada's first National Park as you enjoy breakfast alfresco at one of Banff's many restaurants. After a stroll down Banff Avenue and some souvenir shopping head west on Highway 1 to Lake Louise, once you arrive choose to have high tea at Chateau Lake Louise or simply browse the shops for a souvenir.  Alternatively, opt for a moderate walk around the Lake to the Lake Agnes. Enjoy a meal at The Station in Lake Louise, an old railway station converted into a beautiful restaurant. Overnight in Lake Louise.

Day 3 - Lake Louise AB - Start the day off right with a hearty mountain breakfast from Laggan's Mountain Bakery in downtown Lake Louise and some souvenir shopping. A forty five minute early drive through Banff and Yoho National Parks will bring you to the town of Field, BC. Field is located in Yoho National Park and the starting point for many sightseeing adventures. Visit Takkakkaw Falls, the Canadian Rockies Highest Waterfall and the natural bridge on your way to Emerald Lake Lodge. This evening, enjoy Rocky Mountain stargazing at its finest from your private deck. Overnight in Field, BC

Day 3 - Field BC to Golden BC - Whitewater Rafting, No trip to the Canadian Rockies is complete without a 3,5, or 7 hour whitewater rafting tour with Alpine Rafting on the Kicking Horse River. No experience is required and the river boasts Western Canada's Biggest Whitewater Thrills.  Overnight in Golden, BC

Day 4 - Golden BC to Kamloops BC - This morning, wake up and head to Kicking Horse Mountain Resort for a Grizzly Bear Refuge Tour and Gondola Ride. Enjoy a SkyLunch at Canada's Highest Restaurant. Following lunch, head west on the Trans Canada Highway. Highlights include Rogers Pass in Glacier National Park and the Giant Cedars Boardwalk. Take a stroll and listen to live music in Downtown Revelstoke before continuing west to Kamloops. Overnight in Kamloops, BC.

Day 5 - Kamloops BC - Start off your day with a delicious breakfast. Perhaps some fresh fruit and baking from the Farmers' Market. Visit the BC Wildlife Park, try your hand at rock climbing, watch the Salmon Run at the Adams River, listen to Music in the Park and enjoy dinner at one of Kamloops 200 restaurants and in the evening ride the Heritage Railway 'Ghost Train'. Overnight in Kelowna, BC

Day 6 - Kamloops BC to Vancouver BC - Depart Kamloops and Travel west on Trans Canada Highway via Hope to Vancouver. Enjoy the scenery and make your own adventure by perhaps stopping at some small towns along the way to sample local fare. When you arrive in Vancouver explore one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Choose to attend a guided city sightseeing tour of Vancouver that includes the downtown area, Capilano Suspension Bridge and the Lookout Tower. From your downtown hotel you have plenty of choices for dinner and nightlife. Overnight in Vancouver.

Day 7 - Vancouver BC - Today you choose how to spend your day. Perhaps you'll want to take the Skyride Gondola to Grouse Mountain, take a relaxing stroll in Stanley Park, walk the seawall, Gastown or go shopping on famous Robson Street Evening cruises of the Inner Harbour are popular.

 

VANCOUVER 14 DAY CIRCLE TOUR ITINERARY

Day 1 - Arrive in Vancouver BC - Pick up your rental car at the airport or in downtown Vancouver. Spend the entire day to explore one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Choose to attend a guided city sightseeing tour of Vancouver that includes the downtown area, Capilano Suspension Bridge and the Lookout Tower. From your downtown hotel you have plenty of choices for dinner and nightlife.

Day 2 - Vancouver BC to Whistler BC - From Vancouver head north along the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway to Whistler stopping at the various roadside attractions along the way. Once in Whistler take a ride on the Peak 2 Peak Gondola and sample the mountain dining and nightlife that is unique to Whistler. Overnight in Whistler

Day 3 - Whistler BC- Spend the day enjoying such outdoor adventures as hiking, bear watching and biking. Afterwards relax in one of Whistler's world renowned spas or shop in the many eclectic boutiques. In the evening take in some live music while you enjoy a cool beverage on the patio overlooking Whistler Village. Overnight in Whistler

Day 4 - Whistler BC to Lillooet BC - Head North to Lillooet stopping in quiet Pemberton and perhaps take a side trip to Birkenhead Provincial Park before arriving in Lillooet. This area is the start of the road for the Cariboo Gold Rush and there are many historical sites to explore in the area. Overnight in Lillooet

Day 5 - Lillooet BC to Lytton BC - Travel South to Lytton through the Fraser Canyon and feel the power of the Fraser River with a stop at Hell's Gate and ride the Airtram over the raging water. Overnight in Lytton

Day 6 - Lytton BC to Kamloops BC - Drive North to Highway 97 then East to Kamloops, once there take a self-guided microbrewery tour and enjoy a range of unique beers. End the night at one of Kamloops top restaurants or check out the live music scene. Overnight in Kamloops

Day 7 - Kamloops BC to Golden BC - After breakfast in Kamloops, head east on the Trans Canada Highway. A stop in Revelstoke for lunch, some may wish to visit the Revelstoke Railway museum or walk along the Columbia River. Alternatively you may want a tour of the Revelstoke Dam or a drive up the Meadows-in-the-Sky Parkway.  Be sure to check out the Giant Cedars Boardwalk in Glacier National Park, to view seemingly out-of-place old growth cedar trees. Overnight in Golden

Day 8 - Golden BC to Radium BC - Whitewater Rafting, No trip to the Canadian Rockies is complete without a 3,5, or 7 hour whitewater rafting tour with Alpine Rafting on the Kicking Horse River. No experience is required and the river boasts Western Canada's Biggest Whitewater Thrills. Following rafting head South on Highway 95 to Radium. Warm-up and relax in Radium's famous natural Hot Springs and enjoy the alpine charm of the town of Radium. Overnight in Radium

Day 9 - Radium BC to Kimberley BC - Continue to travel South toward Kimberley and keep your eyes peeled for wildlife and natural formations such as hoodoos as you travel through Kootenay National Park. Once in Kimberley see the world's largest, free-standing cuckoo clock and explore the Platzl, a pedestrian area filled with unique shops and restaurants. Stroll through Cominco Gardens to take in scents from more than 48,000 flowers. Overnight in Kimberly

Day 10 - Kimberly BC to Nelson BC - In Nelson, be sure to take the free, self-guided walking tour of 350 restored heritage buildings and homes. Ride Streetcar #23 along the waterfront, stroll down Baker Street and tour the studios and galleries of Canada's finest small town arts community. Overnight in Nelson

Day 11 - Nelson BC to Summerland BC - Travel north through the Okanagan Valley's orchards and vineyards to savour award-winning wines and take your pick of the season's fresh crops. Watch the landscape change from desert grassland to lush lakes. In Summerland, climb aboard the vintage Kettle Valley Steam Railway that travels along a 16-km route. And be sure to play a round of golf at one of the area's numerous championship golf courses; the holes are as spectacular as the scenery. Overnight in Summerland

Day 12 - Summerland BC to Kelowna BC - When you reach Kelowna book a winery tour and sample some of the Okanagan's best wines. You can also rent bicycles and tour the wineries yourself. If you are feeling lucky visit one of Kelowna's Casinos or enjoy a meal at one of Kelowna's many restaurants. Overnight in Kelowna

Day 13 - Kelowna BC to Hope BC - After a breakfast of fresh Okanagan fruit head southwest toward the town of  Hope, a major junction for road trip travelers, some of whom drive through and miss the unique attractions in the area. View the chainsaw carvings that are scattered throughout town, and walk through the nearby Othello Tunnels, which were blasted out of solid cliffs. Overnight in Hope.

Day 14 - Hope BC to Vancouver BC - Travel west toward Vancouver on your last day of the trip and take the time to relax in the Natural mineral water at Harrison Hot Springs, the beach is also a prime spot for relaxing. Arrive in Vancouver and treat yourself to dinner in one of the hotspots of downtown Vancouver.