Highlights
This route is perfect for a family looking for an action-packed adventure combined with wildlife discoveries in the diverse and stunning scenery of the Rocky Mountains and British Columbia. The itinerary includes the activity areas of Banff, Jasper, Whistler, Vancouver Island and Vancouver, as well as the more laid back Sun Peaks, which benefits from fabulous summer temperatures.
• White water rafting; horse riding, mountain biking in the Rockies
• Relax in Banff or Jasper’s Hot Springs
• Hike or cycle around – or kayak on - glassy, turquoise lakes
• Tour with a First Nations guide to spot black bears
• Zip line over Fitzsimmons Creek in Whistler
• Take a Whale Watching trip off Vancouver Island
• Cycle Stanley Park and cross the Suspension bridge in Vancouver
Itinerary
Below is a suggested itinerary for a family fly-drive in Western Canada, however, please get in touch as we can arrange completely bespoke itineraries based on your requirements.
Click here for a PDF downloadable day by day itinerary.
Day 1-2: Explore Calgary
Arrive at Calgary International Airport and transfer to your centrally located hotel. Depending on your arrival time, perhaps take a trip up the Calgary Tower for 360 degree views of the city. This evening, visit one of Calgary’s legendary restaurants such as Caesar's Steak House & Lounge or Vintage Chophouse and Tavern.
Day 3-4: Banff
Activities abound: enjoy a fantastic whitewater rafting experience – choose from exciting grade 3-4 rapids or gentler grade 2-3; bathe in the Upper Hot Springs; rent a canoe or bike at the Vermillion Lakes – a great place for wildlife spotting, or hike the Bow River Falls & Hoodoos Trail.
Day 5-6: Jasper
The Glacier Skywalk, the Sunwapta Falls with a gorgeous mountain backdrop, and the mind blowing Athabasca canyon Falls … Keep eyes peeled for mountain goats, elk, black and grizzly bears. Bathe in Miette Hot Springs; walk around Horseshoe Lake; ride the Jasper Skytram for more breathless scenery. Whitewater rafting can be experienced on the Maligne, Sunwapta and Athabasca Rivers.
Days 9-10: Whistler
Take a 4WD Tour along mountain tracks to look for black bears, a thrilling half day white water rafting trip; the Peak 2 Peak Gondola to whisk you up to dizzy heights for spectacular views, the exhilarating Whistler zip lining experience: high over Fitzsimmons Creek, amongst rainforest by the Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains.
Day 12: Tofino
Take an introductory surf lesson; paddle the waters in a canoe, take a boat trip watching for bears on the shoreline with a First Nations guide. Take a whale watching trip: pods of Orca are commonly sighted, as well as gray and humpback whales … an expert guide will help spot other marine wildlife such as porpoises, sea lions, seals, and an array of seabirds.
Day 14-16: Vancouver
Hire bikes and cycle Stanley Park and the sea Wall. Visit Granville Island: a vibrant dining, shopping and entertainment district full of artisans creating unique gifts; a market where you can sample a host of interesting foods, and aspiring musicians perfecting their craft. Soak up the atmosphere in Chinatown with its quirky shops and markets, or take a guided walk around historic Gastown.
Photo credits: Pursuit Glacier Adventure /Mike Seehagel, Shannon Martin, Noel_Hendrickson, Destination BC/Hubert Kang, Destination BC/ Tanya Goehring, Destination Canada
Cost and pricing
Contact us for pricing for your bespoke itinerary.
