Great Parks and Lakes of Western Canada

Days 7 - 8: Ucluelet

Distance: 182 km / 113 miles

Drive across the island on Highway 4 and wind your way through Cathedral Grove with its ancient Douglas fir trees. Check out the Mars fire bomber based at Sproat Lake or, if you stroll a bit further along the beach, enjoy a close up view of the ancient petroglyphs.

You’ll be spoilt for choice for things to do in the small village of Ucluelet (known colloquially as 'Ukee'). There’s whale and bear watching, fishing, hiking, biking, ocean kayaking, zip lining...and if you're not feeling quite that adventurous, there's always the Ukee dining and sunset cruise. You could also visit nearby Tofino to explore the Pacific Rim and Long Beach.

Day 9: Parksville

Distance: 147 km / 91 miles

Head north on Highway 19A to Parksville where you can relax on the sandy beaches and admire the stunning shoreline of Qualicum Beach.

Days 10 - 11: Whistler

Distance: 197 km / 122 miles

This morning you’ll return to the mainland by ferry and drive the stunning ‘Sea to Sky’ Highway along the many fjords of the Pacific Coast to Whistler, a bustling summer destination and ski-resort in the winter. During your two night stay you can discover soaring mountains, dramatic waterfalls and plenty of parks and outdoor activities.

Day 12: Lillooet

Distance: 130 km / 81 miles

Follow the sensational Duffey Lake Road through the beautiful Coast Mountains to Lillooet. Set against a mountain backdrop, the town of Lillooet is spread along grassy land overlooking the mighty Fraser River. During your visit, learn about the Gold Rush era at the Lillooet museum which was formerly an Anglican church.

Days 13 - 14: Wells Gray Provincial Park

Distance: 294 km / 183 miles

Wells Gray Provincial Park is a true wilderness, certainly one of Canada’s most beautiful parks. Immerse yourself in natural surroundings, with pounding waterfalls, guided walks, hiking trails, white water rafting and kayaking.

The wildlife is exceptional: black bears, grizzlies, moose, mountain goats, caribou, wolves and cougars. Don’t miss Dawson and Spahats Falls, and especially Helmcken Falls which is three times higher than Niagara Falls, plunging 140 metres down into a mist-filled abyss.

Travelling North, take time to stop at the viewpoints to take in your stunning surroundings. Driving through Finn Creek Provincial Park you may spot a moose, so keep an eye out! Stop off at the amazing Rearguard Falls and maybe experience the thrill of a white water rafting trip on the surging Fraser River. Carry on through Mount Robson Provincial Park, home of the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, to Jasper, where you will spend the next two nights.

Jasper National Park is jaw droppingly wild and beautiful. More rugged than its utterly beautiful southerly sister Banff, it is immense in every sense, with unique wildlife, vast icefields and desolate expanses. Cruise along the Maligne Lake, admire the alpine meadows and Mount Edith Cavell glacier, a carpet of colourful wildflowers in spring. Follow hiking trails on Mount Whistler or even slip into the warm embrace of the waters at historic Miette Hot Springs.

Days 17 - 18: Banff

Distance: 288 km / 179 miles

Today you will drive along one of the world’s most scenic highways, the Icefields Parkway. Admire the snowy peaks, icy-blue lakes and the famous Athabasca Glacier. Time permitting, you can visit the Athabasca and Sunwapta Falls and even walk on air on the Glacier Skywalk. You can also visit Peyto Lake and the famous azure blue waters of Lake Louise as well as Moraine Lake and Johnston Canyon.

Downtown Banff offers many shops, and you could also visit Lake Minnewanka, Vermilion Lakes, Bow Falls and the impressive Banff Springs Hotel. Why not take a dip in the hot pools or take the gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain.

Day 19: Revelstoke 

Distance: 283 km / 175 miles

This morning you'll follow the steep canyons of Kicking Horse Pass into Yoho National Park. Visit the impressive Wapta Falls and make sure that you don't miss Emerald Lake. The Trans-Canada Highway then leads you past steep mountains and glaciers to Glacier National Park - be sure to look out for bears and mountain goats along the road! While you are in Revelstoke, you may wish to take a drive along the Meadows in the Sky Parkway Highway.

Days 20 - 21: Okanagan Valley 

Distance: 262 km / 163 miles

Head south alongside beautiful lakes and over rolling hills with stunning views as you head to the warm Okanagan Valley, most famous for its wineries and fruit orchards. Relax on one of the beautiful lake beaches or hire a bike for a ride along the Kettle Valley Railway. There will be plenty of opportunity for you to pick fresh fruit and stroll around colourful farmer’s markets.

Take the Crowsnest Highway in westerly direction and marvel at the spectacular scenery in Manning Provincial Park as you drive through the Cascade Mountains with its forests and lake-dotted valleys. The park’s forests are lined with hiking trails so you won't be short of things to discover. It's also home to a variety of wildlife such as chipmunks, mule deer, black bear and coyote, plus over 190 species of bird.

Days 24 - 25: Harrison Hot Springs

Distance: 108 km / 67 miles

Take a trip to Hope to visit the Othello Tunnels, and marvel at the impressive 60 metre high waterfall at Bridal Veil Falls Provincial Park in Rosedale.

Enjoy a full day in area of Harrison Hot Springs area. It’s a great spot to wind down and enjoy the beaches, relax in the hot springs, rent a boat on the lake, or take a nature trail into the mountains.

Day 26: Vancouver 

Distance: 116 km / 72 miles

Today you will leave the nature behind you as you return to Vancouver. Make sure you take the SkyTrain into downtown Vancouver where you can enjoy a stroll along the waterfront. It's also worth a visit to Stanley Park, Granville Island, plus the historic districts of Gastown, Chinatown and Yaletown.

Days 27 - 28: Vancouver to UK

Return your motorhome to the depot and transfer to Vancouver Airport for your overnight flight home.