Passage through the Rockies

Days 1 – 3: UK – Banff

On arrival in Calgary, you will be met and transferred to the resort town of Banff which is located within the Banff National Park. Admire the peaks of Mt. Rundle and Mt. Cascade, part of the Rocky Mountains and take a stroll along Banff Avenue with its boutique shops, restaurants, and bars.

Day 4: Banff – Kamloops (Rocky Mountaineer) B, L

This morning you will be transferred to Banff Station to join the Rocky Mountaineer Train. Your journey to Kamloops will take you through the snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies, over mountain passes, through remarkable tunnels, and along rocky lakeshores. Highlights of the day include the Continental Divide, the Spiral Tunnels, Kicking Horse Canyon, Rogers Pass, and Craigellachie, where the last spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway was driven.

Days 5 - 7: Vancouver B, L

Today you will see dramatic changes in scenery, from the desert-like environment of the Interior, through winding river canyons and pristine forests, to the coast and the Cascade Mountains. Highlights include the steep slopes and rock sheds along the Thompson River and the rushing waters of Hell’s Gate in the Fraser Canyon. On arrival in Vancouver, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Arriving in Vancouver early evening, you'll have a couple of days to spend at your leisure. This cosmopolitan city sits right on the edge of nature, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, and crammed with delightful green space. An included Hop-On Hop-Off City Pass will enable you to explore Vancouver and its surroundings easily.

Days 8 – 9: Victoria

Distance: 121 km /75 miles plus ferry

Transfer to the motorhome depot to collect your motorhome and after stocking up on groceries; make your way to the ferry which will take you across the Strait of Georgia to Vancouver Island. A stop at Butchart Gardens is a must and here you can marvel at the beautiful flowers and gardens.

Today you are free to explore Victoria’s inner harbour with the surrounding Parliament Buildings and the Empress Hotel. There’s also the Royal BC Museum and China Town to visit or you could take a whale-watching cruise.

Days 10 – 11: Ucluelet

Distance: 292km / 183 miles

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 12: Nanaimo

Distance: 182km / 114 miles

Nanaimo is situated on the east coast of Vancouver Island, 55 km across the Strait of Georgia from Vancouver and 113 km north of Victoria. As the city projects out into the Strait of Georgia like a headland, it affords waterfront views on three sides, and inland you can see the impressive Mount Benson which rises to 3,300 feet (1,006 metres).

Days 13 – 14: Whistler

Distance: 163 km / 102 miles

Return to the mainland by ferry and drive the scenic Sea to Sky Highway along the many fjords of the Pacific Coast to Whistler. Discover scenic ocean vistas, soaring mountains, dramatic waterfalls, parks, and outdoor activities.

Today there are endless possibilities. Why not explore downtown Whistler by bike or take the Peak-to-Peak Gondola. You could also take a seaplane over the mountains and glaciers or, if you'd rather keep your feet on the ground, enjoy a hike to Lost Lake.

Day 15: Lillooet

Distance: 131km / 82 miles

Follow the beautiful Duffey Lake Road straight across the scenic Coast Mountains for an overnightstay in Lillooet.

Days 16 – 17: Clearwater (Wells Gray Provincial Park)

Distance: 296km / 185 miles

Wells Gray Provincial Park is famous for wildlife including grizzlies, black bears, caribou, wolves, cougar, moose, and mountain goats, as well as for its waterfalls and wilderness. Make sure you visit Dawson Falls and Helmcken Falls, which plunge down into mist-filled gorges.

Days 18 – 19: Jasper

Distance: 318 km / 199 miles

Look out for black bears as you drive north over the Caribou Mountain roads and visit the Rearguard Falls. If you’re feeling adventurous, why not take an exciting raft trip on the mighty Fraser River. Continue through Mount Robson Provincial Park, named after the highest mountain in the Canadian Rockies, to Jasper, home for the next two nights.

You won't be short of things to see and do around Jasper. From a cruise on Maligne Lake to the Jasper SkyTram (taking you to the summit of Whistlers Mountain), you're in for an action-packed few days. For a quieter break, relax in the Miette Hot Springs or visit the flowered meadows and glaciers of Mount Edith Cavell. Here, you may even see mountain lions!

Days 20 – 21: Lake Louise

Distance: 232 km / 145 miles

Today you will drive the Icefields Parkway, one of the world’s most scenic highways, with its snowy peaks and ice-blue lakes. Make a stop at the famous Athabasca Glacier for a ride on the Ice Explorer, where you can walk on, feel, and even drink from the glacier. See the Athabasca and Sunwapta Falls, walk on air on the Glacier Skywalk before continuing to Lake Louise, famous for its azure blue waters.

Days 22: Kananaskis

Distance: 98 km / 61 miles

Kananaskis Country is a region that encompasses 10 provincial parks in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies. Overlooked by many international visitors, this area is held dear by local residents given its lack of crowds, its pristine trails, and equally stunning scenery compared to Banff National Park.

Day 23: Calgary

Distance: 106 km / 66 miles

It’s time to return your RV to the depot before transferring to a hotel in Calgary for an overnight stay.

Day 24 – 25: Calgary – UK

Spend the morning relaxing before a late afternoon transfer to the airport for your overnight flight back to the UK.