Rockies Road Trip

Day 1

Arrival Vancouver

Upon arrival head to the rental depot to pick up your rental vehicle so you can start your road-trip in style.

You’ll drive to Fairmont Waterfront and the remainder of your day will be spent at leisure.

Day 2

Vancouver

You’ll spend two days exploring Vancouver at leisure.

Wander around Stanley Park, stroll along the Seawall, walk across the Capilano Suspension Bridge, or ride the Sea to Sky Gondola. Visit the Museum of Anthropology, enjoy the views from the Grouse Mountain Skyride, discover vibrant Chinatown, or browse the designer shops at Robson Street.

Your Lightfoot Travel Designer can recommend activities that suit your needs prior to departure.

Day 3

Vancouver - Victoria

Today you’ll drive to Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal to catch the ferry to Victoria, a journey with superb views of the Gulf Islands and Strait of Georgia.

You’ll check into your hotel and head out to explore the city. We recommend a trip to Butchart Gardens, a vibrant garden that’s over a hundred years old.

Day 4

Victoria

Spend today Orca watching and at leisure.

Your Lightfoot Travel Designer can advise on activities to suit your needs prior to departure.

Day 5

Victoria - Tofino

Your drive today takes you along the west coast of Vancouver Island towards the Pacific Rim National Park. Along the way you’ll stop at Duncan, the City of Totems, to visit the Quw’utsun’ Heritage Village. You’ll also pass through Chemainus, a seaside city famous for its colourful murals.

Your trip will continue through the Cascade Mountains before arriving in Tofino in the late afternoon.

Day 6

Tofino

Enjoy a day at leisure exploring the great outdoors in Tofino.

Stroll along Long Beach and wander through the rainforest before heading out on a three-hour excursion to witness wild bears in their natural habitat in the afternoon. The Clayoquot Sound is renowned for its marine life, including grey whales, humpback whales, killer whales, sea lions, sea otters, and myriad seabirds.

Day 7

Tofino - Parksville

Today’s drive will take you back to the east coast and the city of Parksville.

Stop en route to see the gigantic trees of Cathedral Grove and the Martin Mars Water Bombers on Sproat Lake.

Day 8

Parksville - Whistler

This morning you’ll take the ferry from Departure Bay back to the mainland, and continue your drive to Whistler. This scenic route passes Shannon Falls and Stawamus Chief Rock, a magnet for climbers.

After checking into your hotel you’ll have time at leisure.

Day 9

Whistler

Whistler is one of Canada’s most famous ski resorts, but it’s pretty spectacular in the summer too, with a host of activities on offer.

Enjoy watersports on one of five lakes, go golfing, and head up Whistler Mountain to ride the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola and walk the Cloudraker Skybridge and Raven’s Eye Cliff Walk.  

Day 10

Whistler - Clearwater

Today you’ll leave Whistler and drive north along the Duffey Lake Road, enjoying views of the Joffre Glacier and the peak of Mount Currie.

Your journey will also take you through Lillooet, the jade capital of Canada and part of the historic Gold Rush Trail. You can also choose to visit Cache Creek and 100 Mile House en route to Clearwater, where you’ll stop for the night.

Day 11

Clearwater - Jasper

Your road trip continues to Jasper along the scenic Yellowhead Highway, where you’ll pass gorges and falls along the North Thompson River. Keep your eyes peeled for Mount Robson, the highest point in the Rockies.

The final bit of today’s drive takes you through the Jasper National Park, where you’ll check into your accommodation.

Day 12

Jasper

Take a day off from driving today to enjoy the delights of the Jasper National Park.

Take the Skytram to the top of the Whistlers Mountains or visit Maligne Lake for a cruise. Your Lightfoot Travel Designer can help plan activities to suit your interests prior to departure.

Day 13

Jasper - Banff

Today, you’ll drive through the spine of the Canadian Rockies, past mountains, peaks, lakes, and over 100 glaciers. On the way you’ll stop at the Columbia Icefield, which you can traverse on an Ice Explorer.

Upon reaching Lake Louise you’ll take the scenic Bow Valley Parkway. You’ll spend time at the Johnston Canyon before continuing to Banff.

Day 14

Banff

Enjoy a day at leisure exploring the delights of Banff.

Visit the Cave and Basin National Historic Site, see panoramic views of the six Canadian Rockies mountain ranges from the Banff Gondola, and take a dip in the Banff Upper Hot Springs. Your Lightfoot Travel Designer can recommend activities to suit your interests prior to departure.

Day 15

Departure

Today you’ll leave the Canadian Rockies, cross the Great Plains, and continue to Calgary. You’ll drop your rental car off at the airport and board your onward flight home.