This 12-day adventure takes you through some of Western Canada's most stunning scenery and exhilarating natural landscapes. Enjoy days filled with a variety of outdoor pursuits such as hiking, rafting and cycling, on an itinerary designed to offer all the freedom of a great road trip. Explore the delights of Vancouver, a secluded wilderness ranch in British Columbia's Cariboo Mountains, the glittering lakes of Jasper and the breath-taking mountain scenery of Banff. This self-drive itinerary makes a great holiday for families, couples or groups of friends who want to experience some of the best that Canada has to offer, with the freedom to design their own perfect schedule each day.
ESSENTIAL CANADA - A CANADIAN ROAD TRIP
HIGHLIGHTS
- Cycling around Stanley Park in cosmopolitan Vancouver.
- Fly-fishing and riding at Echo Valley Ranch & Spa, a pristine wilderness retreat in the Cariboo Mountains.
- Taking in awe-inspiring scenery as you drive through the Canadian Rockies.
- Hiking past at the glittering lakes in Banff.
- Exploring the Columbia Icefield in Jasper National Park.
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Arrive
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Day 1 Arrive in Vancouver
Arrive in Vancouver today where you will be met at the airport and driven to your hotel in private vehicle. The balance of your day will be at leisure to relax after your journey. If you have the energy you should consider experiencing the observation deck at the Vancouver Lookout. Towering at 168 metres and accessed by a glass elevator, this is a great way to get your bearings with 360° views of the city.
Overnight: Rosewood Georgia Hotel
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Day 2 Vancouver
Enjoy a full day at leisure in Vancouver. Bikes can be rented cheaply and with Stanley Park and beautiful coastal trails all within easy reach, it is a great city to explore on two wheels. Visit the quirky market on Granville Island, shop to your heart's content and enjoy great bars and restaurants in Gas Town.
Option: You might like to take a morning's whale watching boat trip. Many types of whales migrate through these waters each year from March to October.
Overnight: Rosewood Georgia Hotel
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Day 3 Drive to Cariboo Mountains
This morning pick up your rental car and drive the scenic six-hour journey to Echo Valley Ranch, which will be your home for the next four nights.
Overnight: Echo Valley Ranch & Spa
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Day 4 - 6 Echo Valley Ranch & Spa
Enjoy three full days to enjoy the facilities, local surroundings and activities at the ranch including yoga, fishing, hiking and mountain biking. The ranch also offers excursions for white-water rafting, canyon safaris and gold panning for an additional cost.
Overnight: Echo Valley Ranch & Spa
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Day 7 Drive to Jasper National Park
Say goodbye to Echo Valley Ranch as you drive the six hour journey through stunning countryside to Jasper National Park and spend three nights at Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge.
Overnight: Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
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Day 8 - 9 Jasper National Park
Enjoy two full days to explore Jasper National Park independently. Plenty of outdoor activities are on offer here and a hike up Mount Edith Cavell should not be missed.
Overnight: Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
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Day 10 Drive to Banff National Park
Drive four hours on to Banff National Park for your last two nights. At almost the half way point, stop and experience the Columbia Ice Field, the largest ice field in the Rocky Mountains. For the brave, the dramatic glass-floored "Skywalk" offers panoramic views of the ice field and the surrounding waterfalls.
Overnight: Fairmont Banff
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Day 11 Banff National Park
Enjoy your last full day in Canada at leisure in Banff, with free time for you to choose how best to immerse yourself in the region's spectacular scenery. The area is surrounded by extreme beauty so hiking and biking trails are highly recommended.
Overnight: Fairmont Banff
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Day 12 Flight Home
Drive to Calgary airport to leave your hire car and check in for your flight home.
Overnight: Overnight Flight
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Depart
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Addition to Day 3
Consider a few days on or around Vancouver Island for some great whale and bear watching experiences.
GUIDELINE PRICE - Per Person
| High | $ 6,491 |
BOOKING NOTES
- Based on two people sharing a twin/double room.
- Season runs from May-October so early booking is strongly recommended.
- If you are interested in adding any of the optional enhancements listed, please speak to your specialist about prices and how best to fit them into the itinerary.
INCLUSIONS
- Accommodation as mentioned in the itinerary.
- All meals, snacks and drinks with meals at Echo Valley Ranch.
- Private arrival transfer.
- Car hire based on mid-size car with full protection cover from Day 3.
- Columbia Icefield tour (including Skywalk) on non-private basis.
EXTRAS
- International flights.
- Meals in Vancouver, Jasper and Banff.
- Items of a personal nature such as laundry, drinks, gratuities (discretionary).
- Entrance fees and excursions not specifically mentioned as included.
- Travel insurance or visa fees.
- One way car hire drop off fee (payable locally).
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REASONS TO BOOK
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