Canada’s Western Discovery SELF DRIVE TOUR
This Self Drive Tour can be started on any day after your cruise disembarkation in Vancouver. So why not consider 1 or 2 post cruise nights in Vancouver before collecting your Rental Car?
Day 1: VANCOUVER
Arrive in Vancouver, pick up your car and proceed to your hotel. The remainder of your evening is at leisure to create your own urban adventure amid the stores, parks, restaurants, theatres and various other attractions of downtown Vancouver.
Day 2: VANCOUVER - WHISTLER
Depart Vancouver and follow the spectacular Sea to Sky Highway to the resort of Whistler. En route, admire Shannon Falls and explore the dramatic canyons, ravines and lofty peaks of Garibaldi Provincial Park. Once in Whistler, located at the base of Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains, you might enjoy a hike along the endless trails and high alpine meadows.
Day 3: WHISTLER - CLEARWATER
Follow the Cariboo Highway north, visit towns and villages that echo the past, as this route was travelled by gold seekers and traders during the famous Cariboo Gold Rush in the late 1800s. Drive through the region known as Lakes Country, towards the breath taking vistas and unspoiled wilderness of Wells Gray Provincial Park. Don’t miss a visit to Clearwater's Yellowhead Museum to see frontier life or Spahats Creek Park, where the volcanic origins of the area are still in evidence.
Day 4: CLEARWATER - JASPER NATIONAL PARK
Explore Wells Gray Park’s mineral springs, serene lakes, dormant volcanoes and don’t miss towering Helmcken Falls, located near the entrance to the park and over twice as high as Niagara Falls. Then set out for Jasper following the scenic Yellowhead Highway through the water and lava-shaped valley of North Thompson River. En route, enjoy panoramic views of Mount Terry Fox as well as Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies often shrouded by mist.
Day 5: JASPER NATIONAL PARK
Jasper National Park's serene lakes and gentle meadows stand in stark contrast to its jagged peaks and spectacular glaciers. Perhaps take an early morning hike on one of the many trails for a chance to observe bears and deer. The wilderness of the park also offers wonderful opportunities for canoeing, white water rafting and horseback riding. Great sites to visit include Miette Hot Springs, Medicine Lake and Maligne Canyon.
Day 6: JASPER NATIONAL PARK - LAKE LOUISE - CANMORE
Experience the Icefields Parkway today, meandering through a landscape of peaks and glaciers before pausing to admire the picturesque alpine waters of Peyto Lake and Moraine Lake. The sparkling turquoise colours and the impressive glacier at Lake Louise are not to be missed. Take a moment to stop at the inspiring Columbia Icefield, where you may even be moved to embark on an unforgettable ride by ice explorer over the glacier's surface. (Optional)
Day 7: CANMORE - BANFF NATIONAL PARK - CANMORE
Today, explore the region from the ground. Maybe start by walking on the area's numerous hiking trails. Keep your eyes open, you are bound to encounter a variety of wildlife along the way. Consider a thrilling helicopter ride that offers an unforgettable aerial view of the Rocky Mountains (Optional). You might also visit the Sundance Range, the Bow and Spray river valleys, Hidden Glacier and the indomitable peaks of the Three Sisters.
Day 8: CANMORE - CALGARY
Leave the majesty of the Canadian Rockies behind and set your sights east. We suggest a visit to Canada Olympic Park where the bobsled and luge events of the 1988 Olympic Winter Games were held. Enjoy an evening in Calgary.
Day 9: CALGARY DEPARTURE
Enjoy your remaining time in Calgary before returning your rental car to the airport for your departure flight back to the UK.
Documentation: All Self Drive Itineraries include a courtesy phone call on the morning of day 2 to check that everything is okay from our supplier and to remind customers to collect their package from reception if you haven't already.
Documentation will be at your first nights hotel and is a Back-Pack with a North America Atlas, local sightseeing information and detailed itinerary of tour. NOTE: On arrival at hotel ask for 'PACKAGE' in your name. Detailed itinerary can be sent electronically 5-6 weeks before departure for an additional $15 (£12) but does not include the Atlas or local sightseeing information.
Note: There will be a one way car rental fee included in the rental fee. This is levied by the rental companies not by Iglu/Planet.