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Goway Travel
OFFER ID 1722447
Epic Scenery, Family Friendly, Off the Beaten Path, Rural Charm Discover Canada’s stunning landscapes, traveling from Calgary to Vancouver. Experience the Rockies, charming towns, and city life while embracing nature’s beauty.
Trip Overview:
This eight-day compact itinerary takes in two of Canada’s western provinces, Alberta and British Columbia. A custom self-drive tour will take you from Calgary to Banff, through the Rockies, and down to British Columbia’s coast, and the mild climate of Vancouver, on the Pacific Ocean.
On day one, arrive at Calgary’s International Airport and transfer independently to your hotel. Take some time to review the GoWay roadbook you received, which has all the information needed for your self-drive trip.
After picking up your rental car, visit Heritage Park Historical Village, Canada’s largest living history museum, or travel up to the Calgary Tower observation deck for a spectacular 360° view across the city, the sweeping prairie landscape, and the onset of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Overnight in Calgary, where your dinner options are as varied as you could wish.
Leave Calgary and drive toward the magnificent Rocky Mountains, first travelling through the foothills and then entering the justly-famous Banff National Park. Keep an eye out for elk on the roadside. After arriving in the lively little town of Banff, the remainder of the day is yours to explore the many boutiques, shops, pubs, and restaurants. Spend the night in Banff and take the next day to explore the town as well as the beautiful, forested national park. In town, visit the Luxton Museum and lunch at one of the many excellent restaurants. Take a stunning gondola ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain and visit the new, state-of-the-art Above Banff interpretive centre and the multi-sensory Above Banff Theatre – or just admire the six stunning mountain ranges and the sweep of the Bow Valley laid out before you.
Drive to Jasper the next day via the spectacular Icefields Parkway, said to be one of the world’s most scenic routes. Stop at Lake Louise and Peyto Lake en route, and visit Maligne Canyon in Jasper National Park, if time permits. Return to the road for the final stretch to the famous resort town of Jasper, where you will overnight.
Leave early for a full day of exploring on your way to Sun Peaks. Take the historic Yellowhead Highway where Mount Terry Fox and Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Rockies, are prominently in view. Explore a bit of Wells Gray Provincial Park wilderness area: spring and early summer are the best times for wildlife viewing. Continue to Sun Peaks, a year-round resort offering biking, hiking, alpine sightseeing, and lots of village dining choices.
Head out toward Vancouver and the coast on Day 6 of your journey. Near Kamloops, the landscape changes to distinctive sagebrush and scrub-covered lands along the South Thompson River, home to cattle and cowboys. Wind your way along the magnificent Fraser Canyon, stopping to look at the churning whitewater rapids of the Fraser River. Drive through the Fraser Valley into the Lower Mainland of British Columbia as you approach the cosmopolitan city of Vancouver for the night.
Explore Vancouver’s neighbourhoods on your next day, stroll along the walkways around Stanley Park and English Bay, visit the Vancouver Art Gallery, or shop on Robson or Granville Streets. The Capilano Suspension Bridge and Grouse Mountain are two popular attractions. In fact, the Grouse Mountain Skyride rises 2,800 feet to views of spectacular mountain ranges and the shining lights of the city below, and is an experience in itself.
On your final day in British Columbia, make your way to Vancouver International Airport for your flight home, or enjoy an extended stay at your leisure.
7 nights from $1,424 per person
Day 1: Welcome to Calgary
Arrive at Calgary International Airport and collect your rental vehicle. Spend the rest of the day exploring Calgary at your leisure. Visit Heritage Park Historical Village, Canada's largest living history museum, take in panoramic views from the Calgary Tower, or browse the boutiques, restaurants, and attractions of the vibrant downtown district. Overnight in Calgary.
Hotel: Sandman Signature Calgary Downtown Hotel (3 Star Rating)
The Sandman Calgary is located in the heart of downtown Calgary minutes away from the shopping, entertainment, numerous restaurants and nightlife. The hotel offers 301 well-appointed guest rooms with air-conditioning, TV, telephone, coffee maker and room service and have two double beds that can accommodate up to quad occupancy based on sharing beds. Guests can dine at the smart and trendy Moxie's classic Grill or enjoy a drink in the M-Bar lounge. A fitness centre with indoor pool and whirlpool is available to guests who wish to tone up or just simply unwind.
Rental Car: Hertz - Calgary Int'l Apto Vancouver Intl Ap
Leaving Calgary behind, the magnificent Rocky Mountains soon come into view. Feel the majesty of these mountains as you first travel through the foothills and then enter Banff National Park where the craggy peaks loom larger the closer you get. After arriving in the bustling town of Banff, the remainder of the day is free to explore its charms, including the sight of an elk strolling down main street as you are checking out the boutiques, shops, and restaurants. Overnight Banff.
Hotel: Elk + Avenue Hotel (3 Star Rating)
Elk + Avenue Hotel features contemporary mountain-inspired accommodations in the heart of downtown Banff, within walking distance of shops, restaurants, galleries, and local attractions. Guest rooms offer modern furnishings, comfortable bedding, spacious bathrooms, and thoughtful amenities designed for a relaxing stay in the Canadian Rockies. Hotel facilities include an onsite restaurant, hot tub, sauna, fitness centre, and complimentary underground parking. The atmosphere is casual, welcoming, and distinctly alpine, blending modern comfort with the spirit of mountain adventure. The overall experience combines convenience, value, and an exceptional location, making it an ideal base for exploring Banff National Park.
The entire day is free to tour Banff and the surrounding area. If you prefer to stay in town, we suggest a visit to the Luxton Museum. You should, however, consider the wonderful outdoor opportunities such as a gondola ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain, river rafting on the Bow River or a boat tour on beautiful Lake Minnewanka. Overnight Banff.
Hotel: Elk + Avenue Hotel (3 Star Rating)
Elk + Avenue Hotel features contemporary mountain-inspired accommodations in the heart of downtown Banff, within walking distance of shops, restaurants, galleries, and local attractions. Guest rooms offer modern furnishings, comfortable bedding, spacious bathrooms, and thoughtful amenities designed for a relaxing stay in the Canadian Rockies. Hotel facilities include an onsite restaurant, hot tub, sauna, fitness centre, and complimentary underground parking. The atmosphere is casual, welcoming, and distinctly alpine, blending modern comfort with the spirit of mountain adventure. The overall experience combines convenience, value, and an exceptional location, making it an ideal base for exploring Banff National Park.
Drive to Jasper via the spectacular Icefields Parkway, said to be one of the most scenic routes in all the world. We suggest stops at Lake Louise and Peyto Lake en route. A visit to Maligne Canyon in Jasper National Park offers more riveting views if time permits. Return to the road for the final stretch to the famous resort town of Jasper. Overnight Jasper.
Hotel: Lobstick Lodge (3 Star Rating)
Lobstick Lodge features comfortable mountain accommodations in Jasper National Park, just a short walk from downtown Jasper and its shops, restaurants, and attractions. Guest rooms and suites offer cozy furnishings, premium bedding, modern bathrooms, and thoughtful amenities designed for a relaxing stay in the Canadian Rockies. Hotel facilities include an indoor pool, two hot tubs, fitness centre, onsite restaurant, guest laundry, and complimentary parking. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, providing a comfortable retreat after a day of exploring Jasper's spectacular scenery and outdoor activities. The overall experience combines convenience, value, and mountain hospitality, making it an excellent base for discovering Jasper National Park year-round.
The Yellowhead Highway takes you on a route first explored by trappers and traders. Mount Terry Fox as well as Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Rockies, are prominently in view as you enjoy your drive. If time permits, we suggest exploring Wells Gray Provincial Park, a nature reserve priding itself on the untamed and pristine state of its wilderness. Continue to Sun Peaks, a year-round resort catering to families as well as sports enthusiasts. Overnight Sun Peaks.
Hotel: Sun Peaks Lodge (3 Star Rating)
Sun Peaks Lodge is a charming alpine retreat in the heart of Sun Peaks Resort, just steps from the ski lifts, village shops, restaurants, and year-round outdoor activities. Guest rooms and suites combine warm mountain-inspired décor with modern comforts, including premium bedding, spacious bathrooms, and thoughtful amenities for a relaxing stay. Hotel facilities include an onsite restaurant, bar, outdoor hot tub, sauna, ski storage, and complimentary parking. The atmosphere is cozy and welcoming, offering authentic mountain hospitality in a picturesque village setting. The overall experience combines comfort, convenience, and easy access to skiing, hiking, mountain biking, and the natural beauty of British Columbia's interior.
Driving past Kamloops, you traverse the stunning, sagebrush-covered ranch lands along the South Thompson River. This is still the land of vast herds of cattle and cowboys on horseback. Entering between the towering rock walls of the Fraser Canyon, the whitewater rapids of the Fraser River gushing far below are an amazing sight. Over 750,000 litres of water surge through the 34-metre Hell’s Gate gorge every minute and a gondola ride over this part of the canyon is awe-inspiring. Further downstream, the lush Fraser Valley opens into the maritime basin characteristic of the Lower Mainland region of British Columbia as you approach Vancouver, Canada’s Gateway to the Pacific. Overnight Vancouver.
Please note: Departures May 19 - Jul 6 will overnight on Day 6-7 in Whistler during the FIFA World Cup.
Hotel: Holiday Inn Vancouver Centre (3 Star Rating)
Holiday Inn Vancouver Centre is a comfortable and convenient hotel located in Vancouver, with easy access to the city's attractions, shopping, dining, and cultural experiences. Guest rooms offer modern furnishings, comfortable bedding, work areas, and thoughtful amenities designed for a relaxing stay. Hotel facilities include an onsite restaurant, indoor pool, fitness centre, meeting spaces, and complimentary Wi-Fi. The atmosphere is welcoming and relaxed, providing a convenient base for discovering Vancouver's vibrant neighbourhoods and nearby attractions. The overall experience combines comfort, convenience, and friendly hospitality, making it an excellent choice for leisure travellers exploring the city and surrounding areas.
Enjoy a full day exploring Vancouver and its surrounding areas. Climb aboard a San Francisco-style trolley for a fully narrated city tour, with the freedom to hop on and hop off at your leisure at many of Vancouver's top attractions, parks, gardens, galleries, and restaurants (pass valid for 2 days). Discover vibrant neighbourhoods such as Yaletown, Gastown, and Granville Island, stroll through the scenic pathways of Stanley Park, browse the shops along Robson Street, or visit nearby highlights including the iconic Capilano Suspension Bridge and Grouse Mountain. Overnight in Vancouver.
Hotel: Holiday Inn Vancouver Centre (3 Star Rating)
Holiday Inn Vancouver Centre is a comfortable and convenient hotel located in Vancouver, with easy access to the city's attractions, shopping, dining, and cultural experiences. Guest rooms offer modern furnishings, comfortable bedding, work areas, and thoughtful amenities designed for a relaxing stay. Hotel facilities include an onsite restaurant, indoor pool, fitness centre, meeting spaces, and complimentary Wi-Fi. The atmosphere is welcoming and relaxed, providing a convenient base for discovering Vancouver's vibrant neighbourhoods and nearby attractions. The overall experience combines comfort, convenience, and friendly hospitality, making it an excellent choice for leisure travellers exploring the city and surrounding areas.
When it's time, make your way to Vancouver International Airport for your flight home Enjoy your final moments in Vancouver before making your way to Vancouver International Airport for your flight home. Alternatively, extend your stay and continue discovering the beauty of British Columbia.
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.
2121 Sage Road Suite 111
Houston, TX 77056
USA
(713) 627-0111