Western Discovery Self-Drive Itinerary: Vancouver to Calgary in 13 Days

Today, you will embark on an exciting journey as you make your way to Vancouver's must-visit attractions. Begin your day with the tickets included for a captivating exploration of Grouse Mountain and the enchanting Capilano Suspension Bridge. As you traverse the iconic Lions Gate Bridge, keep an eye out for the exclusive homes nestled in British Properties. Along the way, take a delightful detour to visit the Capilano Salmon Hatchery before continuing to the renowned Capilano Suspension Bridge.
At Capilano, prepare for a heart-pounding adventure on the Cliff Walk and immerse yourself in the Treetops Adventure. Afterwards, your journey leads you to Grouse Mountain, where you'll ascend to the mountaintop via the famous Skyride. While at Grouse Mountain, take a leisurely stroll and partake in various activities such as guided bird-watching tours, the captivating "Born to Fly" show at Theatre in the Sky, seasonal logging demonstrations, a ride on the Peak Chairlift, the thrilling Lumberjack Show, a visit to the Eye of the Wind, and so much more. The rest of the day is yours to explore Vancouver City at your own pace. You may want to visit the MacMillan Planetarium, experience the iconic Canada Place, indulge in shopping delights along Robson Street, or unwind at English Bay. Take a leisurely walk through the lush beauty of Stanley Park, explore Granville Island, experience the charm of Chinatown, and discover the historic allure of Gastown. As the day comes to a close, you'll spend the night at your hotel in Vancouver, where you can relax and recharge for more adventures to come.

Begin your day with a delightful breakfast and today you will be heading to the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal, where you'll embark on a delightful 90-minute journey aboard BC Ferries. This scenic voyage will take you across the picturesque Strait of Georgia, ultimately arriving at Swartz Bay. After disembarking, set off on a drive to Butchart Gardens, where your admission is already included. Butchart Gardens is renowned as one of Victoria's most treasured attractions and is internationally recognized as one of the world's most exquisite gardens. Following your time in the gardens, proceed to Victoria's Inner Harbour, where you can immerse yourself in the city's maritime heritage and colonial charm. Conclude your day with an overnight stay at your Victoria hotel.

Today, your journey takes you from Victoria to Whistler. Begin your day with the tickets for a Whale Watching Adventure included. As you gaze upon the stunning marine wildlife, keep an eye out for orca whales, seals, porpoises, and more.
After this memorable experience, make your way to the Nanaimo ferry terminal for a 100-minute ferry ride aboard BC Ferries, heading towards Horseshoe Bay. Upon disembarking, embark on an awe-inspiring drive along the spectacular Sea-to-Sky Highway to Whistler. Along the way, revel in the breathtaking views, scenic ocean vistas, majestic mountains, and cascading waterfalls. During your journey, take a detour to visit Shannon Falls and explore the dramatic canyons. Your day concludes with an overnight stay at your Whistler hotel.

Today, you will explore the charming town of Whistler. Begin your day by following the delightful aroma of freshly baked waffle cones to discover Whistler's finest ice cream parlours, bistros, and coffee shops. In the later afternoon, we will embark on an exciting adventure from Whistler village, taking a ride on the Peak-2-Peak Gondola (admission included). This remarkable gondola spans 3 kilometres, connecting the majestic peaks of Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. Don't miss the chance to board the Silver Gondolas, which feature glass bottoms, offering a 360-degree panoramic view.
You'll also have the option to partake in various thrilling adventure activities in Whistler. You can choose to ride an All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV), experience the adrenaline rush of Whistler Bungee under the guidance of an experienced naturalist, or embark on a pedalling journey to Alta Lake. After reaching the lake, you'll paddle across its pristine waters and continue your adventure down the picturesque River of Golden Dreams. For the night, you will be staying at a comfortable hotel in Whistler.

Today, you will embark on a picturesque drive from Whistler to Kamloops. Kamloops' vast and rugged landscape boasts a diverse terrain, ranging from silt bluffs to rolling hills, which has a magnetic pull on visitors from across the globe. Take in the breathtaking panoramic views of mountain ranges, lush agricultural fields, Kamloops Lake, and the confluence of the North and South Thompson Rivers right at the heart of the city. You will spend the night at a hotel in Kamloops.

This morning, you will continue your journey, heading north along the Thompson River, passing through the Yellowhead Pass on your way to Jasper. As you traverse this stunning route, the mountains' part, revealing the mesmerising aquamarine, glacier-fed lakes perched high above emerald valleys and the graceful elk that graze in Jasper National Park. Your accommodation for the night will be at a hotel in Jasper.

Today, you have a leisurely day ahead in Jasper. It's a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in the stunning landscape of Jasper National Park, which is rich in history and surrounded by some of the most rugged peaks in the Rockies. You can explore the Jasper town-site, visit the Athabasca Viewpoint, wander along the magnificent Maligne Canyon with its 50-metre-high walls, and learn about its unique underground water system. Later in the day, you'll get to enjoy a Maligne Lake Boat Cruise (admission is included), and we highly recommend considering a visit to Miette Hot Springs, White Water Rafting, Jasper Skytram, Sky Gazing, and many other exciting activities. Your overnight stay will be at a hotel in Jasper.

After a delicious breakfast, it's time to check out and embark on a journey to Lake Louise via the awe-inspiring Icefields Parkway, known as Canada's most scenic mountain roadway. This route offers breathtaking vistas of glaciers, lakes, and waterfalls. Upon arrival at the Columbia Icefields Discovery Center, you'll have the opportunity to take the Glacier Adventure, which will transport you up to the Athabasca Glacier. Later, you can hop on a coach from the Discovery Center to reach the Glacier Skywalk, an observation platform with a glass floor that extends over the Sunwapta Valley, providing an unobstructed view of the surrounding glaciers.
As you continue along the Parkway, you'll pass by the Crowfoot Glacier, Peyto Lake, and Bow Lake on your way to Lake Louise. You'll spend the night at a hotel in Lake Louise.

Begin your day by savouring the tranquillity of Lake Louise, renowned for its mesmerising turquoise lake, encircled by towering peaks and graced by an elegant château. You have the freedom to choose from a variety of optional activities, including kayaking, exploring hiking trails leading to Lake Agnes, indulging in a spa experience, riding the Lake Louise Gondola, and more. In the afternoon, embark on a scenic drive to Banff. Upon arrival, complete your check-in at the hotel, and the remainder of the day is yours to explore the famous Banff Avenue. You'll be spending the night at the hotel in Banff.

Today, you have a leisurely day ahead to immerse yourself in the enchanting resort town of Banff, nestled amidst the towering peaks of Rundle, Tunnel, Cascade, and Norquay. Take in the beauty of Bow Falls, meander along Tunnel Mountain Drive, marvel at Surprise Corner, visit the Hoodoos, enjoy the views at Two Jack Viewpoint, and embark on a one-hour Lake Minnewanka Boat Cruise (admission included) to discover the local wildlife and vegetation, including the impressive Devil's Gap at the foot of the Rockies.
For a breathtaking perspective of the Bow Valley, ascend Sulphur Mountain on a gentle ride aboard the Banff Gondola (admission included), offering a 360-degree panorama. In the afternoon, you can choose to hike along one of the well-maintained trails or a leisurely stroll through Banff's town centre, indulging in boutique shopping. You'll spend the night at the hotel in Banff.

Begin your day by embarking on a scenic drive to Calgary. Upon your arrival, you can proceed to check in at your chosen hotel in Calgary. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure. You will spend the night at your hotel in Calgary.

The morning grants you the freedom to explore Calgary at your own pace, with opportunities to discover the city's remarkable growth as a thriving hub of the oil industry. You may wish to visit Heritage Park, Fort Calgary, Stampede Park, and Canada Olympic Park. In the afternoon, it will be time to complete the check-out process, followed by returning your vehicle to the designated car rental agency's location at Calgary Airport. From there, you'll proceed to board your flight back home or head to your next exciting destination.