This 14-day trip offers urban excitement, out-of-the-way backroads, and some of the world’s most iconic national parks.
After arriving in Vancouver, stroll along one the lovely pedestrian path that lines Coal Harbour, where you can admire lovely parks, gleaming white boats and wondrous mountain views. Check out the Vancouver Art Gallery or try the shops along Robson Street before enjoying a fine meal in Yaletown or Gastown.
The next day you can follow the Gold Rush Trail, alongside the roaring waters of the Fraser River. At Hell’s Gate or Boston Bar you can explore the canyon by air tram. Passing through dry, desert-like landscape, you’ll pass through Merritt and head to Kamloops.
From Kamloops it’s on to the breathtaking vistas of Wells Gray Provincial Park as you follow the beautiful North Thompson River. Stop at Clearwater’s Yellowhead Museum for a taste of frontier life.
After an overnight at the park, enjoy a wide range of activities at Wells Gray Ranch, including fishing, hiking or river rafting.
The truly remarkable Rocky Mountains are next on your list. Enjoy social media-worthy views of Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, and inhale the scent of sweet pines as you head to Jasper, Alberta.
Get an overview of Jasper the next day by taking the Jasper Skytram, then explore the town before heading south on the magnificent Icefields Parkway. Stop to admire the glittering waters of Peyto Lake and Moraine Lake, then head to iconic Lake Louise, a turquoise lake surrounded by rugged, snow-capped mountains. From there it’s just a short ride to Banff.
In Banff, visit Bow Falls or take a boat tour on beautiful Lake Minnewanka. Stroll the pedestrian friendly streets, or sip a cocktail at one of the great restaurants in town. Don’t miss the wonderful hiking trails.
The drive from Banff to Radium Hot Springs in British Columbia is marvellous. Stop at Yoho National Park in B.C. to admire towering Takakkaw Falls, or take a canoe ride on stunning Emerald Lake. In Radium Hot Springs, soak your tired bones in hot spring waters and experience total relaxation.
The next day is yours to enjoy outdoor activities on and around Lake Windermere, including boating, windsurfing and bird watching. The Invermere museum is home to cool pioneer artifacts.
From there it’s through the quiet, rugged Kootenay Rockies, passing the Purcell and Selkirk Mountain ranges. You’ll take the world’s longest free ferry ride in the world on Kootenay Lake before finishing up in the lovely mountain town of Nelson, B.C.
The scenic adventure continues as you head from Nelson to Penticton, crossing towering mountain passes and skirting past sparkling lakes. Grand Forks has a fascinating history, having been settled by Russian pacifists in the early 1900s.
Penticton has more than 15 wide, sandy public beaches you can enjoy, not to mention around 80 wineries and tremendous hiking and dining.
On the way to Manning Provincial Park, stop in at the Osoyoos Desert Centre to learn about the only true desert in Canada.
Afterwards, you can explore Manning Provincial Park. The day’s highlight comes after an extensive hike along the trail network, a picture-perfect view of Three Brothers Mountain and Thunder Lake.