Western Canada Rocky Mountain Experience

From the azure coastline of Vancouver to the quiet riding trails delving through the pleasant valleys and passes of the Rocky Mountains, this British Columbia and Alberta adventure will showcase a stunning variation of landscapes, climates and cultures. Travelling up the scenic Sea-to-Sky highway to Whistler marks the beginning of the journey inland to the high valley ranchlands of Ashcroft. Crossing the provincial border to Alberta, the natural wonders of Jasper and Banff national parks are revealed. Taking the less travelled southern highways, experience the quiet majesty of Waterton Lakes National Park featuring high alpine rivers and lakes surrounded by lush carpets of wildflowers on mountain slopes. The road winds back through the passes and valleys of the Rocky Mountains and their characteristic communities before descending down to the sparkling lights of Vancouver.

DAY 1 - ARRIVAL IN VANCOUVER
Arrive Vancouver International Airport, transfer independently to your downtown hotel. The Jonview Roadbook you received will have all the information needed for your holiday/trip/journey. The rest of the day is yours to create your own urban adventure amid the stores, parks, restaurants, theatres and other attractions of downtown Vancouver. Overnight in Vancouver.

DAY 2 - VANCOUVER
Today you embark on a city tour of Vancouver. This guided coach features such attractions as Canada Place, the dynamic Robson Street, Chinatown and historic Gastown. This tour includes the Capilano Suspension Bridge in the North Shore rainforest. Cross the 137m-long bridge over a spectacular canyon to the Treetops Adventure observation structure for even more incredible views of this old growth forest. Return to downtown Vancouver and perhaps enjoy a delicious meal at one of the many dining venues featuring cuisine from around the world. Overnight in Vancouver.

DAY 3 - VANCOUVER TO WHISTLER (125 KM)
Today you depart on your journey to Whistler - the home of the 2010 Winter Olympics and one of the premier outdoor recreation villages in North America. You will travel along the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway, traversing five distinct climatic zones from rainforest to semi-arid alpine forest. The road also crosses the historic Pemberton Trail and Gold Rush Trail, used by prospectors in the 18th century. Travelling through small towns such as Squamish and skirting the shores of Daisy Lake, you arrive in picturesque Whistler Village set at the base of Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. Overnight in Whistler.

DAY 4 - WHISTLER
The many charms of Whistler are yours to discover today. The 2010 Winter Olympics showcased the multitude of sights and activities available in Whistler, many of them operating year round. The many cafes and restaurants of the village provide the perfect destination for visitors leisurely exploring the pedestrian walkways and town squares. Woodland trails surround the village, as does a well developed network of biking and hiking trails for outdoor enthusiasts of all ability. Overnight in Whistler

DAY 5 - WHISTLER TO SUN PEAKS (356 KM)
Today you weave you way though the mountains of British Columbia and pass by the long shores of Lillooet Lake and the small community that has grown up around it. Passing between the towering rock walls of the Fraser Canyon, you’ll be amazed at the white water rapids of the Fraser River gushing far below Over 750,000 litres of water surge through the 34-metre Hell’s Gate gorge every minute. Following the winding waters of the South Thompson River area, you’ll enter a land home to vast herds of cattle and cowboys on horseback. Continuing on to Kamloops and then Sun Peaks, you will have seen a wonderful cross-section of the many environments and landscapes of the Rockies. Overnight in Sun Peaks.

DAY 6 - SUN PEAKS
Today you’ll discover the year round mountain community of Sun Peaks. Encircled by three mountains, this authentic Canadian destination features over 40 locally-owned restaurants, shops and accommodations. Just steps from your hotel you can join a local guide for a cross country bike Tour or head up the Sunburst Chairlift (mid June- early Sept) to hike through the lush alpine wildflowers. Perhaps finish off the day with a round of golf at British Columbia’s highest golf course or a serene paddle on a nearby lake in a rented canoe or kayak. Activities, rentals and admissions are payable on site. Overnight at Sun Peaks

DAY 7 - SUN PEAKS TO CLEARWATER (218 KM)
Today you depart your ranch and after passing through the surrounding rural woodlands, you begin your journey along the Yellowhead Highway. This route spans 4 provinces from Saskatchewan to British Columbia and ranges thousands of feet in elevation. You follow the Thompson River as your journey takes you through windswept cowboy country and into the gorges of the North Thompson River before opening up into Clearwater Lake. Beyond the town, the pristine parklands of Wells Gray Provincial Park feature the terminus of the river in a spectacular, towering waterfall of Helmcken Falls. Overnight in Clearwater. Breakfast is not included.

DAY 8 - CLEARWATER TO JASPER (318 KM)
Taking your leave of beautiful Clearwater, you continue on the Yellow head Highway as it descends down the eastern face of the Rockies into the fertile valleys of the Jasper region. The mountains part to reveal the aquamarine, glacier-fed lakes perched above the emerald valleys and grazing elk of Jasper National Park, one of Canada’s premiere wildlife and environmental refuges. Overnight in Jasper.

DAY 9 - JASPER TO BANFF (380 KM)
Today you have the rare experience of driving through two of Canada’s first and most prestigious national parks. Departing Jasper, the highway will take you past beautiful Lake Louise, reflecting the Columbia Glacier in the distance between mountain peaks. Arriving in Banff, you will instantly be charmed by this perfect mountain village with its quaint restaurants, boutique retailers and lush forest surroundings. The Elk population nearly surpasses the human as they casually meander up and down the town streets. Overnight in Banff.

DAY 10 - BANFF NATIONAL PARK
The entire day is free to tour Banff and the surrounding area. We suggest a visit to the Luxton Museum, a gondola ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain
or a stroll through town admiring the many shops. You may also try river rafting on the Bow River or take a boat tour on beautiful Lake Minnewanka.
Overnight in Banff.

DAY 11 - BANFF TO WATERTON LAKES NATIONAL PARK (361 KM)
Leaving behind the quiet forests of Banff, you drive southwest today on your journey to the southern reaches of Alberta. After passing through the urban hub of Calgary, today’s route takes you near the historic Fort Macleod, one of the first operational posts of the famous Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Formed as a frontier law force that ranged over the western provinces, the RCMP grew to become Canada’s national police force in service today. Approaching the United States border, the protected, pristine beauty of Waterton Lakes National Park dominates the horizon with its stark and captivating beauty. Overnight near Waterton Lakes National Park.

DAY 12 - WATERTON LAKES NATIONAL PARK (138 KM)
The beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage Site is yours to further explore today. A relatively unknown park in the national park system, this area of plateaus, forests, prime fishing rivers and hectares of mountain wildflowers is truly the hidden gem of Alberta. Many marked scenic drives such as the Akamina Parkway and Chief Mountain Highway allow visitors to see the interior of the park with its shallow, clear alpine lakes and old growth forests without long overland hikes. Overnight near Waterton Lakes Park.

DAY 13 - WATERTON LAKES NATIONAL PARK TO ROSSLAND/CASTLEGAR (494 KM)
Driving west today, you drive through the British Columbia interior and the mountain village of Fernie, known to skiers all over the world for its superb
alpine skiing with some of the heaviest snowfalls and most dependable powder conditions. You cross the provincial boundary back into British Columbia to and pass through Cranbrook, a small community that grew up around the development of the Crowsnest Railway line at the end of the 19th century. Keeping just north of the United States border, you travel farther west across the rugged interior of the Rocky Mountains. Later you arrive in Rossland, home to many outdoor activities such as horseback riding, championship golf courses, mountain biking tours as well as various outdoor dining patios around town with spectacular views. Overnight in Rossland.

DAY 14 - ROSSLAND/CASTLEGAR TO OSOYOOS (221 KM)
Today you depart Rossland and embark on the Crowsnest Highway as it cuts though the heights of the Monashee Mountains. One of the most dramatic intersections is the Bonanza Pass, offering a splendid photo opportunity as you leave the Kootenays for the Western Boundary regions. Driving into the Osoyoos region, you may glimpse the developing vineyards as they flourish in the warming, temperate climate. In partnership with the NK’MIP First Nations people native to the region, the Spirit Ridge Vineyard has blossomed into a world class winery, offering fine dining and tastings. Overnight in Osoyoos.

DAY 15 - OSOYOOS
Today is at leisure to further explore the quiet town of Osoyoos. We suggest spending part of the day walking along the 19kms of sandy beaches of Osoyoos Lake. You may also wish to visit the unique Haynes Point Provincial Park where the park access road takes you out on a narrow spit in the middle of the lake.
Spend the afternoon at one of the pubs or wine bistros that line the shoreline near the middle of town. Overnight in Osoyoos.

DAY 16 - OSOYOOS TO VANCOUVER (398 KM)
Today you head westward for the coast on your return trip to Vancouver. Travelling along the northern edge of North Cascades National Park, the terrain quickly becomes more mountainous as you pass through small towns such as Merritt, Hope and Chilliwack. Descend down from the mountains to the shining spires and elegant bridges of Vancouver. If time permits, enjoy a late afternoon visit to some of the high-fashion boutiques of the downtown core, or relax at your hotel before perhaps indulging in an evening of fine dining at one of the dozens of restaurants of the downtown area. Overnight in Vancouver.

DAY 17 - VANCOUVER / END OF TOUR
Today your tour comes to an end as you check out of your hotel and proceed to Vancouver International Airport for your return flight.