Lakes & Lodges Self-Drive

Highlights

Explore the majestic mountain passes into Yoho National Park

Travel through the Canadian Rockies along the amazing Icefields Parkway

Stay in remote and unique lodges set amongst stunning wilderness

Freedom of Choice days in Jasper and Banff

Overview

Consistently ranked among the most beautiful and liveable cities in the world, Vancouver is an exciting destination and where you will begin your self-drive exploration.

A spectacular adventure packed with unique Lodge stays and a mosaic of landscapes awaits you as you travel from the rugged coastlines of the Pacific to the towering mountains of the Rockies.

Enjoy the scenic journey from Vancouver to Gold Bridge with a stop in Whistler on the way. With wide-open spaces, vibrant village and mountain landscape, Whistler delivers adrenaline and awe in equal measure. At Gold Bridge, enjoy a two night stay in the relaxed setting of Tyax Lodge & Heliskiing.

The route heads for the Rocky Mountains and the wilderness of Jasper National Park. The discovery of Canada's national parks continues along the scenic Icefields Parkway towards Banff National Park. Here, you will experience the majesty of Lake Louise. After indulging in the outdoor paradise of Alberta, you conclude your driving experience in the urban cowboy city of Calgary.

ENTIRE Cooling-Off Period
ENTIRE AUD Prices
ENTIRE Change of Mind
ENTIRE Industry Accredited
ENTIRE On Ground Support
ENTIRE Australian Owned

Inclusions

2 nights in Gold Bridge at Tyax Lodge and Heliskiing

1 night in Sun Peaks at Sun Peaks Grand Hotel

2 nights in Jasper at the Forest Park Hotel

1 night in Moraine Lake at Moraine Lake Lodge

2 nights in Emerald Lake at Emerald Lake Lodge

2 nights in Banff at Banff Caribou Lodge

Breakfast at Moraine Lake Lodge

11 days intermediate size car rental

Ice Explorer ride onto Athabasca Glacier

Glacier Skywalk Admission

Freedom of Choice Days

Freedom of Choice

Our Freedom of Choice program offers flexibility, by allowing you to choose from different options on pre-selected days.

Our per person price includes one tour on each Freedom of Choice day, as follows:

One "Freedom of Choice" tour on day 5
One "Freedom of Choice" tour on day 10

Expand the itinerary below for more details.

Please note, if more than one room is selected during the booking process, our team will contact you afterwards to discuss options.

Itinerary

Download Itinerary Expand All

Day 1 Vancouver Gold Bridge

This morning depart Vancouver along the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway to Whistler. Highlights along the way include the cascading Shannon Falls and the Stawamus Chief Rock. Continue on to Whistler, where a stop is a must for a short stroll through this charming alpine resort before continuing on the Duffey Lake Road where you will see breathtaking views of Joffre Glacier. Continue on through Lillooet for 2 hours along a well-maintained gravel road to Tyax Lodge, nestled on the shores of Tyaughton Lake.

Overnight in Gold Bridge at Tyax Lodge and Heliskiing

Whistler | Credit: Tourism Whistler Mike Crane

Day 2 Gold Bridge

Looking to do a lot or a lot of nothing? The lodge delivers at all levels. Choose from world-class mountain biking, horseback riding, paddling, fishing or spectacular hiking, or just chill with your favourite beverage on the dock taking in Tyaughton Lake.

Overnight in Gold Bridge at Tyax Lodge and Heliskiing

Credit: Tyax Lodge and Heliskiing

Day 3 Gold Bridge Sun Peaks

Return through Lillooet, known as the land of the Gold Rush Trail and ‘Mile Zero’ of the Old Caribou Wagon Road during the Gold Rush Years. Now the area is home to the largest Canadian producers of the medicinal plant, Ginseng. Visit the Gold Rush Town of Cache Creek where we recommend a visit to the Historic Hat Creek, which literally takes you back to the days of the Gold Rush.

Overnight in Sun Peaks at the Sun Peaks Grand Hotel

Credit: Sun Peaks Tourism

Day 4 Sun Peaks Jasper

Today, follow the Thompson River through rolling plateaus to the snowy peaks of the Monashee Mountains. View Pyramid Falls and the expansive glaciers of the Albreda Icefields. Pass by Mount Robson, at 3954 metres, which is the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies.

Overnight in Jasper at Forest Park Hotel

Maligne Lake | Credit: Pursuit Mike Seehagel

Day 5 Jasper

Time to explore all that Jasper has to offer! Today you can personalise your day by pre-selecting one of three Freedom of Choice excursions below.

Overnight in Jasper at Forest Park Hotel

Freedom of Choice Options

Maligne Lake Cruise:
Cruise Maligne Lake, where you can marvel at the magnificent shoreline and Spirit Island.

Jasper River Float:
Enjoy a gentle rafting tour on the Athabasca River for a unique perspective of Jasper National Park.

Jasper Nature Walk:
A guided nature walk featuring a spectacular array of rolling hills, jagged peaks, forests, meadows, marshes, streams, and stunning glacial lakes.

Mount Edith Cavell Jasper | Credit: Travel Alberta

Day 6 Jasper Moraine Lake

Today, travel through the spine of the Canadian Rockies along the amazing Icefields Parkway and encompass the ultimate glacier exploration. From walking on ancient ice with the Ice Explorer ride, to standing on a glass platform almost one thousand feet in the air at the Glacier Skywalk (included), today’s experiences will leave you with a special appreciation for this treasured region of the Rockies. The lodge is situated on the shore of Moraine Lake. Famous for its iridescent turquoise colour, Moraine Lake has become known as The Jewel of the Rockies.

Overnight in Moraine Lake at Moraine Lake Lodge

Glacier Skywalk | Credit: Pursuit

Day 7 Moraine Lake Emerald Lake

A short drive today through majestic mountain passes into Yoho National Park. The word Yoho is the Cree word expressing awe. This 1313 sq. km national park is filled with gem-coloured glacial lakes and waterfalls, snow-covered peaks and dense forests of western red cedar and western hemlock. Historic railroads, spiral tunnels within mountain sides and steep rock faces where mountain goats roam are just some of the sights to be seen.

Overnight in Emerald Lake at Emerald Lake Lodge

Breakfast

Emerald Lake | Credit: Destination BC Dave Heath

Day 8 Emerald Lake Yoho National Park Emerald Lake

Built of hand-hewn timber and featuring massive stone fireplaces, the lodge includes a formal dining room and quiet reading and sitting rooms. From the upper or lower large verandahs, enjoy the serene views of this wilderness landscape.

Overnight in Emerald Lake at Emerald Lake Lodge

Emerald Lake → Yoho National Park → Emerald Lake

Emerald Lake | Credit: K+K Photography

Day 9 Emerald Lake Banff

Today we suggest taking the scenic Bow Valley Parkway route which runs parallel to the Trans-Canada highway. Be sure to stop at Johnston Canyon and walk along the paved footpath to either the lower or upper waterfalls.

Overnight in Banff at Banff Caribou Lodge

Bow Valley Parkway | Credit: Nick Fitzhardinge

Day 10 Banff

With easy access to pristine wilderness and endless outdoor adventures, in Banff National Park you feel truly immersed in nature. Today you can personalise your day by pre-selecting one of four excursions below.

Overnight in Banff at the Banff Caribou Lodge

Freedom of Choice Options

Banff Gondola:
Maximise your views of Banff National Park with minimal exertion on a round-trip gondola ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain.

Lake Minnewanka Cruise:
Admire views of the Canadian Rockies by boat as you cruise across the turquoise-hued Lake Minnewanka and over to Devil’s Gap.

River Explorer Canoe Tour:
Enjoy the serenity of the Bow River and marvel at the surroundings. A fun and interactive way with your guide to explore the waterways of Banff National Park. Perfect for families. No paddling experience necessary.

Bow River Horseback Adventure:
Saddle up for a journey through the celebrated landscape of Banff National Park on this guided horseback riding adventure.

Grizzly Bear Banff National Park | Credit: Travel Alberta / Colleen Gara

Day 11 Banff Calgary

Today it's time to say goodbye to the fresh mountain air and majestic sights of the Rockies. Drive to Calgary to drop off your rental car and begin your journey home.

Calgary | Credit: Travel Alberta

Accommodation

Tyax Lodge and Heliskiing

Gold Bridge
Set on the shores of Tyaughton Lake and surrounded by the mountains of the Spruce Lake Protected Area, this seasonal resort is 256 km from Vancouver. A dining room with lake views features a patio, and there's a lounge bar. The spa has treatment rooms, a dry sauna, an outdoor hot tub and a yoga studio. Other amenities include pedal boats, canoes and kayaks, trails for biking, hiking and horseback riding, as well as aerial tours.

Sun Peaks Grand Hotel

Sun Peaks
Located a scenic 45-minute jaunt from Kamloops in British Columbia’s Thompson-Okanagan region, Sun Peaks Grand Hotel is the only full-service hotel experience in Sun Peaks Resort. There are chairlifts, trails and activities at the doorstep, as well as an on site grocery store, boutiques, eateries, and brand-new guest rooms delivering quiet luxury.

Forest Park Hotel

Jasper
Set amidst the breathtaking Canadian Rockies, the Forest Park Hotel (formerly the Sawridge Inn) is a resort style hotel that offers the rustic charm you’d expect in Jasper National Park. Beautiful guest rooms, on-site spa, decadent dining and heated pool with jacuzzi and steam room add to the luxury you want in your mountain getaway.

Moraine Lake Lodge

Moraine Lake
Nestled in a spectacular valley in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, Moraine Lake Lodge provides the ultimate romantic getaway for those seeking a luxurious escape for a honeymoon, anniversary, hiking experience, or a relaxing vacation. The architecture of our Banff lodge embraces the dramatic beauty of Banff National Park that surrounds us. From here you can explore all that nature has to offer or take short drives to spectacular sites like Lake Louise and the picturesque town of Banff.

Emerald Lake Lodge

Emerald Lake
Set on a 13-acre peninsula on Yoho National Park’s Emerald Lake, this upscale lodge is 13.4 km from the Canadian Rocky Mountains Parks World Heritage Site and 14.8 km from Mount Field. The posh rooms feature private balconies with lake views, wood-burning fireplaces and coffeemakers, plus sitting areas. A refined restaurant serves regional cuisine, and there's a seasonal bistro. A stately lounge features a stone fireplace, plus an oak bar from an 1890s saloon.

Banff Caribou Lodge & Spa

Banff
Located in Banff National Park, the Banff Caribou Lodge & Spa offers a mountain lodge hotel, a great steakhouse restaurant and a full-service spa, all in one outstanding location. This ideal vacation spot is located on Banff Avenue, the main street in the town of Banff. Surrounded by mountains, there are plenty of activities to keep you busy.

Additional information

Excluded

International airfares and taxes
Domestic airfares and taxes, unless otherwise specified in our holiday package
Visa expenses, processing and issuance fees
Meals other than as specified in our holiday package
Road tolls
Travel Insurance or expenses of a personal nature (mini-bar, phone call, laundry, etc.)
Tips or gratuities to guides, drivers, porters, hotel, restaurant or boat staff, etc.
Or any other travel expense that has not been included in our holiday package
One-way car rental fees (if applicable). If any one-way surcharges apply, this will be advised at the time of booking and is payable locally upon collection of the vehicle
Car rental rates exclude optional coverage such as Personal Accident Insurance Plus (PAI Plus) and Personal Effects Protection (PEP)
GPS rental is not included and can be requested (at an additional supplement paid locally) if required

FAQs

Who are Entire Travel Group?

Welcome to Entire Travel Group. We offer exceptional travel experiences across our extensive range of Entire Holiday Packages, Entire Group Journeys, Entire Rail Journeys, and Entire Cruise Journeys. With our industry-leading Peace of Mind Booking Plan, you can Book Now with flexibility and confidence.

Entire Travel Group is celebrating over 50 years of passionately delivering unique and memorable travel experiences. We are an Australian, family-owned, award-winning business with a friendly team ready to match your expectations to the perfect holiday experience.

Entire Travel Group used to be known by the individual brands shown in the footer of the website. The company has not changed, but we have amalgamated under one brand - Entire Travel Group.

For more details please visit - About Us | Entire Travel Group

Is Entire Travel Group Australian owned and operated?

Entire Travel Group is proudly Australian family owned and operated and as it stands today represents 50 years of experience, progress, and evolution. We proudly support the community with our long-term commitment to many important charity organisations. We were awarded the best operator in our class at the most recent National Travel Industry Awards.

Is Entire Travel Group industry accredited?

Entire Travel Group is both ATAS and CATO Accredited. ATAS is actively administered by the Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA). The Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) is the trade association representing the land supply sector of the Australian Travel Industry.

Does Entire Travel Group have industry awards?

Entire Travel Group was honoured at the 2023 National Travel Industry Awards with Most Oustanding Wholesaler - Product / Service.

As our team works tirelessly to deliver exceptional holiday experiences, it was exciting to have this acknowledged with the highest recognition. The award is also a testament to the quality of our partners around the globe, and we take this opportunity to thank them for their tremendous support of our customers.

Are the Entire Travel Group holiday packages exclusive?

In some cases, we are the sole representative in Australia for the overseas travel operator. In other circumstances the product developed has been exclusively built for Entire Travel Group and can’t be found elsewhere.

What’s unique about Entire Travel Group Holiday Packages?

They are not group tours with set departures - they are pre-designed, purpose built, independent holiday packages full of unique and memorable experiences.
Our holiday packages have been exclusively built for us in collaboration with our handpicked suppliers, who also offer full on-ground support for the clients.
We are offering unique travel experiences which cannot be found elsewhere.
Many packages include our “Freedom of Choice” options which allow you to tailor the holiday experience. Like a sommelier matching wine to a meal, we have used our experience to carefully select and offer the right experiences in each location.
They include our Peace of Mind Booking Plan.
A wide selection of our packages are compliant with the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Covid Safe Travels.

Our motto for Independent Holiday Packages is start your holiday when and with who you want!

Our Independent Holiday Packages are NOT group tours with set departure dates. Group Tours have specific set departure dates, and of course, you are travelling with unknown passengers in a coach. These tours are great for certain travellers and there are many reputable tour operators providing a wide range of options around the world.

At Entire Travel Group, our focus is Independent Holiday Packages. Available daily, they are pre-designed, purpose built, packaged itineraries full of memorable experiences delivered by our hand-picked local partners.

Our holidays suit every demographic, from couples to singles, to retirees to families and everyone else in between.

Why travel with Entire Travel Group?

Of Entire Travel Group's attributes, we have settled on "When Experience Matters" as the quality we believe adds the most value to our customers. We have the experience to ensure your itinerary makes the dream holiday possible. Our continually enhanced technology allows our team to provide a quality customer service experience, and our partnerships with outstanding operators ensure we are confident of the on-ground experience for our customers.

For more details please visit - About Us | Entire Travel Group

How does the Peace of Mind Booking Plan work?

Our Peace of Mind Booking Plan allows you to book with confidence in the new international travel environment. With low deposits, a cooling off period and a flexibility period where you can cancel and rebook later, we really do have you covered.

For more details please visit - Peace of Mind Booking Plan | Entire Travel Group

Is there a cooling-off period?

Look for packages with our Peace of Mind Booking Plan logo on the website.

We understand that occasionally plans may change, so we give you the confidence to proceed with a cooling off period.
You may cancel for any reason within 7 days, where you will receive a 100% refund of your $100 per person deposit.

For more details please visit - Peace of Mind Booking Plan | Entire Travel Group

What is Freedom of Choice?

At Entire Travel Group we understand that our customers have their own personal tastes and interests - so throughout our packages look for “Freedom of Choice” which gives you the ability to tailor your holiday from the various experiences offered on selected days. Like a sommelier matching wine to a meal, we have used our experience to carefully select and offer the right experiences in each location.

The Freedom of Choice options are included in the package price, and the price remains the same regardless of the choice you make on each day.

Our Freedom of Choice program offers flexibility, by allowing you to choose from different options on pre-selected days in the itinerary.

Our per person price includes one tour on each Freedom of Choice day in the itinerary.
The price of the package remains the same regardless of the choice you make on each day.

For more details please visit - Freedom of Choice | Entire Travel Group

What is Book Now?

Book Now offers you the ability to make a reservation on our website for Holiday Packages that include our Peace of Mind Booking Plan. But it’s not just a static offer – you have complete flexibility from travel dates, passenger numbers, single supplements, room upgrades, optional extras, flexible booking terms and more.

Our team will contact our overseas suppliers and confirm all arrangements.
A Confirmation from our reservation system will be sent in the coming days.
The Booking Number on this confirmation supersedes the website reference.

What forms of payment can be used at Entire Travel Group?

To confirm a booking using our on-line Book Now process, a credit card must be used to pay the refundable deposit.
For additional payments on the booking, Entire Travel Group supports bank transfer, credit card, TravelPay B2B, PaymentGate.
For further details please visit our Payments page.

How secure is the Entire Travel Group's on-line payment portal?

Entire Travel Group have partnered with TravelPay to ensure secure on-line credit card payments.
TravelPay is a level 1 PCI DSS compliant, which gives you peace of mind that your payment card data is in safe hands.
Entire Travel Group does not store any credit card information.

For more details please visit - Security and Compliance - TravelPay

Can you book my international airfares?

On some Islands Holiday Packages (e.g. Fiji), it is practical to include flights, so where we have done this it is indicated by the plane icon.

However, on the majority of our Holiday Packages, we do not include international flights.

We found that many customers may prefer to:

Travel on a specific airline of their choice
Have the flexibility to book flights with Frequent Flyer points
Select flight dates that may be different to our Holiday Package start/end dates
Use a Travel Credit already held with the airline
Use their travel agent for this service

We are able to assist with flights on any Holiday Package, so please just notify us during the Book Now process or contact our team.

Should I take travel insurance?

Travel insurance is strongly recommended. During the Book Now process please confirm you require assistance, and our team will be in contact with you.

What should I do before travelling?

Before you travel it is your responsibility to ensure you have the appropriate documentation including visas. If you are travelling on a passport other than Australian or New Zealand, you will require a permit to re-enter Australia. It is your responsibility as the traveller and/or travel booker to meet all government entry requirements.

For more information please visit - Before you travel | Entire Travel Group

How does a Travel Agent make a booking?

Please visit the Entire Travel Group's Agent Portal. We are here to support our industry partners with a range of informative updates, marketing collateral for campaigns and a reward & recognition program.

How do I start a Booking?

On any page that has Book Now simply follow the booking process.
You must select the Travel Agent tick box and provide correct details.
To confirm a booking only the refundable deposit is required.
An agency credit card must be used for this initial payment.

How do I contact Entire Travel Group?

For more information please visit - Contact us | Entire Travel Group