Lakes & Lodges Self-Drive (Tour code: 11624)

Depart Vancouver and travel north along the spectacular Sea-to-Sky Highway, where the deep blue waters of Howe Sound meet towering coastal peaks. Along the way, stop to admire Shannon Falls as it cascades from the granite cliffs and view the sheer face of the Stawamus Chief. Farther north, watch for views of the Tantalus Range and Rumbling Glacier on a clear day, then continue through the dramatic Cheakamus River corridor before arriving in Whistler. Take time for a short stroll through this lively alpine village before continuing along the Duffey Lake Road, a scenic mountain route of rugged peaks, turquoise lakes and glacier views. Pass through historic Lillooet, then travel 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

Spend the day surrounded by the remote mountain beauty of Tyax Lodge, set beside the clear waters of Tyaughton Lake. Choose from outdoor adventures such as mountain biking, horseback riding, paddling, fishing or hiking through the surrounding wilderness, or simply slow the pace and enjoy the peaceful lakeside setting. With forested slopes, mountain views and quiet shoreline scenery, this is an ideal day to be as active or as relaxed as you wish.

Overnight in Gold Bridge at Tyax Lodge and Heliskiing

Leave Gold Bridge and return through the rugged landscapes surrounding Lillooet, a historic community known as “Mile Zero” of the Old Cariboo Wagon Road and an important landmark on the Gold Rush Trail. From here, continue through British Columbia’s interior, where canyon scenery, sunlit hills, ranchlands and open valleys shape the route. Pass through Cache Creek, where Historic Hat Creek offers a glimpse into the province’s Gold Rush era, before continuing toward Sun Peaks Resort, a welcoming alpine village surrounded by forested slopes and mountain views.

Overnight in Sun Peaks at the Sun Peaks Grand Hotel

Depart Sun Peaks and travel through British Columbia’s interior, following changing landscapes of forested valleys, rivers and mountain scenery. Continue toward Mount Robson Provincial Park, where the impressive slopes of Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, rise above the surrounding wilderness. From here, travel east along the Yellowhead Route and enter Jasper National Park, a vast mountain landscape known for its wildlife, glacier-fed lakes, forests and dramatic peaks.

Overnight in Jasper at Forest Park Hotel
 

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 across Maligne Lake, one of Jasper National Park’s most photographed settings. Surrounded by mountain peaks, forested shoreline and brilliant alpine water, the journey includes views toward Spirit Island, one of the Canadian Rockies’ most iconic natural landmarks.(Operating season is weather dependent)

OR

• Jasper River Float:

  Enjoy a gentle rafting experience on the Athabasca River, offering a relaxed and scenic perspective of Jasper National Park. Drift through a wide mountain valley with views of forests, peaks and wildlife habitat while your guide shares stories of the area’s natural and human history.

OR

• Jasper Nature Walk:

  Explore Jasper National Park on a guided nature walk through a landscape of rolling hills, jagged peaks, forests, meadows, marshes, streams and glacial lakes. Along the way, learn more about the plants, wildlife and mountain ecology that make this region so remarkable.

Depart Jasper and travel south along the Icefields Parkway, one of the most spectacular mountain drives in the world. This unforgettable route follows the spine of the Canadian Rockies, passing glacier-fed lakes, sweeping valleys, waterfalls and towering peaks. At the Columbia Icefield, step aboard the Ice Explorer for a journey onto ancient glacier ice, then continue to the Glacier Skywalk, where a glass-floored platform extends high above the Sunwapta Valley. These included experiences offer a powerful perspective on the scale, beauty and geology of this treasured region before you continue toward Moraine Lake.

Overnight in Moraine Lake at Moraine Lake Lodge 

Leave the dramatic alpine setting of Moraine Lake, surrounded by the Valley of the Ten Peaks and famous for its brilliant turquoise colour. Often called the “Jewel of the Rockies,” this iconic lake offers one last look at one of Banff National Park’s most breathtaking landscapes before you travel west through scenic mountain passes into Yoho National Park. Arrive at Emerald Lake Lodge, set beside one of the most beautiful alpine lakes in the Canadian Rockies. Breakfast is included today.

Overnight in Emerald Lake at Emerald Lake Lodge

Depart the peaceful shores of Emerald Lake and travel east through Yoho National Park, whose name is a Cree expression of awe. This spectacular park is known for gem-coloured glacial lakes, waterfalls, snow-covered peaks, dense cedar and hemlock forests, historic railways, spiral tunnels and steep rock faces where mountain goats may be seen. Continue through mountain passes into Banff National Park. In summer, travellers may enjoy either the Bow Valley Parkway, known for its quieter pace, forested scenery and wildlife viewing opportunities (subject to seasonal closures), or the Trans-Canada Highway, which offers a faster route with sweeping mountain vistas. Along the way, Johnston Canyon is a popular highlight, where a paved trail follows the canyon walls to rushing waterfalls, turquoise pools and dramatic limestone scenery. Continue to Banff, surrounded by alpine beauty, mountain views and the lively atmosphere of one of Canada’s most iconic Rockies towns.

Overnight in Banff at Moose Hotel & Suites

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 five excursions below.

Overnight in Banff at Moose Hotel & Suites

Freedom of Choice Options

• Banff Gondola:

  Ride the Banff Gondola to the summit of Sulphur Mountain for sweeping views over Banff, the Bow Valley and the surrounding peaks of Banff National Park. At the top, enjoy viewing platforms, interpretive exhibits and time to take in one of the most impressive panoramas in the Canadian Rockies.

OR

• Lake Minnewanka Cruise:

  Cruise across the turquoise waters of Lake Minnewanka, surrounded by mountain peaks, forested shoreline and open alpine scenery. As you travel toward Devil’s Gap, enjoy a relaxed and scenic perspective of one of Banff National Park’s most beautiful glacier-fed lakes.

OR

• River Explorer Canoe Tour:

  Enjoy a gentle guided canoe tour along the Bow River, where calm waters, mountain views and riverside scenery create a peaceful way to experience Banff National Park. This fun and interactive excursion is ideal for families, with no paddling experience necessary.

OR

• Bow River Horseback Adventure:

  Saddle up for a guided horseback ride through the celebrated landscapes of Banff National Park. Follow scenic riverside trails, take in mountain views and experience the Rockies in a classic western style.

OR

• Banff Townsite E-Bike Tour:

  Explore Banff on a relaxed guided e-bike ride to some of the town’s most scenic highlights, including Bow Falls, Surprise Corner, downtown Banff and the Cave and Basin National Historic Site. Enjoy mountain views, local history and an easy-paced ride suitable for beginners and families.

Say goodbye to the fresh mountain air and majestic scenery of the Rockies as you leave Banff National Park and follow the Trans-Canada Highway east. Along the way, the dramatic peaks, forested slopes and glacier-carved valleys gradually soften into rolling foothills and wide-open prairie landscapes. If time permits, consider a scenic detour to Cochrane, a western foothills town set above the Bow River, where ranching heritage, river pathways and wide views back toward the Rockies make a relaxed final stop before Calgary.