Coastal Peaks to Plains

A fantastic 12 day self drive tour taking in Banff & Jasper before heading through the Rockies to Prince George and Smithers before hitting the Pacific coast and Prince Rupert. Travel onward by ferry to Port Hardy, Quadra Island and Victoria before ending your tour in Vancouver. Various Dates available May - September.

Coastal Peaks to Plains – 12 day Self Drive Tour

From Calgary to Vancouver
This tour can also be done from Vancouver to Calgary

Day 1 Calgary to Banff (115 km /72 mi)
Departing Calgary today, travel west through the foothills of the Rockies
to the resort town of Banff. Travelling along Highway 1A offers a leisurely

and scenic route to Banff.

Day 2 Banff Exploring (Banff Gondola)
A full day to explore Banff and area. Check out the Cave and Basin National
Historic Site, Banff Gondola (included) where you will see a panoramic
view of the Bow Valley, and then take a dip in the hot mineral pools at the
Upper Hot Springs.

Day 3 Banff to Jasper (265 km/164 mi)
Take the short drive to Lake Louise, the “Jewel of the Canadian Rockies.”
Continue on to Jasper via the Icefield Parkway the most spectacular trip
in the Canadian Rockies. The highway follows the spine of the Canadian
Rockies, passing beneath jagged snow and ice capped peaks, with sparkling
lakes and literally a hundred glaciers visible throughout the course of
the day. Along the way see such sights as the Columbia Icefield and take
an Ice Explorer ride out onto the glacier (included).

Day 4 Jasper Exploring
Explore this charming mountain village close to many terrific scenic highlights.

Take a tram ride up Whistlers mountain, or visit Maligne Lake, one
of the most photographed lakes in the world, and enjoy a 90 minute
cruise heading toward the south end of this postcard setting (Maligne
Lake cruise not included).

Day 5 Jasper to Prince George (376 km/234 mi)
Depart Jasper westbound out of Jasper National Park (Canada’s largest
mountain park) and over the Continental Divide, which divides the watershed
of North America. To the West of the summit, all water flows to the
Pacific Ocean, to the east, to either the Arctic or Atlantic Oceans. Today is

another unforgettable day of scenery.

Day 6 Prince George to Smithers (372 km/232 mi)
Continue your travels through Vanderhoof - nature lover’s paradise, Burns
Lake - fishing village, and Houston - known as the Steelhead Capital and
home to the world’s biggest fly rod - over 18 metres (59 ft.) in length!
Smithers, known as ‘Little Switzerland’ is located in the centre of the Bulkley
Valley at the foot of the Hudson Bay Mountain. Smithers offers excellent
opportunities for outdoor adventures.

Day 7 Smithers to Prince Rupert (364 km/227 mi)
Today, follow the Yellowhead highway, hugging the Skeena River for most
of the way. Pass through New Hazelton, where you may want to visit the
Ksan Historic Indian Village. You will see the tribal village, carving house,
totem poles and museum. Coastal mountains are a scenic backdrop to

the bustling port of Prince Rupert.

Day 8 Prince Rupert to Port Hardy (Ferry)
Embark on a full day of cruising the sheltered waters of Canada’s Inside
Passage with BC Ferries (ferry toll included). During the length of the
15-hour crossing, a wonderful array of snow capped mountains combined
with rich forests provides a background for a series of dramatic fjords.

Day 9 Port Hardy to Quadra Island (241 km/150 mi)
Near Port Mc Neil you may wish to take an optional Killer Whale watching
cruise into the waters of Johnson Strait. By late afternoon arrive into
Campbell River to board a BC Ferry (Ferry Tolls Included) for a short ride to
Quadra Island. Your destination is April Point Resort for a 2 night stay.

Day 10 Eco Wilderness Cruise
Today cruise through breathtaking Desolation Sound and enjoy the majesty
of Toba Inlet to seek out Black Bears in their natural habitat.

Day 11 Quadra Island to Victoria (269 km/168 mi)
This morning take the ferry back to Vancouver Island and continue your
journey the charming city of Victoria.

Day 12 Victoria to Vancouver (68 km/42 mi + ferry)
Before departing Victoria for Vancouver, take a short and richly scenic
drive to Butchart Gardens (admission included) - fifty-five acres of wonderful
floral display. Continue to the Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal for your9
0 min ride to Vancouver (ferry toll included).

Features:

• Accommodation including provincial taxes for 11 nights

• BC Ferry Tolls for vehicle & passengers between Vancouver and

Vancouver Island Included

• Admission to Butchart Gardens

• Admission to Cowichan Native Village

• Eco Zodiac Tour into Desolation Sound

• BC Ferry Tolls for vehicle & passengers between Port Hardy and Prince
Rupert Included

• Admission to either Banff Upper Hot Springs or Miette Hot Springs
Jasper

• Ice Explorer ride onto the Athabasca Glacier

• Sulphur Mountain Gondola Ride

• Exclusive travel documentation package including personalized maps,
itinerary and driving directions