Spirit of the West - 7 day Self Drive Tour

A 7 day self drive tour featuring Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper, Sun Peaks and Vancouver. with a ride on the Athabasca Glacier on board an Ice Explorer included! Various dates available May - September

Spirit of the West – 7 days Self Drive Tour

This tour can also be done in reverse, starting in Vancouver and finishing in
Calgary - please call for details

Upon arrival into Calgary, pick up your rental car and begin your Rockies adventure. Take the short (2-hour) drive from Calgary to Banff on either the Trans-Canada Highway or the more scenic 1A Highway. Once in Banff proceed to your selected hotel to check in and the remainder of the day is yours to explore at your own leisure.

Day 2 Banff Exploring (Banff Gondola)

A full day to explore Banff and area. In town you’ll find lots of excitement shopping, cafés, nightlife, museums. 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 Lake Louise (62 km/38 mi)

This morning, ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain on the Banff Gondola, and enjoy a breathtaking 360-degree view (Gondola Ride Included) Later this afternoon, drive along the Bow Valley Parkway, and enjoy a short nature walk at Johnston Canyon. Continue on to the “Jewel of the Rockies,” Lake Louise, for your overnight accommodation.

Day 4 Lake Louise to Jasper (208 km/129 mi)

Today, travel through the spine of the Canadian Rockies along the amazing Icefield Parkway. You’re sure to be enthralled by the scenery, wildlife, incredible blue lakes and sparkling waterfalls en route (Please note: Mountain lakes in this region will be frozen through to mid June). A stop at Peyto Lake along the way is a must. Don’t miss the Columbia Icefield for a ride onto the Athabasca Glacier on board an Ice Explorer (included) before continuing your journey to Jasper.

Day 5 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). You will marvel at the magnificent shoreline with dense forest and glacial peaks rising abruptly from the water’s edge. Stopping at Spirit Island, you will have the opportunity to take your own version of the world famous photograph of the lake.

Day 6 Jasper to Sun Peaks (444 km/277 mi)

Leaving Jasper National Park, travel the ‘Yellowhead’ route past the sprawling grandeur of Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. Beyond Mount Robson Provincial Park, the highway follows the Thompson River through the snowy peaks of the Monashee and Caribou Mountains to the resort village of Sun Peaks where you will enjoy a night’s stay.

Day 7 Sun Peaks to Vancouver (326 km/203 mi)

Begin the day travelling along Logan Lake route to the gold rush town of Cache Creek, where you stop to visit the historic Hat Creek Ranch (included), which literally takes you back to the days of the gold rush. Continue the journey south to Lillooet, known as the land of the Gold Rush Trail and was ‘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. Departing Lillooet travel the Duffey Lake Road to Whistler. On the upper elevations of the Duffey Lake Road enjoy breath-taking views of Joffee Glacier and snow capped Mount Currie that rises to a height of 2,596 meters (8,518 feet). Continue on through the mountain village of Whistler and along the scenic Sea to Sky Highway to Vancouver. Highlights along the way include the cascading Shannon Falls and the Stawamus Chief Rock where climbers from ll over the globe migrateto climb the granite cliffs.

Features:

• Accommodation including provincial taxes for 6 nights

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

• Admission to Hat Creek Ranch

• Ice Explorer ride onto the Athabasca Glacier.

• Sulphur Mountain Gondola

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

Hotel Information Moderate Grade

* Sun Peaks Resort - Coast Sundance Lodge (Standard Room)

* Jasper - Lobstick Lodge (Standard Room)

* Lake Louise - Lake Louise Inn (Superior Queen Room)

* Banff - Spruce Grove Inn (Standard Room)