Wild West Circle Self Drive

Explore exciting Vancouver and the beautiful Rocky Mountains on this self drive circle tour.

Day 1 Arrive Vancouver

Upon arrival into Vancouver transfer (not included) to your hotel. Balance

of day at leisure.

Day 2 Vancouver

Today, experience Grouse Mountain Skyride (included) and Capilano

Canyon and Suspension Bridge (included) at your own leisure. Be sure to

see such sights as, Chinatown, Historical Gastown, the markets of Granville

Island, and the famous shopping district of Robson Street.

Day 3 Vancouver to Manning Park (232km/144mi)

Depart Vancouver through the fertile farmland of the Fraser Valley bound

for Manning Park. This is one of the best provincial parks in B.C to see

wildlife nearby. This rugged mountain park is a staggering 65,880 hectare.

Day 4 Manning Park to Osoyoos (163km/101mi)

Continue on to Osoyoos, your first stop is the Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre.

This state-of-the-art venue celebrates thousands of years of Okanagan

First Nations habitation on desert lands. The Nk’Mip Desert lands are one

of Canada’s three most endangered ecosystems and are home to many endangered

plant and animal species. For the wine enthusiast, make sure to

visit Nk’Mip Cellars next door - it is Canada’s first aboriginal winery.

Day 5 Osoyoos to Nelson (263km/163mi)

The Kootenay Rockies awaits you today a vast wilderness of rivers, lakes,

waterfalls, beaches, mineral hot springs, alpine meadows and snowcapped

mountains. Outdoor water pursuits could include canoeing, boating,

cycling, windsurfing, waterskiing and whitewater rafting. The area is

also internationally renowned for its abundant fishing locales. On land,

this region is one of Canada’s pre-eminent destinations for mountain biking,

while the many dude and guest ranches offer authentic cattle rides.

This is also your chance to visit wonderfully restored heritage towns,

thriving arts communities and gold rush boomtowns.

Day 6 Nelson to Emerald Lake Lodge (409km/254mi)

Today, while heading northeast on Highway 93 there are activities to get

you out of the car. Visit the Fort Steele Heritage Town, a restored 1890s

pioneer boomtown (not included). Or unwind in the area’s two famous

mineral hot springs, in Fairmont or Radium. You’ll also find invigorating

hiking and biking trails nearby at Invermere. Wildlife flourish here - be on

the lookout for eagles, Elk, Mule Deer, Bighorn Sheep, Coyotes, Moose,

Cougar as well as Black and Grizzly Bears.

Day 7 Emerald Lake Lodge to Banff (82km/51mi)

Enjoy the leisurely drive to Banff. Choose the Bow Valley Parkway, beside

the Bow River with an option for you to take a stop at Johnston Canyon

and walk along the paved footway to either the lower or upper waterfalls

before continuing to Banff.

Day 8 Banff

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.

Day 9 Banff via Lake Louise to Jasper (262km/163mi)

Drive to Jasper via the spectacular Icefields Parkway. We suggest a stop at

Peyto Lake en route. Enjoy glorious photo opportunities of snow-capped

peaks, waterfalls and alpine meadows as you travel this route considered

one of the most scenic drives in the world. We have included a snocoach

ride on the Athabasca Glacier enroute to Jasper.

Day 10 Jasper National Park

Today is at your leisure to explore the uniquely beautiful landscape of

Jasper National Park where serene lakes and gentle meadows stand in

stark contrast to its jagged peaks and spectacular glaciers. We suggest a

Maligne Lake boat cruise, a visit to Miette Hot Springs, or a ride on the

Jasper Tramway.

Day 11 Jasper to Wells Gray Provincial Park/Clearwater (440km/273mi)

Drive the scenic Yellowhead Highway to Wells Gray Park. Before leaving

the Rocky Mountains you will encounter one of its most spectacular

sights, the mist-shrouded peak of Mount Robson. The highest peak in the

Rockies can be seen for miles as you wind your way south through a vast

unspoiled landscape. A visit to the volcano-shaped wilderness of Wells

Gray Provincial Park is worth the detour. Explore the park’s mineral

springs, serene lakes, dormant volcanoes and rushing falls. Not to be

missed are the towering Helmcken Falls near the entrance to the park.

Day 12 Wells Gray Provincial Park/Clearwater to Ashcroft (217 km/135mi)

Leaving the spectacular falls of the Thompson River and pristine parklands

of Wells Gray Provincial Park head south following the Thompson

River to windswept cowboy country and the small town of Ashcroft (Dinner

Included)

Day 13 Ashcroft / Sundance Guest ranch

Enjoy a full day on the ranch with complimentary use of the facilities. With

over 90 horses, the Ranch can cater to all levels of riding experience and

is surrounded by thousands of acres of spectacular countryside for you to

enjoy morning or afternoon guided treks. Horses are what the Sundance

is all about, but there are plenty of other activities to choose from, swimming

(Sundance is located on one of the sunniest spots in Canada), tennis,

pool, and Saturday night dancing. (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included)

Day 14 Ashcroft to Whistler (225km/140 mi)

Start early today to allow yourself as much time as possible in the premier

resort town of Whistler. The winding road leads through an arid

landscape that gradually changes to lush forests lined with snow-capped

mountain ranges. Once in Whistler, play a round of golf in the shadow of

towering mountains, hike along endless trails and high alpine meadows,

ride on horseback past spectacular glaciers or whitewater raft down one

of the turbulent rivers. You may wish just to relax in the enchanting set-

ting of the pedestrian village and enjoy the boutiques, restaurants and

cafés. (Breakfast Included)

Day 15 Whistler Exploring

Take the Whistler Gondola (included) to Whistler Mountain’s sub-alpine

and then rise to over 7,000 feet via Whistler’s premier open chairlift. At

the top of the Peak Chair, guests will be treated to unbelievable views of

glaciers, extinct volcanoes, snowcapped peaks and more. Gondola dates

of operation: mid May - Sep 30, Summer dates are subject to change due

to factors such as weather and snowpack, if Gondola is not operating a

refund will be issued.

Day 16 Whistler to Pacific Rim National Park (310km/192mi + Ferry)

Travel the Sea-to-Sky Highway through a landscape carved out by glaciers

and edged by craggy fjords. After a brief stop at Shannon Falls continue

to Horseshoe Bay where you will board a ferry to sail across the Strait of

Georgia to Vancouver Island. Your drive to the Pacific Coast will take you

through ancient rainforests and provincial parks. You are venturing into

true wildlife territory here, and you might even catch a glimpse of bears,

deer or wolves. The Pacific Rim National Park is a marvel of ecological and

geographical diversity as you will see as you pass through dense rainforests,

steep ravines and windswept beaches.

Day 17 Pacific Rim National Park (Whale Watching)

Your day is at leisure to explore the rugged coastline along the network

of hiking trails or walk the shoreline of Long Beach in search of shells and

driftwood.

Day 18 Pacific Rim National Park to Victoria (325 km/201mi)

This morning’s drive will take you back to the east coast of Vancouver

Island. En route you might want to visit Horne Lake Caves or Cathedral

Cove. The coastal road winds through quaint seaside towns and the murals

of Chemainus and the quaint Quw’utsun’ Cultural and Conference

Centre in Duncan are well worth the visit. The day winds down in Victoria,

the capital of British Columbia.

Day 19 Victoria to Vancouver (69 km/43 mi + Ferry)

Leaving Victoria drive the short and richly scenic route to Butchart Gardens

(admission included) - fifty-five acres of wonderful floral display,

continue driving north to Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal for a 90 min Ferry

ride (ferry toll included) to Tsawwassen. On board BC ferries enjoy the

scenery of the Gulf Islands as you cross the Strait of Georgia. From Tsawwassen

continue on to downtown Vancouver where your Flexidrive ends.

Features:

• Accommodation including provincial taxes for 18 nights

• Grouse Mountain & Capilano Suspension Bridge Admission

• Banff Gondola Ride

• Ice Explorer ride onto the Athabasca Glacier

• Meals at Sundance Guest Ranch

• Guided Horse Treks at Sundance Guest Ranch

• Peak to Peak Gondola Ride

• BC Ferries Passenger & Vehicle Fare

• Whale Watch Tour in Clayoquot Sound

• Butchart Gardens Admission

• Exclusive travel documentation package including personalized maps,

itinerary and driving directions

Departing Vancouver