Coastal Peaks to Plains Fly Drive

Day 1 - Fly to Vancouver

Arrive in Vancouver and transfer to your downtown hotel.  Transfer not included.

Day 2 - Vancouver

Take time to enjoy all that Vancouver has to offer. Visit Granville Island for lunch, take a stroll or cycle around Stanley Park, be sure to take in the sunset this evening at English Bay. 

Day 3 - Vancouver to Victoria (68 km/42 mi + ferry)

Depart Vancouver this morning to Victoria. Cruise across Georgia Strait through the beautiful Gulf Islands with BC Ferries to Vancouver Island. Today you can personalise your day with a choice of one of the three attractions: 

Option 1. Butchart Gardens Admission On its 100th birthday in 2004, the Butchart Gardens was named a National Historic Site of Canada. Explore 22 Hectares/55 acres of breathtaking gardens on the 53 hectare/130 acre estate.

Option 2. Eat like a Canadian Food Tour Not many people can define exactly what Canadian food is. From local ingredients to historic dishes, this tour is the best way to experience Canadian culinary culture. Sip and savour local cuisine, explore the iconic Inner Harbour, and meet the chefs and owners that make Victoria such an exciting culinary hot spot

Option 3. Whale Watch Cruise Get up close with the killer whales on the Salish Sea with this guided, 3.5-hour whale-watching cruise from Victoria. Climb aboard a covered or open boat equipped with hydrophones. 

Day 4 - Victoria to Campbell River (269 km/168 mi)

Travelling north on the Island Highway, pass through Duncan, the “City of Totems”. If time permits visit the Quw’utsun’ Heritage Village which provides you with an insight into the lives of the North West Coast People (seasonal hours -admission not included). Further north is the artist community of Chemainus, where you can admire giant murals which adorn the exterior walls throughout the town. By late afternoon arrive in Campbell River.

Day 5 - Whale Watching & Wildlife Safari Cruise

The diversity of wildlife and awe inspiring scenery that exists so close to Campbell River is unparalleled! The area has quickly become the most predictable place in the world to see the Bigg’s or Transient, mammaleating Orca! Pacific White-Sided dolphins are common and can often be seen in large groups. Eagles and several varieties of seabirds are all sighted regularly.

Day 6 - Campbell River to Port Hardy (241 km/150 mi)

Today continue your journey north. Near Port McNeil you may wish to take an optional Orca watching cruise into the waters of Johnstone Strait. Your day ends in the fishing community of Port Hardy

Day 7 - Port Hardy to Prince Rupert (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 8 - Prince Rupert to Smithers (364 km/227 mi)

Today, follow the Yellowhead Highway, hugging the Skeena River for most of the way. Pass through the mining town of Terrace and into Smithers.

Day 9 - Smithers to Prince George (372 km/232 mi)

Depart Smithers today, continuing along the Yellowhead Highway. Passing through Houston - known as the Steelhead Capital and home to the world’s biggest fly rod - over 18 metres in length! Next you will travel through Burns Lake and Vanderhoof into Prince George.

Day 10 - Prince George to Jasper (376 km/234 mi)

Today is another unforgettable day of scenery. Follow mountain passes and raging rivers as you wind your way to an overnight stop in Jasper - ‘the Jewel of the Rockies’.

Day 11 - Jasper Exploring

Explore this charming mountain village close to many terrific scenic highlights. Today you can personalise your day by choosing one of three excursions

Option 1. Maligne Lake Cruise Cruise Maligne Lake, where you can marvel at the magnificent shoreline and Spirit Island.

Option 2. Jasper River Float Enjoy a gentle rafting tour on the Athabasca River for a unique perspective of Jasper National Park.

Option 3. Jasper Nature Walk A guided nature walk featuring a spectacular array of rolling hills, jagged peaks, forests, meadows, marshes, streams, and stunning glacial lakes.

Day 12 - Jasper to Banff (265 km/164 mi)

Your scenic drive today takes you along the Icefields Parkway through the spine of the Canadian Rockies. View a never-ending procession of mammoth mountains, jagged peaks, over 100 glaciers and pristine emerald coloured lakes. Along the way see such sights as the Columbia Icefield and take an Ice Explorer ride out onto the glacier (included). Continue on to Lake Louise and Banff.

Day 13 - Banff Exploring (Banff Gondola)

A full day to explore Banff and the surrounding area. Today you can personalise your day by choosing one of four excursions. 

Option 1. Banff Gondola Maximize your views of Banff National Park with minimal exertion on around-trip gondola ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain.

Option 2. 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.

Option 3. River Explorer Canoe Tour Enjoy the serenity of the Bow River and marvel at the surroundings. A fun & interactive way with your guide to explore the waterways of Banff National Park. Perfect for families. No paddling experience necessary.

Option 4. Bow River Horseback Adventure Saddle up for a journey through the celebrated landscape of Banff National Park on this guided horseback riding adventure.

Day 14 - Banff to Calgary (115 km /72 mi)

Drive to Calgary today, along the 1A Highway. En-route, you may wish to stop at the historic Cochrane Ranch (not included) before dropping off your rental car at Calgary International Airport prior to your return flight.