Lakes & Lodges - East Bound Fly Drive

Day 1 - Fly to Vancouver

Fly to Vancouver and transfer to your downtown hotel. (transfer included)

Day 2 - Explore Vancouver

You have a day at leisure to explore Vancouver. This is a vibrant coastal city with stunning views across the water and over to the mountain ranges.

Day 3 - Vancouver

Spend your last day in Vancouver at your leisure.

Day 4 - Vancouver to Whistler (121 km/75 mi)

This morning depart Vancouver along the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway to Whistler. Highlights along the way include the cascading Shannon Falls and the Stawamus Chief Rock where climbers from all over the globe migrate to climb the granite cliffs. 

Day 5 - Whistler

A full day to explore Whistler! This charming alpine resort is nestled between world-renowned Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. Experience the beauty via the Peak 2 Peak Gondola on Whistler Mountain as you soak in the unbelievable views of Whistler Village, glaciers, lakes, forests and snow-capped peaks.

Day 6 - Whistler to Clearwater 378 km/235 mi

Return through Lillooet, known as the land of the Gold Rush Trail and ‘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. Visit the Gold Rush Town of Cache Creek where we recomend a visit the Historic Hat Creek, which literally takes you back to the days of the Gold Rush.

Day 7 - Clearwater to Jasper (338 km/210 mi)

Set out for Jasper along the scenic Yellowhead Highway and take in the breathtaking vistas of the steep-walled gorges and crashing falls of the North Thompson River. On your journey today, perhaps you will get a glimpse of Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. Leaving British Columbia, you enter Alberta and Jasper National Park. Jasper was originally a tent city serving the railway, and is now a quaint mountain village (breakfast included)

Day 8 - Jasper - Freedom of Choice

Today you can personalize 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 9 - Jasper to Lake Louise (412 km/256mi)

This morning depart on the scenic Icefields Parkway that takes you through the spine of the Canadian Rockies. You 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). Also watch for the Sarbach Glacier, Peyto Lake, Bow Lake, with the Bow Glacier providing the backdrop, and Crowfoot Glacier before your arrival at Lake Lousie. One of Canada's most photographed lakes with its beautiful touqiuse water.

Day 10 - Lake Lousie to Emerald Lake (36 km/23 mi)

A short drive today through majestic mountain passes into Yoho National Park. The word Yoho is the Cree word expressing awe. This 1313 sq. km (507 sq. miles) national park is filled with gem-coloured glacial lakes and waterfalls, snow-covered peaks and dense forests of western red cedar and western hemlock. Historic railroads, spiral tunnels within mountain sides and steep rock faces where mountain goats roam are just some of the sights to be seen. Other Yoho marvels include a natural rock bridge over the Kicking Horse River, Hoodoos, some of Canada’s highest waterfalls and the Burgess Shale fossil find where over 120 marine animal species dating back as far as 530 million years were discovered. 

Day 11 - Emerald Lake Lodge

Built of hand-hewn timber and featuring massive stone fireplaces, the Lodge includes a formal dining room, quiet reading and sitting rooms. From the upper or lower large verandahs, enjoy the serene views of this wilderness landscape. This is a great base to explore the lake and Yoho National Park.

Day 12 - Emerald Lake to Banff (93 km/60 mi)

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 footpath to either the lower or upper waterfalls before continuing to Banff. This afternoon, explore Banff and the surrounding area. In town you’ll find lots of excitement - shopping, cafés, nightlife and museums. 

Day 13 - Banff Exploring - Freedom of Choice

Today you can personalize your day by choosing one of four excursions :

Option 1. Banff Gondola - Maximize your views of Banff National Park with minimal exertion on a round-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 the Calgary International Airport or downtown location.