Holiday Overview
The Wilderness Explorer is one of our best selling Western Canada road trip itineraries.
This 14 night holiday commences with a 3-night stay in the vibrant, cosmopolitan city of Vancouver, with a day trip to Whistler included. Depart for the wine region of the Okanagan Valley - Manning Park & Penticton and then on to Clearwater, exploring Wells Provincial Park, home to Helmcken, Dawson and Spahat Falls. Following onto Jasper, from which you will travel along the scenic Icefields Parkway, a never ending procession of mammoth mountains, jagged peaks, over 100 glaciers and pristine emerald coloured lakes before arriving at Cathedral Mountain Lodge for a 2-night stay before travelling onto Banff and Canmore. This itinerary can be done in reverse.
Wilderness Explorer Fly Drive includes:
- Return UK flights
- 14 nights accommodation
- Car Hire
- Vancouver City Highlights tour
- Whistler, Shannon Falls & Sea to Sky Gondola tour
- Jasper Wildlife Discovery tour
- Jasper Maligne Lake Boat Cruise
- Ice Explorer ride & Glacier Skywalk
- Banff Gondola (admission)
- Banff Hot Springs (admission)
Day 1 - Fly UK to Vancouver
On arrival in Vancouver make your own way from the airport to your downtown hotel.
Featured accommodation
Rosedale on Robson Suite Hotel
Enhance your experience
Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver
Fairmont Waterfront Hotel
Day 2 - Explore Vancouver
This morning we have included a 3.5 hour Vancouver City Highlights tour to help you take in the best of the city. Prepare to experience the unique history and unfolding splendour as you tour through the modern streets of Vancouver. Drive by the most renowned sights and learn how Vancouver became the city it is today. Situated on the edge of the Pacific Ocean and framed by British Columbia's imposing mountains, it's easy to fall in love with this astonishing city. Drive through historic neighbourhoods such as Gastown, Chinatown, scenic English Bay and the picturesque Vancouver Harbour. Stops in Stanley Park feature Indigenous Peoples' Totem Poles, spectacular views of the mountains and the Lions Gate Bridge. Also includes the opportunity to wander through the charming farmer's market at Granville Island. Remainder of the afternoon is at your leisure.
Featured accommodation
Rosedale on Robson Suite Hotel
Enhance your experience
Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver
Fairmont Waterfront Hotel
Unmissable Experiences
Vancouver Experiences
Day 3 - Explore Vancouver
Today we have included the full day tour to Whistler & Shannon Falls with a ride on the popular Sea to Sky Gondola. Revel in the natural beauty as you wind your way along the Sea to Sky Highway to Whistler with a stop at Shannon Falls and the Sea to Sky Gondola. Ride the gondola up Mount Habrich high above the Howe Sound's coastal fjord, take a heart-quickening walk across the Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge for views of the surrounding snowcapped mountain peaks. Feel the mist from the roaring water of Shannon Falls on a short nature walk. Explore the many shops and restaurants of Whistler Village where you will have time to yourself. After a full day in the mountains, sit back and relax on your return journey to Vancouver.
Featured accommodation
Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver
Enhance your experience
Rosedale on Robson Suite Hotel
Fairmont Waterfront Hotel
Unmissable Experiences
Vancouver Experiences
Day 4 - Vancouver to Manning Park (217km / 135mls)
Pick up your hire car this morning from downtown Vancouver for your drive to Manning Park. Depart Vancouver through the fertile farmland of the Fraser Valley bound for Manning Park,. This is one of the best provincial parks in BC to see wildlife nearby. This rugged mountain park is a staggering 65,880 hectares.
Featured accommodation
Manning Park Resort BC
Day 5 - Manning Park to Penticton (178km / 111 mls)
Today you will make your way from Manning Park to Penticton for your overnight stay at the Penticton Lakeside Resort.
Featured accommodation
Penticton Lakeside Resort
Enhance your experience
Sandman Hotel Penticton
Day 6 - Penticton to Clearwater (343km / 214mls)
Make your way from Penticton to Clearwater for your 2 night stay.
Featured accommodation
Alpine Meadows Resort
Enhance your experience
Best Western Plus Gateway to the Falls
Day 7 - Explore Clearwater
Today is yours to explore the volcano-shaped wilderness of Wells Gray Provincial Park. 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.
Featured accommodation
Alpine Meadows Resort
Enhance your experience
Best Western Plus Gateway to the Falls
Unmissable Experiences
Clearwater Experiences
Day 8 - Clearwater to Jasper (339km / 211 mls)
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.
Featured accommodation
Jasper Inn & Suites by Sunrise
Enhance your experience
Forest Park Hotel
Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
Day 9 - Explore Jasper
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 have included a Maligne Lake boat cruise, but can also recommend a ride on the Jasper Tramway - the longest and highest aerial tramway in the Rockies. Later today we have also included a Jasper Wildlife Discovery tour, (3 hour duration) this is not to be missed.
As you travel through Jasper and the surrounding area in one of our comfortable sightseeing vehicles, not only will you be amazed at some of the beautiful scenery on this journey, you will also learn about the ways the wildlife in the area contribute to the rich diversity of the National Park. The knowledgeable guides are trained to seek out all of the park's most iconic creatures. Big or small, Jasper National Park provides a great opportunity to view animals in their natural habitat. Have your camera ready to capture some amazing photos of the highlights of this informative and entertaining "Discovery Tour".
The Wildlife Discovery Tour is a driving tour with minimal walking. Photos of wildlife are usually taken from the inside the vehicle. While the natural habitat around Jasper is conducive to animal sightings, animal viewing is not guaranteed and depends largely on the season, the time of day, and the weather.
Featured accommodation
Jasper Inn & Suites by Sunrise
Enhance your experience
Forest Park Hotel
Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
Unmissable Experiences
Jasper Experiences
Day 10 - Jasper to Cathedral Mountain Lodge (248km / 155 mls)
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 before a Glacier Skywalk (included). Also watch for the Sarbach Glacier, Peyto Lake, Bow Lake, with Bow Glacier proving the backdrop, and Crowfoot Glacier. From here you will then head arrive at your destination - Yoho National Park. The word Yoho is the Cree word expressing awe. This 1313sq. 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.
Featured accommodation
Cathedral Mountain Lodge
Unmissable Experiences
Glacier Skywalk
Day 11 - Explore Yoho National Park
Use today at your leisure to explore Yoho National Park, perhaps even make use of the complimentary canoe hire at Moraine Lake.
Featured accommodation
Cathedral Mountain Lodge
Day 12 - Cathedral Mountain Lodge to Banff (80km /50mls)
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. We have included admission to the Banff Hot Springs for you later today.
Featured accommodation
Canalta Lodge
Enhance your experience
The Moose Hotel and Suites Banff
The Fairmont Banff Springs
Day 13 - Explore Banff
A full day to explore Banff and the surrounding area. In town you'll find lots of excitment including shopping, cafes, nightlight and museums. Check out the Cave and Basin National Historic Site (not included), Banff Gondola (included) where you will see a panoramic view of the Bow Valley.
Featured accommodation
Canalta Lodge
Enhance your experience
The Moose Hotel and Suites Banff
The Fairmont Banff Springs
Unmissable Experiences
Banff Experiences
Day 14 - Banff to Canmore (25kms / 16mls)
Today you will take a short drive from Banff to the Hotel Malcolm in Canmore for your overnight stay. This is a stunning property with fantastic facilities on offer. Use you last stop to relax and unwind before returning home tomorrow. We highly recommend taking in some of the easy walking trails in the nearby area for some terrific views and scenery. Check out the Boardwalk, Upper Grassi Lake Trail and Policeman Creek Trail.
Featured accommodation
The Malcolm Hotel
Unmissable Experiences
Kananaskis Experiences
Day 15 - Fly Calgary to UK
Make your way from Canmore to Calgary Airport, where you will drop off your hire car before your flight back to the UK.
Rosedale on Robson Suite Hotel, Vancouver
Located in the heart of Vancouver, this family-friendly hotel is a favourite for sports fans & theatre goers. The hotel is just two blocks from BC Place Stadium, home of the BC Lions, and just three blocks from Rogers Arena, home of the Vancouver Canucks. The hotel is also close to the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Vancouver Centre for the Performing Arts, Vancouver Playhouse, and Orpheum Theatre.
Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver
Few hotels can rival the elegance, European charm and hospitality of The Sutton Place Hotel. One of Vancouver’s most beautiful boutique hotels, situated in the heart of downtown Vancouver. The spectacular setting allows guests to experience exceptional service and all the needed amenities within the cosmopolitan ambience of the city set against a majestic backdrop of mountains and sea.
Fairmont Waterfront Hotel, Vancouver
The Fairmont Waterfront luxury hotel showcases the best of Vancouver. Conveniently located, the hotel connects by covered walkway to the Vancouver Convention and Exhibition Centre, the cruise ship terminal at Canada Place, and the Sky train. Situated on scenic Burrard Inlet, it has a central to sightseeing and shopping in Vancouver.
Manning Park Resort BC
Welcome to Manning Park Resort —located in the stunning E.C. Manning Provincial Park in the heart of the Cascade Mountains.
Penticton Lakeside Resort
Facing the spectacular Okanagan Lake, Penticton Lakeside Resort is where affordable luxury and the great outdoors come together to provide a once-in-a-lifetime stay.
Sandman Hotel Penticton
An ideal combination of location, value, amenities and exceptional service, Sandman Hotel Penticton is absolute perfection. With fresh water lakes, gentle rolling mountains and year-round events, Penticton is a lively, sunny city in the heart of BC's interior landscape.
Alpine Meadows Resort
Imagine a vacation retreat where your days are filled with endless recreational possibilities and your evenings are spent in a state of peaceful bliss under the stars, while basking in the evening glow of Hallamore Lake. Escape your everyday hustle and relax while you soak up the peaceful ambiance of Alpine Meadows Resort.
Best Western Plus Gateway to the Falls
The Best Western Plus Gateway to the Falls is located in the heart of the beautiful Wells Gray Provincial Park in Clearwater, BC
Jasper Inn & Suites by Sunrise
Jasper Inn & Suites by Sunrise is located just 10 minutes from the heart of Jasper and surrounded by stunning views. Enjoying a quiet location away from the main street the Inn is still close to convenient destinations and minutes from Marmot Basin Ski Resort.
Forest Park Hotel
Offering cosy accommodations, eclectic dining, extensive resort style facilities, and a wide variety of exciting adventure and relaxation packages, The Forest Park Hotel is the hotel of choice when visiting the beautiful Jasper National Park. Located at the east end of the town's main street, this resort style property can accommodate all of your needs.
Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
Located on the shores of Beauvert Lake in the magnificent Canadian Rockies in a UNESCO World Heritage Site, The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge resort invites you to experience the unique accommodations and Luxury Signature Cabins, sure to evoke memories of this Jasper Lodge that will last a lifetime.
Canalta Lodge, Banff
Surrounded by the stunning Canadian Rockies, The Canalta Lodge built in 2003 is one of Banff’s newest hotels. This 3-star (Canada Select) hotel with 120 spacious well-appointed and modern guestrooms offers an upscale product to its sister property, Banff Voyager Inn, next door. Guests at the Canalta Lodge will have access to the facilities at the Banff Voyager Inn, which is connected to the hotel by underground walkway
The Moose Hotel and Suites, Banff
The design of the Moose is Mountain elegance with warm, rich, natural materials. Located a 1 minute walk from the heart of downtown Banff, the Moose Hotel & Suites features 174 air conditioned guests rooms, with a combination of One and Two Bedroom Suites and hotel rooms.
The Fairmont Banff Springs
The Fairmont Banff Springs hotel in Alberta, Canada is one of the world's leading luxury hotels set in its own extensive grounds. This resort, built in 1888, is styled after a Scottish Baronial castle and is a National Historic Site. Located in Banff National Park, the Banff Springs hotel boasts stunning views, exceptional regional cuisine and impeccable service offering an unforgettable retreat.
The Malcolm Hotel, Canmore
The Malcolm Hotel is the first traditional hotel to be built in Canmore in the last 20 years. Situated between two natural-flowing creeks, it provides four-star service and hospitality to 124 well-appointed rooms and suites all with luxury amenities. Its ambiance and design reflect the pageantry, royalty, and heritage of the past Scottish King - Malcolm III, who is also known as Canmore’s namesake.
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Alternative My Canada Trips Holidays That May Interest You
Below you will find a small selection of 2024, 2025 My Canada Trips holidays that may interest you. Remember, we tailor-make each holiday to your exact needs, so please call us on 0800 021 7732 and let one of our Canada Holiday experts design the perfect trip for you
Canada Fly Drive Holidays
Rockies & Rainforest East Bound Fly Drive
- 15 Nights
- Vancouver
- Victoria
- Tofino
- Parksville
- Whistler
- Clearwater
- Jasper
- Banff
- Calgary
Canada Fly Drive Holidays
Lakes & Lodges Self Drive
- 13 Nights
- Calgary
- Canmore
- Banff
- Jasper
- Moraine Lake
- Clearwater
- Whistler
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Canada Fly Drive Holidays
Best of the East Fly Drive
- 14 Nights
- Toronto
- Niagara Falls
- Algonquin Park
- Ottawa
- Mont Tremblant
- Quebec City
- Montreal
- Kingston
Canada Fly Drive Holidays
Peaks & Grapes Fly Drive
- 12 Nights
- Vancouver
- Whistler
- Sun Peaks Resort
- Jasper
- Banff
- Kelowna
Canada Fly Drive Holidays
Vancouver, Bears & Whales
- 14 Nights
- Vancouver
- Whistler
- Campbell River
- Knight Inlet
- Tofino
- Victoria
Canada Wildlife Holidays
Vancouver Island & the Grizzlies Fly Drive
- 14 Nights
- Vancouver
- Victoria
- Tofino
- Parksville
- Desolation Sound
- Whistler
Yukon & Alaska
The Grand Prospector Fly Drive Holiday
- 17 Nights
- Whitehorse
- Haines
- Haines Junction
- Valdez
- Anchorage
- Talkeenta
- Denali National Park
- Fairbanks
- Tok
- Dawson City
Canada Fly Drive Holidays
Nova Scotia Delights Self Drive
- 7 Nights
- Halifax
- Baddeck
- Liscombe Mills
Canada Fly Drive Holidays
Whistler & Pacific Coast Fly Drive
- 6 Nights
- Vancouver
- Whistler
- Tofino
- Victoria