Spend 19 days exploring the incredible Canadian west coast on the Vancouver Island and the Canadian Rockies self-drive tour. This is the ultimate road trip, crossing Vancouver Island and the Inner Passage before bringing you to the mainland to cross the mountains all the way to Calgary.
You’ll love having the freedom to go at your own pace and choose how you want to explore the natural wonders so plentiful along the way. At each stop, you’ll have the chance to decide if you want to go on an epic all-day hike or if you’d rather take a leisurely stroll to soak in the scenery. This self-drive expedition takes you to famous sites like Banff and Jasper to witness the full majesty of the mountains. It also includes quieter, less-visited spots like Prince Rupert and Campbell River, giving you the full west coast experience on one in-depth tour.
Vancouver Island and the Canadian Rockies Self-Drive
Spend 19 days exploring the incredible Canadian west coast on the Vancouver Island and the Canadian Rockies self-drive tour. This is the ultimate road trip, crossing Vancouver Island and the Inner Passage before bringing you to the mainland to cross the mountains all the way to Calgary.
You’ll love having the freedom to go at your own pace and choose how you want to explore the natural wonders so plentiful along the way. At each stop, you’ll have the chance to decide if you want to go on an epic all-day hike or if you’d rather take a leisurely stroll to soak in the scenery. This self-drive expedition takes you to famous sites like Banff and Jasper to witness the full majesty of the mountains. It also includes quieter, less-visited spots like Prince Rupert and Campbell River, giving you the full west coast experience on one in-depth tour.
Experience the power of the Pacific Ocean as you hike along the beach in Tofino.
Immerse yourself in mountain culture as you visit the northern communities of the Rockies.
Hike in some of the most famous scenery in the country when you visit Jasper, Banff, and Lake Louise.
Look for wildlife by boat, car, and on foot as you explore the different west coast habitats.
Trip map for Vancouver Island and the Canadian Rockies Self-Drive
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When you arrive in Vancouver you can pick up your car rental from the airport and head to your first hotel to check in.
Begin your day with a brief exploration of Vancouver! This city sits between the mountains and the ocean and has plenty to offer on top of its spectacular skyline. You’ll take the scenic ferry ride to Vancouver Island and check into your hotel in Victoria.
Today you can explore the beautiful downtown area of Victoria and take a walk through its flower-clad parks or along the stunning coastal walkways. Our tip? Look for the Belgian waffle cart along the harbourside walk on busy summer days.
You can choose to book an optional 20-minute seaplane flight that will tour the city and give you stunning ocean and mountain views.
Take the scenic road from Victoria to Tofino, making sure to stop in some of the charming towns along the way. When you arrive, you’ll have many hikes to choose from along the rugged pacific beaches or through the rainforests.
Enjoy the many quiet trails that explore the rainforests of the Pacific Rim National Park and take a stroll down the miles of beautiful beaches. You’ll also take a zodiac boat tour to look out for various marine animals, including whales depending on the time of year.
Enjoy a quiet drive to Campbell River. On your way, stop at the famous Cathedral Grove where you can take a short hike to explore the stand of giant Douglas Firs that includes trees that are over 800 years old.
You have all day to hike and explore the trails and diverse vegetation in Strathcona Provincial Park. You have the option to book a zodiac wildlife boat tour to look for marine animals and seabirds if you’d like.
Today you’ll be driving to the northernmost point of Vancouver Island. Take a break from your drive for a hike in beautiful Elk Falls Provincial Park. Arrive in Port Hardy (a popular fishing destination) and check in for your last night on the island.
To get back to mainland BC you’ll need to take another ferry ride across the strait. This trip is a much longer ferry, however, it is very scenic as you sail through the pristine coastal islands.
Take the road through the spectacular mountainous landscape and cross the Skeena Valley. Stop for a break in Ksan to visit the museum and learn about the local indigenous culture. Your day ends in the remote mountain town of Smithers, where you’ll stop for the night.
Smithers is well known for its fishing and enthusiasm for all outdoor activities. Go for a quiet hike or participate in one of your favourite outdoor pass-times before you start the drive onwards to Prince George.
This morning you’ll begin your drive to Mount Robson. This is a great place to stop and take a walk to admire the highest mountain in the Canadian Rockies. From there you’ll continue your drive to Jasper.
The view of the turquoise Maligne Lake against towering snow-capped peaks is one of Canada’s most iconic scenes. Spend the day hiking in the beautiful alpine meadows filled with wildflowers. End the day with a scenic boat cruise on the lake.
Today you have a second day to hike and explore beautiful Jasper National Park. If you would rather see another area, you can also take a short trip to Mount Edith Cavell or Pyramid Lake.
Leave behind one of the jewels of the Rockies as you drive towards another. Take the scenic drive down the Icefield Parkway towards Banff. Today you can book the optional Snow Bus Glacier Tour on the Columbia Icefield.
Banff is a charming mountain town, famous for its skiing, hot springs, and the azure Moraine Lake. Spend today hiking in the national park, at the lake, or on Sulphur Mountain. You can also book one of the optional activities like the Banff Tour and Wildlife Discovery, or the Banff Hot Springs.
Today you have a second day to spend in this spectacular national park. Take another of the many hikes, spend some time wandering the Banff main street, or visit nearby Lake Louise to experience another of the beautiful glacial lakes of the Rockies.
After your final night in the mountains, you’ll begin the drive to Calgary. You can choose to spend the day exploring the shops and restaurants in the city and take a walk along the river.
This morning your tour officially ends. Drop off your rental vehicle at the airport and begin your journey home, or onto your next destination.
These reviews reflect all trips offered by this local tour partner on 10Adventures, not just the tour you’re viewing.
This self-guided driving and hiking tour in Western Canada is run as private tour for your group only, and the price per person depends on how many people are in your group.
Prices below are per person:
- Self-guided groups of 2+: from $3,425USD per person*
*-Pricing for this tour depends on the dates of your trip and all the prices are per person. Please click the booking button below to get the exact pricing for your trip dates.
Meals
No meals are included in this tour.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 18 nights are included. Accommodations before the tour in Vancouver and after the tour in Calgary are not included but can be added as a supplement.
Transportation during the Tour
This is a self-drive tour, so you’ll be provided with a rental vehicle for the duration of the itinerary.
Also Included
- Standard vehicle rental, Category B
- Ferry on Day 2 and Day 9
- Zodiac whale watching
- Maligne Lake scenic cruise
- Canadian taxes
- 24/7 access to helpline
Not Included
- Travel insurance
- Flights
- Personal expenses
- Optional activities
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Entrance fees to national parks
- Gratuities for tour guides or other staff if desired
- Vehicle insurance
- Visas if required
- Fuel
Optional Extras
- Additional nights before or after the tour
- Single occupancy upgrades
- Optional activities or excursions:
-
- Seaplane aerial tour from Victoria
- Wildlife watching zodiac tour in Campbell River5
- Guided tour of Columbia Icefields glacier on a snow bus
- Entrance to Banff Hot Springs
- Banff tour and wildlife discovery
Accommodation for Vancouver Island and the Canadian Rockies Self-Drive
This tour is based in hotels. Hotels on this trip are standard 3-star accommodations with comfortable rooms that have been specially chosen for their convenient locations along your route.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Rooms are double occupancy. Solo travellers are required to pay a supplement and single rooms are by request only and may incur additional fees.
How hard is the Vancouver Island and the Canadian Rockies tour?
We rate this tour as a 1/5. This tour offers you the flexibility to choose the physical activities you participate in so that you can tailor the difficulty level to suit your needs. There are very easy hikes and walks you can take, or you can challenge yourself to much more difficult excursions.
Is my driver’s licence valid in Canada?
Most standard driver’s licences are valid in Canada; however, International Drivers Permit might be required, or some exemptions might apply. Please check this source about driving with foreign license in Canada.
Is the vehicle insurance included?
No, vehicle insurance is not included in the package. We strongly suggest having one for this tour to avoid liability in case there is damage caused to the vehicle. You can either book vehicle insurance during the booking process, or get one by yourself.
I’ve never been on a self-guided trip! How does it work?
Self-guided travelling is not difficult! For many, it is a preferred type of travel, since you are in charge of your own time and pace. You are provided with all the information you’ll need to follow the route each day and often have access to phone support or other kinds of assistance. However, self-guided travelling requires good navigation skills and those who don’t feel confident in unknown places should consider booking guided tours.
Do I need a visa to travel to Canada?
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
Are meals included on the Vancouver Island and the Canadian Rockies tour?
There are no meals included on this tour.
Do I need insurance?
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover all included activities. Get your Travel Insurance.
How do I get to Vancouver to start this tour?
Fly into Vancouver International Airport (YVR). You’ll pick up your rental vehicle from the airport.
Is the Vancouver Island and the Canadian Rockies tour in English?
This is a self-guided tour, and the route guide, maps, and programs will be supplied in English.
Where does the Vancouver Island and the Canadian Rockies tour end?
This tour ends in Calgary, where you can drop off your rental vehicle at the Calgary International Airport (YYC).
Do I need special vaccines to travel to Canada?
Check with your family doctor.
Are there any travel restrictions for Canada?
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
When is the best time to travel to Canada for this tour?
The best time to travel to Canada for this tour is between June and September when the weather is at its warmest and the days are the longest. Note that the ferry between Port Hardy and Prince Rupert only runs on odd days in June, July, and September, and only on even days in August.
Why book with 10 Adventures?
Self-guided Specialists
Combine the freedom of travelling on your own with the confidence that all of the logistics are taken care of.
Packed with Inclusions
Accommodations, luggage transfers, gear rentals, and more - all taken care of so you can focus on making memories.
World Class Support
Have peace of mind for when travel plans change with our hassle-free booking process and unbeatable support.
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