Vancouver Island and the Canadian Rockies Self-Drive

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.