Tours/North America/Canada/Alberta/Banff National Park

Vancouver Island and the Canadian Rockies Self-Drive

Banff National Park

Overland

Self-Guided

Vancouver Island and the Canadian Rockies Self-Drive

Prices

From $3,325USD

19 days

Available Dates

Difficulty

Self-guided

Hotels

4.721 ratings

Start Your Booking

Highlights

Explore the diverse landscapes of the Canadian west coast on a self-drive adventure

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.

Vancouver Island and the Canadian Rockies Self-Drive Tour Details

Overview

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival

Overnight Location - Hotel in Vancouver | Distance - None | Meals - None

When you arrive in Vancouver you can pick up your car rental from the airport and head to your first hotel to check in.

Day 2

Journey to Vancouver Island

Overnight Location - Hotel in Victoria | Distance - 110km | Meals - None

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.

Day 3

Explore Victoria

Overnight Location - Hotel in Victoria | Distance - None | Meals - None

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.

Day 4

Drive to Tofino

Overnight Location - Hotel in Tofino | Distance - 320km | Meals - None

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.

Day 5

Hiking in Pacific Rim National Park

Overnight Location - Hotel in Tofino | Distance - None | Meals - None

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.

Day 6

Giant Trees and Drive to Campbell River

Overnight Location - Hotel in Campbell River | Distance - 270km | Meals - None

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.

Day 7

Explore Strathcona Park

Overnight Location - Hotel in Campbell River | Distance - None | Meals - None

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.

Day 8

Reach the Top of Vancouver Island

Overnight Location - Hotel in Port Hardy | Distance - 240km | Meals - None

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.

Day 9

Ferry Ride to Prince Rupert

Overnight Location - Hotel in Prince Rupert | Distance - 520km | Meals - None

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.

Day 10

Mountain Drive to Smithers

Overnight Location - Hotel in Smithers | Distance - 340km | Meals - None

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.

Day 11

Enjoy a Day in Smithers

Overnight Location - Hotel in Prince George | Distance - 375km | Meals - None

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.

Day 12

Journey to Jasper

Overnight Location - Hotel in Jasper | Distance - 375km | Meals - None

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.

Day 13

Enjoy Jasper National Park

Overnight Location - Hotel in Jasper | Distance - None | Meals - None

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.

Day 14

Hike and Explore Jasper

Overnight Location - Hotel in Jasper | Distance - None | Meals - None

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.

Day 15

Drive the Icefield Parkway

Overnight Location - Hotel in Banff | Distance - 290km | Meals - None

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.

Day 16

Explore Banff

Overnight Location - Hotel in Banff | Distance - None | Meals - None

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.

Day 17

Discover More in Banff or Lake Louise

Overnight Location - Hotel in Banff | Distance - None | Meals - None

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.

Day 18

Road to Calgary

Overnight Location - Hotel in Calgary | Distance - 120km | Meals - None

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.

Day 19

Tour Concludes

Overnight Location - None | Distance - None | Meals - None

This morning your tour officially ends. Drop off your rental vehicle at the airport and begin your journey home, or onto your next destination.

What's Included

Dates & Prices

Accommodation

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.

Night 1

Hotel in Vancouver

Welcome to Vancouver! Settle in and sleep off any jetlag at your comfortable hotel.

Night 2-3

Hotel in Victoria

Victoria draws visitors year-round for its pleasant climate, undeniably kind and laid-back people, and charming downtown core. Check out the Inner Harbour, Cook Street Village, and Dallas Road.

Night 4-5

Hotel in Tofino

You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a mystical land when you see the sandy beaches in Tofino at the edge of the forest. This popular surf town keeps its cool and hasn’t been over-developed.

Night 6-7

Hotel in Campbell River

This mid-island adorable town has rustic charm written all over it. Make sure to try some local salmon after a full day of exploring the surrounding nature.

Night 8

Hotel in Port Hardy

Expect to be amidst the fishermen up in Port Hardy, where you’ll enjoy a calm night.

Night 9

Hotel in Prince Rupert

See all that Prince Rupert has to offer from the comfort of your carefully chosen hotel.

Night 10

Hotel in Smithers

Your room in Smithers is a great place to recoup after a day of driving and exploring.

Night 11

Hotel in Prince George

Enjoy northern British Columbia, where fewer tourists roam but natural beauty still abounds.

Night 12-14

Hotel in Jasper

Relax in a cozy 3-star standard hotel surrounded by immense mountains. Stroll the streets and take your pick of various top-notch restaurants and bars.

Night 15-17

Hotel in Banff

Revel in this iconic mountain town that has graced many magazine covers. Wander the charming streets and admire the peaks around you.

Night 18

Hotel in Calgary

Calgary is a metropolitan city with tons of restaurants and attractions to see, so you may not be spending much time in your room here!

Hotels on Standard Tour

Map

Optional Extras

Reviews

FAQ

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.

Tour Difficulty

Prices

From $3,325USD

19 days

Available Dates

Difficulty

Self-guided

Hotels

4.721 ratings

Start Your Booking

What travellers say

Stephen L.

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I just got back from backpacking in the Sierra Nevada, and WOW. What an unreal journey! The alpine meadows, waterfalls, and the lakeside camping spot were memorable highlights! I wonder what other tours 10Adventures has to offer. That one went so well that I am now convinced I need to book another!

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Vancouver Island and the Canadian Rockies Self-Drive

Vancouver Island and the Canadian Rockies Self-Drive

Prices

Highlights

Vancouver Island and the Canadian Rockies Self-Drive Tour Details

Overview

Itinerary

Arrival

Journey to Vancouver Island

Explore Victoria

Drive to Tofino

Hiking in Pacific Rim National Park

Giant Trees and Drive to Campbell River

Explore Strathcona Park

Reach the Top of Vancouver Island

Ferry Ride to Prince Rupert

Mountain Drive to Smithers

Enjoy a Day in Smithers

Journey to Jasper

Enjoy Jasper National Park

Hike and Explore Jasper

Drive the Icefield Parkway

Explore Banff

Discover More in Banff or Lake Louise

Road to Calgary

Tour Concludes

What's Included

Meals

Accommodations

Transportation during the Tour

Also Included

Not included

Dates & Prices

Accommodation

Night 1

Hotel in Vancouver

Night 2-3

Hotel in Victoria

Night 4-5

Hotel in Tofino

Night 6-7

Hotel in Campbell River

Night 8

Hotel in Port Hardy

Night 9

Hotel in Prince Rupert

Night 10

Hotel in Smithers

Night 11

Hotel in Prince George

Night 12-14

Hotel in Jasper

Night 15-17

Hotel in Banff

Night 18

Hotel in Calgary

Hotels on Standard Tour

Map

Optional Extras

Reviews

Written Reviews

Add a comment

Thank you!

FAQ

Tour Difficulty

Prices

What travellers say

When can I do this tour?

Get in touch

Why book with 10 Adventures?

Your trip. Your way.

Travel made easy.

You matter to us.

Travel authentically.

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