Grand Western Canada Self-Drive

Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Vancouver. On arrival in Vancouver make your own way to your accommodation and relax for the remainder of the day.

Spend a day at leisure in Vancouver. There are plenty of sights to see in this cosmopolitan city including Stanley Park, Chinatown, historic Gastown, and the shops of Robson Street.

You have most of the day to explore under your own steam, before taking a thrilling seaplane flight from Vancouver's seaplane terminal over the Gulf Islands to Bowen Island, where you'll take in sunset views and enjoy a delicious three course meal. You'll then be transferred by ferry to Horseshoe Bay, where a car will be waiting to take you back into downtown Vancouver.

Today you take a coach transfer, via the Tsawwassen ferry, to Vancouver Island. Once in Swartz Bay it is just a short distance by coach to Victoria, capital of British Columbia.

This morning enjoy a three hour whale watching trip. The afternoon is free to discover this lovely city with its harbour, grand Victorian buildings and nearby Butchart Gardens.

Collect your hire car and drive north from Victoria, through spectacular mountain scenery to Tofino on Vancouver Island's west coast.

Spend the morning watching for black bears along the coast. The afternoon is free to explore this pretty little town with its fishing boats and art galleries.

Spend a day at leisure in Tofino. You may wish to visit nearby Pacific Rim National Park, go whale watching or take a trip to the hot springs on Meares Island.

This morning drive from Tofino to Campbell River on the east coast of Vancouver Island. The afternoon is free to explore the area.

Travel north from Campbell River to Port Hardy. You may wish to visit Telegraph Cove en route which offers excellent whale watching. Drop off your hire car upon arrival in Port Hardy.

Board the Inside Passage ferry for this full day journey to Prince Rupert. This 15 hour journey is on board a modern, comfortable ferry with a wide range of facilities. Entry to the Aurora Lounge is also included in your ticket, allowing additional comfort on this trip. The scenery is renowned and dolphins, whales and eagles are frequently seen.

The Khutzeymateen region is reknowed for its thriving population of grizzly bears - and today you'll embark on a full day guided tour to view this majestic creatures. Your expert guide will take you to the best viewing areas, and explain more about the bear's habitat and behaviours. You'll then return to Prince Rupert late this afternoon.

This morning make your own way to the railway station in time for the departure of the Skeena train. Spend a full day on board enjoying the lovely scenery along the route. Make your own way to your hotel in Prince George on arrival.

Make your own way back to the station for the departure of the Skeena to Jasper. Spend a second full day on board the train. On arrival in Jasper your hotel is just a short walk from the station.

Collect your hire car from downtown Jasper. The day is yours to explore Jasper town and its surrounding national park.

Explore Jasper National Park from a different perspective today - in the sidecar of a Harley Davidson motorcycle! On this two hour private tour you will see some of the national park's highlights, such as Medicine Lake and Maligne Canyon, stopping at the best viewpoints along the way. You are also likely to encounter plenty of wildlife so keep your camera close to hand!

Spend a day enjoying the glorious scenery around Lake Louise. Nearby Moraine Lake is also well worth exploring and the area offers lots of opportunities for seeing wildlife.

Drive from Lake Louise to Banff where you have the afternoon free to explore this bustling town.

This morning drive to Calgary Airport to drop off your hire car prior to boarding your onward flight.

Arrive home today to complete your journey.