Classic Canadian Rockies by Car

A self-drive journey from Vancouver into the heart of the Canadian Rockies, with your flights, hotels, car hire and some of the region’s best experiences all arranged.

Start with three nights in Vancouver, including the Capilano Suspension Bridge, then drive the Sea to Sky Highway to Whistler for two nights and a ride on the Sea to Sky Gondola. Head inland via Clearwater to Jasper, where a cruise on Maligne Lake is included.

The Icefields Parkway takes you on to Lake Louise, with the Columbia Icefield Ice Explorer and Glacier Skywalk along the way. You finish with two nights in Banff, including the Banff Gondola and Banff Upper Hot Springs, before dropping your car at Calgary Airport.

Like all our trips, it’s easy to adjust: add nights where you’d like longer, choose superior or deluxe hotels, or change the route to suit you.

Is this a private trip, and can I change it?

It’s a private trip built around your dates, not a group tour on fixed departures. You drive yourself and set your own pace, with your hotels and the main experiences booked in advance. You can change anything: add nights, swap places, upgrade hotels or slow the pace, and we’ll reprice it for you.

When is the best time to go?

June to September is the main season, with long days and everything open. Late September and early October bring autumn colour, especially in the east, and quieter roads.

Winter is for skiing and snowy landscapes, but some roads, lodges and tours close. Book summer trips early, as the best mountain lodges and the Rocky Mountaineer fill up months ahead.

Which airlines do you use?

We usually use Air Canada, British Airways or WestJet, which fly direct from London to Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto and Montréal, and we can book flights from regional UK airports.

Flights out leave during the day, so you arrive the same day. Flights home are usually overnight, which is why the length of each trip includes a night on the plane.

What are the hotels like?

We choose hotels for their location and character, from city hotels to mountain lodges and small inns. Some Canadian hotels add a resort or facility fee, and city hotels often charge for parking. Where we can, we include these in your price, and we’ll tell you about any you pay locally.

Do I need a visa?

UK passport holders flying to Canada need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA). It only takes a few minutes to apply online, but do it as soon as you’ve booked, and use the official Government of Canada website, as other sites charge extra. If you hold a different passport, ask us.

Vancouver

Set between the Pacific Ocean and the coastal mountains, Vancouver is a stunningly scenic city that perfectly blends urban sophistication with natural beauty. From the bustling streets of downtown and the trendy shops of Gastown to the leafy trails of Stanley Park, the city offers a wealth of experiences for every visitor.

Vancouver is also a culinary hotspot, with an international food scene that reflects its multicultural population, including fresh seafood, Asian fusion, and farm-to-table delights. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore nearby beaches, bike along seawalls, or ski in the nearby mountains during winter. With its lively arts scene, vibrant neighbourhoods, and breathtaking surroundings, Vancouver promises a city experience like no other.

Whistler

Famed for its world-class ski slopes and alpine charm, Whistler is the ultimate mountain playground. Just a short drive from Vancouver, it draws visitors year-round with its outdoor adventure options—from skiing and snowboarding in winter to mountain biking, hiking, and zip-lining in summer.

Whistler Village is lively yet intimate, offering boutique shopping, gourmet dining, and a buzzing après-ski scene. Beyond adventure, the area is rich in natural beauty, with glacial lakes, alpine meadows, and spectacular mountain vistas at every turn. Whether seeking thrills or relaxation, Whistler delivers an unforgettable mountain escape.

Clearwater

Nestled in British Columbia’s interior, Clearwater is the gateway to the stunning Wells Gray Provincial Park. Known for its pristine lakes, waterfalls, and dense forests, the area is a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

Visitors can explore scenic hiking trails, go canoeing on tranquil waters, or marvel at cascading waterfalls such as Helmcken Falls. Wildlife spotting is also a highlight, with opportunities to see bears, moose, and eagles in their natural habitat. Clearwater offers a peaceful, authentic escape into Canada’s unspoiled wilderness.

View Itinerary in Detail

To view a sample holiday, click on one of the links below. This will open the itinerary up in a new window.

All of our Canada Holidays are completely tailor made and we can put together any kind of itinerary to suit your interests and budget.

We have many other options so if you have a particular hotel in mind just let us know and we'll put together a price and itinerary for you.