
- Adventure
- 20-day trip
- From €3,095 p.p.
Canada holiday | Road trip through Western Canada and the Rockies
Western Canada is an absolute paradise for any nature lover. You will start this fantastic trip in the dynamic city of Vancouver, which you will first explore by bike. After this, your self-drive will start where you will travel by ferry to beautiful Vancouver Island to stay at the charming coastal town of Tofino, located near the rugged Pacific Rim National Park. Explore ancient rainforest here on a sea kayaking trip to Meares Island. Then sail by ferry back to the mainland and drive along Highway 3 to the charming town of Nelson, passing Manning Provincial Park and the Osoyoos wine region. Along the way, you will have continuous views of the mighty Rocky Mountains. Via Radium Hotsprings you arrive at Golden where you can hike to your heart's content in Kootenay NP, Glacier NP and Yoho NP, among others. You will end this amazing road trip in the extraordinary Banff NP, where you will visit Moraine Lake and Lake Louise for the crowds at sunrise; a spectacular experience!
Travel programme
Travel overview
- Day 1 – 2 Flight to Canada
- Day 3 Journey to Vancouver Island & Pacific Rim National Park
- Day 4 – 5 Sea kayaking near Tofino
- Day 6 – 7 Journey to Victoria
- Day 8 Self-drive tour of British Columbia
- Day 9 – 10 Okanagan wine region
- Day 11 – 12 Stay in the Kootenays
- Day 13 – 14 Kootenay National Park
- Day 15 – 16 Glacier and Yoho National Parks
- Days 17–19 Banff National Park & sunrise at Moraine Lake & Lake Louise
- Day 20 Departure from Canada
- Day 21 Arrival
Accommodations
Experiences
Destinations
Pacific Rim National Park Reserve
The Pacific Rim National Park Reserve is located on Vancouver Island, in British Columbia, Canada, and was established in 1970. The reserve consists of a narrow strip of land on the southwest coast of Irel Island and features jagged coastlines and abundant rainforests.... The national park is open March to October and visitors to the reserve can spot many species of terrestrial and marine wildlife, including pumas, wolves, mink, raccoons, black bears, sea lions, seals and whales. Popular activities include kayaking, hiking, surfing. Don't miss the chance to hike the popular West Coast Trail, which runs through the park's breathtakingly beautiful landscape!


Manning Park
Located in southwestern Canada in the province of British Columbia near the border with the United States, Manning Park is a popular resort that offers a wide range of activities in both summer and winter. Being located in EC Manning Provincial Park, you will be surrounded by beautiful nature here. In summer, you can enjoy the forest trails (the famous Pacific Crest Trail ends in this region), as well as canoeing, kayaking and fishing on Lightning Lake, or camping under the clear starry skies. In winter, the area is a distinguished winter sports destination, with good snow conditions for skiing, snowboarding, skating and tobogganing.


Lake Louise
The village of Lake Louise is located in Alberta in Canada, within the extraordinary Banff National Park and the Rocky Mountains. The lake is famous for its turquoise colour, Victoria Glacier, immense mountains and numerous ski resorts. Visitors can hike to the teahouse at Lake Agnes for fantastic panoramic views, rent a canoe, or go ice skating in winter. Other highlights include the Lake Louise gondola, a cable car to Whitehorn Mountain, where there is a better chance of spotting grizzly bears.


Vancouver
Majestic mountains, sparkling ocean, rainforests and beautiful vegetation in all four seasons make Vancouver one of the most beautiful cities in the world. And a huge multicultural population, endless activities and excellent infrastructure ensure that Vancouver welcomes everyone. Vancouver caters to almost every interest year-round; you can enjoy world-class shopping, gourmet dining, outstanding live entertainment, sporting events, theatre, outdoor adventure, spectacular sights and attractions - it's all waiting for you in Vancouver.


British Columbia
Stretching along Canada's western border, British Columbia has it all: a strong legacy of the 'first nations', stunning scenery, rich wildlife and a strong, cosmopolitan capital. The province consists largely of untamed wilderness - rugged mountain peaks, lush forests, mountain lakes and sparkling rivers, making it an excellent destination for outdoor activities such as fishing, kayaking, surfing and rock climbing, hiking, cycling, skiing and golf.
Canada
Canada, the land of loggers, beavers, hockey and maple syrup. While Canada certainly offers all these traditional associations in abundance, this beautiful country has so much more to offer than a few clichés. With its unforgettably beautiful, natural landscapes and cosmopolitan cities, Canada has something for everyone. Popular tourist destinations include the beautiful Rocky Mountains around Banff and Lake Louise, luxury ski resorts like Whistler and Blackcomb, the French-speaking cities of Montreal or Quebec, or the uber cool and eternally busy urban centres of Vancouver or Toronto. Whether you visit an Inuit lodge in Nunavut, take a dog sled ride through the Yukon to see the spectacular northern lights shining through the night sky or indulge in a delicious high tea on Vancouver Island, you will be amazed at the possibilities Canada has to offer.
Tofino
Being famous for surfing and watching storms may seem like a strange mix of attractions, but these are the reasons why thousands of visitors come to the small town of Tofino on Vancouver Island every year. Affectionately known as the ‘Tree-Loving Capital of the World’ (by its own residents), Tofino also offers exceptional whale-watching.
Excellent camping, fishing and waterside accommodation make this an all-round charming destination, with guided bear-watching walks and the natural hot springs of the nearby Maquinna Marine Provincial Park adding to the fun.


Vancouver Island
Idyllically located just off Canada's Pacific coast in the province of British Columbia, the vast Vancouver Island offers stunning natural scenery with an abundance of adventure sports and a wealth of historical and cultural wonders. The rolling beaches and verdant forests of the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve offer the ultimate opportunities for surfing and hiking, and the chance to see pumas and other endangered animals. Turquoise natural pools are surrounded by giant peaks and lush greenery. So there are some wonderful locations to swim, kayak and do other water sports. Small, friendly communities rich in cultural history are scattered around the island and love to tell visitors about old legends around the campfire. The capital Victoria is home to rich architecture and a variety of cultural museums. Visitors can also enjoy the many other modern highlights here.
Banff
Located high in the Canadian Rockies, Banff is a town where you will quickly feel at home but at the same time continue to marvel. There is no other place in the world where a vibrant community of artists, athletes, families, restaurateurs and hoteliers can be found in a huge national park. Banff National Park consists of valleys, mountains, glaciers, forests, meadows and rivers. The grandeur and splendour of nature make Banff National Park one of the world's premier adventure destinations!


Victoria
The charming town of Victoria is located in southern Vancouver Island and serves as the provincial capital of British Columbia. It is known for its many outdoor activities, architectural heritage and colourful gardens. The surrounding area is home to ancient rainforests, mighty mountains and a wild Pacific coastline. The cosy centre of Victoria is definitely worth a visit with the beautiful Inner Harbour from where whale-watching tours also depart. You can have a traditional high tea here or go active kayaking. Other attractions include the stately Craighdarroch Castle; a historic Victorian mansion, and Butchart Garden with its beautiful flower gardens.


Alberta
The Canadian province of Alberta is best known for its stunning landscapes: pine-covered ridges, snow-capped mountain peaks and crystal clear lakes of the Rocky Mounatains. Some of Canada's most magnificent national parks can be found in Alberta, such as Jasper National Park - featuring Maligne Lake with its beautiful turquoise waters, a trio of glaciers and Spirit Island - and Banff National Park. Calgary, Alberta's largest city is known for the 'July Stampede', the world's best outdoor show featuring rodeo, a parade, funfair, concerts, shows, exhibitions and much more.


Osoyoos
Located in the Okanagan Valley in the Canadian province of British Columbia, Osoyoos is a town surrounded by semi-arid desert, vineyards and beautiful mountains. Osoyoos is known for its dry climate with its hot summers making it a popular holiday destination. The mild weather and mild winters provide a perfect environment for a wide range of recreational activities and an exciting adventure holiday. During your stay, visit Lake Osoyoos (known for its warm waters, beaches and water sports facilities) or the Osoyoos Museum which showcases the town's cultural heritage. It is also an excellent destination for cycling, hiking and wine tasting.


Okanagan Valley
The 180-km Okanagan Valley is a fertile region in southwestern Canada's British Columbia, dotted with lakes, vineyards, orchards and terraced hills. Summer brings warm weather and numerous water sports opportunities, while one of four major ski resorts is perfect for skiing, cross-country skiing and snowboarding in winter.


Banff National Park
Founded in 1885, Banff National Park is the oldest national park in Canada. Located amid the Unesco-listed prized Rocky Mountains, this breathtaking national park is home to rugged mountain terrain, hot springs, raging rivers, ancient glaciers, ice fields and dense alpine forest. It is known for abundant wildlife, turquoise glacial lakes and a wide variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, skiing, mountain biking, camping, climbing, etc. Other highlights include the Cave and Basin National Historic Site, and the Banff Park Museum National Historic Site, featuring more than 5,000 zoological and botanical specimens. Visitors here can take in one of the world's most beautiful mountain landscapes, learn about the park's cultural heritage and spot a variety of wildlife.


Kananaskis Country
Located at the foot of the beautiful Canadian Rockies, Kananaskis Country is known as an outdoor recreation mecca. The area offers many campsites, one of the best golf courses in the region, the Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, and two excellent ski resorts. Visitors here can enjoy a whole range of adventure activities, including skiing at the outstanding Nakiska Ski Resort (which hosted the Winter Olympics in 1988), mountain biking, hiking, cross-country skiing, rafting, horseback riding, ice fishing, snowshoeing, camping and canoeing.
Radium Hot Springs
Radium Hot Springs is a small village located in the East Kootenays region of southern Canada. It is known for its mineral-rich hot springs, one of the best the country has to offer, with spa treatments available on site and an attractive pool for relaxing. In addition, Radium Hot Springs is a great base to visit the surrounding natural parks, such as the beloved Kootenay National Park with fantastic sights like Sinclair Canyon and the Vermillion River. Bugaboo Provincial Park is a wilderness area with excellent rock climbing opportunities and adventurous camping. North of Radium Hot Springs is the fossil-rich Yoho National Park and the famous Banff National Park, known for its spectacular glacial lakes.


Nelson
The city of Nelson is located in the province of British Columbia in southwestern Canada, not far from the border with the United States. Nelson is attractively located on the western arm of Kootenay Bay and surrounded by the Selkirk Mountains. It makes an excellent base for exploring the area's natural beauty. Don't miss the Ainsworth Hot Springs or the sandy beach at Lakeside Park, and boat trips on Kootenay Lake are also highly recommended. There are numerous hiking trails from Nelson and in winter there are plenty of sports that can be undertaken in cold weather, including skiing and snowboarding. Furthermore, Nelson itself is home to an art and history museum and the Nelson Mining Museum, which displays thousands of gems and fossils.


Golden
Golden is a small village located in the British Columbia province and is sandwiched between the Canadian Rocky Mountains and the Columbia Mountain mountain ranges. The spectacular surroundings are made up of several magnificent national parks, such as the Kootenay, Banff, Glacier, Jasper Yoho and Mount Revelstoke National Park. The Columbia and Kicking Horse rivers provide excellent opportunities for whitewater rafting. In summer, you can also hike, canoe, kayak, heli-hike and mountain bike to your heart's content here. In winter, activities such as skiing, snowmobiling, snowboarding, snowshoeing and ice fishing are offered.


Canada holiday | Road trip through Western Canada and the Rockies
We offer this trip from €3,095 per person.
The tour price is an estimate and is subject to factors including availability and travel dates.
Included
• Overnight stays in charming accommodation
• Toyota RAV4 hire car or equivalent, including insurance, taxes and excess waiver
• Ferry crossings as specified
• All excursions as mentioned in the itinerary, including sea kayaking near Tofino and a visit to Moraine Lake at sunrise
• All necessary private transfers as mentioned
• National Geographic or similar travel guide
• Administration fees (€50 per booking)
Positive impact of your trip:
• A contribution of €50 per person towards positive impact via the Avila Foundation
• Cycling tour in Vancouver
• Sea kayaking near Tofino
Not included
• Intercontinental flight
• Room category upgrade
• Travel and/or cancellation insurance
• ETA or visa fees for Canada
• Tourist tax and/or resort fee (where applicable)
• Local car hire costs, such as administration fees, parking charges, tolls and fuel
• Car hire drop-off fee (approx. CAD 405 + tax, payable locally)
• Seat reservations
• Personal expenses/tips
• National park entrance fees, where applicable
• Meals and excursions not specified
• Contribution to the contingency fund (€2.50 per booking)
• SGR contribution (€5 per person)
















