This 14-night Vancouver and Rockies self drive tour takes you from the coastal city of Vancouver through Whistler, Kamloops, Jasper and Banff, finishing in "Cowboy Country" Calgary. With a one-way rental car from day four, you're free to explore the Sea-to-Sky Highway and the Icefields Parkway at your own pace, stopping wherever the view demands it. Flights, hotels and car hire are all included, with every hotel and duration tailored to suit you. Charter Travel are leading holiday specialists, established in 1988. ABTA and ATOL Protected.
Duration: 14 Nights
Quote CHH1679
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Itinerary Highlights:
Based on 2 adults sharing.
Explore the beautiful Canadian Rockies (including Whistler, Jasper and Banff) with this amazing Vancouver and Rockies Self Drive Tour. This 14-night trip takes you through some of Canada’s most breathtaking landscapes, from the cosmopolitan city of Vancouver to the alpine towns of Whistler, Jasper, and Banff, and ending in "Cowboy Country" aka Calgary. With its perfect mix of city life, majestic mountains, and stunning glacial lakes, this Vancouver and Rockies Self Drive Holiday promises a once-in-a-lifetime Canada Holiday! Why not make this holiday extra special and include the Rocky Mountaineer on your Vancouver to Calgary trip!
Your adventure begins in the bustling coastal city of Vancouver, where you’ll stay for three nights at the Holiday Inn Vancouver Centre by IHG. This hotel, located in the heart of the city, offers comfort and sophistication, setting the stage for your time in one of Canada’s most beautiful cities. Take the opportunity to explore the vibrant neighbourhoods of Gastown and Yaletown of Gastown and Yaletown, stroll through the lush greenery of Stanley Park, or visit Granville Island’s charming public market. Vancouver offers a perfect mix of outdoor beauty and ckity life, making it the ideal starting point for your Canadian Rockies adventure.
*Alternative accomodation in Vancouver available - simply ask your Travel Advisor.*
Next, drive along the spectacular Sea-to-Sky Highway to Whistler, a renowned mountain destination. You’ll stay two nights at the Hilton Whistler Resort. Whistler is a stunning quaint town overlooked by the towering Blackcomb Mountain. Whilst here, you can dive into local indigenous culture with a visit to the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre, or enjoy on a thrilling Whistler Bear Viewing Tour. Whistler’s alpine beauty and vibrant village atmosphere make it a perfect stop on your Vancouver and Rockies Tour / Holiday for both adventure and relaxation.
*Alternative accomodation in Whistler available - simply ask your Travel Advisor.*
On day six, your journey continues to Kamloops, where you’ll stay for one night at the Prestige Kamloops Hotel. Kamloops is a charming town surrounded by sweeping landscapes, offering the ideal break between the Rockies. Spend the afternoon visiting Hat Creek Ranch, an authentic 19th-century ranch offering a glimpse into the region's rich history, or take a peaceful stroll around Kamloops Lake, known for its tranquil waters and stunning views.
*Alternative accomodation in Kamloops available - simply ask your Travel Advisor.*
Next, head to Jasper, located in the heart of Jasper National Park. Here, you’ll spend two nights at the Tonquin Inn. Jasper is a haven for nature lovers, offering breathtaking scenery and abundant wildlife. Explore the iconic Maligne Lake, take a boat cruise to Spirit Island, or journey along the Icefields Parkway for panoramic views of towering mountains, pristine lakes, and glaciers. Jasper’s laid-back vibe and stunning surroundings make it an unforgettable stop on your Rockies adventure.
*Alternative accomodation in Jasper available - simply ask your Travel Advisor.*
From Jasper, you’ll travel to the picturesque town of Banff, where you’ll spend two nights at the Banff Caribou Lodge & Spa. Banff is known for its charming downtown area, surrounded by the awe-inspiring peaks of the Canadian Rockies. Take a scenic ride on the Banff Gondola, soak in the Banff Upper Hot Springs, or explore nearby Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, two of the most photographed spots in Canada. Whilst in Banff, be sure to visit the stunning Lake Louise; renowned for its turquoise waters, towering mountain backdrop and the iconic Fairmont Château Lake Louise. Banff offers the perfect mix of outdoor adventure and small-town charm, making it a highlight of your tour.
*Alternative accomodation in Banff available - simply ask your Travel Advisor.*
Your final stop is Calgary, where you’ll enjoy four nights at the Sandman Signature Calgary Downtown Hotel. Known for its cowboy culture and as the gateway to the Rockies, Calgary offers a vibrant mix of history, culture, and entertainment. Explore Calgary’s top attractions such as the Calgary Tower, Glenbow Museum, and the scenic pathways of Prince’s Island Park.
*Alternative accomodation in Calgary available - simply ask your Travel Advisor.*
This holiday includes a rental car from day four, giving you the freedom to explore at your own pace as you travel through some of Canada’s most stunning mountain landscapes. Your car rental begins in Vancouver and ends in Calgary, where you’ll drop it off on arrival.
Your Vancouver and Rockies self drive tour covers around 1,500 km (930 miles) of driving in total, broken into manageable daily stretches so you're never behind the wheel for more than half a day
Driving times are approximate and don't include stops and on this route, you'll want plenty of them. The Icefields Parkway alone is worth a full day, with glaciers, waterfalls and turquoise lakes at almost every turn.
Driving in Canada is straightforward for UK visitors. Your full UK driving licence is valid throughout British Columbia and Alberta, so no International Driving Permit is needed for this route. Canadians drive on the right-hand side of the road, and speed limits are shown in kilometres per hour. If you're travelling between October and March, be aware that winter tyres are required by law on certain BC highways, including sections of this route.
Start your journey through Canada’s breathtaking landscapes by booking this extraordinary Vancouver and Rockies Self Drive Holiday
All our holidays are tailor-made and can be adapted by changing hotels durations and destinations to suit the individuals tastes and requirements – please do get in touch so we can start planning.
A Vancouver and Rockies self drive tour is a fly-drive holiday through Western Canada where you pick up a rental car and drive yourself between destinations, rather than travelling as part of a coach group. This itinerary takes you from Vancouver through Whistler, Kamloops, Jasper and Banff, finishing in Calgary, with flights, hotels and car hire included and the freedom to explore each stop at your own pace.
June to September is the best time to go. Mountain passes, including the Icefields Parkway, are fully open, roads are clear of snow, and you'll get the longest daylight hours for driving and sightseeing. July and August are the busiest months, so if you'd rather avoid the crowds, June or September offer quieter roads and similar scenery.
This itinerary runs over 14 nights, which gives you enough time to properly enjoy each destination without feeling rushed — including 3 nights in Vancouver, 2 in Whistler, a stopover in Kamloops, 2 nights each in Jasper and Banff, and 4 nights in Calgary. If you have less time, we can tailor a shorter version; if you'd like longer in the mountains, we can extend your stay in Jasper or Banff.
The route runs Vancouver to Whistler (120 km, around 2 hours), Whistler to Kamloops (300 km, around 4 hours), Kamloops to Jasper (440 km, around 5 hours), Jasper to Banff along the Icefields Parkway (290 km, around 3.5 hours), and finally Banff to Calgary (130 km, around 1.5 hours) — roughly 1,500 km in total, broken into comfortable daily stretches.
No. A full UK driving licence is valid for driving in British Columbia and Alberta, so you won't need an International Driving Permit for this tour.
Canada drives on the right-hand side of the road, the opposite to the UK. Roads are well signposted and speed limits are shown in km/h rather than mph.
If you're travelling between 1 October and 31 March, winter tyres are mandatory on some BC highways along this route. Outside these months this isn't a concern — most departures run through the summer season when road conditions are at their best.
From £3,595pp, this holiday includes return flights, 14 nights' hotel accommodation (Vancouver, Whistler, Kamloops, Jasper, Banff and Calgary), and one-way car hire from Vancouver to Calgary. It's based on two adults sharing, and the price is fully protected under ABTA and ATOL.
Yes. You collect your rental car in Vancouver on day four, once you've explored the city and Whistler without needing to drive, and drop it off in Calgary at the end of your trip — so there's no need to retrace your route or return the car to your starting point.
Yes. This is a tailor-made holiday, so hotels, room types and the number of nights in each destination can all be adjusted to suit you. Just let your travel advisor know your preferences and they'll build a version of the itinerary around them.
Yes. UK passport holders flying to Canada need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before boarding. It's a quick online application linked to your passport, currently costs CAD $7, and is valid for up to five years.
