Grand West Canada Explorer: Vancouver to Calgary Fly-Drive

Includes Direct Return UK Flights with Baggage, 10 Night Hotel Package with Car Hire

Experience the very best of Western Canada on this unforgettable 10-night fly drive journey from Vancouver to Calgary. Combining vibrant cities, dramatic mountain scenery and world-famous national parks, this itinerary is ideal for travellers who want freedom, flexibility and breathtaking landscapes at every turn.

Begin in coastal Vancouver, where ocean views, urban culture and outdoor spaces blend effortlessly. From here, drive inland through British Columbia’s changing landscapes, stopping in Kamloops and Valemount before entering the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Discover Jasper National Park’s pristine lakes, wildlife and alpine scenery, then follow the spectacular Icefields Parkway, one of the most scenic drives in the world, to Banff National Park.

Along the way, explore iconic highlights including Maligne Lake and Spirit Island, Lake Louise, Moraine Lake and Banff’s charming mountain town. Relax in natural hot springs, enjoy scenic walks and gondola rides, and take in unforgettable views at every stop. Your journey concludes in Calgary, a dynamic city that blends modern energy with western heritage.

Perfect for first-time visitors to Canada, this fly drive holiday offers a seamless balance of city life, nature and adventure, all at your own pace.

Depart the UK on your scheduled international flight to Vancouver, the vibrant gateway to Western Canada. On arrival, collect your luggage and go pick up your rental car at the airport and make your way to your hotel. Depending on arrival time, you may wish to enjoy a relaxed evening stroll or dinner nearby as you adjust to the time difference. Overnight in Vancouver.

Vancouver

Visit one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world, Vancouver. Explore the world-famous food markets, stroll through Stanley Park or just relax and breathe in the fusion of Canadian culture. Take your breath away and feel your pulse rising on the Capilano Suspension Bridge and even take a daytrip up to Whistler or pristine mountain views.

Spend your first full day exploring Vancouver, one of Canada’s most scenic and liveable cities. Set between the Pacific Ocean and the Coast Mountains, Vancouver offers a perfect mix of urban culture and outdoor beauty. Explore the historic streets of Gastown, home to the famous steam clock, or walk or cycle around Stanley Park, enjoying coastal views and forest trails. Visit Granville Island for its artisan markets, galleries and fresh food stalls. Overnight in Vancouver.

Enjoy another day at leisure in Vancouver. Take in panoramic views from the Vancouver Lookout, stroll the seawall, or explore neighbourhoods such as Yaletown or Chinatown. Food lovers can enjoy the city’s diverse dining scene, reflecting its multicultural heritage. This day allows you to explore at your own pace before beginning your fly drive adventure. Overnight in Vancouver.

Enjoy breakfast and then check out of your Vancouver hotel. Drive inland through British Columbia, where coastal scenery gives way to rolling hills and river valleys. Arrive in Kamloops, a relaxed city located at the confluence of the Thompson Rivers. Enjoy a walk through Riverside Park, explore local vineyards, or visit the Secwepemc Museum to learn about Indigenous culture. Overnight in Kamloops.

Kamloops

Kamloops, located in the heart of British Columbia, is a vibrant city known for its stunning natural surroundings and outdoor lifestyle. Nestled at the confluence of the North and South Thompson Rivers, Kamloops is often called the “Tournament Capital of Canada” due to its extensive sports facilities and active community. The city offers a perfect mix of urban amenities and natural beauty, with a sunny climate that supports a wide variety of recreational activities year-round, including hiking, mountain biking, skiing, and fishing. Its river valleys, rolling hills, and nearby lakes make it an ideal destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

Kamloops also has a rich cultural scene, with numerous art galleries, museums, and performance spaces showcasing the city’s heritage and contemporary creativity. Historic neighborhoods feature charming architecture, while the downtown area buzzes with cafés, restaurants, and boutique shops. The surrounding region is home to vineyards, ranches, and wildlife parks, providing visitors with a mix of outdoor exploration and cultural experiences. Kamloops serves as both a gateway to British Columbia’s vast wilderness and a welcoming urban center, making it an excellent stop for travelers seeking a blend of adventure, history, and local charm.

 

Continue your scenic drive north through changing landscapes of forests, lakes and mountains. Arrive in Valemount, a peaceful mountain town surrounded by three major mountain ranges. Known as a gateway to Mount Robson Provincial Park, this area is ideal for nature lovers. Visit Cranberry Marsh, take a gentle hike, or simply enjoy the tranquil alpine surroundings. Overnight in Valemount.

Valemount

Valemount, nestled in the Robson Valley of British Columbia, is a picturesque mountain town renowned for its breathtaking natural scenery and outdoor adventure opportunities. Surrounded by the towering peaks of the Rocky Mountains and the Cariboo Mountains, Valemount is a haven for hikers, skiers, and wildlife enthusiasts. The area is famous for Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, which draws climbers and nature lovers from around the world. Visitors can explore lush forests, pristine rivers, and alpine meadows, making it an ideal destination for those who appreciate unspoiled wilderness and serene landscapes.

Despite its small size, Valemount boasts a welcoming community with cozy lodges, local cafés, and small shops that provide a true taste of rural British Columbia life. The town serves as a gateway to nearby provincial parks, including Valemount Glacier and Tête Jaune Cache, offering opportunities for fishing, mountain biking, and winter sports. Its remote yet accessible location makes Valemount perfect for travelers seeking a tranquil retreat while still being within reach of larger cities like Kamloops and Jasper. The town’s combination of natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and small-town charm makes it a unique and memorable stop for any Canadian Rockies itinerary.

 

Drive into the heart of the Canadian Rockies as you head to Jasper National Park, one of Western Canada’s most spectacular wilderness areas. Wildlife sightings are common along this route. After arrival, explore the charming town of Jasper or begin discovering the park’s natural highlights. In the evening, unwind with a soak at Miette Hot Springs, surrounded by mountain scenery. Overnight in Jasper.

Jasper

Jasper, located in the heart of Alberta’s Canadian Rockies, is a stunning town known for its breathtaking mountain scenery and abundant outdoor activities. Nestled within Jasper National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the town is surrounded by rugged peaks, glaciers, and turquoise lakes, making it a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Visitors can explore iconic sites such as Maligne Lake, Athabasca Falls, and the Columbia Icefield, or enjoy hiking, wildlife spotting, canoeing, and stargazing under some of the clearest night skies in North America. Jasper’s small-town charm, combined with its vast natural playground, offers a unique balance of adventure and relaxation.

Despite its remote location, Jasper offers a range of amenities including cozy lodges, boutique hotels, restaurants, and local shops that reflect the warm and welcoming spirit of the community. The town also serves as a hub for winter sports, including skiing, snowshoeing, and ice climbing. Jasper’s proximity to the Icefields Parkway, one of the world’s most scenic drives, makes it a perfect base for exploring the Rockies and connecting with other mountain destinations like Banff and Lake Louise. Whether visiting in summer or winter, Jasper captivates travelers with its awe-inspiring landscapes, abundant wildlife, and authentic Canadian Rockies experience.

 

Enjoy a full day to explore Jasper National Park. Visit the iconic Maligne Canyon and continue to Maligne Lake, famous for its turquoise waters and views of Spirit Island. For panoramic mountain views, take the Jasper SkyTram (optional). Keep an eye out for elk, deer and bears as you explore one of Canada’s largest national parks. Overnight in Jasper.

Today’s drive along the Icefields Parkway is one of the most scenic road trips in the world. Travel south through dramatic mountain landscapes, glaciers and turquoise lakes. En route, consider stops at the Athabasca Glacier or scenic viewpoints. Arrive in Banff National Park, a picture-perfect alpine destination. Spend the evening exploring Banff Avenue’s shops and cafés or relax in the Upper Hot Springs. Overnight in Banff.

Banff

Banff is situated in Banff National Park, Alberta, 78 miles west of Calgary and 36 miles east of Lake Louise. At 1,400 m above sea level - Banff is known for its mountainous surroundings and hot springs, and outdoor sports such hiking, biking and skiing. Perhaps take the Banff Gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain for panoramic views, dine in the Sky Bistro and visit the Cosmic Ray Station.

Spend the day discovering the highlights of Banff National Park. Visit world-famous Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, renowned for their stunning blue waters and mountain backdrops. Ride the Banff Gondola up Sulphur Mountain for panoramic views across the Bow Valley. With its mix of outdoor adventure and alpine charm, Banff is a highlight of any Western Canada fly drive holiday. Overnight in Banff.

Drive east to Calgary, a modern city known for its western heritage and vibrant cultural scene. Explore the Calgary Tower, stroll along Stephen Avenue, or visit one of the city’s museums. If travelling in July, the world-famous Calgary Stampede offers an unforgettable experience. This marks the final stop of your Western Canada road trip. Overnight in Calgary.

All good things come to an end. It's time to drive to the airport and drop your car off, then check-in for your flight home to the UK.

Trip Start Date Trip End Date Price
01/05/26 Friday 12/05/26 Tuesday £2749 View
02/05/26 Saturday 13/05/26 Wednesday £2749 View
05/05/26 Tuesday 16/05/26 Saturday £2839 View
12/05/26 Tuesday 23/05/26 Saturday £2839 View
14/05/26 Thursday 25/05/26 Monday £2919 View
19/05/26 Tuesday 30/05/26 Saturday £2879 View
26/05/26 Tuesday 06/06/26 Saturday £3029 View
28/05/26 Thursday 08/06/26 Monday £2969 View
31/05/26 Sunday 11/06/26 Thursday £3069 View
04/06/26 Thursday 15/06/26 Monday £3109 View