Introduction
Bed & breakfasts are usually private homes with unique qualities. The owners serve as your hosts and welcome guests each night like long lost friends. This adds to the personal touch and hospitality of these tours. High quality bed & breakfasts of Western Canada have been selected for this tour. Multiple night stays at each location provide lots of chances to get to know the area well. A great circle tour starting in Calgary including the sunny Okanagan Valley, Greater Vancouver, historic Nelson and friendly Revelstoke. Of course this trip to the west is not complete without the famous Rocky Mountains, the West Edmonton Mall and the city of Calgary.
Itinerary
Day 1 Calgary – Banff 120km
Arrive at Calgary Airport, pick up your hire car and drive across the prairies towards the Rockies for 2 nights in Canmore at the Kiska Inn.
Day 2 Banff National Park 100 km
The day is free to explore Banff National Park with ample time to see Lake Minnewanka, the Hoodoos and the Bow Falls. Visit Lake Louise to marvel at the crystal clear waters of this glacier-fed wonder.
Day 3 Canmore to Cranbrook – 285km
Explore the Indian Paint Pots in Kootenay National Park and go for a dip in the hot springs of Radium. Follow the Columbia / Invermere valley south for an overnight stay in Cranbrook.
Day 4 Cranbrook to Nelson – 260km
Visit the historic town of Fort Steele, with its lively entertainment. A gorgeous road along Kootenay Lake brings you to Balfour where you’ll take a ferry ride across Kootenay Lake. Stay at Inn on the Garden for two nights.
Day 5 Nelson
The heritage town of Nelson is a little-known jewel. The area has much to offer including a fabulous hotspring, great golf courses, and many natural sights and attractions.
Day 6 Nelson to Penticton – 325km
Enjoy a spectacular drive through southern BC. The Crowsnest Highway leads you to the Okanagan region, famous for its sunny lakes, beaches and vineyards. Overnight at ‘God’s Mountain Estate’.
Day 7 Penticton to Vancouver – 400km
Visit the Grist Mill in Keremeos and then head for the Cascade Mountain. Visit the Othello Tunnels in Hope. Drive through the Fraser River delta where you visit Fort Langley. Two nights in Vancouver.
Day 8 Vancouver
A full day to explore this beautiful city. Enjoy spacious Stanley Park, visit Chinatown, see the Capilano Suspension Bridge and shop in historic Gastown and Robson Street.
Day 9 Vancouver to Lillooet – 275km
Leave Vancouver and head north along the scenic ‘Sea to Sky’ highway to the alpine resort of Whistler, then cross the scenic Coast Mountains and overnight at Lillooet, a small town on the banks of the Fraser river.
Day 10 Lillooet to Wells Gray Park – 285km
Visit historic Hat Creek Ranch, continue to Kamloops, then on to the impressive Helmcken Falls and overnight in Wells Gray Park.
Day 11 Wells Gray to Jasper – 300km
Watch out for black bears as you drive north past Blue River. Visit the educational centre at Mt. Robson, before heading for two nights in Jasper (no breakfast included).
Day 12 Jasper – 100km
Take a scenic boat cruise on Maligne Lake, raft the canyon, go horse riding or visit the flowered alpine meadows of Mount Edith Cavell.
Day 13 Jasper to Calgary – 400km
Drive along the scenic Icefields Parkway and visit Athabasca Glacier, Sunwapta Falls and Peyto Lake on your way to Lake Louise and Calgary, where you stay at the Tuxedo House.
Day 14 Calgary – Tour end
Climb the Calgary Tower for great views! The Glenbow Museum offers a very lively exhibition of the Canadian Natives. Return your hire car to the airport before your flight home.
Please note: Availability in individual guest houses is limited, so some alternative accommodation may be necessary. Not all B&B’s have twin rooms available. Private bathrooms cannot always be guaranteed due to the unique character of the properties, and bathrooms may not be en suite. B&B’s usually enforce a non-smoking policy inside. Most are not child oriented and we do not recommend this tour for families with small children.
Departures: Daily all year.
