Totem Discovery

Travelling north on the Island Highway, pass through Duncan, the ‘City of Totems’. If time permits visit the Quw’utsun’ Heritage Village which provides you with an insight into the lives of the North West Coast People (admission not included). Further north is the artist community of Chemainus, where you can admire the giant murals which adorn the walls throughout the town.

The diversity of wildlife and awe inspiring scenery that exists so close to Campbell River is unparalleled! The area has quickly become the most predictable place in the world to see Orca whales and Pacific White-Sided dolphins, which can often be seen here in large groups. Eagles and several varieties of seabirds are all sighted regularly too.

The diversity of wildlife and awe inspiring scenery that exists so close to Campbell River is unparalleled! The area has quickly become the most predictable place in the world to see Orca whales and Pacific White-Sided dolphins, which can often be seen here in large groups. Eagles and several varieties of seabirds are all sighted regularly too.

In pictures

Today you will continue your journey north. Near Port McNeill you may wish to take an optional whale watching cruise into the waters of Johnson Strait. Your day ends in the fishing community of Port Hardy.

Embark on a full day of cruising the sheltered waters of Canada’s Inside Passage with BC Ferries. During the crossing (approximately 16 hours, or more depending on sea conditions), a wonderful array of snow capped mountains combined with rich forests provides a background for a series of dramatic fjords. Killer whales, grey whales, sea lions and playful porpoise often appear in these waters. Arrive in the seaport of Prince Rupert late evening.

Follow the winding and narrow Yellowhead highway, hugging the Skeena River for most of the way. Pass through the mining town of Terrace and into Smithers. Located in the centre of the Bulkley Valley at the foot of the Hudson Bay Mountain, Smithers offers excellent opportunities for outdoor adventures.

Depart Smithers, continuing along the Yellowhead highway. Passing through Houston, known as the Steelhead Capital and home to the world’s biggest fly rod; over 18 metres (59 ft) in length! Next you will travel through Burns Lake – fishing village, Vanderhoof – nature lover’s paradise, and into Prince George. Prince George is the largest service centre for the northern part of British Columbia, perfectly situated at the crossroads of two major highways and two railways.

Enjoy another unforgettable day of scenic driving as you follow mountain passes and raging rivers winding your way to Jasper for a two-night stay.

Enjoy another unforgettable day of scenic driving as you follow mountain passes and raging rivers winding your way to Jasper for a two-night stay.

In pictures

Enjoy your choice of included excursion from the following options: Maligne Lake Cruise – enjoy a scenic boat trip on one of Canada’s most spectacular lakes, home to the much-photographed Spirit Island. Jasper River Raft Float – take a gentle raft trip on the Athabasca River for a unique perspective of Jasper National Park. Jasper Nature Walk – this guided walk offers spectacular views of jagged peaks, forests, meadows, marshes, streams, and stunning glacial lakes.

Set off on an incredibly scenic drive taking you through the spine of the Canadian Rockies. View a never-ending procession of mammoth mountains, jagged peaks, over 100 glaciers and pristine emerald colour lakes. Along the way see such sights as the Columbia Icefield and take an Ice Explorer ride out onto the glacier. Stop at the award-winning Glacier Skywalk to experience a glass-floored observation platform 280m over spectacular glacier-formed valleys and rushing waterfalls. Also watch for the Sarbach Glacier, Peyto Lake, Bow Lake, with the Bow Glacier providing the backdrop, and Crowfoot Glacier before your arrival into Lake Louise. From Lake Louise choose the Bow Valley Parkway, beside the Bow River with an option for you to take a stop at Johnston Canyon and walk along the paved footway to either the lower or upper waterfalls before continuing to Banff. Please note: Mountain lakes in this region will be frozen through to mid June.

Set off on an incredibly scenic drive taking you through the spine of the Canadian Rockies. View a never-ending procession of mammoth mountains, jagged peaks, over 100 glaciers and pristine emerald colour lakes. Along the way see such sights as the Columbia Icefield and take an Ice Explorer ride out onto the glacier. Stop at the award-winning Glacier Skywalk to experience a glass-floored observation platform 280m over spectacular glacier-formed valleys and rushing waterfalls. Also watch for the Sarbach Glacier, Peyto Lake, Bow Lake, with the Bow Glacier providing the backdrop, and Crowfoot Glacier before your arrival into Lake Louise. From Lake Louise choose the Bow Valley Parkway, beside the Bow River with an option for you to take a stop at Johnston Canyon and walk along the paved footway to either the lower or upper waterfalls before continuing to Banff. Please note: Mountain lakes in this region will be frozen through to mid June.

In pictures

Today you can enjoy your choice of included excursion from the following options: Banff Gondola – enjoy impressive views over Banff National Park with a gondola ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain. Lake Minnewanka Cruise – take a scenic cruise across the turquoise-hued Lake Minnewanka to Devil’s Gap. River Explorer Canoe Tour – pick up a paddle for a gentle exploration on the Bow River. Bow River Horseback Adventure – saddle up for a horse ride along the shores of Bow River.

Today you can enjoy your choice of included excursion from the following options:

Banff Gondola – enjoy impressive views over Banff National Park with a gondola ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain.
Lake Minnewanka Cruise – take a scenic cruise across the turquoise-hued Lake Minnewanka to Devil’s Gap.
River Explorer Canoe Tour – pick up a paddle for a gentle exploration on the Bow River.
Bow River Horseback Adventure – saddle up for a horse ride along the shores of Bow River.

In pictures

Leaving Banff National Park, travel to Yoho National Park where you cross the continental divide. Then travel on through Glacier National Park and ‘Rogers Pass’ with spectacular mountain vistas in every direction. Continue through the Monashee Mountain Range and past the breathtaking views of Shuswap Lake. Drive through Kamloops and start to travel north up to the ski resort town of Sun Peaks where you will spend the night.

Continue to Lillooet, known as the land of the Gold Rush Trail and ‘Mile Zero’ of the Old Caribou Wagon Road. Leaving Lillooet travel the Duffey Lake Road to Whistler. Be sure to stop at Joffre Lake for breathtaking views of Joffre Glacier.

Today you can enjoy your choice of included excursion from the following options: Whistler Guided Lunch Tour – explore the town’s eclectic culinary scene with a delicious multi-course lunch taken at various food spots. River of Golden Dreams Canoe Tour – take an enchanting paddle from Alta Lake to Green Lake, past wildflower-lined river banks and old-growth forests. Guided Whistler Valley Bike Tour – tackle one of the scenic Valley Trail Bike Tours, learning about Whistler’s history, geography and natural highlights along the way with an experienced guide. Whistler Peak 2 Peak Gondola – travel to the top of Whistler Mountain for spectacular views of glaciers, extinct volcanoes and snow-capped peaks.

Today you can enjoy your choice of included excursion from the following options:

Whistler Guided Lunch Tour – explore the town’s eclectic culinary scene with a delicious multi-course lunch taken at various food spots.
River of Golden Dreams Canoe Tour – take an enchanting paddle from Alta Lake to Green Lake, past wildflower-lined river banks and old-growth forests.
Guided Whistler Valley Bike Tour – tackle one of the scenic Valley Trail Bike Tours, learning about Whistler’s history, geography and natural highlights along the way with an experienced guide.
Whistler Peak 2 Peak Gondola – travel to the top of Whistler Mountain for spectacular views of glaciers, extinct volcanoes and snow-capped peaks.

In pictures

Depart Whistler at your own leisure along the scenic Sea to Sky Highway to Vancouver. A recommended stop along the way at the Sea to Sky Gondola for incredible bird’s-eye views of Howe Sound plus interpretive walking trails, viewing platforms and an on-site restaurant and tea house at the top. Other highlights along the way include the cascading Shannon Falls and the Stawamus Chief Rock where climbers from all over the globe migrate to climb the granite cliffs. Continue to Vancouver where your self-drive journey ends.