Western Canada Lakes & Lodges Self Drive

Inclusions:

• 2 nights in Gold Bridge at Tyax Lodge and Heliskiing
• 1 night in Sun Peaks at Sun Peaks Grand Hotel
• 2 nights in Jasper at the Forest Park Hotel
• 1 night in Moraine Lake at Moraine Lake Lodge
• 2 nights in Emerald Lake at Emerald Lake Lodge
• 2 nights in Banff at Banff Caribou Lodge
• 11 days intermediate size car rental including GPS
• Meals included as per Itinerary
• Ice Explorer Admission
• Glacier Skywalk Admission
• Freedom of Choice Days

Freedom of Choice Options:

Jasper – Maligne Lake Cruise, ​Jasper River Float or Jasper Nature Walk
Banff – Banff Gondola, Lake Minnewanka Cruise, River Explorer Canoe Tour, Bow River Horseback Adventure

Itinerary:

Day 1: Vancouver → Gold Bridge
This morning depart Vancouver along the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway to Whistler. Highlights along the way include the cascading Shannon Falls and the Stawamus Chief Rock. Continue on to Whistler where a stop is a must for a short stroll through this charming alpine resort before continuing on the Duffey Lake Road where you will see breathtaking views of Joffre Glacier. Continue on through Lillooet for 2 hours along a well maintained gravel road to Tyax Lodge, nestled on the shores on Tyaughton Lake.
Overnight in Gold Bridge at Tyax Lodge and Heliskiing

Day 2: Gold Bridge
Looking to do a lot or a lot of nothing? The lodge delivers at all levels. Choose from world-class mountain biking, horseback riding, paddling, fishing or spectacular hiking, or just chill with your favourite beverage on the dock taking in Tyaughton Lake.
Overnight in Gold Bridge at Tyax Lodge and Heliskiing

Day 3: Gold Bridge → Sun Peaks
Return through Lillooet, known as the land of the Gold Rush Trail and ‘Mile Zero’ of the Old Caribou Wagon Road during the Gold Rush Years. Now the area is home to the largest Canadian producers of the medicinal plant, Ginseng. Visit the Gold Rush Town of Cache Creek where we recomend a visit the Historic Hat Creek, which literally takes you back to the days of the Gold Rush.
Overnight in Sun Peaks at the Sun Peaks Grand Hotel

Day 4: Sun Peaks → Jasper
Today, follow the Thompson River through rolling plateaus to the snowy peaks of the Monashee Mountains. View Pyramid Falls and the expansive glaciers of the Albreda Icefields. Pass by Mount Robson, at 3954 metres, which is the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies.
Overnight in Jasper at Forest Park Hotel

Day 5: Jasper
Time to explore all that Jasper has to offer! Today you can personalise your day by pre-selecting one of three Freedom of Choice excursions.
Overnight in Jasper at Forest Park Hotel

Day 6: Jasper → Moraine Lake
Today, travel through the spine of the Canadian Rockies along the amazing Icefields Parkway and encompass the ultimate glacier exploration. From walking on ancient ice with the Ice Explorer ride, to standing on a glass platform almost one thousand feet in the air at the Glacier Skywalk (included), today’s experiences will leave you with a special appreciation for this treasured region of the Rockies. The lodge is situated on the shore of Moraine Lake. Famous for its iridescent turquoise colour, Moraine Lake has become known as The Jewel of the Rockies.
Overnight in Moraine Lake at Moraine Lake Lodge

Day 7: Moraine Lake → Emerald Lake
A short drive today through majestic mountain passes into Yoho National Park. The word Yoho is the Cree word expressing awe. This 1313 sq. km national park is filled with gem-coloured glacial lakes and waterfalls, snow-covered peaks and dense forests of western red cedar and western hemlock. Historic railroads, spiral tunnels within mountain sides and steep rock faces where mountain goats roam are just some of the sights to be seen.
Overnight in Emerald Lake at Emerald Lake Lodge

Day 8: Emerald Lake → Yoho National Park → Emerald Lake
Built of hand-hewn timber and featuring massive stone fireplaces, the Lodge includes a formal dining room and quiet reading and sitting rooms. From the upper or lower large verandahs, enjoy the serene views of this wilderness landscape.
Overnight in Emerald Lake at Emerald Lake Lodge

Day9: Emerald Lake → Banff
Today we suggest taking the scenic Bow Valley Parkway route which runs parallel to the Trans-Canada highway. Be sure to stop at Johnston Canyon and walk along the paved footpath to either the lower or upper waterfalls.
Overnight in Banff at Banff Caribou Lodge

Day 10: Banff
With easy access to pristine wilderness and endless outdoor adventures, in Banff National Park you feel truly immersed in nature. Today you can personalise your day by pre-selecting one of four Freedom of Choice excursions
Overnight in Banff at the Banff Caribou Lodge

Day 11: Banff → Calgary
Today it’s time to say goodbye to the fresh mountain air and majestic sights of the Rockies. Drive to Calgary to drop off your rental car and begin your journey home.