Itinerary
- Day 1
Vancouver to Penticton
Pick up your rental car and head through Manning Park toward Penticton on Okanagan Lake. The Okanagan region has a warm, dry climate and vineyards spread across the landscape. You'll drive into Penticton and settle in for the night.
- Accommodation
- Hotel, Hotel, Hotel
Landmarks Okanagan Lake - Day 2
Penticton to Revelstoke
Start your morning in the Okanagan Valley, then drive north past lakes, waterfalls, and mountain peaks on the way to Revelstoke. You'll spend two nights here, so take your time on the drive and enjoy the scenery.
- Accommodation
- Hotel, Hotel
Landmarks Okanagan Valley - Day 3
Revelstoke
Check out the Revelstoke area along the Columbia River. Mount Revelstoke National Park has trails through high alpine terrain with great views. The Revelstoke Railway Museum is also worth a few hours if you're interested in the region's history.
Optional Activities
- Visit Mount Revelstoke National Park and summit walk through high alpine landscape
- Visit Revelstoke Railway Museum
Landmarks Mount Revelstoke National Park Revelstoke Railway Museum Columbia River - Day 4
Revelstoke to Banff
Drive through Glacier National Park and cross Rogers Pass, the highest point on the Trans Canada Highway. From there, continue through Yoho and then Banff National Park to reach Banff for two nights.
- Accommodation
- Hotel, Hotel
Landmarks Glacier National Park Rogers Pass Yoho National Park Banff National Park - Day 5
Banff
You have the full day to explore Banff on your own schedule. Check out the natural history museum, drive around the national park, soak in the hot springs, or pick from the many hiking trails. Park rangers sometimes offer programs if you want to join.
Optional Activities
- Visit natural history museum in Banff
- Drive through Banff National Park
- Bathe in hot springs
- Hiking on numerous trails
- Attend park ranger special programs
Landmarks Banff National Park - Day 6
Banff to Jasper
Travel along the Icefields Parkway, stopping at Lake Louise and the Columbia Icefield visitor center to learn about the area. Continue to Jasper for a two-night stay, arriving by evening.
- Accommodation
- Hotel, Hotel, Hotel
Optional Activities
- Stop at Lake Louise
- Visit Columbia Icefield visitor center
Landmarks Icefields Parkway Lake Louise Columbia Icefield - Day 7
Jasper
Spend the day exploring Jasper National Park at your own pace. Walk to Moraine Lake or hike up Pyramid Mountain, or find other scenic spots that catch your interest.
Optional Activities
- Visit Moraine Lake
- Visit Pyramid Mountain
Landmarks Jasper National Park Moraine Lake Pyramid Mountain - Day 8
Jasper to Prince George
Follow the Yellowhead Highway through forests, farmland, and small towns. Stop for a short hike at Ancient Forest/Chun T'oh Whudujut Provincial Park, a 2.5 km trail where you walk past ancient red cedars, mosses, and lichens in one of the world's rare inland temperate rainforests. End up in Prince George for the night.
- Accommodation
- Hotel, Hotel
Optional Activities
- Short hike through Ancient Forest/Chun T'oh Whudujut Provincial Park (2.5 km trail)
Landmarks Ancient Forest/Chun T'oh Whudujut Provincial Park - Day 9
Prince George to Smithers
Head out into the wilderness beyond Prince George through one of the wettest regions in Western Canada. The landscape around Smithers, known as 'Canadian Switzerland,' has snow-capped peaks visible even in summer. You'll reach Smithers for an overnight stay.
- Accommodation
- Hotel, Hotel, Hotel, Hotel
Landmarks Trail of the Blond Trapper - Day 10
Smithers to Prince Rupert
Visit Ksan Historical Village and Museum to learn about First Nations traditions. If you want to explore further, drive early to the Nass Valley (about 250 km) to see lava fields, sunken forests, and waterfalls while learning about Nisga'a history. Follow the Skeena River road to Prince Rupert for two nights.
- Accommodation
- Hotel, Hotel
Optional Activities
- Visit Ksan Historical Village & Museum
- Detour to Nass Valley (approximately 250 km from/to Terrace) to see lava fields, sunken forests, and waterfalls, and learn about Nisga'a Nation history
Landmarks Ksan Historical Village & Museum Nass Valley Skeena River - Day 11
Prince Rupert
Take time to explore Prince Rupert, called the 'City of Rainbows' because of the frequent rain. You can go bear or whale watching, or visit the Museum of Northern British Columbia.
Optional Activities
- Bear watching
- Whale watching
- Visit Museum of Northern British Columbia
Landmarks Museum of Northern British Columbia - Day 12
Prince Rupert to Port Hardy
Your ferry trip through the Inside Passage starts early and takes all day. Watch the rugged coastline, fjords, and straits pass by as you travel. You'll arrive in Port Hardy late in the evening and stay overnight.
- Accommodation
- Hotel, Hotel
Included Activities
- Ferry trip through Inside Passage
Landmarks Inside Passage - Day 13
Port Hardy to Campbell River
Drive along the east coast of Vancouver Island past timber mills and fishing operations. Campbell River, known as the 'salmon capital,' is where you'll spend the night.
- Accommodation
- Hotel, Hotel, Hotel
Landmarks Campbell River - Day 14
Campbell River to Tofino
Continue down the east coast, then take the winding road to Tofino, a fishing village known for wildlife viewing opportunities. A bear or whale watching tour is a good idea. You'll stay in Tofino or Ucluelet for two nights.
- Accommodation
- Hotel, Hotel
Optional Activities
- Bear watching tour
- Whale watching tour
Landmarks Tofino Ucluelet - Day 15
Tofino
Head to Pacific Rim National Park to experience the rainforest landscape. Hike along the Wild Pacific Trail to see the shifting scenery between the dense rainforest and the wild Pacific coast.
Optional Activities
- Visit Pacific Rim National Park
- Hike along Wild Pacific Trail
Landmarks Pacific Rim National Park Wild Pacific Trail - Day 16
Tofino to Victoria
On your way to Victoria, stop in Chemainus to look at the murals. The Malahat Drive is a winding route that brings you to Victoria, where alleyways, small shops, and the Inner Harbor are ready to explore. You'll stay for two nights.
- Accommodation
- Hotel, Hotel, Hotel, Hotel
Landmarks Chemainus Malahat Drive Inner Harbour - Day 17
Victoria
Explore Victoria, which feels like the most British city in North America with its architecture and English influence. Check out the Royal BC Museum, walk around the Inner Harbour with its shops and restaurants, and find Canada's oldest Chinatown with its lively energy.
Optional Activities
- Visit Royal BC Museum
- Explore Inner Harbour and its shops and restaurants
- Visit Chinatown
Landmarks Royal BC Museum Inner Harbour Chinatown - Day 18
Victoria to Vancouver
Take the ferry back to the mainland and drive on to Vancouver for an overnight stay.
- Accommodation
- Hotel, Hotel, Hotel
Included Activities
- Ferry trip Vancouver Island to Vancouver
- Day 19
Vancouver
Return your rental car today and end your road trip.
