Classic West Canada B&B Tour

This driving tour brings you to the classic sites of west Canada at a pace that will allow you the time to experience all there is to see and do along the way!  Highlights include Banff and Jasper National Parks, Wells Gray Provincial Park, and the wine region of the Okanagan Valley. After driving through spectacular mountain scenery, finish your tour in Calgary, with its many museums and attractions.
 

Daily Itinerary

Day 1: Calgary Arrival & Drive to Canmore (130km / 2 hrs)
Arrive in Calgary and pick up your rental car. Drive across the prairies towards the Rockies and overnight 2 nights at a B&B in Canmore.

Day 2: Canmore & Banff National Park
The day is free to explore Banff National Park where you have ample time to see Lake Minnewanka, the Hoodoos and the Bow Falls. Drive the scenic Bow Valley Parkway to Lake Louise to marvel at the crystal clear waters of this glacier-fed wonder. Overnight at a B&B in Canmore.

Day 3: Canmore - Cranbrook (285km / 4 hrs)
Explore the Indian Paint Pots in Kootenay Nat. Park and go for a dip in the hot springs of Radium. Driving between the BC Rockies and the Purcell Mountains you follow the Columbia River Valley south to the Cranbrook. Overnight at a B&B in Cranbrook.

Day 4: Cranbrook – Nelson (260km / 4 hrs)
Today starts with a visit to the lively historic town of Fort Steele. Travel south and explore the Creston Wildlife Center. A gorgeous road along Kootenay Lake brings you to Balfour from where a ferry ride takes you across Kootenay Lake to historic Nelson. Overnight at a B&B in Nelson.

Day 5: Nelson Free day
The heritage town of Nelson is a little-known jewel in the interior of British Columbia. Many artists call Nelson home and the many restored historic buildings are great fun to see on a walking tour. But the area has lots more to offer including a fabulous hot spring, great golf courses, and many natural sights and attractions. Overnight at a B&B in Nelson.

Day 6: Nelson – Penticton (325km / 4.5 hrs)
Enjoy a spectacular drive through the southern region of British Columbia. The Crowsnest Highway leads west to Osoyoos and the warm Okanagan Valley, which produces about 95% of BC wines. Set amidst the picturesque Cascade Mountains the valley region has over 70 wineries producing interesting varieties. The southernmost sector, with the longest growing season sees a concentration of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir. Syrah and Shiraz wines are also having success in the south, while Northern Okanagan is better suited to Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris. Overnight at a B&B in Penticton.

Day 7: Penticton - Vernon (119km / 1.5 hrs)
Continue driving to Vernon through the Okanagan Valley, famous for its warm lakes, sunny beaches and wineries.

Day 8: Vernon - Clearwater (235km / 3.5 hrs)
Start with a visit to the Secwempec Museum in Kamloops, which gives good insight into the native history of this country. Two hours north you will marvel at the impressive Helmcken Falls in Wells Gray Park. Overnight at a B&B in Clearwater.

Day 9: Wells Gray – Jasper (300km / 4 hrs)
Watch out for black bears along the road this morning, as you drive north past Blue River. Visit the interpretive center at Mt. Robson, before you make your way to Jasper National Park. Overnight at a B&B in Jasper.

Day 10: Jasper
Enjoy Jasper. Take a scenic boat cruise on Maligne Lake (included), raft the canyon, go for a horseback-picnic or visit the flowered alpine meadows of Mount Edith Cavell. Take a scenic drive east and soak your muscles in the soothing warm waters of the Miette Hot Springs. Overnight at a B&B in Jasper.

Day 11: Jasper – Calgary (400km / 5 hrs)
The highlight of your trip is a drive along the scenic Icefields Parkway, where snow-capped peaks, icy-blue glaciers and mirror lakes of the Rockies are everywhere. Visit the Athabasca Glacier, the thundering Sunwapta Falls and quiet Peyto Lake on your way to Lake Louise and Calgary. Overnight at a B&B in Calgary.

Day 12: Calgary – Departure
Depending on your departure time, you may have time to explore Calgary. Climb the Calgary Tower for great views of Calgary, the plains and the distant Rockies. The Glenbow Museum offers a very lively exhibition of the Canadian native indians and early pioneers. Visit the Olympic Plaza, the Olympic ski-jump and museum. Tour end.
 

Services included:   

11 nights accommodation in B&Bs OR moderate class hotels, 10 day midsize car rental with unlimited kilometers*/ Lost Damage Waiver (LDW)/ Personal Accident Insurance (PAI), 2 hour Maligne lake cruise in Jasper, provincial accommodation and sales taxes.

* SUV and Minivan rental vehicles will only include 200km/day.

Not included: meals other than breakfast when included at a B&B, national park entrance fees, optional activities, gratuities, gas and GST.

Dates of operation:   

May 5 - September 15, 2008: Daily Departures. 

Price:   

CanadianPacificVacations.com

CanadianPacificVacations.com part of All Alaska Tours, Inc. | 413 G Street | Anchorage, Alaska USA 99501
Tel 907 375 6590 | Fax 907 272 2532 | E-mail: mytrip@canadianpacificvacations.com