Around the Rugged Rockies

Days 1 – 2: UK – Calgary

Set dramatically between prairies and peaks, Calgary is a chic metropolis in Southern Alberta, buzzing with innovative energy while embracing its rich western heritage. The city is nicknamed ‘Cowtown’, which is evident in the Calgary Stampede, a massive rodeo and festival in July. With its numerous skyscrapers, Calgary owes its massive growth to its status as the centre of the Canadian oil industry.

Days 3 – 4: Kananaskis

Distance: 120 km / 75 miles

Kananaskis, or K-Country as the locals call it, is actually a collection of over 10 provincial parks and wildlife reserves. It's a wildlife haven being a breeding ground for elk, moose, bear, mountain goats and sheep. At higher elevation, some types of crickets can only be found here.

Days 5: Radium Hot Springs

Distance: 177 km / 111 miles

Radium Hot Springs has it all: unlimited outdoor activities, fine dining, golfing, skiing and natural hot springs. Located on the 'warm' side of the Canadian Rockies, Radium Hot Springs offers mineral pools. These odourless pools are surrounded by natural rock walls and are guaranteed to help you relax and unwind.

Days 6 – 7: Revelstoke

Distance: 252km / 158 miles

Revelstoke is a mountain paradise high in the Kootenay Rockies and boasts some of the most spectacular scenery in all of British Columbia. Enjoy the breath-taking views of rugged mountains, glistening glaciers, lush forests, tumbling waterfalls and crystal-clear lakes.

Days 8 – 9: Clearwater

Distance: 275 km / 172 miles

Wells Gray Provincial Park is a true wilderness where you can immerse yourself in natural surroundings, with pounding waterfalls, guided walks, hiking trails, white water rafting and kayaking.

The wildlife is exceptional: black bears, grizzlies, moose, mountain goats, caribou, wolves and cougars. Don’t miss Dawson, Spahats Creek Falls, and especially Helmcken Falls which is three times higher than Niagara Falls, plunging 140 metres down into a mist-filled abyss.

Days 10 - 12: Jasper

Distance: 318 km / 199 miles

Jasper is a friendly town set in the natural splendour of Jasper National Park and not as touristy as Banff. Much of the reason for this comes from the fact that nearly 25% of Jasper’s population has no dependency on tourism and instead they work for the railways.

There is no shortage of beautiful sites in Jasper National Park - a World Heritage Site. Jasper is known for its vast sub-alpine forests, comprehensive trail network (the largest of any Canadian national park), blue mountain lakes and frequent wildlife sightings. Jasper is a nature lovers dream with Elk hanging out on Jaspers Main Street, mountain goats and Bingham sheep licking salt of the highways and marmots playing peek-a-boo in the meadows. Mule deer are very common in Jasper and can often be seen around Pyramid Lake Road.

Days 13 – 15: Banff

Distance: 288 km / 180 miles

Today you’ll be driving the famous Icefields Parkway Highway 93, rated as one of the top drives in the world with spectacular sightseeing of pristine turquoise lakes, tumbling waterfalls and ancient glaciers. Along the stretch, big horn sheep, deer, black bears, and coyotes are frequently spotted. To really appreciate the parkway, you need to take the time to enjoy the scenery and sights.

During your time in Banff there is an included evening Wildlife Safari (2 hours), as the sun sets behind the craggy peaks, the wildlife of Banff National Park becomes more active in the cool hours before dark. Wildlife is seen on 95% of tours, so this is your best chance to get up close with some of Banff’s wildest residents.

Day 16: Calgary

Distance: 127 km / 80 miles

Return your motorhome to the depot before being transferred to your Calgary hotel for your last night in Canada. Perhaps take a ride to the top of the Calgary tower for some amazing views across the city and over the prairies to the distant Rockies.

Days 17 - 18: Calgary - UK

Time for some last-minute sightseeing or shopping before returning to Calgary airport for your overnight flight back to the UK.