Great Parks and Lakes of Western Canada

Days 1 - 3: UK to Vancouver

Arrive into Vancouver late afternoon. Surrounded on three sides by water and with the Coast Mountain Range as a backdrop, Vancouver is constantly ranked as one of the best places in the world to visit. Enjoy a stroll along the lively waterfront this evening followed by two full days to explore Vancouver must-see attractions, including the gardens and forests of Stanley Park, the lively waterfront galleries and artists’ studios of Granville Island and the historic districts of Gastown, Chinatown and Yaletown.

Days 4 - 5: Victoria 

Distance: 121 km / 75 miles (plus ferry)

Collect your motorhome and stock up on groceries and then perhaps explore the Boundary Bay Regional Park in Tsawwassen, popular for bird watching and an area for the nature enthusiasts with beautiful views of White Rock and Mount Baker. Your ferry will then take you across the Strait of Georgia to Vancouver Island. Make sure you allow time for a stop at Butchart Gardens to marvel at the flowers and gardens.

Explore Victoria’s inner harbour with the surrounding Parliament Buildings and the Empress Hotel, plus you can check out the shops and visit the Royal BC Museum and China Town.

Day 6: Nanaimo

Distance: 110 km / 68 miles

Drive the scenic Malahat Drive with its panoramic ocean views to Mount Baker in the distance. Perhaps top in Duncan, the “City of Totems”, and in Chemainus to see the world’s largest outdoor gallery of murals and sculptures. Try a Nanaimo Bar in Nanaimo, and visit Coombs, famous for it’s market where goats graze on the roof.

Days 7 - 8: Ucluelet

Distance: 182 km / 113 miles

Drive across the island on Highway 4 and wind your way through Cathedral Grove with its ancient Douglas fir trees. Check out the Mars fire bomber based at Sproat Lake or, if you stroll a bit further along the beach, enjoy a close up view of the ancient petroglyphs.

You’ll be spoilt for choice in the charming coastal village of Ucluelet, affectionately known as ‘Ukee’. From whale and bear watching, fishing and hiking to biking, ocean kayaking and zip lining, there are plenty of ways to experience the wild beauty of the Pacific coast.

If you prefer to take things at a gentler pace, enjoy a leisurely dining experience or sunset cruise instead. You could also venture to nearby Tofino to explore the spectacular Pacific Rim and the sands of Long Beach.

Day 9: Parksville

Distance: 147 km / 91 miles

Head north on Highway 19A to Parksville where you can relax on the sandy beaches and admire the stunning shoreline of Qualicum Beach.

Days 10 - 11: Whistler

Distance: 197 km / 122 miles

This morning you’ll return to the mainland by ferry and drive the stunning ‘Sea to Sky’ Highway along the many fjords of the Pacific Coast to Whistler, a bustling summer destination and ski-resort in the winter. During your two night stay you can discover soaring mountains, dramatic waterfalls and plenty of parks and outdoor activities.

Day 12: Lillooet

Distance: 130 km / 81 miles

Follow the sensational Duffey Lake Road through the beautiful Coast Mountains to Lillooet. Set against a mountain backdrop, the town of Lillooet is spread along grassy land overlooking the mighty Fraser River. During your visit, learn about the Gold Rush era at the Lillooet museum which was formerly an Anglican church.

Days 13 - 14: Wells Gray Provincial Park

Distance: 294 km / 183 miles

Wells Gray Provincial Park is a true wilderness, certainly one of Canada’s most beautiful parks. 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 and Spahats Falls, and especially Helmcken Falls which is three times higher than Niagara Falls, plunging 140 metres down into a mist-filled abyss.

Travelling North, take time to stop at the viewpoints to take in the stunning surroundings. Driving through Finn Creek Provincial Park you may spot a moose, so keep an eye out!

Continue though Mount Robson Provincial Park, home of the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, to Jasper, where you will spend the next two nights.

Jasper National Park is jaw droppingly wild and beautiful with unique wildlife and vast icefields. Cruise or kayak along the Maligne Lake, admire the alpine meadows and Mount Edith Cavell glacier, a carpet of colourful wildflowers in spring. Follow hiking trails, hire a mountain bike to explore or join a white-water rafting tour to sample the rapids.

Days 17 - 18: Banff

Distance: 288 km / 179 miles

The Icefields Parkway is often considered the world’s most spectacular road. Running 230 km from Lake Louise to Jasper, it’s a highlight of Rocky Mountain scenery, with cascading rivers, high mountain passes, alpine glaciers and crystal clear turquoise lakes. Along the way you may spot black bears, deer and Bighorn sheep at the roadside.

Stop and savour the views, including the renowned Athabasca Glacier where you can take a ride across the glacier on the Ice Explorer. Along the highway, there will be an opportunity to visit enthralling Sunwapta Falls and picturesque Peyto Lake.

With a plethora of activities in Banff, your time can be easily enjoyed with a trip to Lake Moraine, a gondola ride up Sulphur Mountain or a dip in the hot pools.

Day 19: Revelstoke 

Distance: 283 km / 175 miles

Travel along the deep canyons of Kicking Horse Pass and into Yoho National Park where you’ll want to see Wapta Falls and Emerald Lake.

Pick up the Trans-Canada Highway and drive past snow-capped mountains to Glacier National Park where the surrounding scenery is sensational with tranquil lakes and dense forests. This spectacular wilderness preserve has 700 miles of hiking trails to suit all levels of ability.

Staying in Revelstoke is a great opportunity to get up into the Selkirk and Monashee Mountains for alpine walking and biking trails. Visit the Revelstoke Dam, paddle a canoe or SUP on the lake or simply drive along the Meadows in the Sky Parkway up to the summit of Mount Revelstoke for unforgettable views.

Days 20 - 21: Okanagan Valley 

Distance: 262 km / 163 miles

Head south alongside beautiful lakes and over rolling hills with stunning views as you head to the warm Okanagan Valley, most famous for its wineries and fruit orchards. Relax on one of the beautiful lake beaches or hire a bike for a ride along the Kettle Valley Railway. There will be plenty of opportunity for you to pick fresh fruit and stroll around colourful farmer’s markets.

Take the Crowsnest Highway in westerly direction and marvel at the spectacular scenery in Manning Provincial Park as you drive through the Cascade Mountains with its forests and lake-dotted valleys. The park’s forests are lined with hiking trails so you won't be short of things to discover. It's also home to a variety of wildlife such as chipmunks, mule deer, black bear and coyote, plus over 190 species of bird.

Day 24: Harrison Hot Springs

Distance: 108 km / 67 miles

Take a trip to Hope to visit the Othello Tunnels, and marvel at the impressive 60-metre-high waterfall at Bridal Veil Falls Provincial Park in Rosedale. The Harrison Hot Springs area is a great spot to wind down and enjoy the beaches, relax in the hot springs, rent a boat on the lake, or take a nature trail into the mountains.

Day 25: Burnaby (Vancouver)

Distance: 116 km / 72 miles

Today you will leave the nature behind you as you return to Vancouver. Make sure you take the SkyTrain into downtown Vancouver where you can enjoy a stroll along the waterfront to spend your final evening. Be sure to ride the SkyTrain into downtown Vancouver and enjoy a relaxing stroll along the waterfront for your final evening.

Days 26 - 27: Vancouver - UK

The end of the road! Return your motorhome to the depot and transfer to the airport, ready to head for home at the end of a truly memorable road trip.