Mountain Magic in BC Fly Drive

Day 1 - Fly to Vancouver

On arrival in Vancouver transfer to your downtown hotel.  

(Transfer not included.)

Day 2 - Sightseeing Vancouver

This morning we have included a 3.5 hour Vancouver City Highlights tour. Prepare to experience the unique history and unfolding splendour as you tour through the modern streets of Vancouver. Drive by the most renowned sights and learn how Vancouver became the city it is today. Situated on the edge of the Pacific Ocean and framed by British Columbia's imposing mountains, it's easy to fall in love with this astonishing city. Drive through historic neighbourhoods such as Gastown, Chinatown, scenic English Bay and the picturesque Vancouver Harbour. Stops in Stanley Park feature Indigenous Peoples' Totem Poles, spectacular views of the mountains and the Lions Gate Bridge. Also includes the opportunity to wander through the charming farmer's market at Granville Island. Remainder of the afternoon is at your leisure.

Day 3 - Vancouver via Oliver to Osoyoos (397km)

Pick up your hire car from downtown Vancouver this morning and head to Osoyoos - Canada's only true desert. Along the way make a stop at one of British Columbia's stunning provincial parks - E. C. Manning Provincial Park. The park has a range of walking routes from 15-minute trails to full-day, such as the Canyon Nature Trail, approx 2km in length, which follows the Similkameen River. From here continue to Oliver, a small argricultural town and head to Covert Farms which sits on 650 acres of land and take a tour and you might be lucky enought to sample a taste. Finish the day in Osoyoos and relax on the shore of tempting Osoyoos Lake.

Day 4 - Enjoy Osoyoos

Today is yours at your leisure. We suggest you spend the morning in Osoyoos at Nk'Mip Desert Cultural Centre with a great interpretive centre, and see of you can spot one of the wild horses that roam the area. Dip your toes in Osoyoos Lake, known as the warmest lake in Canada, or head to the marina to try some watersports, or simply enjoy the facilities on offer at the Watermark Beach Resort.

Day 5 - Osoyoos to Nelson (261km/162miles)

This morning leave Osoyoos for Nelson. The drive between the two towns is spectacular, experience the true open road and climb into the mountains, passing rural communities and incredible vistas. Stop at one of the small quirky roadside cafes or at Cristina Lake. Arrive in Nelson and enjoy the small mountain town with a big personality.

Day 6 - Enjoy Nelson

Surrounded by the Selkirk Mountains, set on the shores of Kootenay Lake and clustered with some 350 heritage buildings, Nelson's storybook charm and stunning scenery create the quintessential small town setting. Why not hire bikes and cycle the West Arm of Kootenay Lake to the trestle bridge, stop for an ice cream on the way and head to the Touchstones Museum of Art and History opposite the beautiful City Hall. Perhaps enjoy an evening cruise on the S.S paddle wheeler.

Day 7 - Nelson to Invermere (363km/225miles)

This morning depart Nelson for Invermere. The town of Invermere is all about sun and fun. People come here to relax, spend summer afternoons at the beach, go boating, river rafting and golfing. There are spectacular parks in the area, offering hiking, fishing and even wild hot springs.

Day 8 - Invermere to Field (165km / 103mls)

Today take the short journey from Invermere through the majestic mountains through Kootenay National Park to Cathedral Mountain Lodge in Field. This national park is filled with gem-coloured glacial lakes and waterfalls 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. Along the way enjoy a stop at Lake Louise a opportunity to view one of Canada's most photographed lakes.  

Day 9 - Cathedral Mountain Lodge

Today relax and enjoy the facilites on offer at Cathedral Mountain Lodge. You also have complimentary use of canoes at Moraine Lake from mid-June to mid-September (weather dependant). There is so much to do and see within Yoho National Park.  

Day 10 - Emerald Lake to Revelstoke (209km)

Today cross through two more of British Columbia's National Parks : Glacier and Mount Revelstoke. Start off in Glacier National Park where the moisture trapped by the valleys and peaks has created an inland rainforest. Try hiking the short walk to Bear Creek Falls right near the highway, or scramble through Rockgarden, a site which has existed since the last ice age. Continue on through Mount Revelstoke National Park and take the Meadows in the Sky Parkway to the summit of the mountain and head out on foot to explore the alpine meadows and marshlands which are home to a variety of bird species. Spend the night at in Revelstoke, a historic railroad town with its very own mountain coaster.

Day 11 - Revelstoke to Sun Peaks (265km/165miles

Descend along the scenic mountain roads until you reach Shuswap Lake, with a 1km sandy shoreline and numerous water sports to try. Spend some time paddle boarding and boaring on the inviting lake, or visit one of the local wineries to sample the produce and tour the vineyards. Head west to Little Shuswap Lake and Roderick Haig-Brown Provincial Park, which every October is home to one of the largest Sockeye salmon runs in North America. Before you reach Sun Peaks spend some time at the BC Wildlife Park, with over 40 species of animal included the elusive Spirit Bear, the park is also home to one of the most successful Burrowing Owl conservation programs in North America.

Day 12 - Explore Sun Peaks

Spend the day in the beautiful alpine town of Sun Peaks, with numerous activities to enjoy. Take a segway tour from the village, you might even spot some local wildlife such as a black bear, coyote or chipmunk. Fly down the slopes at North America's first mountain cross cart track, an exhilarating way to desend, or head out on horseback to explore the town and its stunning surroundings. Enjoy a relaxing evening on the mountain.

Day 13 - Sun Peaks to Vancouver (414km/257miles)

Depart Sun Peaks this morning and take a drive southwest back to Vancouver. Take highway 5 which runs alongside valleys and rivers and spend any spare time grabbing some fresh seafood at the quaint seaside village of Stevenson.  

Day 14 - Fly Vancouver to UK

Depart Vancouver today for your return flight back to the UK.