Holiday Overview
Experience the delights of the Rockies at your own pace. Enjoy Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper before travelling the "Yellowhead" route to Sun Peaks. Head down the Sea to Sky route as you approach the cosmopolitan city of Vancouver, where you have 3 days at leisure to explore Vancouver.
This trip can be taken in reverse - ask for details.
Why not add an Alaska Cruise to your Canada Holiday?, or ask about our holiday extensions
All our holidays are tailored to your individual requirements and budget. For your personalised quotation, please contact our Canada experts today.
Spirit of the West Self Drive includes:
- Return flights from UK
- 11 nights accommodation
- Car Hire
- Ice Explorer ride & Glacier Skywalk
- Banff Gondola (admission)
- Choose 1 of 3 - Jasper Nature Walk or Maligne Lake Cruise or Jasper River Float
Day 1 - Fly UK to Calgary
Upon arrival into Calgary, pick up your rental car and begin your Rockies adventure. Take the short (2-hour) drive from Calgary to Banff on either the Trans-Canada Highway or the more scenic 1A Highway. Once in Banff proceed to your selected hotel to check in and the remainder of the day is yours to explore at your own leisure.
Featured accommodation
Elk+ Avenue Hotel
Enhance your experience
Banff Caribou Lodge & Spa
The Fairmont Banff Springs
Day 2 - Banff Exploring (Banff Gondola)
A full day to explore Banff and area. In town you’ll find lots of excitement shopping, cafes, nightlife, museums. Check out the Cave and Basin National Historic Site, Banff Gondola (included) where you will see a panoramic view of the Bow Valley, and then take a dip in the hot mineral pools at the Upper Hot Springs.
Featured accommodation
Elk+ Avenue Hotel
Enhance your experience
Banff Caribou Lodge & Spa
The Fairmont Banff Springs
Unmissable Experiences
Banff Gondola
Day 3 - Banff
A day at leisure to take in Banff National Park and everything that it has to offer. Perhaps even book an organised excursion such as a Helicopter tour of the Rockies, Cowboy Horseback Cookout, Lake Minnewanka cruise, Wildlife Safari and much much more.
Featured accommodation
Elk+ Avenue Hotel
Enhance your experience
Banff Caribou Lodge & Spa
The Fairmont Banff Springs
Unmissable Experiences
Banff Experiences
Day 4 - Banff to Lake Louise (62 km/38 mi)
Drive along the Bow Valley Parkway, and enjoy a short nature walk at Johnston Canyon. Continue on to the "Jewel of the Rockies," Lake Louise, for your overnight accommodation.
Featured accommodation
Lake Louise Inn
Enhance your experience
Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
Day 5 - Lake Louise to Jasper (208 km/129 mi)
Today, travel through the spine of the Canadian Rockies along the amazing Icefield Parkway. You’re sure to be enthralled by the scenery, wildlife, incredible blue lakes and sparkling waterfalls en route (Please note: Mountain lakes in this region will be frozen through to mid June). A stop at Peyto Lake along the way is a must. Don’t miss the Columbia Icefield for a ride onto the Athabasca Glacier on board an Ice Explorer (included) before continuing your journey to Jasper.
Featured accommodation
Jasper Inn & Suites by Sunrise
Enhance your experience
Forest Park Hotel
Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
Unmissable Experiences
Glacier Skywalk
Day 6 - Jasper Exploring
Explore this charming mountain village close to many terrific scenic highlights. Take a tram ride up Whistlers mountain, or visit Maligne Lake, one of the most photographed lakes in the world, and enjoy a 90 minute cruise heading toward the south end of this postcard setting (Maligne Lake cruise not included). You will marvel at the magnificent shoreline with dense forest and glacial peaks rising abruptly from the water’s edge. Stopping at Spirit Island, you will have the opportunity to take your own version of the world famous photograph of the lake.
Featured accommodation
Jasper Inn & Suites by Sunrise
Enhance your experience
Forest Park Hotel
Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
Unmissable Experiences
Jasper Experiences
Day 7 - Jasper to Sun Peaks (444 km/277 mi)
Leaving Jasper National Park, travel the 'Yellowhead' route past the sprawling grandeur of Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. Beyond Mount Robson Provincial Park, the highway follows the Thompson River through the snowy peaks of the Monashee and Caribou Mountains to the resort village of Sun Peaks where you will enjoy a nights stay.
Featured accommodation
Sun Peaks Grand Hotel
Day 8 - Sun Peaks to Vancouver (326 km/203 mi)
Begin the day travelling along Logan Lake route to the gold rush town of Cache Creek, where you stop to visit the historic Hat Creek Ranch (included), which literally takes you back to the days of the gold rush. Continue the journey south to Lillooet, known as the land of the Gold Rush Trail and was 'Mile Zero' of the Old Caribou Wagon Road during the Gold Rush Years. Now the area is home to the largest Canadian producers of the medicinal plant, Ginseng. Departing Lillooet, travel the Duffey Lake Road to Whistler. On the upper elevations of the Duffey Lake Road enjoy breath-taking views of Joffee Glacier and snow capped Mount Currie that rises to a height of 2,596 meters (8,518 feet). Continue on through the mountain village of Whistler and along the scenic Sea to Sky Highway to Vancouver. Highlights along the way include the cascading Shannon Falls and the Stawamus Chief Rock where climbers from all over the globe migrate to climb the granite cliffs. This self drive can also be taken in reverse - from Vancouver to Banff or Calgary
Featured accommodation
Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver
Enhance your experience
Georgian Court Hotel
Fairmont Waterfront Hotel
Day 9 - Explore Vancouver
Day at leisure to explore Vancouver. With a waterfront location and stunning views over the mountain ranges it's hard not to fall in love with this vibrant, cosmopolitan city which is home to no less than 3 beaches and world famous Stanley Park. We highly recommend hiring bicycles to go around Stanley Park or perhaps pack a picnic and have a leisurely walk.
Featured accommodation
Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver
Enhance your experience
Georgian Court Hotel
Fairmont Waterfront Hotel
Unmissable Experiences
Vancouver Experiences
Day 10 - Explore Vanvouver
Day at leisure to take in the rest of Vancouver's sights/attractions. Granville Island Market, FlyOver Canada and Vancouver Harbour Cruise are firm favourites. Alternatively not ask one of our Canada experts about the full day tour options available from Vancouver. Whistler and the Shannon Falls tour with Peak 2 Peak Gondola ride is a favourite as is Victoria with Butchart Gardens.
Featured accommodation
Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver
Enhance your experience
Georgian Court Hotel
Fairmont Waterfront Hotel
Unmissable Experiences
Vancouver Experiences
Day 11 - Fly Vancouver to the UK
Depart Vancouver this afternoon for your flight back to the UK.
Elk+ Avenue
Just a few steps from the quaint streets and ample restaurants, shopping and nightlife of downtown Banff, Elk + Avenue Hotel brings an upscale twist to the classic mountain escape.
Banff Caribou Lodge & Spa
Located in Banff National Park, the Banff Caribou Lodge & Spa offers a mountain lodge hotel featuring luxurious spa services and facilities as well as comfortable accommodation, all in one outstanding location. This ideal holiday spot is located on Banff Avenue, the main street in the town of Banff. Surrounded by mountains, there are plenty of activities to keep you busy. Take advantage of the complimentary passes for the Banff transit, which offers service to various attractions.
The Fairmont Banff Springs
The Fairmont Banff Springs hotel in Alberta, Canada is one of the world's leading luxury hotels set in its own extensive grounds. This resort, built in 1888, is styled after a Scottish Baronial castle and is a National Historic Site. Located in Banff National Park, the Banff Springs hotel boasts stunning views, exceptional regional cuisine and impeccable service offering an unforgettable retreat.
Lake Louise Inn
Nestled in a picturesque wilderness setting in the heart of Banff National Park, Lake Louise Inn is the ideal resort hotel from which to enjoy world-class outdoor adventure, hearty mountain dining and unforgettable views of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. The village of Lake Louise is a five-minute walk from the Inn, offering a range of shops and services, including a local grocery store, bakery and deli, liquor store and post office. You will also find unique west coast Native art, pottery and Canadian handcrafted goods at the specialty gift shops.
Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
The iconic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise located in Alberta's Banff National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and surrounded by soaring mountain peaks, the majestic Victoria Glacier and a glistening emerald lake.
Jasper Inn & Suites by Sunrise
Jasper Inn & Suites by Sunrise is located just 10 minutes from the heart of Jasper and surrounded by stunning views. Enjoying a quiet location away from the main street the Inn is still close to convenient destinations and minutes from Marmot Basin Ski Resort.
Forest Park Hotel
Offering cosy accommodations, eclectic dining, extensive resort style facilities, and a wide variety of exciting adventure and relaxation packages, The Forest Park Hotel is the hotel of choice when visiting the beautiful Jasper National Park. Located at the east end of the town's main street, this resort style property can accommodate all of your needs.
Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
Located on the shores of Beauvert Lake in the magnificent Canadian Rockies in a UNESCO World Heritage Site, The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge resort invites you to experience the unique accommodations and Luxury Signature Cabins, sure to evoke memories of this Jasper Lodge that will last a lifetime.
Sun Peaks Grand Hotel
Since its renaissance in the early nineties, Sun Peaks Resort has risen majestically to the challenge of becoming an internationally renowned year-round destination resort, boasting a playground that now offers the second-largest ski area in Canada and a full complement of winter and summer activities.
Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver
Few hotels can rival the elegance, European charm and hospitality of The Sutton Place Hotel. One of Vancouver’s most beautiful boutique hotels, situated in the heart of downtown Vancouver. The spectacular setting allows guests to experience exceptional service and all the needed amenities within the cosmopolitan ambience of the city set against a majestic backdrop of mountains and sea.
Georgian Court Hotel, Vancouver British Columbia
The Georgian Court Hotel is a 4 star boutique hotel and a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World.
Fairmont Waterfront Hotel, Vancouver
The Fairmont Waterfront luxury hotel showcases the best of Vancouver. Conveniently located, the hotel connects by covered walkway to the Vancouver Convention and Exhibition Centre, the cruise ship terminal at Canada Place, and the Sky train. Situated on scenic Burrard Inlet, it has a central to sightseeing and shopping in Vancouver.
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Alternative Holidays That May Interest You
Below you will find a small selection of 2024, 2025 holidays that may interest you. Remember, we tailor-make each holiday to your exact needs, so please call us on 0800 270 0009 and let one of our Holiday experts design the perfect trip for you
Canada Holiday Offers
Rockies & Rainforest East Bound Fly Drive
- 15 Nights
- Vancouver
- Victoria
- Tofino
- Parksville
- Whistler
- Clearwater
- Jasper
- Banff
- Calgary
Canada Holiday Offers
Lakes & Lodges Self Drive
- 14 Nights
- Calgary
- Canmore
- Banff
- Jasper
- Moraine Lake
- Clearwater
- Whistler
- Vancouver
Ontario & Quebec
Best of the East Fly Drive
- 14 Nights
- Toronto
- Niagara Falls
- Algonquin Park
- Ottawa
- Mont Tremblant
- Quebec City
- Montreal
- Kingston
Peaks & Grapes Fly Drive
- 12 Nights
- Vancouver
- Whistler
- Sun Peaks Resort
- Jasper
- Banff
- Kelowna
Canada Family Holidays MCT
Vancouver, Bears & Whales
- 14 Nights
- Vancouver
- Whistler
- Campbell River
- Knight Inlet
- Tofino
- Victoria
Canada Wildlife Holidays
Vancouver Island & the Grizzlies Fly Drive
- 14 Nights
- Vancouver
- Victoria
- Tofino
- Parksville
- Desolation Sound
- Whistler
Yukon & Alaska
The Grand Prospector Fly Drive Holiday
- 17 Nights
- Whitehorse
- Haines
- Haines Junction
- Valdez
- Anchorage
- Talkeenta
- Denali National Park
- Fairbanks
- Tok
- Dawson City
The Charms of Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia Delights Self Drive
- 7 Nights
- Halifax
- Baddeck
- Liscombe Mills
July Holidays
Whistler & Pacific Coast Fly Drive
- 6 Nights
- Vancouver
- Whistler
- Tofino
- Victoria
