WESTERN CANADA ICONIC SITES
Overview
This captivating journey through Western Canada provides a postcard-worthy adventure. Stay overnight in the iconic locations of Whistler, Wells Gray Provincial Park, Jasper, Banff, and Kelowna. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the natural landscapes along the way, delve into the heart of Indigenous culture, savour delicious local cuisine, and explore famous landmarks like Maligne Lake and the Columbia Icefield. From exciting easy hikes to serene moments by glacial lakes, this tour promises an unforgettable exploration of Canada’s natural wonders.
Make it a COMBO: This tour can be booked together with our Vancouver Island Premium Tour for a supreme 16-day adventure in Western Canada.
Itinerary
Please note that this is a sample itinerary and is subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances, such as weather or road closures.
Vancouver to Whistler
- Depart downtown Vancouver from Canada Place. Please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your departure time.
- Travel the scenic Sea to Sky Highway with a stop at Shannon Falls and Brandywine Falls.
- Arrive in Whistler Village and enjoy a guided walking tour of this small, European-style town.
- Option to join an add-on activity such as zip-trekking, e-biking, riding the famous Peak 2 Peak Gondola, and more (additional cost).
- Check in to your centrally located hotel in Whistler Village.
- Leisure time to enjoy the hotel amenities and explore at leisure.
- Evening option to participate in Vallea Lumina – a multi-media night walk in pursuit of hidden wonders (additional cost).
Whistler to Wells Gray Provincial Park, Clearwater
- Breakfast included at your hotel
- Enjoy a guided tour of the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre. A cultural ambassador will welcome you with a drum song, and will share stories of the Squamish and Lil’wat First Nations as you explore the museum.
- Depart Whistler and drive through Pemberton and Lillooet
- Enjoy a picnic lunch at a scenic viewpoint in Lillooet
- Check into your hotel in Clearwater
- Free time for dinner and to enjoy the hotel’s amenities
*Photo courtesy of ©Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre | Blake Jorgensen
Clearwater to Jasper
- Enjoy breakfast in the hotel.
- Explore the beautiful Wells Gray Provincial Park with a visit to Helmcken Falls and Spahats Falls or Dawson Falls.
- Stop at Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies.
- Check in to your centrally located hotel in the town of Jasper.
- Free time to explore the town and have dinner at leisure.
- Option to visit the Jasper Planetarium this evening (additional cost).
*Photo courtesy of ©Tourism Jasper
Jasper National Park
- Enjoy breakfast in the hotel.
- Explore Maligne Canyon: walk along scenic bridges and trails and see ancient fossils and many waterfalls. (Please be advised that Maligne Canyon experienced significant damage from the Jasper wildfire, and an opening date has yet to be determined. If it remains closed, we will arrange an alternative stop)
- Visit Maligne Lake, famous for the colour of its azure water, and gaze at the surrounding peaks, the three glaciers visible from the lake, and Spirit Island, a frequently photographed islet.
- Option to take a boat cruise to Spirit Island (additional cost).
- Free time in the afternoon to explore Jasper or take part in other optional activities, such as a food tour in town or an evening wildlife viewing tour (additional cost).
*Photos courtesy of ©Parks Canada – Ryan Bray and ©Sean Thonson via Travel Alberta
Jasper & Icefields Parkway to Banff
- Enjoy breakfast at your hotel.
- Travel to the Columbia Icefield and go on the Ice Explorer Glacier Adventure! Ride an all-terrain snowcoach and walk on Athabasca Glacier to try the glacier water and take some pictures (included).
- Travel the world-renowned Icefields Parkway, on of the top 5 most scenic routes in the world, with stops at Bow Lake and Peyto Lake (time permitting).
- Arrive in the town of Banff and check in to your centrally located hotel for 2 nights.
*Photo courtesy of ©Pursuit – Mike Seehagel
Banff
- Have breakfast at your hotel.
- Take the Banff Mountain Gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain and enjoy amazing views of the Rocky Mountains (included).
- Enjoy a short coach tour of Banff townsite, including Bow Falls, HooDoos, and Banff Springs Hotel.
- Free time to go shopping and sightseeing on Banff Avenue, or to participate in an exciting optional activity such as e-biking, horseback riding, canoeing (bow river float), hiking, and more.
- Evening at leisure in Banff.
*Photo courtesy of ©Pursuit – Chris Amat
Banff & Lake Louise to Kelowna
- Have breakfast at the hotel then check out.
- Explore beautiful Lake Louise, and travel to Moraine Lake (dependent on road closures).
- Travel through the famed Roger’s Pass.
- Check in to your hotel located in downtown Kelowna.
- Explore the town at leisure with many dining options to choose from.
*Photo courtesy of ©Tourism Kelowna – Danika Lee
Kelowna to Vancouver
- Have breakfast at your hotel.
- Explore the Okanagan Valley with a stop at a farmer’s market.
- Enjoy a winery tour and tasting.
- Return to Vancouver at approximately 7:30pm.
FAQs
What makes this complete "Western Canada" experience our best seller?
What are the key activities and experiences included in the price?
What's the group size? What can I expect from the hotels on this tour in Banff?
This is a small-group guided tour limited to a maximum of 22 passengers, providing a personalized and relaxed pace. We prioritize centrally located accommodation, and you can expect a high standard of hotel in key destination towns. For example, you will stay for 2 nights in Banff in a centrally located hotel, allowing you to easily walk to shops and restaurants during your free time, and enjoy the best of Banff vibes.
What are the wildlife viewing opportunities on this tour?
Your professional guide will maximize safe and respectful opportunities for iconic wildlife viewing within the vast protected areas of Jasper and Banff National Parks. Potential sightings include large mammals like elk, moose, deer, and even bears. This focused nature experience is complemented by opportunities for cultural immersion, including a guided visit to the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre in Whistler.
Who is this guided tour most suitable for?
This 8-day itinerary is ideally suited for a wide range of travellers, including couples, seniors, and solo international travellers looking for a comfortable, stress-free way to explore Western Canada. All included activities are rated as easy and suitable for most ages and fitness levels. For families, we generally recommend this tour for those with children aged 4 and up due to the daily coach travel and longer sightseeing days. The small group size and deluxe coach transport ensure a comfortable journey for everyone.
I’m visiting Vancouver for World Cup 2026. What other tour options are available during the event?
We offer Special Edition 2026 Tours designed specifically for travellers visiting Vancouver during World Cup 2026. These tours range from 1-day, 3-day, and up to 8-day itineraries, allowing you to explore Western Canada before, between, or after match days.
Tour departures are carefully optimized around match schedules, so you can enjoy the games while also experiencing the region’s highlights. You can enjoy the best of both worlds, with meaningful travel experiences while saving on accommodation costs during peak event dates by minimizing hotel nights in the city.
May – September 2026 are booking fast. Secure your seat NOW!
BOOK NOW for 2026 departures.
Duration
Size
Quad
Triple
Double
Single
Highlights
- Discover Whistler’s charm on a guided walking tour.
- Learn stories of the Squamish and Lil’wat First Nations as you explore the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre.
- Marvel at Jasper’s iconic Maligne Lake and Spirit Island.
- Experience the thrill of the Columbia Icefield Glacier Adventure.
- Explore Banff with a scenic gondola ride and town tour.
- Relax in Kelowna and savour local wines in the Okanagan.
Inclusions
7 Nights hotel accommodations- Deluxe roundtrip coach transportation from Vancouver
- Experienced, friendly and fun tour guide
- Daily breakfast
- Guided tour of Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre
- Admission to the Ice Explorer Glacier Adventure
- Admission to Banff Gondola
- Winery tour and tasting
- Scenic sightseeing stops along the way
All park passes- Discounted optional activities if you book in advance
7 Nights hotel accommodations
Experienced, friendly and fun tour guide
Scenic sightseeing stops along the way
Discounted optional activities if you book in advanceWhat to Bring:
- 2 pieces of ID
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Clothing layers for varying temperatures
- Swimsuit and flip flops
- Sunscreen and sunglasses (optional sun hat)
- Insect repellent
- Waterproof jacket or light layer
- Small backpack and reusable water bottle
- Camera (recommended)
- Travel adapter and charger for electronic devices (recommended)
Optional Add Ons
We highly recommend booking your optional activities in advance to get the best rates (subject to availability). You can add them online at the time of booking or after you get your confirmation email. You can also contact us directly and we will book them for you. Availability on tour is very limited.
Peak 2 Peak Gondola
Squamish Lil'Wat Cultural Centre
ZipTrek Ecotours
ATV Tours
Vallea Lumina
SkyTram
Planetarium & Telescope Tour
Horseback Riding Tour
Canoe Tour: Wildlife on the Bow
Guided E-Bike & Hike
