Express western Canada self-drive tour

Make your way to Banff early this morning to meet your guide and be transferred to Moraine Lake. Enjoy exclusive access to the lake as the sun peeks over the mountains, highlighting the mountains and water in bright pink and orange tones. Continue on to have breakfast at Lake Louise, indulging in the rare early morning tranquillity. After returning to Banff, you have the afternoon to explore at your own leisure. We recommend taking the gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain for sweeping views over the Bow Valley, or taking a walk along Canmore’s river, enjoying the mountainous backdrop.

Drive four and a half hours north to Jasper along the Icefields Parkway. There are many lakes and glaciers to admire en route, including Peyto Lake, Athabasca Glacier, and Castle Mountain. We recommend allowing a whole day for this journey so that you can make the most of the striking natural scenery. If you wish to stretch your legs, numerous walking trails branch off from this route. Arrive in the small town of Jasper and take a walk to get your bearings.

Jasper National Park awaits your discovery today. You have tickets for a 90-minute interpretive boat cruise on Maligne Lake to Spirit Island, which enjoys some of the region's finest views as mountains and evergreens meet the distinctive blue waters of the lake. You can spend the rest of the day exploring the park at your own pace — we recommend a gentle hike through Maligne Canyon, and venturing out in search of wildlife along the highways.

Continue your journey west, driving for around five hours to enter British Columbia and arrive in the mountain resort of Sun Peaks. Along the way, you'll pass Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, and Wells Gray Provincial Park, home to some spectacular waterfalls. We suggest stopping to take a short trail to one to break up the journey. Sun Peaks is an alpine town that offers a scenic backdrop for outdoor activities. We recommend taking the gondola to the mountaintop for breathtaking views.

Your final drive, of around five hours, takes you through the heart of British Columbia's cattle-rearing country, past Hell's Gate Canyon, to the coastal city of Vancouver. On arrival, drop off your hire car downtown and make your way to your hotel. Most will be within walking distance. After settling into your hotel, you can head out to explore some of the city's attractions or head to one of the nine beaches for a spot of relaxation.

To make the most of your final day in Vancouver, you have a shared food tour to get a taste of Vancouver's multicultural influences. You'll meet your guide downtown to embark on a culinary journey to four different authentic Asian eateries. You'll have over 15 different tastings, ranging from pork and prawn dumplings to jasmine green tea, to Japanese noodles, to mango pomelo sago. This evening, there’s a wealth of dining options in Vancouver, celebrating the city’s multicultural influences for your final dinner.

Most flights from Vancouver depart in the afternoon or early evening, so you can continue exploring in the morning. To finish your trip in style, we recommend taking a 30-minute seaplane tour to see the city from above. In the afternoon, make your own way to the airport for your onward flight.

Arrive home today to complete your journey.