Holiday Overview
This superb road trip takes in some of the most spectacular lakes and lodges in Canada.
First stop is Banff in the heart of the Rockies, continue your journey to Emerald Lake for your lakeside lodge stay at Emerald Lake Lodge. Following this head to the stunningly located Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, situated on Lake Beauvert, it's easy to see why British Royalty stays here when in the area! Travel to British Columbia staying at Nita Lake Lodge in Whistler before heading to the secluded resort Alpine Meadows.
Ending with a 3 night stay in the cosmopolitan coastal city of Vancouver.
Lakes & Lodges Self Drive includes:
- Return flights from the UK
- Intermediate Car Hire (We recommend adding Sat Nav)
- 13 nights accommodation
- Vancouver Hop on Hop off Sightseeing Tour
- Ice Explorer ride onto the Athabasca Glacier
- Historic Hat Creek (admission)
- Glacier Skywalk at Columbia Icefields
- Banff choose 1 of 4 excursions : 1) Banff Gondola 2) Lake Minnewanka Cruise 3) River Explorer Canoe Tour 4) Bow River Horseback Adventure
- Jasper choose 1 of 3 excursions : 1) Maligne Lake Cruise 2) Jasper River Float 3) Jasper Nature Walk
Day 1 - Calgary to Banff (115 km/72 mi)
Arrive in Calgary picking your car hire up from the airport making your way to Banff, along the 1A Highway. En route, you may wish to stop at the historic Cochrane Ranch (not included).
Featured accommodation
Buffalo Mountain Lodge
Enhance your experience
Mount Royal Hotel Banff
The Fairmont Banff Springs
Day 2 - Banff Exploring
A full day to explore Banff. 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
Buffalo Mountain Lodge
Enhance your experience
The Moose Hotel and Suites Banff
The Rimrock Resort Hotel
Unmissable Experiences
Banff Experiences
Day 3 - Banff to Emerald Lake (93 km/60 mi)
Enjoy the leisurely drive from Banff. Choose the Bow Valley Parkway, beside the Bow River, with an option for you to take a stop at Johnston Canyon and walk along the paved footpath to either the lower or upper waterfalls before continuing to into Yoho National Park and Emerald Lake Lodge for a 2-night stay. The word Yoho is the Cree word expressing awe.This 1313 sq.km national park is filled with gem coloured glacial lakes and waterfalls, snow-covered peaks 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.
Featured accommodation
Emerald Lake Lodge
Day 4 - Emerald Lake Lodge
Built of hand-hewn timber and featuring massive stone fireplaces, the Lodge includes a formal dining room, quiet reading and sitting rooms. From the upper or lower large verandahs, enjoy the serene views of this wilderness landscape.
Featured accommodation
Emerald Lake Lodge
Day 5 - Emerald Lake to Lake Louise (36 km/23 mi)
A short drive today through majestic mountain passes into Yoho National Park. 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. Other Yoho marvels include a natural rock bridge over the Kicking Horse River, Hoodoos, some of Canada’s highest waterfalls and the Burgess Shale fossil find where over 120 marine animal species dating back as far as 530 million years were discovered.
Featured accommodation
Moraine Lake Lodge
Day 6 - Lake Louise to Jasper (412 km/256mi)
This morning depart on the scenic Icefields Parkway that takes you through the spine of the Canadian Rockies. You view a never-ending procession of mammoth mountains, jagged peaks, over 100 glaciers and pristine emerald coloured lakes. Along the way see such sights as the Columbia Icefield and take an Ice Explorer ride out onto the glacier (included). Before arriving in Jasper.
Featured accommodation
Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
Day 7 - Jasper Exploring
Today, explore this charming mountain village close to many terrific scenic highlights. Take a tram ride up Whistlers Mountain or a boat cruise on Maligne Lake (not included), in the evening soak in the pools at Miette Hot Springs, and watch the sunset over Pyramid and Patricia Lakes (included).
Featured accommodation
Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
Unmissable Experiences
Jasper Experiences
Day 8 - Jasper to Clearwater (338 km/210 mi)
Set out for Clearwater along the scenic Yellowhead Highway and take in the breathtaking vistas of the steep-walled gorges and crashing falls of the North Thompson River. On your journey today, perhaps you will get a glimpse of Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. Leaving Alberta you enter British Columbia.
Featured accommodation
Best Western Plus Gateway to the Falls
Enhance your experience
Alpine Meadows Resort
Day 9 - Clearwater to Whistler (378 km/235 mi)
Return through Lillooet, known as the land of the Gold Rush Trail and ‘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. Visit the Gold Rush Town of Cache Creek where you can visit the Historic Hat Creek, which literally takes you back to the days of the Gold Rush.
Featured accommodation
Nita Lake Lodge
Day 10 - Whistler
A full day to explore Whistler! This charming alpine resort is nestled between world-renowned Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. Experience the beauty via the Peak 2 Peak Gondola on Whistler Mountain as you soak in the unbelievable views of Whistler Village, glaciers, lakes, forests and snow-capped peaks.
Featured accommodation
Nita Lake Lodge
Day 11 - Whistler to Vancouver (121 km/75 mi)
Today take the journey from Whistler to Vancouver along the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway. 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.
Featured accommodation
Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver
Enhance your experience
Hotel Opus
Fairmont Waterfront Hotel
Day 12 - Vancouver Sightseeing
Spend today at your leisure sightseeing in Vancouver with your Hop on Hop off Sightseeing pass. We highly recommend taking a stroll down to Coal Harbour, around Stanley Park with views of Lions Gate before stopping off at English Bay. Perhaps even take the aquabus from downtown Vancouver to Granville Island, time it for lunch or an afternoon Galeto and/or cake.
Featured accommodation
Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver
Enhance your experience
Georgian Court Hotel
Fairmont Waterfront Hotel
Unmissable Experiences
Vancouver Hop on Hop off Bus Tour
Day 13 - Vancouver at leisure
Spend today at your leisure in Vancouver. Why not ask one of our Canada Experts for recommendations of pre-bookable excursions such as the Victoria & Butchart Gardens day trip or Whistler and the Sea 2 Sky Gondola day trip or Grouse Mountain and Capilano Suspension Bridge tour.
Featured accommodation
Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver
Enhance your experience
Georgian Court Hotel
Fairmont Waterfront Hotel
Unmissable Experiences
Vancouver Experiences
Day 14 - Fly Vancouver to UK
Today make your way to Vancouver Airport dropping your car hire off before your onward flight home.
Buffalo Mountain Lodge, Banff
Distinct from the majority of Banff hotels, Buffalo Mountain Lodge is situated on Tunnel Mountain – formerly called “Sleeping Buffalo” by native peoples living in the region.
The Rocky Mountains have long been an area of great significance to indigenous peoples. The valleys were places of ceremony and celebration. The lakes and mineral springs offered rejuvenation for mind, body and spirit.
Mount Royal Hotel Banff
A mountain lifestyle hotel in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. A magical retreat any season.
In the heart of the Canadian Rockies a very special place exists……the Mount Royal Hotel. Set amongst the majestic mountains in a protected landscape of Banff National Park lies the world-class resort town of Banff. In the centre of this breathtaking experience, the Mount Royal Hotel's heritage and charming accommodations will create a long lasting memory for you. Banff's ONLY downtown location with door to door ski resort shuttle service.
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.
The Moose Hotel and Suites, Banff
The design of the Moose is Mountain elegance with warm, rich, natural materials. Located a 1 minute walk from the heart of downtown Banff, the Moose Hotel & Suites features 174 air conditioned guests rooms, with a combination of One and Two Bedroom Suites and hotel rooms.
The Rimrock Resort Hotel, Banff
The Rimrock Resort Hotel is a AAA/CAA Four Diamond Hotel located in the heart of the Canadian Rockies and Banff National Park. The Rimrock Resort Hotel offers exceptional views of the Canadian Rockies, fine dining, a luxury spa, along with special accommodation packages to suit your holiday needs. With unmatched style, decor and superb hospitality, the Rimrock Resort Hotel is a very special place to visit for a truly remarkable experience.
Emerald Lake Lodge, Field
With its century-old fireplaces and an oak bar salvaged from an 1890’s Yukon saloon, there is no shortage of history within these walls. On the shores of the famous pristine lake in Yoho National Park, Emerald Lake Lodge has been given the location’s award-winning dining opportunities and rustic accommodations.
Moraine Lake Lodge, Lake Louise
Nestled in a spectacular valley in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, Moraine Lake Lodge provides the ultimate romantic getaway for those seeking a luxurious escape for a honeymoon, anniversary, hiking experience, or a relaxing holiday.
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.
Best Western Plus Gateway to the Falls
The Best Western Plus Gateway to the Falls is located in the heart of the beautiful Wells Gray Provincial Park in Clearwater, BC
Alpine Meadows Resort
Imagine a vacation retreat where your days are filled with endless recreational possibilities and your evenings are spent in a state of peaceful bliss under the stars, while basking in the evening glow of Hallamore Lake. Escape your everyday hustle and relax while you soak up the peaceful ambiance of Alpine Meadows Resort.
Nita Lake Lodge, Whistler
Experience a fresh take on classic Whistler luxury. Nestled on the shores of a glacier-fed lake in Whistler BC, the luxury boutique Nita Lake Lodge offers genuine service with a personal touch.
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.
Hotel Opus, Vancouver
The only boutique hotel in Vancouver to receive the coveted Forbes Four-Star rating in 2014, and named "Top 5 Trendiest Hotels in the World" by TripAdvisor, OPUS is more than somewhere to stay, it is somewhere to be. With striking design, personality plus, and a fabulous location in the heart of vibrant Yaletown in downtown Vancouver, this is the hotel of choice for savvy travellers who like their lodgings with a little more flavour. Perfectly situated just blocks from the cruise ship terminal, adjacent to the sea-wall and surrounded by the city's best restaurants and lounges, the Opus is perched in the best location in Vancouver. Our dedicated, talented staff offers warm, world-class service that persuades guests to return again and again.
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 0069 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
- 13 Nights
- Calgary
- Banff
- Emerald Lake
- Moraine Lake
- Jasper
- Lake Louise
- 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
- Pictou
July Holidays
Whistler & Pacific Coast Fly Drive
- 6 Nights
- Vancouver
- Whistler
- Tofino
- Victoria