Alberta and BC by Car, Train and Air

Alberta and BC by Car, Train and Air

  • Independent travel
  • 8 days
  • Calgary to Vancouver
  • May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
  • Tour code 8ABC

Alberta and BC by Car, Train and Air

Start on an unforgettable 8-day adventure from Alberta to British Columbia, starting with a scenic drive from Calgary to Banff. Explore Banff's stunning landscapes with a lake cruise and gondola ride. Travel the Icefields Parkway to Jasper, with stops at Lake Louise and the Columbia Icefields for a glacier tour. Discover Jasper's alpine tundra via the SkyTram and enjoy a serene cruise on Maligne Lake. Journey by train from Jasper to Kamloops, then fly to Vancouver for a hop-on-hop-off city tour and an exhilarating FlyOver Canada experience. The trip concludes with a stay in Vancouver, offering both urban exploration and natural beauty.

Trip highlights

  • Drive through breathtaking landscapes from Calgary to Banff and along the Icefields Parkway, with stops at iconic Lake Louise and the Columbia Icefields.
  • Enjoy a lake cruise on Lake Minnewanka and take in mountain views from the top of Sulphur Mountain via the Banff Gondola.
  • Experience the Jasper SkyTram for alpine views and cruise Maligne Lake to the picturesque Spirit Island.
  • Walk on the Athabasca Glacier and explore the Columbia Icefield Skywalk.
  • Enjoy Vancouver's attractions with a hop-on-hop-off tour and a ride on the FlyOver Canada experience.

Day by day

  1. Day 1 Day 1 - Drive to Banff

    Your adventure begins by picking up your rental car at Calgary International Airport and embarking on a scenic drive to Banff. As you traverse the stunning landscapes of Alberta, the majestic peaks of the Canadian Rockies will gradually come into view, providing a glimpse of the natural beauty that lies ahead. Upon reaching Banff, you'll check into your centrally located hotel. With the remainder of the day at your leisure, explore the charming streets, unique shops, and inviting restaurants of Banff, immersing yourself in the mountain atmosphere and gearing up for the exciting adventures to come.

    Overnight: Banff
  2. Day 2 Day 2 - Lake Cruise & Gondola Ride

    On the second day, dive into the beauty of Banff, starting with a serene cruise on Lake Minnewanka, the largest lake in Banff National Park. As you glide across the water, take in the majestic peaks and rugged shoreline, keeping an eye out for wildlife such as bighorn sheep and bald eagles. Your guide will enrich the experience with tales of native folklore and the submerged village of Minnewanka Landing. Following the cruise, ascend Sulphur Mountain via the Banff Gondola. This eight-minute ride in a modern gondola cabin offers a spectacular bird's-eye view of six mountain ranges. At the summit, stroll along the ridgetop boardwalk and soak in the panoramic vistas. Explore the state-of-the-art summit facility, which includes new restaurants, interactive exhibits, a multi-sensory theatre, and a 360-degree rooftop observation deck. This day seamlessly blends tranquil lake scenes with awe-inspiring mountain views, making it a standout in your Rockies adventure.

    Overnight: Banff
  3. Day 3 Day 3 - Drive to Jasper

    Today, journey on a scenic drive from Banff to Jasper via the historic Bow Valley Parkway. Your first stop is the iconic Lake Louise, where you can take in its stunning turquoise waters and majestic mountain backdrop. Continue your journey along the breathtaking Icefields Parkway, famous for its abundant wildlife, ancient glaciers, and pristine lakes, providing countless photo opportunities. In the afternoon, visit the Columbia Icefields Discovery Centre and board the Ice Explorer for an exhilarating tour onto the Athabasca Glacier, the largest non-polar icefield in the world. Experience the thrill of walking on the glacier and tasting its pure, fresh waters. Next, take a walk along the Columbia Icefield Skywalk, a glass-floored walkway that offers incredible views of waterfalls, wildlife, and ancient fossils. After a day filled with unforgettable sights, arrive in Jasper National Park and settle into the quaint and charming town of Jasper.

    Overnight: Jasper
  4. Day 4 Day 4 - Jasper SkyTram and Maligne Cruise

    Ride Canada's longest and highest aerial tramway to Jasper National Park's alpine tundra. From the upper terminal of Whistler's Mountain, marvel at the unrivaled views of six mountain ranges, glacial-fed lakes, meandering rivers, and the picturesque Jasper Town site, gaining over 973 meters in elevation. Later, enjoy a peaceful 14-kilometer cruise on Maligne Lake, passing majestic peaks and glaciers on your way to the serene Spirit Island. Your onboard guide will share fascinating stories about the lake's history, geology, and wildlife. Upon reaching Spirit Island, disembark to explore a short nature trail that leads to a viewing platform, ideal for capturing the perfect iconic photo.

    Overnight: Jasper
  5. Day 5 Day 5 - Train to Kamloops

    After returning your rental car, you'll board a VIA Rail train for a picturesque 9-hour journey from Jasper to Kamloops. This scenic trip through the stunning Canadian Rockies offers comfortable, spacious seating, access to the Skyline Car, and a variety of food and beverages available for purchase. This eco-friendly travel option provides a relaxing way to fully immerse yourself in the region's natural beauty.

    Overnight: Kamloops
  6. Day 6 Day 6 - Fly to Vancouver

    Take a flight from Kamloops to Vancouver International Airport. Spend the rest of the day exploring Vancouver at your leisure. (Flight is not included)

    Overnight: Vancouver
  7. Day 7 Day 7 - Hop On Hop Off Tour & FlyOver Canada

    Spend the day exploring Vancouver's top attractions with a flexible hop-on-hop-off tour. Visit popular highlights such as Stanley Park, Granville Island, Gastown, Yaletown, Chinatown, and Robson Street. In the evening, experience FlyOver Canada, an exhilarating 8-minute journey across the country's most iconic locations, complete with state-of-the-art special effects, making for an unforgettable end to your Vancouver adventure.

    Overnight: Vancouver
  8. Day 8 Day 8 - Depart Vancouver

    Your journey ends upon check out of your Vancouver hotel.

Download Full Itinerary

Our key to earning trust is Transparency

What's included

  • Accommodation in the listed pre-selected hotels as agreed
  • All attractions as listed specifically within the itinerary
  • Sightseeing tours and entrance fees as listed within the tour itinerary
  • All travel between locations as detailed

What's not included

  • Airfare unless specified as included within the itinerary
  • Taxes as applicable (separately mentioned)
  • Travel Insurance and Cancellation Protection (strongly recommended)
  • Gratuities for Local Guides, Tour Managers and/or Bus Drivers
  • Meals not specifically mentioned as included in the itinerary
  • Items ( attractions and sightseeing & entrance fees) not listed as included in the itinerary
Get a Quote

Ready to explore this journey?

Contact our travel experts for current departure dates, prices and any changes you have in mind.

1-866-824-8598

Search by tour code, part of a tour name, or a destination.

Classic tours

*The style our travellers have enjoyed for over 20 years, these tours feature inclusive itineraries to popular destinations including the 'must see' sites and attractions. Led by an expert Tour Leader, you will enjoy comfortable accommodation, and coach transport throughout the journey.

Browse Escorted Tours

Distinction tours

*These tours are defined by their incomparably unique itineraries, featuring 'off the beaten path' destinations and immersive experiences. An intimate group size allows us to stay in smaller, centrally located, unique and boutique style inns, lodges and hotels, utilize traditional local transportation and dive deep into each destination's local culture and traditions.

Browse Escorted Tours

Independent tours

*These travel experiences are fully customizable to better fit your needs. Every itinerary is created based on your comfort level, accommodation choices, and personal interests. Whether you are looking for a rail adventure, self drive holiday, unique experiences, or a short city stay our team will work with you on combining accommodation, transportation, and activities based on your preferences to create the perfect itinerary for you.

Browse Independent Travel

Custom Groups tours

*These travel experiences are fully customizable to better fit your needs. Every itinerary is created based on your comfort level, accommodation choices, and personal interests. Whether you are looking for a rail adventure, self drive holiday, unique experiences, or a short city stay our team will work with you on combining accommodation, transportation, and activities based on your preferences to create the perfect itinerary for you.

Browse Custom Groups