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 full day for this journey, so you can make the most of the striking natural scenery. If you wish to stretch your legs, many walking trails lead off 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 will 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 guided bike tour. Take to the streets and make your way to the totem poles on the edge of Stanley Park. Following the trail along the seawall and through the woods to Beaver Lake, it’s easy to forget you’re in the middle of a city. Continue to Granville Island for a taste of local cuisine and for the chance to buy an artisan souvenir. Finish your journey by cycling through Chinatown, back to the tour’s start point near Canada Place. 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.