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Totem Discovery

from £3223 excluding flights

  • 14 nights
  • May-Sep
Home Destinations Americas Canada Totem Discovery

Highlights

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Explore Vancouver Island plus Jasper, Banff and Whistler

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Watch for black bears, whales and seals from Quadra Island

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Marvel at the incredible landscapes of the Rocky Mountains

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Cruise Canada's Inside Passage from Port Hardy to Prince Rupert

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Explore the Athabasca Glacier on the Ice Explorer

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Enjoy a range of included excursions from horseriding to whale watching

Why this trip...

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Tailor made

This itinerary can be tailor made to suit you and is intended to give you a guideline of what is possible in a given timeframe

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Explore at leisure

With the route, transport and accommodation sorted, each day offers the freedom to explore

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Well-researched route

We've put our years of experience into creating this well-paced itinerary that includes the places we know you'll enjoy

Overview

This classic self drive holiday in western Canada combines the abundant wildlife of Vancouver Island, fascinating Aboriginal communities of coastal British Columbia and breathtaking beauty of the Canadian Rockies. Following a circular route from Vancouver, enjoy the independence of your own car with the ease of pre-booked accommodation.

Your journey commences with a relaxing scenic ferry crossing from Vancouver to Vancouver Island, the ideal way to start your holiday. From here a 2-night stay in Campbell River provides the opportunity to see black bears in the wild, an experience to treasure. More wildlife is likely to be spotted as you cruise along the Inside Passage to Prince Rupert – orcas, grey whales and sea lions frequent these waters.

Back on the mainland, collect your rental car and make your way east to the magnificent Rockies, staying in the picturesque mountain resort towns of Jasper and Banff. Take your pick of included excursions to delve deeper into these iconic alpine landscapes. En route back to the west coast, explore Canada’s gold rush heritage and the ski resort of Whistler before ending your tour back in Vancouver.

Itinerary

Depart Vancouver and make your way to the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal for your scenic 90 minute journey across the beautiful Georgia Strait to Vancouver Island. On arrival continue to the charming harbour city of Victoria, where you can enjoy your choice of included excursion from the following options:

Butchart Gardens Admission – this National Historic Site of Canada is renowned for its stunning floral displays set over 55 acres of gardens.
Eat like a Canadian Food Tour – from local ingredients to historic dishes, this tour is a great introduction to Canadian culinary culture. Sip and savour local cuisine, explore the iconic Inner Harbour, and meet the chefs and owners that make Victoria such an exciting culinary hot spot.
Whale Watch Cruise – search for orcas on the Salish Sea on a 3.5 hour guided whale watching cruise, complete with hydrophones to bring the underwater world to life.

The rest of the day is free to explore Victoria at your leisure, with its turn of the century architecture and strong British traditions.

BC Ferry
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Travelling north on the Island Highway, pass through Duncan, the ‘City of Totems’. If time permits visit the Quw’utsun’ Heritage Village which provides you with an insight into the lives of the North West Coast People (admission not included). Further north is the artist community of Chemainus, where you can admire the giant murals which adorn the walls throughout the town.

The diversity of wildlife and awe inspiring scenery that exists so close to Campbell River is unparalleled! The area has quickly become the most predictable place in the world to see Orca whales and Pacific White-Sided dolphins, which can often be seen here in large groups. Eagles and several varieties of seabirds are all sighted regularly too.

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Quadra Island
Bald eagle

Today you will continue your journey north. Near Port McNeill you may wish to take an optional whale watching cruise into the waters of Johnson Strait. Your day ends in the fishing community of Port Hardy.

Embark on a full day of cruising the sheltered waters of Canada’s Inside Passage with BC Ferries. During the crossing (approximately 16 hours, or more depending on sea conditions), a wonderful array of snow capped mountains combined with rich forests provides a background for a series of dramatic fjords. Killer whales, grey whales, sea lions and playful porpoise often appear in these waters. Arrive in the seaport of Prince Rupert late evening.

Follow the winding and narrow Yellowhead highway, hugging the Skeena River for most of the way. Pass through the mining town of Terrace and into Smithers. Located in the centre of the Bulkley Valley at the foot of the Hudson Bay Mountain, Smithers offers excellent opportunities for outdoor adventures.

Depart Smithers, continuing along the Yellowhead highway. Passing through Houston, known as the Steelhead Capital and home to the world’s biggest fly rod; over 18 metres (59 ft) in length! Next you will travel through Burns Lake – fishing village, Vanderhoof – nature lover’s paradise, and into Prince George. Prince George is the largest service centre for the northern part of British Columbia, perfectly situated at the crossroads of two major highways and two railways.

Enjoy another unforgettable day of scenic driving as you follow mountain passes and raging rivers winding your way to Jasper for a two-night stay.

Black bear

Enjoy your choice of included excursion from the following options:

Maligne Lake Cruise – enjoy a scenic boat trip on one of Canada’s most spectacular lakes, home to the much-photographed Spirit Island.
Jasper River Raft Float – take a gentle raft trip on the Athabasca River for a unique perspective of Jasper National Park.
Jasper Nature Walk – this guided walk offers spectacular views of jagged peaks, forests, meadows, marshes, streams, and stunning glacial lakes.

Set off on an incredibly scenic drive taking you through the spine of the Canadian Rockies. View a never-ending procession of mammoth mountains, jagged peaks, over 100 glaciers and pristine emerald colour lakes. Along the way see such sights as the Columbia Icefield and take an Ice Explorer ride out onto the glacier. Stop at the award-winning Glacier Skywalk to experience a glass-floored observation platform 280m over spectacular glacier-formed valleys and rushing waterfalls. Also watch for the Sarbach Glacier, Peyto Lake, Bow Lake, with the Bow Glacier providing the backdrop, and Crowfoot Glacier before your arrival into Lake Louise. From Lake Louise 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 footway to either the lower or upper waterfalls before continuing to Banff. Please note: Mountain lakes in this region will be frozen through to mid June.

Wing mirror view of the Icefields Parkway
Athabasca Glacier, Columbia Icefields
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Today you can enjoy your choice of included excursion from the following options:

Banff Gondola – enjoy impressive views over Banff National Park with a gondola ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain.
Lake Minnewanka Cruise – take a scenic cruise across the turquoise-hued Lake Minnewanka to Devil’s Gap.
River Explorer Canoe Tour – pick up a paddle for a gentle exploration on the Bow River.
Bow River Horseback Adventure – saddle up for a horse ride along the shores of Bow River.

Lake Minnewanka
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Views from Sulphur Mountain, Banff

Leaving Banff National Park, travel to Yoho National Park where you cross the continental divide. Then travel on through Glacier National Park and ‘Rogers Pass’ with spectacular mountain vistas in every direction. Continue through the Monashee Mountain Range and past the breathtaking views of Shuswap Lake. Drive through Kamloops and start to travel north up to the ski resort town of Sun Peaks where you will spend the night.

Continue to Lillooet, known as the land of the Gold Rush Trail and ‘Mile Zero’ of the Old Caribou Wagon Road. Leaving Lillooet travel the Duffey Lake Road to Whistler. Be sure to stop at Joffre Lake for breathtaking views of Joffre Glacier.

Today you can enjoy your choice of included excursion from the following options:

Whistler Guided Lunch Tour – explore the town’s eclectic culinary scene with a delicious multi-course lunch taken at various food spots.
River of Golden Dreams Canoe Tour – take an enchanting paddle from Alta Lake to Green Lake, past wildflower-lined river banks and old-growth forests.
Guided Whistler Valley Bike Tour – tackle one of the scenic Valley Trail Bike Tours, learning about Whistler’s history, geography and natural highlights along the way with an experienced guide.
Whistler Peak 2 Peak Gondola – travel to the top of Whistler Mountain for spectacular views of glaciers, extinct volcanoes and snow-capped peaks.

Hiking near Whistler
Peak to Peak Gondola, Whistler
Whistler Village

Depart Whistler at your own leisure along the scenic Sea to Sky Highway to Vancouver. A recommended stop along the way at the Sea to Sky Gondola for incredible bird’s-eye views of Howe Sound plus interpretive walking trails, viewing platforms and an on-site restaurant and tea house at the top. Other 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. Continue to Vancouver where your self-drive journey ends.

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Accommodation Options

With a wide choice of accommodation in Canada, we can mix and match different grades and styles to suit your personal preference – from motels and hotels to design properties and wilderness lodges in stunning locations.

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Prices and Departures

Price from £3223 excluding flights

Airfares start from around £550 per person and are quoted separately to the holiday price. When enquiring, our Travel Specialists will provide the best fare possible from your preferred airline / airport.
Note: Airfares tend to be cheaper the earlier you book.

What's Included

  • Accommodation in rooms with private bathroom
  • Intermediate car hire including GPS, unlimited mileage, 2nd driver, loss damage waiver and third-party liability
  • Choice of excursion in Victoria: Admission to Butchart Gardens / Eat Like a Canadian Food Tour / Whale Watch Cruise
  • Choice of excursion in Jasper: Maligne Lake Cruise / River Raft Float / Jasper Nature Walk
  • Choice of excursion in Banff: Banff Gondola / Lake Minnewanka Cruise / River Explorer Canoe tour / Bow River Horseride
  • Choice of excursion in Whistler: Guided Lunch Tour / River Canoe tour / Whistler Valley Bike tour / Peak 2 Peak Gondola
  • Whale Watching & Wildlife Safari Cruise in Campbell River
  • Ice Explorer ride onto the Athabasca Glacier
  • Glacier Skywalk admission
  • Ferry crossings and tolls
  • 24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday
  • No surcharge guarantee
  • Full financial protection

This itinerary starts from £3,223 per person, based on 2 sharing a room with private bathroom in standard hotels, and rental of an intermediate vehicle.

  • Prices may vary depending on departure date. Please contact us for a detailed quote based on your preferred travel dates, vehicle category and style of accommodation, or to tailor this itinerary.

Tailor made trips

As independent destination specialists, we are able to tailor make holidays to suit you, be that customising the itineraries shown on this website or creating something bespoke.

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Travelling sustainably

We believe travel is about finding the right balance between minimising our impact on the environment and broadening minds through new experiences and cultural interaction.