Prairies To The Pacific
From £2,379 pp
- 14 nights
- Fly Drive
- Canadian Affair Recommends
- Economy flights
- Available May - October
Take the roads less travelled between Calgary and Vancouver and find spectacular scenery, small mountain towns, vineyards, and millennia of history. Begin in the prairies of Alberta, to visit the world-famous museums and paleontological sites that showcase the natural treasures that are unique to the region. After a stay at Waterton Lakes National Park, the lesser visited of the national parks of the Canadian Rockies, follow the Crowsnest Highway all the way to the Pacific stopping at the mountain towns of Fernie and Nelson and the vineyard haven that is Osoyoos. Your journey ends in Vancouver, a world-class city where the mountains meet the ocean.
What’s included?
- International flights from the UK based on economy class
- 14 nights hotel accommodation
- 11 days Intermediate car hire with Fully Inclusive insurance
- Admission to Royal Tyrell Museum
- Easy to follow roadbook with pre-planned stops & things to do along the way
Special Offers
Take advantage of the following offers on this holiday
Accommodation in Alberta Offer
Receive up to a 25% discount on hotel stays
Save up to 25% across our extensive hotel range in the province of Alberta. Offer valid for selected dates and hotels for the 2024/2025 seasons. Call us today for more information.
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Accommodation in British Columbia Offer
Receive up to a 30% discount on hotel stays
Save up to 30% across our extensive hotel range in the province of British Columbia. Offer valid for selected dates and hotels for the 2024/2025 seasons. Call us today for more information.
HURRY, OFFER ENDS SOON
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Holiday Map
Explore our interactive map to discover your holiday route and key points of interest.
Start
Finish
Stops
Point of interest
Your day-to-day plan
Drumheller
Arrive at Calgary International Airport after picking up your hire car, head east towards the town of Drumheller. Marvel as the prairies make way for the Canadian Badlands and you enter a region of dramatic canyons and fascinating rock formations known as hoodoos. On the edge of Drumheller is the Royal Tyrell Museum which contains a large collection of dinosaur fossils.
Brooks
Make the short journey to Dinosaur Provincial Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to the fossil discoveries made here, dating back some 75 million years. On the way you will pass attractions such as the Star Mine suspension bridge hanging over the Red Deer River, the otherworldly Willow Creek Hoodoos, and the Atlas Coal Mine National Historic Site.
Waterton Lakes National Park
As you travel west, back over the prairies, the tips of the Rocky Mountains will begin to appear on the horizon and seemingly grow as you head towards Waterton Lakes National Park. In this stunning National Park expect to find clear lakes, thundering waterfalls, and mountain vistas. Spend a full day in the park, exploring the many hiking trails, taking a canoe out on Cameron Lake or joining a lake cruise on Waterton Lake
Fernie
Join the Crowsnest Highway and marvel as it weaves its way through the Rocky Mountains. Make a stop at the thundering Lundbreck Falls, before admiring the mountain views at Crowsnest Lake. Your destination is the mountain town of Fernie, nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. Spend the afternoon strolling the historic downtown, home to artisan bagel shops and craft breweries and the riverside Annex Park where yet more spectacular views await.
Cranbrook
Head to the Fernie Alpine Resort and ride a chairlift up the mountain to enjoy breathtaking views from the Lizard Bowl Observation Deck and a leisurely hike amongst native trees and alpine wildflowers. Back in your hire car continue driving on the Crowsnest Highway to Fort Steele, a restored 19th-century ‘Wild West’ town offering interactive experiences, such as gold panning and stagecoach rides
Nelson
Continue your journey into the British Columbia interior. We recommend taking Highway 3A which traces the shoreline of Kootenay Lake, before catching the free ferry over lake and heading to Ainsworth Hot Springs for lunch and a relax in the natural hot springs and then continuing to the small city of Nelson. With over 350 heritage buildings, Nelson has earned a reputation as one of the finest heritage cities in Canada, drop into the visitor centre and get a heritage walking tour map to help you explore. Streetcar #23, in operation since 1924, travels on the waterfront along Kootenay Lake to Rotary Lakeside Park, with its large sandy beach and boat rentals.
Osoyoos
Back on the Crowsnest Highway, the road weaves its way through the Kootenay Mountain Range. Make a stop at Christina Lake for a photo stop and lunch, there are several local eateries to take your pick from. As you head towards Osoyoos the scenery changes and you enter the semi-arid ranch lands of interior BC. Visit the Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre and explore the exhibits and trails around the local desert ecosystem. The next day we recommend joining a wine tour that takes you round the local vineyards for a day of wine tasting and food.
Harrison Hot Springs
It's your last day on the Crowsnest Highway, but a memorable one as you enter the Coastal Mountain Range. At Manning Park hire a canoe or take the trails around Lightning Lake, then explore the historic Othello Tunnels at Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Park. Your destination is Harrison Hot Springs, a small village at the southern end of Harrison Lake famous for its healing hot springs.
Vancouver
You last day on the road will see you arrive in the coastal city of Vancouver. On the way stop at Fort Langley National Historic Site and discover the rich and varied history of this Hudson’s Bay Company fur trading post as you explore the rough-hewn timber buildings that recreate life in the 1800s. In the town of Fort Langley, go on the hunt for unique souvenirs of your holiday at the Village Antiques Mall. You have two free days to explore Vancouver. Stroll the historic district of Gastown, which is home to fabulous restaurants, bars, and souvenir shops, take flight at Flyover Canada or join a whale watching tour and go in search of BC's resident orcas.
Fly Home
Your Canadian adventure has come to an end. After some last-minute shopping and sightseeing, transfer independently to Vancouver International Airport for your flight home.
Related Itineraries
This holiday requires an ETA for entry to Canada, for full details and to apply please see below:
Please note Parks Canada charge fees at most national parks and historic sites across the country. Parks Canada passes can be purchased as part of your holiday, speak to your sales advisor for more details. Early booking is recommended.
For further information about national parks and historic sites in Canada or to reserve campsites and activities, please visit: