Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Canada – Vancouver – Vancouver Island – Canadian Rockies
100% customisable for you
Your family adventure across Western Canada begins today, so gather the youngsters, charge up the tablets and make sure their favourite cartoons and movies are downloaded for the journey. Head to the airport and speed through security – flights from the UK to Vancouver take around nine-and-a-half hours. If the little ones get bored, keep them entertained with their personalised Sharky and George packs.
On landing, you’ll be privately transferred to a contemporary hotel in downtown Vancouver. When everyone’s feeling rested and raring to go, why not visit Stanley Park? Aside from being a beautiful 988-acre urban park with scenic trails, a seawall promenade and sandy beaches, there’s plenty of family fun to be had.From pitch and putt and Canada’s largest aquarium to a children’s water park and the vintage Stanley Park Railway that winds through the rainforest, there’s something for all ages to enjoy.
Don’t miss the nine totem poles at Brockton Point, the northeastern tip of the park, and take snaps of these colourful carvings.
Rise and shine this morning for a fun-filled family bike tour of the city. The itinerary has been personalised for inquisitive minds, with fun facts and perfect photo-ops to keep the little ones engaged along the way. You can either explore at your own pace, with a map showing must-see places and landmarks to stop off at, or our friendly guide can come with you.
If you’re keen to experience Stanley Park on two wheels, it has excellent off-road cycle trails that wind through lush rainforest and along beachfront paths – there’s no shortage of picnic spots and waterfront restaurants to reward hungry cyclists afterwards.
Another must-visit spot in the city is Granville Island, a former industrial-turned-bohemian island filled with artisan shops, exhibitions and the mighty Public Market, home to mouthwatering food stalls, local arts and crafts and a farmer’s market. Just bring your appetites...
Today’s all about exploring Vancouver’s north side. A must-see is the Capilano Suspension Bridge, a 450ft-long and 230ft-high) pedestrian suspension bridge, that gently sways over the Capilano Canyon and rainforest below. The gift shop sells everything from ‘moose dropping’ choccies to cuddly bears.
Who wants to go up Grouse Mountain? Jump in the Red Skyride or Blue Grouse Gondola for a trip to the mountaintop and dazzling views of the city. In summer, there are activities including lumberjack shows, bird of prey displays featuring eagles and hawks, and wildlife ranger talks about grizzly bears.
Back in the city, we can arrange tickets for the fascinating Museum of Anthropology, or for a taste of the Canadian wilderness, Deep Cove is only a 30-minute drive out of the city. This peaceful village is surrounded by pristine mountains, forests, scenic hikes to Quarry Rock and sheltered waters for paddling. Enjoy a laidback beachside picnic or grab a table at a family-friendly bistro with stunning views.
Rugged landscapes, rainforest and misty ocean waves are on the agenda today: it’s time to head to Tofino for a three-night stay. This remote former fishing village on Vancouver Island’s west coast is now a surfing hotspot, as well as a renowned destination for yoga retreats and wildlife watching.
After breakfast, pick up your hire car and catch the ferry from Horseshoe Bay to Departure Bay in Nanaimo on Vancouver Island, which takes one hour and 40 minutes. From here, it’s about a two-hour-and-45-minute drive west along the Pacific Rim Highway to your hotel in a peaceful spot by the beach.
Fancy heading into town? From towering totem poles to hanging cedar masks, you’ll spot indigenous artistry at every turn in Tofino. As you wander, peek into Henry Nolla’s Carving Shed on Chesterman Beach to see wood carvers at work on their latest creations. You can also soak up the atmosphere at Tofino Market, where local makers sell hand-crafted goods.
Your next couple of days are all about seeing amazing wildlife. First up is a thrilling Zodiac boat trip to spot black bears. In spring, they emerge from their winter dens to forage on the rocky coastline at low tide for crabs and clams, especially around Clayoquot Sound. The children can tick off other creatures from their lists including seals, porpoises, bald eagles and herons.
Another must-visit is the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. Home to the Nuu-chah-nulth people, this beautiful area has long sandy beaches and lush rainforests, attracting keen hikers hoping to complete the challenging West Coast Trail. Other activities we can arrange include private surf lessons, whale-watching cruises and seaplane tours along the coast.
The good news is that there’s the pedal-friendly Multi-Use Pathway (MUP) for walkers and cyclists to use that’s fairly flat, about 15 miles long, and meanders between bog ecosystems and shady forests. It’s the perfect route for taking hire bikes for a spin (and seeking shade from the sun).
After a tasty breakfast, hit the road to Whistler for a two-night stay.
The scenic drive takes just over six hours (pack plenty of snacks) and includes a ferry over the Strait of Georgia to West Vancouver, with dramatic views of pristine beaches, ancient rainforests, glaciers, valleys and extinct volcanoes.
On arrival, check into your hotel in the heart of the town that’s tucked in between two mountains – Whistler and Blackcomb. During winter, it’s a popular ski resort (the largest ski area in North America), while the summer months attract hikers and BMX riders.
If you have sports fans in your crew, check out the Whistler Olympic Park’s event calendar so you can soak up the atmosphere – the 2010 Winter Olympics were held here.
History buffs might like the Whistler Museum & Archives that tell the town’s stories, from the 1970s hippie hangout to today’s world-class resort for mountain sports.
Exploring the area’s natural beauty is top of today’s agenda, and first up is a breathtaking gondola ride. Starting at the base of Blackcomb Mountain, take the gondola up to reach the Peak 2 Peak Gondola, which links with Whistler Mountain across the valley to create the world’s longest and highest lift of its kind, spanning almost three miles. Fun fact: the highest point is 1,427ft above the valley floor (you could fit the Eiffel Tower underneath it).
When you reach Whistler Mountain (a one-way trip takes 11 minutes) there are plenty of easy, family-friendly alpine hiking trails to explore, as well as mountaintop dining options.
If you’re in Whistler during the summer, spend the rest of the day on a sandy beach by a cool mountain lake. One of the most beautiful is Alta Lake, which has three main beaches at Rainbow Park, Lakeside Park and Wayside Park, where you can find grassy lawns, picnic areas and kayaks for hire.
After more child-friendly activities? Just ask our helpful Concierge for their recommendations.
Wild and rugged Clearwater is your next destination, so gather the crew and hit Highway 99 for a scenic drive that takes around five-and-a-half hours, passing by the alpine Duffey Lake and Joffre Lakes Park, famous for its jagged peaks and turquoise waters. On arrival, check into your log cabin on a ranch resort for a two-night stay.
Surrounded by wildflower meadows, forests and mountains, it’s the perfect base for exploring Wells Gray Park, which spans over one million acres. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and some R&R to the sound of birdsong, so that everyone’s up and at ’em tomorrow.
Wells Gray Park is a vast wilderness home to soaring eagles, grazing moose, grizzly and black bears, howling wolves and elusive wolverines.
This landscape was created by ancient volcanoes and glaciers, and with temperate rainforests, expansive lakes, towering mountain peaks and powerful rivers, it’s the ideal destination for epic outdoor activities.
We can recommend a range of family-friendly experiences for you to have fun and explore at your own pace: think whitewater rafting, kayaking, boat tours, fishing and wildlife spotting (keep your eyes peeled for bears if you’re visiting in early summer).
A must-see are some of the 42 thundering waterfalls in the park. Our favourites include Spahats Creek Falls, which has a viewing platform where you canwatch it plunge 246ft into a layered lava canyon (pro tip: sunrise and late afternoon have the best light for photos). For a gentle hike, follow the Trophy Mountain Meadows Trail – it's easier for little legs.
You’re heading deeper into the wilderness today on the next leg of your trip: destination, Jasper National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage site is the perfect place to reconnect with nature thanks to its towering mountains, shimmering glaciers, emerald forests and deep canyons.
It’s just over a three-hour drive, which passes by the towering Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies (reaching 12,972ft). Don’t forget, Alberta is in a different time zone to British Columbia, so it’s one hour ahead.
On arrival at your hotel, settle in for a two-night stay and explore Jasper, a charming alpine town in the heart of the national park. If you’re after a bite to eat, there are plenty of laidback restaurants and cafés with child-friendly menus (consult our detailed Dossier for recommendations). Tomorrow’s all about exploring, so enjoy some R&R back at the hotel or find a cosy spot to admire the dramatic mountain scenery from.
Today’s adventure is a cruise on Maligne Lake, the largest glacier-fed lake in the Canadian Rockies. It’s about a 50-minute drive from Jasper, and you might even spot bears, moose and elks en route. Stop at postcard-worthy places along the way, such as Maligne Canyon with its waterfalls and 164ft-deep gorge, and Medicine Lake, which is also known as the ‘disappearing lake’, since it drains during the autumn.
After boarding your cruise, hear about the lake’s geology, wildlife and history from the local guide as you ride along. Surrounded by jaw-dropping peaks reflected in the turquoise waters, you’ll also stop near the iconic Spirit Island for a quick photo-op – the only people allowed on it are the indigenous Stoney First Nation, who consider it a sacred place.
Fancy more lake action back in Jasper? Head for nearby scenic lakes Pyramid, Patricia, Edith or Annette, where you can hire kayaks and paddleboards.
Your adventure across Canada’s wild landscapes continues today with a three-night stay in Banff, which is about a three-hour drive away, winding past snowy peaks, forests, emerald lakes, waterfalls and, of course, glaciers. After getting used to your new surroundings, check out the resort town where you’ll find plenty of restaurants with mountain-chic interiors, galleries and boutique shops.
Surrounded by snowy-peaked mountains, it’s a year-round destination for those keen to explore Banff National Park. In the colder months, it’s popular for snow-based activities like snowshoeing, snowboarding and skiing, while in summer, outdoor fun turns to hiking, white water rafting, mountain biking and soaking in hot springs.
The next two days are yours to explore Canada’s oldest national park at your own pace. As you travel around, have everyone on the lookout for wildlife such as grizzly bears, moose, elk, bighorn sheep, whitetail deer and cougars. Who can spot the most?
A must-see are the glacier-fed lakes of Louise and Moraine, which boast turquoise waters and towering mountains at every turn. We’ve also arranged a ride on Banff Gondola, which whisks you 2297ft up to the summit of Sulphur Mountain in eight minutes. At the top, there’s a couple of restaurants and a state-of-the-art interpretive centre for youngsters, where they can learn about Banff’s rich wildlife and geology.
Keen photographer? Head to Vermillion Lakes to capture postcard-worthy shots of Mount Rundle reflected in the lake. Love spooky stories? Lake Minnewanka (also called Lake of the Spirits) is the place to be – its deep waters hide an intact, underwater ghost town that.
Sadly, it’s your last day in Canada, so enjoy the scenery on one final stroll (and take a few more family photos), before starting the one-hour-and-40-minute drive to Calgary Airport to drop off your hire car and catch your flight home. Direct flight takes around nine hours, with Calgary seven hours behind London time, leaving plenty of time to fall asleep dreaming of coyotes and grizzly bears.
Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
Enquire now
Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges
