Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Jackson - Yellowstone - Mammoth - Bozeman - Missoula - Whitefish - St Mary - Waterton - Banff - Jasper - Clearwater - Whistler - Vancouver – Seattle
100% customisable for you
Your epic adventure across the North American continent starts today with a 13-hour flight to Jackson Hole, Wyoming (via Salt Lake City). Head to the airport, whizz through security and enjoy refreshments in the airport lounge ahead of take-off.
On arrival in the USA, collect your rental car and head to your first accommodation: a comfortable motel in downtown Jackson, where you’ll be staying for one night. Contrary to popular belief, motels are not always synonymous with kitsch; many (like this one) offer modern interiors and contemporary comforts. After freshening up, head out with a naturalist guide to savour the delights of Grand Teton National Park at sunset. The rugged peaks, crystal-clear alpine lakes and verdant evergreen forests foster an abundance of wildlife, including moose, bison, antelope, mule deer, wolves, black bears and more. Once the sun has gone to bed, it’s probably time you followed suit – after a delicious dinner of course.
It’s time to get some miles under your belt on the journey north towards Canada. Your next stop is Yellowstone, the oldest and largest of the American national parks. The drive from Jackson Hole to the western entrance of the park takes around two-and-a-half hours and is superbly scenic, passing through the beautifully forested landscapes that border the park.
Your home for the next two nights is a hotel-ranch that perfectly reflects the charm of the American West with its warm rustic feel. From here it’s easy to access the magnificent park that unfolds to the east – we’re talking fumaroles, geysers, hot springs and mud pools set against a backdrop of spectacular waterfalls and canyons. Explore the area at your own leisure, or we can arrange activities for you, like a walk with another naturalist guide or a kayaking adventure.
Today you’ll be seeing a different side to Yellowstone, journeying just over an hour to Mammoth, in the very north of Wyoming, on the Montana border. On arrival, check in for one night in a comfortable hotel and spend the rest of today admiring the Mammoth Hot Springs. This rare natural spectacle is made up of terraced limestone basins and is considered one of the most fascinating thermal areas in Yellowstone.
After a few days living in the lap of nature in Yellowstone, you’ll most likely be ready for a dose of culture. The next step of your journey takes you to Bozeman, a vibrant city in southern Montana, an hour and a half’s drive away. Settle in here for one night in a charming contemporary motel and take the rest of today to explore town, with its many art galleries, designer boutiques, fashionable cafes and trendy restaurants.
It’s time to cover some more ground in the huge state of Montana. After breakfast, hop back in your hire car and drive three-and-a-half hours north-west to Missoula, a lovely city set in the heart of the Northern Rockies. Along the way, make sure to make a slight detour south to the old western ghost towns of Virginia City and Nevada City.
These abandoned cities look as though they’ve been plucked straight out of a Hollywood western and perfectly illustrate the splendour of the Gold Rush era in the American West. Think huge Victorian houses built during the 19th-century mining boom, eclectic hole-in-the-wall saloons and kitsch shops and flea markets selling old-world mementos. On arrival in Missoula, check in for the night in a comfortable hotel and spend the rest of today exploring the lively centre.
Today you’ll be covering some good ground northbound to Canada, driving two-and-a-half hours to Whitefish, at the foot of Big Mountain. This small city owes its development to the historic Great Northern Railway, constructed at the dawn of the last century. Your home for the night here is a small rustic guesthouse that balances its cosy atmosphere with contemporary features. Whitefish also acts as the gateway to Glacier National Park, a sweeping wilderness area in the heart of the Rockies with glacier-carved peaks and valleys running right up to the Canadian border. There are plenty of great activities here to suit all adventurers, from gentle scenic walks to challenging mountain bike trails. Head back to your hotel this evening for a good night’s rest before hitting the road to your last stop in Montana tomorrow.
Today, cross the entirety of Glacier National Park from west to east, passing along the seriously beautiful, fifty-mile ‘Going-to-the-Sun Road’, which showcases the park’s snow-capped peaks and alpine lakes. At the eastern end, reach the vibrant blue of Saint Mary Lake, the second largest lake in the park, framed by a deep, glacier-carved valley. After about two hours of driving, you’ll arrive in the small village of Saint Mary, where you’ll check in for a night in a charming lodge surrounded by splendid nature.
It’s time to leave the USA behind (for now) and cross into Canada. Your next destination is Waterton Lakes National Park, which, together with the USA’s Glacier National Park, forms an ‘international peace park’. Its aim is to aid cooperation across national borders to preserve and manage the natural heritage of this portion of the Rockies.
Your home for the night is a country-style lodge in the heart of the park, surrounded by majestic mountains. Spend the rest of today soaking up the endless scenic delights of your new Canadian surroundings. We recommend donning your hiking shoes and heading out on one of the many excellent trails in the park. For tips, reach out to your local Concierge, who can suggest a trail that matches your pace and preferences.
This morning, set off for a four-hour journey north along the east side of the Rockies to Banff, an upscale resort town nestled within Banff National Park. On arrival, settle in for two nights in an elegant, centrally-located hotel and spend the rest of today relaxing and enjoying the cultural offerings of the town, ready for a day of adventure tomorrow.
After a hearty breakfast this morning, meet an experienced private guide who’ll take you into the heart of the Canadian Rockies to a duo of must-see glacial lakes: Louise and Moraine. The first is in the hamlet of Lake Louise and the second, just nine miles away, is in the Valley of the Ten Peaks, over 6,000ft above sea level. Both lakes are sure to impress with their glittering turquoise waters, surrounding snow-capped peaks and nearby wildlife.
Your guide will have their eyes peeled for local fauna, ranging from moose, elk and sheep to cougars and grizzly bears. Then this afternoon is yours to spend exploring the park at leisure. Hikes here take on an epic dimension, but if your legs need a rest, then you could also enjoy a spot of rafting or visit some beautiful thermal springs.
It’s time to head to the most northern point of your North American adventure: Jasper, a delightful alpine town in the heart of the national park of the same name. The drive there takes around four hours along the seriously scenic Trans-Canada Highway, winding among lakes, mountains and glaciers.
Along the way we recommend making a stop at Yoho National Park, which is home to over twenty peaks, some of which tower to over 9,800ft, as well as caves, glacial lakes and the second tallest waterfall in the country, Takakkaw. On arrival in Jasper, settle in for two nights in a cosy and comfortable hotel in the middle of town and spend the rest of today relaxing after a busy couple of days.
In Jasper National Park, the natural riches never stop coming: Miette Hot Springs, Maligne Canyon, Spirit Island (set within Maligne Lake) and the lakes of Patricia, Annette and Edith, home to a host of aquatic activities. On the man-made front, there’s the Jasper SkyTram, a vertiginous cable car offering exceptional views across the valley.
Today, head out for a cruise on Lake Maligne, which is considered among the most beautiful lakes in the Canadian Rockies, with its vibrant turquoise waters reflecting pine-clad hills and towering snow-capped mountains. You’ll have plenty of time to soak in this natural wonder aboard your heated boat, while also admiring Spirit Island, a wild picture-perfect islet. While in Jasper, our team can also arrange a guided rafting adventure down the Athabasca river.
Your epic Rockies road trip continues today with a five-hour drive to Clearwater, a small town and the gateway to the Wells Gray Provincial Park. Your home for tonight is a cosy chalet nestled among the trees. Depending on your arrival time, head out for a walk in the wilderness park or simply kick back and relax in your forested surroundings.
Your journey today takes you south-west to the elegant ski resort town of Whistler, a six-and-a-half-hour drive away. The landscape changes a lot along the way, from high plateaus, down through rugged hills and along rapids with powerful waterfalls. On arrival, settle in for two nights in a classic country-style hotel in the heart of town and spend the rest of today exploring the vibrant centre.
Whistler owes its name to the Rocky Mountain marmot whose whistle brightens the valleys of the Coast Mountains. At an altitude of 6,500ft, the Whistler Mountain and the Blackcomb Peak unroll their vertiginous slopes and allow locals and globe-trotters to put their snowshoes and cross-country skis to good use during the winter.
It’s not all about the snow though, and you have one full day here to savour your mountainous surroundings (sans skis). You can hike, mountain bike, play golf, go zip lining, ride the gondolas and stroll around alpine lakes, so there’s no shortage of outdoor entertainment to keep you busy. There’s also plenty to see in the town itself, including a museum detailing the history of the region, a farmer’s market where you can sample local produce, and the Olympic Village from the 2010 Winter Olympics, hosted right here in Whistler.
After two weeks winding through the remote landscapes of the Rockies, it’s time for a dose of urban living. Your last stop in Canada is the vibrant coastal city of Vancouver, a two-hour drive from Whistler. Home for the next two nights is an elegant hotel that’s well-situated for exploring the city. Once you’ve settled in and freshened up, head out for an afternoon sampling local life here.
Vancouver has long since adopted a progressive approach, gradually transforming its former industrial districts into enclaves of art, culture and innovation. Independent shops are springing up across the city, a sense of community is ever-present and the many diverse restaurants, especially those specialising in seafood, keep getting better and better. You’ll be able to taste this for yourself during tonight’s dinner at one of these excellent eateries.
You only have one full day in Vancouver, so make the most of your time here by whizzing around the city on bikes. Start your ride at Vancouver Hotel, where you can admire its impressive architecture before visiting the nearby Anglican, neo-Gothic Christ Church Cathedral. From here you’re just a stone’s throw from Gastown, the city’s original settlement and home of Vancouver’s first building: a sawmill dating back to 1868. Once here, lock up your bikes and enjoy a stroll through the old port warehouses on foot.
If your legs aren’t too sore after a day of cycling, we recommend making a detour south to Granville Island, a former industrial district now home to fashionable shops, art exhibitions and the famous Public Market. And finally, if you fancy seeing the city from a different perspective, we can arrange a scenic floatplane trip over Vancouver’s nearby lakes and glaciers.
The time has come to bid farewell to Canada and hop back across the border for one more day of scenic driving and urban fun. Your final stop on this epic North American road trip is the beautiful city of Seattle, a two-and-a-half-hour drive away. Along the way you’ll pass through the picturesque Skagit Valley, wedged between the immense chain of the Cascades and the dazzling Puget Sound.
On arrival in Seattle, check in for one night in a stylish and well-located hotel and spend the rest of today seeing the sights. Long overshadowed by other major West Coast cities, Portland's grungy big sister boasts a prime location between the vast Pacific, soaring mountains and evergreen forests. It’s also a hub of unwavering innovation and cult icons – Starbucks, Microsoft, Boeing, Jimi Hendrix, Nirvana and Pearl Jam all herald from here. This evening, turn to our destination-specific Dossier to find one of our recommended bars – a fitting spot for a final toast to your epic adventure through the American and Canadian Rockies.
Sadly, the time has come to say ‘see ya’ to North America and embark on the journey home. After breakfast, head to the airport, drop off your rental car, speed through security and settle into the airport lounge to relax before boarding a nine-and-a-half hour flight back to the UK. Most direct flights depart in the afternoon or evening, so you’ll spend tonight on board and arrive home tomorrow morning – with a new-found love for North America’s mountainous landscapes.
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
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
