Into southern British Columbia, away from the city life, this route will take you to visit orchards, farmlands, some European-Germany style villages, ranchlands, the Kootenay Lake and the Rocky Mountains.
7 days 6 nights
Year Round
Vancouver, BC
Pick up a pre-arranged rental car, as you head to explore the Kootenay Area, also know as the B.C. Rockies, for a differing view from Metro Vancouver. Continuing on Hwy#5, the Coquihalla Highway, take a short stop at Merritt for lunch break and fill up your gas, then you will arrive in Kelowna. Kelowna is best known as the largest agriculture centre in the B.C. Orchards, vineyards, and gardens are all over the town. Relax by the lake shore, or you may join a ride for a jet boat tour.
There are two ways to get to Nelson. Option 1, drive south to visit Osoyoos, a desert town where the famous Jackson Triggs built a vineyard. You can visit the Osoyoos Desert Society to learn about an array of desert plants and animals. Don’t forget to taste the famous local windmill ice cream. Driving along the border of Canada and U.S., you will pass through some little townships, then you will reach Nelson, a well-developed community. Enjoy its night scenery, which is also a film makers’ favorite place.
Leave for BC’s most well-known cave spa resort, Ainsworth Hot Springs. The hot springs features a unique horseshoe cave, where the hot water first comes in. The system cools the water to 42C and creates a natural steam bath. Then it flows outdoor where the temperature drops to 35C. After the spa, cross Kootenay Lake by taking the free ferries. Drive along the ranchlands where you can have a lunch break at Cranbrook. Continue driving north and end your night at Radium Hot Springs.
Leave for Banff National Park, the 1st National Park in Canada. Highlights include Lake Minnewanka, Banff Park Museum, Cave and Basin historic site, Surprise Corner, Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, and most of all riding on the Banff Gondola for the stunning view of whole town. Banff town is also famous for its multi-cultural cuisine. Enjoy the shopping in Banff, where there is only one tax charged. Soak your night at Upper Hot Springs.
Drive north along the magnificent Icefield Parkway for Icefield Centre. Ride on a snow coach up to a massive Columbia Icefield. Returning south, you will stop by Peyto Lake, Bow Lake and Crowfoot Glacier. You will be back in Banff for the night.
Leave Banff for the most beautiful “Diamond of the Wilderness”– Lake Louise. There is a walking trail along the lake, I am sure you will enjoy the scene. Nearby Moraine Lake was once printed on the back of the $20 bill. Cross the Great Divide, heading back to B.C., where you will visit Yoho National Park. Highlights include Spiral Tunnels viewpoints, Natural Bridge and Emerald Lake. As you continue you will visit Rogers Pass, Last Spike leading towards Kamloops, and stay the night at Sun Peaks Resort.
Enjoy a relaxing morning here in the village. Head back to Vancouver via Hwy#1, where you may stop at Hell Gate Air tram in the Fraser Valley that crosses the rapid Fraser River. Enjoy another short rest in Chilliwack before heading back to modern Vancouver at night.