2-Week West Coast Canada Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 2-week West Coast Canada tour itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaWest Coast Canada travel expert at TourRadar

• 13 Days in Canadian Rockies, incl. Banff and Jasper

  This 13-day Vancouver circuit winds through Western coastal highlights. Whistler's Parkhurst Ghost Town, Wells Gray waterfalls, and Fitzsimmons Creek zip-lining opportunities await. Visits include Lillooet Brewing Company and historic 1913 suspension bridge.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Vancouver to Kamloops

    Begin in Vancouver's historic Gastown district. "The Victorian buildings give you a perfect taste of old Vancouver," notes one traveler. Head out early the next morning for the 5-6 hour drive to Kamloops. Stop for lunch in Hope. Remember to pack layers even in summer since mountain weather changes quickly.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Golden & Buffalo Ranch

    Start your morning exploring Mt. Revelstoke's inland rainforest trails. Keep an eye out for woodland caribou and grizzlies from a safe distance. Stop at the Rocky Mountain Buffalo Ranch where a recent visitor noted, "watching these massive animals against the mountain backdrop was unforgettable." You can spend the afternoon at the Golden Skybridge for stunning valley views from 426 feet up.

    
  • Days 5-7

    Banff National Park

    Spend three full days exploring Banff. Take the Tunnel Mountain hike for great views of the town. "Get to Vermillion Lakes for sunrise to catch Mount Rundle's reflection - bring a thermos of coffee and arrive 30 minutes before dawn," suggests one traveler. Visit Lake Louise and Moraine Lake early before the crowds arrive, especially during summer months.

    
  • Days 8-9

    Jasper National Park

    Take the scenic Icefields Parkway to Jasper and stop at Athabasca Glacier. Start your days early in Jasper. One visitor shares: "The sunrise at Pyramid Lake was worth the 5 AM wake-up call. The morning light on the mountains is magical." Look for elk and moose near Maligne Lake but keep your distance as park rangers advise.

    
  • Day 10

    Wells Gray Provincial Park

    Take a break from driving with waterfall hikes in Wells Gray. The waterfalls are perfect for photos, particularly in late spring when snowmelt increases the flow. Wear good hiking boots since trails near the falls can get slippery.

    
  • Days 11-12

    Whistler

    Discover Whistler's outdoor activities. Visit Parkhurst Ghost Town to see nature taking over old logging buildings. "The hidden train wreck trail was a highlight - bring your camera for some unique shots," one reviewer says. The Valley Trail network is perfect for biking between local lakes.

    
  • Day 13

    Return to Vancouver

    Walk through Stanley Park in the morning before exploring Granville Island's markets. Plan for at least 2 hours to drive from Whistler to Vancouver, or longer if you want to take photos along the Sea-to-Sky Highway.

    

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• 14 Day Canadian Rockies Itinerary, incl. Banff and Jasper

  The Canadian mountain parks showcase progressive hiking and river expeditions over 14 days. Six destinations between Calgary and Edmonton include 8 days of Rocky Mountain treks and 160km canoe navigation down Athabasca River.

  

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  • Day 1

    Calgary

    Your Rocky Mountain adventure begins at Calgary International Airport where you'll spot mountain peaks right from the terminal. Book an afternoon arrival to avoid weekday rush hour traffic between the airport and downtown.

    
  • Days 2-3

    Banff National Park

    Travel west through ranch country to Banff. Start with the Lake Minnewanka shoreline trail but get there before 9am when parking fills up. On day 3 take on a more challenging 7.5km hike with 725m elevation gain to some beautiful alpine lakes. The mountain weather can change quickly so pack plenty of layers. The Banff Hot Springs are perfect for relaxing your muscles after hiking.

    
  • Day 4

    Lake Louise

    Take the 3.5km trail to Lake Agnes Tea House which climbs 400m. Get there by 8am to avoid crowds and get the best photos in good morning light. Bring cash for the tea house since they don't take cards. If you're up for more hiking in the afternoon try the 15km Plain of Six Glaciers loop.

    
  • Day 5

    Yoho National Park

    You can go whitewater rafting on the Kicking Horse River or explore Yoho's hiking trails. The 18km Emerald Lake loop goes through two alpine passes with 880m elevation gain. The trail gets quite rocky and steep in places so wear good boots with ankle support.

    
  • Days 6-8

    Jasper Area

    The drive to Jasper on the Icefields Parkway is stunning. Stop at Peyto Lake viewpoint before 10am to avoid the tour bus crowds. Around Jasper you'll find everything from easy walks around Maligne Lake to serious peak climbs. As one hiker shared: "The Bald Hills trail was tough but those panoramic views of Maligne Lake and surrounding peaks were unbeatable. Start early and bring bear spray - we saw fresh grizzly tracks."

    
  • Day 9

    Canoe Training

    Visit Hinton for afternoon canoe lessons on a calm lake. Listen carefully to all safety instructions since you'll need these skills on the river. Pack clothes that dry quickly and waterproof bags for your electronics.

    
  • Days 10-12

    Athabasca River Canoe Trip

    Paddle 160km of the Athabasca River over three days. The water runs faster in June from glacier melt while August and September offer calmer conditions. You'll camp on sandy islands. Bring a headlamp since summer daylight lasts until 10pm and keep food sealed and away from tents because bears are active in this area.

    
  • Days 13-14

    Edmonton

    It's a two-hour drive to Edmonton after finishing the river trip. Spend your last night near West Edmonton Mall to clean up and repack before flying out. Book afternoon flights to allow time for the 30-minute drive from downtown to the airport.

    

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• 14 Day Canadian Rockies Itinerary, incl. Banff and Jasper

  The two-week Canadian wilderness trip combines hiking Banff's Minnewanka Lake, reaching 2,470m alpine passes, and rafting Kicking Horse River. Guests split time between 8 hotel nights and 5 camping nights while covering 160km on Athabasca River.

  

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  • Days 1-3

    Banff Area:

    Start your journey in Calgary and head to Banff National Park for the evening. Begin hiking with a gentle 2-3 hour trek along Lake Minnewanka. Get there before 9AM to avoid crowds and increase your chances of seeing wildlife. Mountain mornings can be cold even in summer, so bring layers. On day 3, take on a more challenging 7.5km hike with 725m elevation gain. You might want to book a session at Banff Upper Hot Springs afterward for about $8 to soothe those tired muscles.

    
  • Days 4-5

    Lake Louise & Yoho:

    Stay near Lake Louise to access great high-alpine trails. Take on the Plain of Six Glaciers trail (15km round trip) with incredible glacier views. Arrive by 8AM to secure parking. Head to Yoho National Park on day 5 for the 18km Emerald Lake circuit through beautiful flower-filled passes. If you prefer something different, try whitewater rafting on the Kicking Horse River - water levels peak in June and early July.

    
  • Days 6-8

    Jasper National Park:

    Drive north on the Icefields Parkway past Peyto Lake and the Columbia Icefield. Take a quick 2.5km hike to see Saskatchewan Glacier. In Jasper, explore the Maligne Lake area. The 8km Bald Hills trail offers great views for moderate effort. A previous hiker shared: "The Bald Hills trail was challenging but worth every step - just make sure to pack enough water as there's no reliable source once you leave the parking lot."

    
  • Days 9-12

    Athabasca River Canoeing:

    Switch to wilderness camping and canoeing. Practice on calm water before spending 3 nights on the Athabasca River. The 160km route is suitable for beginners with basic paddling skills. July and August typically offer calmer conditions. Pack quick-dry clothes and be prepared for wildlife - keep food stored properly and maintain a clean campsite.

    
  • Days 13-14

    Wrap-up:

    Drive 2 hours to Edmonton after your canoe trip. Book a late afternoon flight to avoid traffic. You can visit West Edmonton Mall if you have time - it's close to most airport hotels.

    

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