Western Lodges & Ranches (13 nts)

Tour Itinerary

Vancouver

2 nights at Cascadia Hotel and Suites

Arrive into Vancouver, transfer independently to your hotel, located in the heart of the city. Upon check-in, you’ll be handed your Jonview Canada Roadbook at the front desk with all tour details for the next 12 days. Spend the afternoon at leisure, lingering over dinner in one of the many restaurants perhaps and enjoying a good night’s sleep. The next day is yours to explore at leisure. A plethora of attractions include MacMillan Planetarium, the Capilano Suspension Bridge, Stanley Park with its world-famous Totem Poles, historic Gastown – great for lunch – and Granville Island. An optional tour includes Sewell’s Sea Safari (additional cost), which takes you onboard a rigid-hull inflatable boat to Howe Sound and North America’s southernmost fjord. Get close to harbour seals at Pam Rocks and stop at a bird sanctuary to admire the wildlife. The spectacular waterfront mansions of West Vancouver – known as Millionaires’ Mile – are another highlight of this tour. 

Vancouver – Ashcroft

2 nights at Sundance Guest Ranch

It’s time to hit the road today! Wave goodbye to the seaside splendour of Vancouver and venture deep into British Columbia to reach the Sundance Guest Ranch, your home for the next 2 nights. Family-owned and operated, the ranch is home to a herd of 80 horses and a corral of buffalo. Immerse yourself in the ‘western’ way of life by joining a friendly wrangler on a guided horseback tour through the surrounding countryside or take advantage of top-notch ranch facilities, including an outdoor swimming pool, tennis court, volleyball court, horseshoe pitch and games room. 

Ashcroft – Clearwater

2 nights at Helmcken Falls Lodge

Follow the Thompson River through more windswept cowboy country into the gorge of the North Thompson River. Entering the Well Gray Provincial Park, stop to marvel at spectacular waterfalls and pristine parklands before arriving at your hotel to enjoy a restful evening. The next day is yours to take advantage of the many exciting activities on offer, including hiking, canoeing, horseback riding and river rafting. Alternatively, discover ‘The Spirit of Wells Gray’ (additional cost), a 6-hour guided hike off the beaten track. As well as Helmcken Falls, you’ll visit Dawson Falls – often referred to as Little Niagara by the locals – and paddle across Clearwater Lake to Garnet Peak and Mount Huntley. En-route keep your eyes open for black bear, Wells Gray is renowned for them! 

Clearwater – Jasper

2 nights at Tekarra Lodge

Take your leave of beautiful Clearwater and join the Yellowhead Highway as it descends the eastern face of the Rockies into the fertile valleys of the Jasper region. As the mountains part, you’ll be amazed by the scenery before you – aquamarine lakes, meadows carpeted by an abundance of wild flowers and elk grazing leisurely. Immerse yourself in the wilderness or join an optional jet tour of the North Thompson River (additional cost), travelling through spectacular Grizzly Bear Valley and stopping at a mountain waterfall and clear, glacier-fed lake. The next day is also free to tour Jasper – a boat cruise on Maligne Lake perhaps, exploring the depths of Maligne Canyon? Alternatively, hop on-board the Jasper Tramway or relax at the Miette Hot Springs. For thrill seekers, the Athabasca River is perfect for whitewater rafting excursions.

Jasper – Banff

1 night at Buffalo Mountain Lodge

Enjoy the rare experience of driving through two of Canada’s first and most prestigious national parks today. First, depart Jasper, stopping at Lake Louise en-route to take pictures. Arriving in Banff, you’ll be instantly charmed by this pristine mountain village, offering quaint, romantic restaurants to dine in and boutique shopping galore. Look out for elk wandering up and down the streets; the local population outnumbers humans in these here parts! 

Banff – Seebe

2 nights at Rafter Six Ranch Resort

The mountains begin to recede as you head east this morning along the Trans Canada Highway towards the swaying grasslands of the Kananaskis ranchlands. Quintessential rugged western scenery is yours to behold, making you feel as though you’re driving through a movie set! Arriving at your hotel during the afternoon, there’s time for an optional horseback riding tour (additional cost) through the backcountry, bypassing no less than 6 ranches! The next day enjoy some hiking, biking or horseback riding or stay close to home for tennis, swimming and golfing. Nearby Bow Valley and Peter Lougheed Provincial Parks are also highly recommended. 

Seebe – Salmon Arm

1 night at Quaaout Lodge

Travel the length of the Kananaskis Valley today en-route to the provincial border. As you draw closer to the tranquil shores of Salmon Arm Bay, you’ll notice the landscape change again, become less barren and increasingly lush. Relax by the water, lingering over dinner and admiring the views.

Salmon Arm – Manning Park

1 night at Manning Park

From Salmon Arm to Manning Park, make sure you keep an eye out for produce stands selling delicious fruits, harvested in this fertile region. Leaving the Okanagan Valley, enter the Cascade Mountains and Manning Provincial Park, home to an abundance of wildlife, including coyotes, black bears deer and over 190 species of birds – camera at the ready at all times we think! 

Manning Park – Vancouver

A final scenic drive through the mountains to the welcoming lights of Vancouver today, arriving late afternoon to check-in for your return flight or enjoy another evening in this exciting city.