Lake Louise, Banff & Whistler

Vancouver - Kelowna. We kick off our adventure by heading east through the Fraser Valley, where we’ll stop for a short walk through a lush West Coast rainforest to the stunning Bridal Veil Falls. We’ll then pass through the town of Hope, famous for its stunning landscapes and as the filming location for parts of the iconic Rambo movie. Next, we’ll journey through the Cascade Mountains, exploring the serene beauty of Lightning Lake in EC Manning Provincial Park before heading to Penticton for some paddleboarding (seasonal) on the tranquil waters of Skaha Lake. Finally, we’ll settle in for the evening in Kelowna, where we’ll enjoy a delicious dinner at Kekuli Café, known for its Indigenous-inspired cuisine.

Pick Up Point: We will collect you at one of the below pick up points at the appropriate time. You must tell us where you would like to be collected from at least 7 days before your tour starts. Please make sure you are at your selected pick up point 15 minutes before your scheduled pick up time. Should you have any issues with collection, please call the Emergency Contact number on your tour voucher.

HI Vancouver - Jericho Beach (1515 Discovery St, Vancouver) at 7:30
HI Vancouver - Downtown (1114 Burnaby St, Vancouver) at 7:50
Hotel Belmont (Corner of Nelson and Granville Streets) at 8:10

Please note: This tour is designed for younger travellers looking for a backpacker-style experience and to meet like-minded people. If you're looking for something slower paced and more comfortable, then we have lots of group tours across North America that are suitable for travellers of all ages, browse our website or get in touch to find the perfect trip!

Kelowna - Lake Louise. We continue our journey through the heart of wine country, beginning the day with breakfast at Frind Estate Winery in Kelowna, where we take in peaceful views of Okanagan Lake, said to be home to the legendary Ogopogo.

From here, we journey east through three mountain ranges and four national parks - Mount Revelstoke, Glacier, Yoho, and Banff - immersing ourselves in the changing landscapes. We pause at Lake Revelstoke for optional kayaking before stopping at Craigellachie, the historic site where the Last Spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway was driven.

Our day concludes as we cross the dramatic Kicking Horse Pass into Alberta and arrive at the awe-inspiring Lake Louise, nestled in the heart of the Rockies.

Lake Louise - Icefields Parkway - Banff National Park. It’s time to visit those iconic turquoise lakes you've seen on postcards as we head to the breathtaking Lake Louise and, seasonally, the equally stunning Moraine Lake.

From here, we journey along the legendary Icefields Parkway, one of the world’s most scenic drives, with dramatic views of glaciers, jagged peaks, wild rivers, and more jewel-coloured lakes. We'll pause at some of our favorite spots, including Crowfoot Glacier, the brilliant blues of Peyto Lake, and the dramatic rock formations of Mistaya Canyon. Wildlife sightings are common here, so keep your eyes peeled for bears, moose, and elk.

Our day ends at a rustic wilderness hostel on the edge of Banff National Park, where we can unwind in the sauna or take a dip, gather around the campfire beneath the stars, and enjoy a home-cooked potluck dinner (not included) with our fellow travellers.

Banff National Park - Jasper National Park - Banff. Today, we explore the wild beauty of Jasper National Park. We begin with a stop at Big Bend Lookout for sweeping views over the North Saskatchewan River Valley, before continuing to the Columbia Icefield - the largest in the Rockies -where, conditions permitting, we’ll hike to the toe of the mighty Athabasca Glacier.

We then visit the dramatic Sunwapta Falls (subject to parking availability), followed by the thundering waters of Athabasca Falls. Our adventure wraps up in Banff, where we’ll share a group dinner and raise a glass to new friendships and unforgettable memories.

Please note: Some people may be leaving the tour after tonight's group dinner, and others may join us for the second leg of our journey.

Today is yours to spend as you wish, and there's no better place for a free day than in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Explore Banff at your own pace - go hiking, take in the mountain views, or sample the town’s excellent breweries and restaurants. If you're up for more adventure, optional activities such as whitewater rafting, canoeing, or mountain biking are available at an additional cost. Our guide is on hand to help you choose the perfect way to enjoy your day, and to help you arrange any optional activities.

Banff - Revelstoke. We bid farewell to the Rockies today - but the adventure isn’t over yet. On our way to the characterful mountain town of Revelstoke, we’ll take in some of Western Canada’s most breathtaking sights. Weather permitting, we’ll stop at the soaring Takakkaw Falls, the serene Emerald Lake, and the powerful Natural Bridge. In Revelstoke, thrill-seekers can opt to tackle the Aerial Adventure Park or race down the slopes on the Pipe Mountain Coaster - an exhilarating ride through the forest. We round off the day with a relaxed evening in town, the perfect chance to unwind and reflect on the day’s unforgettable highlights.

Revelstoke - Whistler. Enjoy an early morning included breakfast before we leave Revelstoke for the iconic alpine resort of Whistler. Our journey winds through spectacular scenery - towering peaks, dense forests, and pristine lakes, offering countless photo opportunities along the way. Once in Whistler, framed by the dramatic Coast Mountains and famous for hosting events during the 2010 Winter Olympics, we settle in and soak up the town’s energetic atmosphere. This evening, you can dive into Whistler’s vibrant nightlife - whether it’s craft cocktails, bustling pubs, or dancing into the early hours, it’s the perfect way to celebrate our final night together.

Whistler - Vancouver. On our final day, we travel from Whistler to Vancouver along the spectacular Sea to Sky Highway, one of British Columbia’s most scenic routes. We begin with a visit to the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre, where we immerse ourselves in the stories, art, and heritage of the region’s Indigenous communities. Continuing south, we pass the towering granite face of the Stawamus Chief near Squamish, a sacred site and a magnet for climbers from around the world.

We pause to admire the power and beauty of Brandywine Falls, a thundering 70-metre cascade into a deep volcanic gorge, before making another scenic stop at Shannon Falls, where torrents of water rush down the sheer rock walls. Our journey then hugs the edge of Burrard Inlet, with sweeping views of the coastal mountains, deep-blue ocean, and the Vancouver skyline. We arrive in the city where our adventure comes to an end, and we say farewell to the friends we’ve made along the way.

You can dropped at any of our original pick up points:

HI Vancouver - Jericho Beach
HI Vancouver - Downtown
Hotel Belmont

Drop off will be at approximately 18:30. Please note that no accommodation is included for this evening, and you will need to make your own arrangements. We recommend not booking any onward travel for this day to allow flexibility in case of traffic or weather delays.