Vancouver, Lake Louise & Banff

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 farewell dinner and raise a glass to new friendships and unforgettable memories. Although subject to change, the restaurant we most frequently use for our farewell dinner is: Cougar Pete’s Restaurant. After dinner, our tour ends with drop off at one of the following hostels:

HI Banff Alpine Centre
YWCA (Y Mountain Lodge)
Samesun Banff

Please note: 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.