We have recently returned from our amazing road trip to the Rockies (August 2019). I used so much information from this forum to help me plan all aspects of our trip, and hope that my feedback may be of some help to some others heading out on their adventure!
We are a family of 4, with 2 teenage boys from sunny Wales!
Day 1 - arrived Vancouver, picked up rental car and headed out to Abbotsford to get a few miles under the belt and cheaper accommodation!
Day 2 - picked up some provisions for lunch and set off for Vernon via Kelowna. Stopped for picnic by the Lakes and time for a swim. We had packed an insulated cool bag and a couple of freezer blocks, couple of plates, knives and a water bottle each. This saved us a fortune in California and having seen the prices in the supermarket that morning , was going to do the same in Canada!
Day 3 - final day of travel to our destination of Canmore. We picked up our park pass from a little booth off the Highway which was handy as we headed up to Emerald Lake and you need one to stop. We were really lucky and managed to park right in the car park at the top. Made some quick butties and we headed off for a walk round the Lake. It was beautiful and much quieter away from the car park. Had a quick look at Natural Bridge before heading off to Canmore. I had booked 4 nights at Bear Necessities which was an apartment in the basement of a private home. It had a microwave and toaster but no cooker. It was much larger than I had thought and was a great base for the next few days.
Day 4 - after reading about the early morning madness to get to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake we decided to head to the Lake Louise Gondola. You can park easily and there is a shuttle to Lake Louise. It’s really important that you get your ticket for the gondola then book the shuttle to the Lake for later as it gets booked up quickly. We then took the open ski lift to the top. We were so lucky as there was a black bear right underneath us! The view from the top was amazing and the bear was still there on the way down. We took the shuttle to Lake Louise and it was sooo busy, people queuing for everything! It spoilt it a bit for us. Later we drove back along the Bow Valley Parkway and stopped at Johnston Canyon, again lucky to park right in the main car park. Walked to the Upper Falls which is an easy hike.
Day 5 - we headed into Banff and hired some bikes for the day. Husband and elder son on road bikes and me and younger son on e bikes but on low setting to still get a workout!! These were great to get away from the crowds. We headed out to the Minnewanka loop which is lovely. We saw a bear at the side of the road and some Big Horn Sheep. We then rode to Vermillion Lakes which were very pretty.
Day 6 - I had booked the 9.50am Banff Gondola as it is cheaper in the morning. This was beautiful as the weather was amazing. Then we left the car in the car park and walked to the hot springs. Had lunch at Bow Falls, then spent couple of hrs souvenir shopping in town.
Day 7 - set off early for Jasper along the Icefield Parkway. I had not known what to do about booking the Columbia Icefield tour as not sure what time we would get there. I was glad I hadn’t booked as we took our time and stopped whenever we felt like it. The weather was amazing and this drive is spectacular. Luckily Peyto Lake was still open as they had kept changing the dates of closure. The colours are amazing! When we arrived at the Columbia Icefield it was really busy, but we managed to book a tour in 1.5 hrs so we got a coffee and relaxed with the view. We all loved this trip and also the Skywalk which is included in the price. Bit of a rush then to get to Jasper as it was getting late. Stayed in another private accommodation for 3 nights, Bear Cub Lodging which was huge!
Day 8 - went to Maligne Lake and Maligne Canyon. On way back we saw a huge male Elk. Cars pulled up all over the road to view him!
Day 9 - husband and boys hired some mountain bikes and did some trails outside of town. In the afternoon we went to Pyramid, Patricia, Annette and Edith Lakes where we saw lots more elk.
Day 10 - Long Drive back along the Icefields Parkway to Salmon Arm, mopping up the sights we missed the other day.
Day 11 - Headed to Horseshoe Bay, Vancouver. Beautiful drive along the Sea to Sky Highway. Stopped for a brief break in Whistler but loved it so much ended up staying longer and having tea. There’s a place which serves everything on the menu for $5.95 and the food was lovely! Cheapest meal in Canada! The sun was setting as we drive along the coast, it was stunning.
Day 12 - early ferry to Nanaimo, then drove to Ucluelet, stopping at Cathedral Grove and a river for lunch and a dip. I had pre booked the ferries both ways, and was really glad I had as they were both full for our journeys. It only costs $10 to reserve as you pay for the trip when you get the ferry. Stayed for 3 nights in the Whales Tale apartment which we loved, so quiet and spacious.
Day 13 - I had pre booked a whale watching trip for our first day as they guarantee to take you out again if you don’t see whales. We were on a rib and we saw bald eagles, sealions, seals and a humpback which was lunge feeding.
We all loved this trip. Went to Long Beach for the afternoon. The Park Pass covers you for the Pacific Rim NP as well so no need to pay again.
Day 14 - did a walk around the headland in Ucluelet, then headed to Tofino. I had been looking forward to going back here as I had loved it the last time I had been. It was much busier and more developed, we much preferred quieter and cheaper Ucluelet! Had a walk on Tonquin beach which is lovely. We tried to go to Thornton Creek Hatchery which is where they hatch salmon and there are chances of seeing bears catching them. They were closed though, it’s worth trying if you are there in October as it’s free and high chance of seeing bears.
Day 15 - early start back to Nanaimo for the ferry back to Horeshoe Bay. Dropped car at airport and took taxi to hotel in English Bay for the next 2 nights. Great location, walking distance to Stanley Park and loads of places to eat.
Day 16 - rented bikes and cycled round Stanley Park. Stopped at the totem poles and various sites round the park, then rode to Canada Place where we locked the bikes and walked to Gastown. In the evening we walked back to the area by the totem poles as there are great views back to the city with it all lit up.
Day 17 - flight back to UK.
We had an amazing time, but it took a lot of planning, I couldn’t have done it without the help from everyone who contributes to this site, so thank you!
