On this hotel-based highway sightseeing tour, you’ll experience some of the most spectacular scenery and national parks Western Canada has to offer. Starting in Whitehorse, capital of Yukon Territory, we’ll journey south by land through vast and beautiful natural landscapes. Beginning in Skagway, Alaska, we will then make our way south on the magnificent Stewart–Cassiar Highway to Stewart, then head across the breadth of British Columbia to the great Rocky Mountain Parks: Jasper and Banff. Our trip takes you through the most postcard-worthy landscapes of the Northwest and the Rockies, then back across the British Columbian cordillera again to finish on the coast in beautiful, cosmopolitan Vancouver.

(To see our BC version of this tour, beginning in Vancouver, click here.)

Information

Season May - September
Departs from Whitehorse
Duration 14 days
Skill level None
Language English, German

Available dates

01.06.2025 - 14.06.2025
29.06.2025 - 12.07.2025
27.07.2025 - 09.08.2025
24.08.2025 - 06.09.2025

Available, guaranteed departure
Available departure
On Request
Not Available

Price CAD $5,605.00 / pp

Book now!

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Whitehorse

Welcome to Canada's Yukon Territory! Your tour guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel, where you will meet your fellow travellers. Your guide will run the group through a brief orientation. In the afternoon we’ll have time to explore the city of Whitehorse. Enjoy the authentic S.S. Klondike, a paddle wheeler restored from the gold rush time in the Yukon, or any of the many other trails, shops, and historic sites. (Overnight hotel accommodation in Whitehorse)

Day 2: Whitehorse - Skagway

After breakfast we’ll have some tome to explore the Yukon’s capital, before beginning our trip with a drive south to the Alaskan town of Skagway. Our route takes us past the smallest desert in the world, the extraordinary colours of Emerald Lake, the scenic lakeside village of Carcross, and over the alpine tundra of White Pass to Skagway, nestled along the Pacific coast. The gateway to the great gold rush of 1898, Skagway has held onto it’s frontier style. We suggest a visit to the famous Red Onion Saloon, once a thriving brothel and now a charming bar and restaurant. (Overnight hotel accommodation in Skagway)

Day 3: Skagway – Watson Lake

In the morning, we will leave the historical town of Skagway and start our journey south. We will be traveling in the beautiful Yukon on scenic roads that will allow you to understand the vastness and beauty of this wild land. We will pass though the First Nation’s villages of Tagish and Teslin then make our way to Watson Lake on the famous Alaska Highway. Watson Lake is home to the largest Signpost Forest in the north, you will be able to walk through it and see well over a hundred thousand signs from all around the world. You might even want to leave your own! (Overnight hotel accommodation in Watson Lake)

Day 4: Watson Lake - Stewart

The journey takes us further south today as we will be traveling on the majestic Stewart–Cassiar Highway. We will soon be leaving the Yukon and cross over to northern British Columbia on this incredibly beautiful road that will bring us on some of the most isolated and wild landscapes Canada has to offer. Keep your eyes open and cameras ready today because the chances of seeing wildlife are enormous! After a stop at the magnificent Bear Glacier, we will reach the town of Stewart at the end of a long but unforgettable day. (Overnight hotel accommodation in Stewart)

Day 5: Stewart

Today we take a break from the highway and we spend the day exploring around the small charming town of Stewart. We will once again cross the boarder and visit Hyder Alaska, a town of less than a 100 people! Situated about three kilometres from Stewart, is it often described as the “friendliest ghost town in Alaska.” We will then head to another spectacular sight; Salmon Glacier. The first views of the glacier, the largest in the world accessible by a roadway, presented themselves about 37 kilometres northeast of Stewart. Once back in town you can stroll the estuary boardwalk or view artifacts from the town’s rich mining history at the Stewart District Museum. Take the rest of the day to relax, stretch your legs and enjoy a good meal because despite its size, Stewart offers an abundance of restaurant choices! (Overnight hotel accommodation in Stewart)

Day 6: Stewart - Smithers

We are leaving Stewart this morning to head to the little Switzerland of the Canadian West; Smithers. We’ll visit the Ksan Indian Village with its totem poles and long houses, before continuing along the picturesque river reaches of the Skeena River. Just outside Smithers we’ve planned a stop at Moricetown Falls, a canyon where local First Nation people fish for salmon. Smithers is a small, rustic town that has been heavily influenced by Europeans, who have found the laid-back atmosphere and surrounding mountain ranges a nice contrast to the overcrowded cities of Europe. (Overnight hotel accommodation in Smithers)

Day 7: Smithers - Prince George

Today’s destination is Prince George, the largest city and trading centre for the vast, and sparsely populated region of northern British Columbia. Our route takes us eastbound on the Yellowhead Highway through a sprawling landscape of lakes and rivers, full of beaver dams and surrounded by forests as far as the eye can see. The drive today should give you a sense of Canada’s enormity. (Overnight hotel accommodation in Prince George).

Day 8: Prince George – Jasper

On today’s leg, we’ll visit the marvelous Moose Lake and Mount Robson. At over 3950 meters, Mt Robson is the tallest mountain in the Canadian Rockies, soaring with extraordinary vertical relief high above the Yellowhead Valley. We’re now entering the Canadian Rocky Mountains, home of Canada’s first, and most famous national parks. (Overnight hotel accommodation in Jasper).

Day 9: Jasper - Banff National Park

Today we’ll take the Icefields Parkway, one of the most scenic drives anywhere in the world, south to Banff. This two-lane paved road wends between snow-capped mountains and the outpouring glaciers of the Columbia Icefield. This is the Canada of postcards and of dreams. Partway between Jasper and Banff you’ll have the opportunity to take an optional tour by Sno-Coach and actually travel on top of the stunning Athabasca Glacier. We’ll also stop in at beautiful Maligne Canyon for views of one of the most impressive waterfalls in Canada before arriving at last at Banff, located in the heart of Banff National Park. (Overnight hotel accommodation in Banff).

Day 10: Banff National Park

Today is completely at your leisure to explore Banff. This 6,641 square kilometer preserve of mountain wilderness was established as Canada’s first national park in 1885 to protect a natural hot spring just above the Banff town site. It grew into Canada’s prototypical national park. Here you can find spectacular canyons, waterfalls and mountain passes, and of course visit the picturesque Lake Louise, a mountain lake in a fantastic location on the foot of Victoria Glacier area—a beautiful place to take a stroll. In the afternoon, we’ll return to Banff where you’ll have the opportunity to explore the historic town. Visit the hot springs, take a ride on the Sulphur Mountain Gondola, or take a walk on a trail along the Bow River. (Overnight hotel accommodation in Banff)

Day 11: Banff National Park - Kelowna

Today we’ll leave the Rockies for the temperate Okanagan Valley. The road winds through several narrow gorges and canyons before reaching Kicking Horse Pass in Yoho National Park. Kicking Horse Pass was named by Palliser, the first European explorer to cross this portion of the southern Rockies. Keep a close eye on the roadsides; wildlife such as mountain goats, bighorn sheep and elk are often spotted here. We’ll cross over the Rockies via the famous Rogers Pass, the highest point of the entire Trans Canada Highway, and continue to the small city of Kelowna. (Overnight hotel accommodation in Kelowna)

Day 12: Kelowna - Vancouver

Kelowna is located along the shores of Lake Okanagan, home of “Ogopogo.” The legend of Ogopogo comes from the local First Nations people who tell of a large animal living in the lake for generations. The lake is big enough that anything might yet be lurking undiscovered beneath the water. Perhaps challenging your notion of Canada, the sun-drenched region around Kelowna is home to countless award-winning vineyards and abundant orchards. We’ll depart for Vancouver on the scenic Coquihalla Highway. Vancouver, sometimes called the “Pearl of the Pacific” is one of the most beautifully situated cities in the world, framed by the Pacific Ocean on one side and the coastal mountains on the other, and home to vibrant arts and culture. (Overnight hotel accommodation in Vancouver)

Day 13: Vancouver

This day is free to explore the sights of Vancouver and the surrounding area. Challenge your senses on the famous Capilano Suspension Bridge; visit the wolves, bears and birds of prey on the top of Grouse Mountain; or stroll a forest trail in Stanley Park. Later you can explore the bustling Robson Street and Vancouver’s colourful Chinatown. Discover the hip and historic Gastown neighbourhood and let yourself be spoiled by the specialties of local restaurants. A visit to see the panoramic view from the Harbour Building is also worthwhile. The possibilities in Vancouver are almost unlimited, and your guide will have lots of tips as to things for you to see and do. If you feel like exploring further afield, take a day trip to the Whistler, BC’s Olympic ski resort. For something really special, take a floatplane flight or ferry to the British Columbia capital of Victoria on Vancouver Island. (Overnight hotel accommodation in Vancouver)

Day 14: Departure Vancouver

This is the last day of our tour together. Your guide will provide a transfer to the Vancouver International Airport, or to your connecting program. (End of tour services) (Due to the nature of this tour, last-minute changes to the itinerary are a possibility and are left to the discretion of the guide)

Details

Tour Duration
14 Days

Tour Price
Double Room: CAD 5,605.00
Single Room: +CAD 2,220.00
Triple Room: CAD 5,145.00
All Rates per person (+ GST)

Group Size
6 – 9 participants per date
(Maxi Van)
10 – 20 participants per date
(Midsize Coach)

Included

14-day trip from Whitehorse to Vancouver
The entire tour individually guided and interpreted
13 nights accommodation in superior middle-class double rooms
All overland transportation
Air-conditioned Maxi Van (capacity 15 seats) or comfortable air-conditioned Midsize Coach
Entrance fees for national parks
Entrance fees as listed in itinerary
Airport Transfers

Not Included

Meals and beverages
Optional tours
Personal extras
Gratuity

Child Policy

Min Age: 7 years

7-11 years: 50% off regular adult rate

12-17 years: 25% off regular adult rate

Alaska & Western Highlights – Sightseeing Tour from Whitehorse to Vancouver

Information