Western Canada's Gold Rush

This adventurous self-drive tour through Western Canada starts in Calgary and takes you straight into the heart of the Rocky Mountains. Via Banff, Yoho, and Jasper National Parks, you will discover iconic mountain landscapes with turquoise lakes, glaciers, and imposing mountain peaks. After the Rockies, you will travel further into the green interior of British Columbia, with impressive waterfalls in Wells Gray Provincial Park and a stop in the remote mountain area around Gold Bridge. The route partly follows historic trails reminiscent of the gold rush era, through sparsely populated regions where nature and space dominate.

Further north, you will pass places such as 100 Mile House, Prince George, and Smithers, where vast forests and rivers dominate the landscape. In Prince Rupert, you will reach the Pacific coast and sail through the spectacular Inside Passage, one of the most beautiful fjord routes in the world. Next, you will discover Vancouver Island, with rugged northern landscapes around Port Hardy and the natural beauty of Campbell River, before soaking up the ocean atmosphere in Tofino. The journey ends in vibrant Vancouver, where city and nature come together harmoniously, bringing this impressive tour of Western Canada to a perfect close.

This is Western Canada at its wildest
— a road trip for true explorers.

Today, your adventure begins with a flight from Brussels to Calgary, located on the edge of the prairies and the Rocky Mountains. Upon arrival, pick up your rental car and drive to your hotel. The rest of the day is all about acclimatizing and settling in.

Tip: Take a short evening stroll down Stephen Avenue to get a taste of the city's atmosphere.

You leave Calgary and drive towards the Rocky Mountains, where the landscape quickly changes from open plains to imposing mountain ranges. Along the way, the first mountain peaks and vast forests appear. Once you arrive in Banff, you immediately feel the typical mountain atmosphere.

Tip: Banff Upper Hot Springs is a hot spring with a beautiful view of the mountains. It's the perfect way to end the day!

A full day to discover Banff National Park, one of Canada's most iconic nature reserves. You will explore picturesque mountain roads, turquoise lakes, and impressive viewpoints. The charming center of Banff is also worth a visit.

Tip: Go to Lake Louise or Moraine Lake early for peace and quiet and beautiful morning light.

A short but spectacular drive will take you to Yoho National Park, known for its rugged nature and less visited attractions. Waterfalls, deep valleys, and clear blue lakes define the landscape here. The atmosphere is peaceful and pure.

Tip: Take a walk around Emerald Lake for a relaxing introduction to the park.

Today is all about the legendary Icefields Parkway. Along the way, there are numerous stops at Peyto Lake, Mistaya Canyon, and the Athabasca Glacier. Take time for short walks and photo stops; the road itself is an experience.

Tip: Walk across the Columbia Icefield Skywalk for views of the glacier valley.

Start the day with a visit to Maligne Lake, including a boat tour to Spirit Island, perhaps the most photographed spot in Jasper National Park. Afterwards, take a walk in Maligne Canyon through a gorge surrounded by suspension bridges and waterfalls. In the afternoon, you can take the Jasper SkyTram to the top of Whistlers Mountain or enjoy the hot springs at Miette Hot Springs.

Tip: The Valley of the Five Lakes offers peaceful hiking trails near Jasper where you can walk past several beautiful lakes. Bears are regularly spotted here.

Drive through vast forests and valleys towards British Columbia. Along the way, there are quiet picnic spots and viewpoints along rivers.

Tip: Take a river safari on Blue River, where you can enjoy fantastic mountain views and spot bears, and visit Mount Robson Viewpoint, the highest mountain in the Canadian Rockies.

Wells Gray Provincial Park is a very large nature park with around 39 waterfalls, volcanic landscapes, an abundance of wildlife, and various hiking trails. Here you have a good chance of spotting bears. Some of the most famous waterfalls are Helmcken Falls and Dawson Falls.

Tip: Enjoy dinner at a typical Canadian smokehouse at Hop 'n Hog Tap & Smokehouse in Clearwater.

Today is one of the most adventurous driving days of the trip. The route takes you away from the main roads and deeper into the rugged interior, past rivers, mountain passes, and vast forests. Along the way, it's worth stopping regularly for photo opportunities at bridges, valleys, and viewpoints, where silence and space reign supreme. The drive gives a strong sense of isolation and introduces you to the pure, unspoiled West Canada.

Tip: Take short walks along the river or enjoy a picnic in a secluded spot along the way.

Spend a full day in one of British Columbia's most remote regions, surrounded by mountains, lakes, and untouched nature. Explore the area on foot via short hikes along mountain lakes and viewpoints, or take to the water by canoe or kayak. Those who prefer a more relaxed pace can simply enjoy the scenery and tranquility around the lodge.

Tip: Stay at Tyax Lodge and take part in guided activities such as hiking, kayaking, or a scenic seaplane flight over the mountains and lakes.

From Gold Bridge, you can drive to the dramatic cattle ranching country of the Cariboo region. 100 Mile House originated in the 19th century during the Cariboo Gold Rush, when a roadhouse was built here for gold prospectors on their way to the gold fields. They traveled along the Cariboo Wagon Road, starting in Lillooet, and often stopped at the roadhouse that became known as 100 Mile House.

Tip: Visit a local museum along the way or make a quick stop at a roadside diner for an authentic break.

Drive from 100 Mile House to Barkerville Historic Town. Take a stroll through the fully reconstructed 19th-century gold mining town and soak up the atmosphere of the Cariboo Gold Rush period. Continue on to Prince George, a convenient stopover on your way to northern British Columbia.

Tip: Visit The Exploration Place Museum in Prince George, where you can learn more about dinosaurs and the First Nations, among other things.

Today, you will follow a beautiful route along rivers and mountain landscapes towards Smithers, located at the foot of Hudson Bay Mountain. Along the way, you can stop at various viewpoints along the river, where the landscape becomes increasingly mountainous. Short walks are possible in and around Smithers, and the compact center invites you to explore at a leisurely pace. The Alpine-like appearance and surrounding nature make this a particularly pleasant stop.

Tip: There are several beautiful provincial parks in the immediate vicinity of Smithers. Be sure to visit Twin Falls, among others.

Follow the scenic Skeena River Valley to the bustling port city of Prince Rupert. Located on Kaien Island, Prince Rupert was home to the Tsimshian and Haida peoples for 5,000 years, and their legacy can be seen in the totem poles at Service Park, Roosevelt Park, and the Sunken Gardens.

Tip: In Hazelton, visit Ksan Native Village with its longhouses, museum, woodcarving barn, and totem poles of the Gitksan First Nation.

The Inside Passage from Prince Rupert to Port Hardy is one of Canada's most spectacular and iconic ferry routes, offering a truly unique maritime experience along the rugged coastline of British Columbia. The trip takes you through narrow fjords and past pristine islands, with the chance to spot whales, dolphins, and bald eagles. The ferry usually departs early in the morning from Prince Rupert and arrives late in the evening in Port Hardy.

Tip: Even though the Inside Passage cruise is during the day, increase your comfort on board by paying extra for a cabin.

This route from Port Hardy to Campbell River offers a scenic drive along the east coast of Vancouver Island, with views of lush rainforests, the Nimpkish Valley, and the British Columbia coastline. Along the way, you'll pass through small communities such as Woss and Port McNeill, where you can stop for a break or to experience the local culture.

Tip: Campbell River is known as the “Salmon Capital of the World” due to the abundant salmon populations in the surrounding waters. The city is a gateway to adventure activities such as whale watching, grizzly bear excursions, and hikes in nearby Elk Falls Provincial Park, where an impressive suspension bridge offers views of the 25-meter waterfall.

Campbell River is located on the edge of Discovery Passage, a narrow strait with powerful tides that is rich in fish and marine life. This makes it one of the best locations in Canada for whale watching. In addition to orcas and humpback whales, there is also a large population of sea lions and bald eagles here. Enjoy a full day at sea today on a whale watching tour and hopefully you will spot lots of whales, eagles, bears, and much more!

Tip: Campbell River has a fairly large indigenous presence. Visit the various totem poles or visit the Museum of Campbell River.

Today you will cross Vancouver Island from east to west, one of the most beautiful drives on the island. The route takes you past lakes, mountain passes, and dense rainforest, with several opportunities to stop along the way. A stop at Cathedral Grove introduces you to ancient cedars and spruces, while short walks along the road provide variety. As you approach Tofino, you will feel the influence of the ocean and the rougher coastal landscape.

Option: Take a short walk at Cathedral Grove along the way or stop at one of the lakes for a quiet break.

In addition to being a well-known surfing location, Tofino is also a great place for wildlife spotting! Black bears frequently come here to forage for food on the beaches of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. Go in search of black bears this morning on a unique zodiac tour!

Tip: Tofino has several surf spots that are ideal for both beginners and advanced surfers. Book a surfing lesson for the afternoon, or take a kayak trip along the coastline.

After breakfast, take some time to experience the rainforests of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve before driving to the ferry terminal in Nanaimo. After crossing back to mainland British Columbia with BC Ferries, you will arrive in Vancouver.

Tip: Enjoy an evening drink with a view of False Creek, accessible by charming water taxi.

Explore Vancouver! Some of the highlights include Gastown, Granville Island, Chinatown, and Stanley Park, one of the largest urban parks in the world. Vancouver is a cosmopolitan city surrounded by nature. Take the SeaBus across Burrard Inlet and explore the beauty of North Vancouver at your own pace. Popular attractions here include the Capilano Suspension Bridge, a suspension bridge over a ravine, and Grouse Mountain, where beautiful views of the city and numerous activities await you.

Tip: Rent a bike for the day. Vancouver is extremely bike-friendly and there are beautiful bike routes along the 9-kilometer-long seawall in Stanley Park, through Downtown Vancouver to the beaches of Kitsilano.

Return journey from Vancouver to Brussels. Overnight stay on board.

Arrival in Brussels after an intense and adventurous journey through Western Canada.

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