On this incredible 5 day trip from Vancouver to Banff, you'll get to explore the breathtaking Rocky Mountains. The 5 day Coho Pass will travel through British Columbia's desert region along Lake Okanagan, then climb into the glacial valleys of Banff and Jasper National Park before completing the trip in Banff. The bus stops along the way to experience incredible highlights like crashing waterfalls, turquoise lakes and stunning mountain ranges on this unforgettable Rocky Mountain tour.
and into the much drier interior of British Columbia. In the afternoon we'll paddleboard at Skaha Lake in Penticton, before following Okanagan Lake to our overnight location in Kelowna.(Dinner and stand up paddleboarding included).
Leaving the city behind, we'll head east through the Fraser Valley. At our first stop, we'll take a short walk in a west coast rainforest to check out Bridal Veil Falls before stopping for lunch in the quaint town of Hope. After crossing through the Coastal Mountains, we arrive in the semi-arid grasslands of the Okanagan where we'll go for a paddleboard on Skaha Lake in Penticton. Then it's onto Kelowna on Lake Okanagan, our destination for the night.
We cross into the province of Alberta and will be in four National Parks today, including Canada's oldest and most famous - Banff! We make a stop in Revelstoke to enjoy the lake and maybe take a kayaking lesson/tour. The Rocky Mountains await us, as does Emerald Lake, the first of many aqua blue glacier lakes we'll see. We'll settle for the night in the historic town of Banff, in the heart of the Rockies.
We'll be in two provinces, completely cross three mountain ranges, and travel through four National Parks today as we continue east to Banff. Leaving the Okanagan, we'll stop en route in Revelstoke, where you'll have the option to go lake kayaking in beautiful, hand crafted wooden boats. Continuing onwards, we'll finally enter the Rocky Mountains and cross over the Kicking Horse Pass into Alberta and Banff National Park. Tonight, we'll settle in the historic town of Banff, in the heart of the mountains.
Today we'll soak up the awe inspiring in the Banff National Park Area- Lake Louise, Moraine Lake (seasonal), jagged mountain peaks, raging rivers, Johnston Canyon, wildlife, the massive Takkakaw Falls (seasonal, but 2nd highest in Canada) and more. Enjoy a campfire and look for the Milky Way!
Our day begins with visits to the stunning Moraine Lake (seasonal), and one of the world's most famous lakes, Lake Louise! Then it's onto the Icefields Parkway, to take in the jagged mountain peaks, glaciers, raging rivers, and more turquoise lakes, all the while keeping your eyes peeled for wildlife. We'll make stops to see the Crowfoot Glacier, Bow Lake, our favourite Peyto Lake, and the impressive Mistaya Canyon, before arriving at our rustic, wilderness hostel alongside Rampart Creek. Why not take a dip in the creek, then relax in the wood-burning sauna, before enjoying a campfire under the stars tonight?
Moose Accommodation Reservations (not included): HI Rampart Creek. This is a rustic, wilderness hostel and there are no alternative accommodation options nearby, but we think you're going to love this truly Canadian experience!
Explore the Icefields Parkway, including Columbia Icefields and Maligne Canyon. Look for wildlife as we explore the backroads around Jasper.
Our journey continues north along the Icefields Parkway, named one of the most scenic drives in the world by National Geographic. Tick another National Park off your list today because we're entering Jasper NP! Our first stop in the park is at the Columbia Icefield, the largest icefield in the Rocky Mountains at 325 square kilometres. You'll have the chance to get up close to the Athabasca Glacier, or just enjoy the views from the Discovery Centre. Then it's on to Maligne Canyon, the deepest canyon in Jasper, for a scenic hike that crosses several bridges with amazing views into the canyon. Afterwards, we'll roll into the Jasper townsite where you'll have the rest of the afternoon and evening free to explore on your own.
It's another day of jaw dropping vistas and scenic hikes as we make our way back south. Our first stop is at Athabasca Falls, one of the most powerful and picturesque waterfalls in the Rockies. We'll also stop for a photo opportunity at Tangle Falls, and for an energizing hike at Johnston Canyon, before arriving back in Banff where our tour ends.
Moose Accommodation Reservations (not included): None. You will need to make your own reservations for tonight. We recommend booking at the Samesun Banff where your fellow travellers doing a longer pass will be staying.