14 Day Chilcotin Wilderness selfdrive

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14 Day Chilcotin Wilderness selfdrive

Vancouver to Calgary

Tour CHILCO

Highlights include:
• Stay in the friendly, cosmopolitan city of Vancouver
• Cruise the scenic Discovery Coast
• Explore the stunning wilderness of the Chilcotin region
• Discover the stunning beauty of both Banff and Jasper National Parks
• Visit the Stampede City of Calgary
• Journey on the Icefields Parkway
• Experience native culture on Quadra Island

Departures:
Saturdays

Day 1: Arrive Vancouver
Upon arrival at Vancouver International Airport, make your own way to the Alamo rental depot before driving to your downtown hotel. Upon check-in you will receive a personalised self-drive kit and the remainder of the day is yours to explore Vancouver.
Accommodation: Overnight: Georgian Court Hotel or similar

Day 2: Vancouver to Victoria
This morning drive to Tsawwassen and board the ferry to cross the Georgia Strait to Vancouver Island. Visit the famous Butchart Gardens en route to Victoria, the capital of British Columbia. In Victoria, explore its quaint shops, have afternoon tea at the Fairmont Empress or perhaps take an exhilarating whale watching trip (not included). (62 Miles)
Accommodation: Overnight: Harbour Tower Hotel or similar

Day 3: Victoria to Quadra Island
Depart early and travel along the eastern shore of Vancouver Island. Your drive will take you through Duncan town, which is home to 80 totems, as well as other First Nations culture and attractions. Continue to Chemainus, which has been turned into an outdoor art gallery with 33 murals adorning the walls of downtown businesses. Your drive will eventually see you arrive at Campbell River, known as the salmon-fishing capital of the world. Here, you will be able to enjoy kayaking, diving and mountain biking. A short ferry ride takes you to Quadra Island, your home for the next two nights. (168 Miles)
Accommodation: Overnight: Tsa-Kwa Luten Lodge or similar

Day 4: Quadra Island
A free day to explore the breathtaking wilderness scenery of this Pacific island. It has several sheltered harbours, bays and beaches all waiting to be discovered. Alternatively take advantage of the many facilities and activities offered at the lodge.
Accommodation: Overnight: Twa-Kwa Luten Lodge or similar

Day 5: Quadra Island to Port Hardy
Your destination today is Port Hardy, at the northern tip of Vancouver Island. Take the ferry across to Campbell River, then head north on Highway 19 towards Port Hardy. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife on the way, as it’s common to see bald eagles and a grizzly bears en route. You may wish to stop off at Telegraph Cove for a whale-watching trip on the Johnstone Straight (not included). (149 Miles)
Accommodation: Overnight: Quarter Deck Inn or similar

Day 6: Discovery coast Passage Ferry
This morning board your BC Ferry for a journey along a coastline so remote, that it is called the Discovery Coast Passage. After a few hours on the open ocean you find yourself travelling through the narrow fjords of the British Columbia wilderness, with great views of snow capped mountains, virgin forests and native Indian villages. Killer Whales and Grey Whales are quite often seen from the ferry, along with other marine life. Arrive into Bella Coola in time for sunset.
Accommodation: Overnight: Eagle Lodge or similar

Day 7: Bella Coola to Kleena Kleene
Drive along the Atnarko River, which is closed to fishing as it is prime salmon and trout spawning habitat, and attracts grizzly bears in the late summer. Head east and climb into the mountains of Tweedsmuir Provincial Park, British Columbia’s largest park, before continuing your journey along highway 20 to Kleena Kleene. (143 Miles)
Accommodation: Overnight: Clearwater Lake Lodge or similar

Day 8: Kleena Kleene
Set in the foothills of the Coastal Range, Kleena Kleene is the perfect place to enjoy the Chilcotin wilderness. Take some time to relax, or go canoeing on the lake. Why not take a short day trip to Ts’yl-os Provincial Park which offers stunning views of Chilko Lake?
Accommodation: Overnight: Clearwater Lake Lodge or similar

Day 9: Kleena Kleene to Clearwater
Today the road will lead you through the typical highlands of the Chilcotin interior. A short side trip will take you to the impressive walls of the Farwell Canyon, where the Chilcotin River cuts deeply through the rock formation, sculpting hoodoos on the rock walls. In season you will see native fishermen drying salmon in the sun. Continue along the Goldrush Trail and through the region of 1000 Lakes to Wells Gray Provincial Park. (255 Miles)
Accommodation: Overnight: Dutch Lake Motel or similar

Day 10: Clearwater to Jasper
The Thompson River Valley offers great views of the Cariboo and the Monashee Mountains. Follow the Yellowhead Highway to Mount Robson, the highest peak of the Rockies, and see the impressive Rearguard Falls before reaching Jasper National Park, your base for two nights. This afternoon take a cruise on Maligne Lake, go for a horseback picnic or visit the flowered alpine meadows and glacier of Mount Edith Cavell. (199 Miles)
Accommodation: Overnight: Whistlers Inn or similar

Day 11: Jasper
Today you are free to explore the stunning surroundings of Jasper National Park. Some of the options available to you include a visit to Athabasca Falls, a hike to Whistler’s Mountain and Mt. Edith Cavell, a scenic cruise on Maligne Lake, or a stroll round the Jasper town site.
Accommodation: Overnight: Whistlers Inn or similar

Day 12: Jasper to Banff
This morning, follow the Icefields Parkway south to the Columbia Icefields and, perhaps, take an optional Snocoach tour onto the Athabasca Glacier. Further south, make sure you stop off at Lake Louise, the ‘Jewel of the Rockies’. The crystal clear waters of the lake reflect the many surrounding peaks and glaciers and make for stunning pictures. (171 Miles)
Accommodation: Overnight: Red Carpet Inn or similar

Day 13: Banff
Spend a full day exploring Banff and its surrounding areas. Stroll along Banff Avenue, with its impressive range of shops and restaurants, take a gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain for breathtaking views across the Bow Valley, or have a leisurely soak in the hot springs.
Accommodation: Overnight: Red Carpet Inn

Day 14: Banff to Calgary
A short drive across the Alberta prairies brings you to Calgary, the cowboy city. Home to the 1988 Winter Olympics, here you can visit the Olympic park and museum, the Calgary Tower or perhaps get in some last minute shopping. Return your rental car to the depot by the same time it was picked up on day one to avoid any additional charges. (72 Miles)

Prices Include:
• Accommodation for duration of the tour on a room-only basis, unless otherwise specified
• A comprehensive self-drive kit with daily driving instructions.
• 7 days car hire with Alamo.
• Discovery Passage ferry on day 6

Prices Exclude:
• Airfares and airport transfers
• Airport Improvement Fee
• Sightseeing: tours mentioned are not included unless otherwise stated
• Meals, unless otherwise specified
• Park entrance fees
• Alamo Carefree Personal Protection (CPP)
• Ferry crossing on day 2

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14 Day Chilcotin Wilderness selfdrive

14 Day Chilcotin Wilderness selfdrive