Best of Canada's West

Today you’ll take off on the Trans-Canada Highway as you head east to Okanagan Valley. This iconic road stretches all the way from the Pacific to the Atlantic Ocean and provides the perfect opportunity to get to grips with driving in North America. There are plenty of places of interest to visit along the way including some that you might want to stay at awhile longer. Harrison Hot Springs, for example, is certainly worth adding an extra day to your itinerary. If you’ve got a head for heights, take the Airtram over Hell’s Gate on the Fraser River – you won’t be disappointed. The approach to the Okanagan Valley is simply spectacular with lush ponderosa pines, sage brush and vineyards stretching for as far as the eye can see. It would be rude not to pop in to purchase a least a bottle or two of the local produce. The wine estates of Oliver, Kelowna, Penticton, and Okanagan Falls are all highly recommended. You’ll overnight right next to Okanagan Lake. It’s a spectacular setting overlooked by the Columbia Mountain range. Now where did you put that bottle opener?

After all the excitement of yesterday you could do with some R&R alongside your RV. Kick back and relax or take a dip in the lake or a walk through the surrounding pines.

Today you’ll hit the road again as you head high up into the mountains that you were gazing at yesterday. Of course, there’s always time to stock up on supplies at the nearby vineyards as well as an option to visit Salmon Arm that sits on Shuswap Lake. It’s a really beautiful lakeside town and well known for its full range of recreational activities. Continuing your journey, you’ll start to ascend. Prepare for some stunning scenery as the snow-capped peaks of the Monashee and Selkirk mountains appear. This region is famed for its protected natural landscapes with Revelstoke and Glacier National Parks right up there with the best of them. Your overnight stay will be at the outdoor recreation hub of Revelstoke. It’s a sublime setting, perfect for hiking over alpine ridges or just staring out over verdant river valleys. The beauty of travelling in a motorhome is that you have no set dining times and no hefty hotel prices, it’s travel on your terms.

After a great night’s rest, you’ll take to the road again as you head to one of the most iconic settings in the whole of the Canadian Rockies, Lake Louise. Taking the scenic route is always best advice with a motorhome and today couldn’t be any different. The Bow Valley Parkway, especially, provides a perfect introduction to the pine-forested slopes of Banff National Park. However, don’t discount a diversion into Yoho National Park to see the weather-carved hoodoos and the natural stone bridge over Kicking Horse River.

Make the most of those glorious glacial views and lakeside trails around Lake Louise or head into the mountain resort town on Banff for a gondola ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain or to soak in the hot springs. This area is blessed with untold excuses to experience life in the great outdoors - enjoy.

It’s time to hit the road again with a fabulous drive that takes you between the national parks of Banff and Jasper. The Icefields Parkway is a stunning route and RVs can easily negotiate the two-lane highway as it winds and undulates through the pines. If you’re feeling adventurous you can always swap your motorhome for a ride on an all-terrain ‘Ice Explorer’ vehicle, which will take you right onto the ice of the Athabasca Glacier. It’s often these moments that you’ll remember the most although the steadily rising mountain peaks appearing on the road into Jasper, really will take some beating.

Wherever you choose to stay for the night, you can rest assured that the peaks and pines of Jasper National Park won’t be far away. Get out and explore on foot or opt for a cruise on Maligne Lake that will take you up close to the iconic Spirit Island – one of the most photographed spots in the whole of the Rockies.

Things are going to get wild today as you make your way to Clearwater via the untouched old-growth forests of Wells Gray Provincial Park. This is pure backcountry heaven with untold hiking trails leading to flower-filled alpine pastures and tumbling waterfalls. If you can find an available space at the nearby Helmcken Falls Lodge & RV Park, good for you, however, they really are few and far between. Best advice is to keep on to Clearwater that has plenty of accessible hiking trails and a wider choice of places to stay. If you’re feeling in the mood for some wildlife spotting prior to parking at Clearwater, take a detour to the Blue River where there’s a river safari excursion to known bear feeding grounds. (Just remember to hide your picnic basket.)

Heading back to where it all began in Burnaby Cariboo may feel slightly surreal however, you’re bound to have a head full of memories and exciting tales to tell. Of course, your holiday isn’t over yet. There’s still the small matter of Vancouver for you to explore.

There’s a handy shuttle bus that runs twice an hour to take you into the big city. So, if you’ve got plans to stroll around Stanley Park, take the ferry over to Granville Island or step out onto the Capilano Suspension Bridge, you can do so easily from your RV park, without having to negotiate the city traffic. Alternatively, just enjoy the peace and quiet of camping in Canada for one last time. This is travel on your terms.

It’s time to head home today, so return your motorhome to the depot, and make your way back to Vancouver International Airport.