12 Day Loop from Vancouver via the Okanagan

Itinerary created by

Gemma, Off Track Travel

What you’ll do

Looking for a mix of BC and Alberta's most well known sights and some more off the beaten path favourites?

This itinerary travels through the spectacular Okanagan Valley (wine, lakes, hot weather), which is popular with locals but far less known to international tourists. It also visits Wells Gray Provincial Park, home to many beautiful waterfalls.

Day 2

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Short walk to scenic viewpoint with amazing panoramas

2.1

Naramata Bench wine region

Very scenic wine area with boutique wineries, lake views

2.2.a

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1km long beach with elevated walking path

2.3.a

Penticton Lakeside Resort & Conference Centre

Most well located hotel in Penticton, private beach area

2.4.a

Day 5

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3.2km hike to impressive waterfall in Yoho National Park

5.1

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Gorgeous turquoise coloured mountain lake, canoe rentals

5.2

Naturally carved bridge over Kicking Horse River

5.3

BC's second tallest waterfall

5.4

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BC/Alberta provincial border line

5.5

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Famed photo location on the Bow Valley Parkway

5.6

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Roadside pull-out with views of Castle Mountain

5.7

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Short hike along top of deep gorge

5.8

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Scenic mountain town with mountain backdrop

5.9

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Downtown Banff hotel with rooftop patio and hot tub

5.10.a

Day 7

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Parking area for lake shuttles

Public Transport

7.1

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Spectacular alpine lake surrounded by ten peaks

7.2

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Iconic Moraine Lake photo location

7.3

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Short hike to lakes with glacier, mountain, meadow views

7.4

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Banff NP's most famous lake - views, hiking trails, canoes

7.5

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Iconic scenic drive in Banff/Jasper National Parks

7.6

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Roadside glacier viewpoint

7.7

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Roadside views of aqua coloured lake and surrounding peaks

7.8

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Must do short walk to lookout over vibrant mountain lake

7.9

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Roadside lookout over blue-green lake, lined by mountains

7.10

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Hotel at the midpoint of the Icefields Parkway

7.11

Day 8

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Deep slot canyon with rushing river

8.1

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Stunning view down the Icefields Parkway

8.2

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Short uphill hike to waterfall, optional second waterfall

8.3

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Most accessible area of the Columbia Icefield

8.4

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Short hiking trail heading to 'toe' of the glacier

8.5.a

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Roadside waterfall on the Icefields Parkway

8.6

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Impressive waterfall within short walk of parking area

8.7

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Spectacular hidden viewpoint of river and mountains

8.8

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Powerful waterfall viewpoints with optional canyon walk

8.9

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Small town in the heart of Jasper National Park

8.10

Mid-range hotel pick in downtown Jasper

8.11.a

Day 10

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Roadside picnic area with interpretive signage

10.1

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Pacific Time/Mountain Time boundary (one hour difference)

10.2

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General viewing area for Mount Robson

10.3

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Free BC Parks centre with exhibits, gift shop, wi-fi

10.4

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Cafe/gas station/gift shop

10.5

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Incredible highway view of Mount Robson

10.6

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Short trail to beautiful waterfall with several viewpoints

10.7

Valemount Bakery

Very popular local Swiss-German style bakery

10.8

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Local small town craft brewery with large patio

10.9

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Reliable chain hotel pick in convenient location

10.10

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