Western Canada

The ultimate showcase of Canada’s unfathomable Great Outdoors; this is 15 days of high adrenaline, humbling natural beauty & some unforgettable VIP experiences

What's included

Accommodation in twin rooms
All activities mentioned on the itinerary
National park entry fees
14 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners
Local transport
Arrival airport transfer
Hand-picked 3-4 star hotels & glamping
Experienced Pack Leader with you throughout the trip
Max 12 travellers per group

Flashpackers must provide evidence that they have purchased travel insurance for the duration of their adventure. Remember, flights aren't included and prices are based on sharing a twin room. If you'd like to upgrade to a single room, you can add this during the booking process or by contacting our Customer Experience team.

About your trip

Canada, oh Canada. This land of immense natural beauty is yours to explore with our 15-day escape to the Rockies and British Columbia.

Buckle up for a showcase of summertime delights, from hiking, caving and canoeing in Banff National Park to alfresco bathing in the hot springs of Nakusp. This is your chance to unwind and connect with new friends in the Great Outdoors, surrounded by majestic peaks, wildflower meadows and turquoise lakes.

You’ll be breathing in adventure of the boldest flavour, with an iconic floatplane flight over Whistler Valley and a sleepover beneath the stars at a bijou glampsite. Epic road trips are all part of the experience, too, as we chase the sunshine from one scenic mountain town to the next, visiting boutique wineries, bucket-list waterfalls and the thrill-a-minute Golden Skybridge.

The finale? A cruise along the incredible Sea to Sky Highway to Vancouver, Canada’s west coast queen.

On Location w/ Flashpacker Jennie

Cosy up in Calgary

Touch down at Calgary Airport, in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies, where a private Flash Pack transfer will be waiting to whisk you to your boutique hotel
Get to know your fellow Flashpackers and Calgary’s vibrant foodie scene over a craft ale or two and a three-course welcome dinner (cowboy hats optional)

Hiking & caving in Banff

Take the Trans-Canada Highway to world-famous Banff National Park, Canada’s oldest national park, founded in 1885
Hike a remote prairie trail in the shadow of the majestic Rockies, passing fields of alpine wildflowers and turquoise glacier-fed lakes
Head to Grotto Mountain to explore Rat’s Nest Cave – a wild underground labyrinth featuring ancient fossils and intriguing geological formations

A twilight canoe on Bow River

Savour Banff away from the crowds on the Sunshine Meadow Gondola; take a short hike for 360-degree views over the rugged peaks and lakes
Hop aboard an indigenous canoe for an evening paddle along the Bow River, watching for beavers, bald eagles, elk and muskrats along the shore

Lakes, beautiful lakes

Visit two gems of the Canadian Rockies: Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, known for their astonishing blue water that reflects the glaciers all around
Take a guided walk along the shoreline of both beauty spots, taking in Victoria Glacier, the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise Hotel and the Valley Of The Ten Peaks

Golden Skybridge, ahoy

Drive through a sweeping landscape of mountains and forests to the laidback mountain town of Revelstoke, a hub for mountaineers, hikers and explorers
Steady your nerves as you hike across the Golden Skybridge, Canada’s highest suspension bridges, hovering hundreds of feet above a Columbia Valley canyon
Make the most of your adventure pass to access the Railrider Mountain Coaster, Sky Zipline and Canyon Challenge Course for an afternoon of sky-high thrills

Hot spring bathing in BC

Road trip through the Kootenay Rockies to the quaint little city of Rossland, including a relaxing ferry ride across Upper Arrow Lake
Stop at Nakusp Hot Springs for a spot of alfresco bathing in warm mineral pools surrounded by the forest-fringed slopes of the Selkirk Mountains
Visit the Nikkei Internment Memorial Centre, which tells the heartbreaking story of over 22,000 Japanese Canadians sent to internment camps during World War II

Roving the Rossland Range

Lace up your hiking boots for a scenic circular route through the Rossland Range, dotted with ancient trees and serene lakes, where you can enjoy a refreshing dip
Spend some free time exploring Rossland, with its historic downtown and live music buzz, microbreweries and hip restaurants

Private tasting at a boutique winery

Road trip through British Columbia, stopping off at the sunny Southern Okanagan town of Oliver to check out the colourful fruit stands, full of fresh seasonal produce
Check in at your hotel in Penticton, Canada’s craft beer capital, and one of just two cities in the world situated between two lakes (Okanagan and Skaha)
Spend your evening at Fairview Cellars, a family-run boutique winery for a private wine tasting and dinner, exclusive for your Flash Pack group

Okanagan Valley vineyards

Relax and explore Penticton at leisure, strolling along the lakeshore, hanging out at the beach or visiting SS Sicamous, an early 20th-century sternwheeler
Enjoy an afternoon wine-tasting safari, taking in a string of vineyards in the feted “Napa Valley of the North” and learn about the production process from grape to glass

Kayaking & wilderness glamping

Explore the lakes that feed into the Nahatlatch River on a serene kayaking adventure; soak up the scenery as you paddle across the calm jade green water, surrounded by lush forests and rugged mountains
Stay the night at a bijou glampsite, complete with riverfront patios, outdoor hot tub and dinner under the star-filled sky

Come fly on a float plane

Continue your journey to Whistler, one of Canada’s most exclusive destinations, bursting with boutique shops, bars, restaurants and aprés nightlife
Take to the skies in a sensational 30-minute flight over Whistler Valley, with a bird’s eye view over the immense mountains, glaciers, valleys and rivers

Bear spotting in Whistler

Spend a morning immersed in nature with an indigenous herbalist; learn about medicinal local plants and discover how each tree has its own special story
Take a 4×4 excursion in search of wild black bears (they actually vary in colour from black to cinnamon brown), with optional hiking and wild swimming

Vancouver calling

Drive the Sea to Sky Highway to Shannon Falls Park to admire the 335-metre waterfall, stretch your legs with a stunning ridge hike and enjoy an alfresco lunch
Round off your road trip in cosmopolitan Vancouver – one of the most liveable cities in the world, cradled between the ocean and the mountains

Cycling in Stanley Park

Uncover the secrets of Stanley Park, cycling along woodland trails and visiting the iconic totem poles to learn about its First Nations history
Spend some free time exploring Vancouver’s eclectic neighborhoods, perhaps taking a ferry over to artistic Granville Island
Gather with your group for a farewell dinner in Vancouver’s dynamic downtown and raise a toast to the epic adventure you’ve shared

Catch you next time, Canada

Bid adieu to your fellow travellers and make your own way to the airport for your onward flight home; your Pack Leader will be on hand to help arrange a taxi
It’s not every day you return from a trip feeling accomplished and motivated to tackle life head-on. That’s the power of Canada for you. From float planes and bear spotting to dramatic hikes and kayaking – you’ve done it all while forging new friendships against a backdrop of intense beauty. Next up: anything you put your mind to

Where you'll be staying

We often feature these unique hotels on this trip, with final options confirmed a month before departure. We work with these or similar hotels to ensure a stylish and comfortable stay every time.

REO Rafting Resort

This bijou retreat celebrates the very best of Canada’s great outdoors. Guests stay in airy canvas tents complete with wooden flooring, cosy duvets and views of the starlit sky. Relax on your private deck or soak in the outdoor hot tub, before falling asleep to the sound of the river – a real back to nature experience.

Revelstoke Glacier House Resort

Nestled between the Selkirk and Monashee mountain ranges, with breathtaking views all around, this alpine-style adventure lodge has a true backcountry feel. Cosy up in rustic log cabins, relax in the hot tub and sauna, and enjoy classic Canadian cuisine on the sunny patio overlooking Begbie Glacier.

Opus Vancouver

This red-brick and glass building sits in the heart of Yaletown – a chic, historic district in downtown Vancouver. Light-filled rooms feature bold colours and geometric prints, while luxurious baths and heated floors add a touch of luxe. With complimentary e-bikes provided for guests, you’ll be well placed for soaking up the city vibe.

Adventure FAQs

Which airport do I need to fly into and out of (plus airport code)?

Fly into Calgary International Airport (YYC) and out of Vancouver International Airport (YVR).

What time should my flight arrive (in time for the welcome meeting)?

Try to arrive before 3 pm in Calgary on Day 1 if you can, but we will pick you up anytime.

What time should my flight depart on the last day?

There are no planned activities for Day 15 of this adventure, so you’re free to leave any time you wish.

Do you include airport transfers?

If you arrive on Day 1 of your adventure, or you book pre-tour accommodation with us, your airport arrival transfer will be included. If you book alternative pre-tour accommodation or are arriving by another mode of transport you must arrange your own arrival transfer.

Arrival transfers are private to Flash Pack and will be in groups depending on flight times. Sometimes this means waiting in the airport for a short while until other flights have arrived.

The departure transfer is not included, but your Pack Leader can help you arrange a local taxi.

What level of fitness do I need?

You don’t need to train beforehand to take part in the hiking, canoeing or kayaking elements of this trip. They’re all designed to be moderate in terms of fitness levels. The most challenging activity is the Day 7 hike in Rossland, but the adventure is fairly relaxed and you’ll always have a guide on-hand for help and support.

We recommend having a read-through of the itinerary above to make sure you are happy partaking in the activities mentioned. Please get in touch if you have specific questions on fitness.

Will I need any special equipment for the caving activity?

Hard hats, torches and overalls will be provided, but please be aware the caves will be chilly so you’ll need to wear some warm layers. Even on a hot summer day, the caves maintain a consistent temperature of around 5°C/41°F.

Do I need a visa?

Up-to-date visa and entry information can be found using our official partner, Sherpa, who can help you arrange a visa if needed.

You can also find essential travel advice – including security and local laws, as well as passport and visa information – on the government website of your home country:

UK residents: review the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice before your adventure.
US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice for important travel information.
Australian residents: check the Smart Traveler website for up-to-date travel advice.
Residents of other countries: refer to the travel advice provided by your own government or local consulate.

Please be aware that passport and visa requirements can change before departure, so it’s important to stay updated with the latest information.

What vaccinations and medication will I need?

While we are not medical professionals and cannot offer personalised medical advice, we want to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable adventure. Here are some tips to help you prepare.

1. Consult with a healthcare professional

We recommend scheduling an appointment with your travel nurse or doctor at least eight weeks before your adventure. This will give you ample time to receive any necessary vaccines or medications.

2. Up-to-date medical advice

UK residents: visit the NHS Fit For Travel website for the latest medical advice.
US residents: check the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for specialised health information.
Australian residents: refer to the Smart Traveler Health website for current medical advice.

3. Government travel advice

UK residents: review the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice before your adventure.
US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice for important travel information.
Australian residents: check the Smart Traveler website for up-to-date travel advice.

4. Medication tips

If you take prescription medication, ensure you bring enough to last the entire adventure, plus a few extra days in case of travel delays. Carry a copy of your prescription with you in case you need to visit a clinic while abroad.

We hope this information will help you prepare for a safe and healthy adventure.

How much should I budget per day for extras?

We recommend budgeting around 100 CAD per day for extras like meals, drinks and activities.

Will this itinerary change?

Please be aware that the itinerary, activities and hotels are subject to change. These changes can happen with little notice due to availability, poor weather, seasonal changes, or other circumstances beyond our control – but we’ll always do our best to ensure it has little impact on your experience. From time to time, we may also make changes to your itinerary to try out new ideas and keep things fresh and exciting.

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