100% customisable travel idea
From the American West to Canada Grand road trip through the Rockies
United States - Yellowstone - Grand Teton - Canada - Rocky Mountains - Vancouver
100% customisable travel idea
United States - Yellowstone - Grand Teton - Canada - Rocky Mountains - Vancouver
100% customisable for you
Flight to Bozeman, in Montana. Round these parts it's very much no frills. Locals grow up learning how to throw a lasso to herd the cattle. It's not unusual to gallop off and set up camp in the middle of nowhere. Montana is famous for its wide open spaces. It has a population of one million spread over 147,000 square miles (380,000 square kilometres), an area larger than Germany. Basically, it never gets crowded here.
At the airport, pick up your rental car and drive to downtown Bozeman, where art galleries, designer boutiques, cafés and trendy restaurants are springing up all over the place. Stay for one night in a former motel renovated in a contemporary, welcoming style. The spacious and comfortable rooms are perfect for tired travellers. The atmosphere is friendly and the service is attentive. There's an outdoor lounge, a food truck in front of the hotel and a café in reception.
Not to be missed - Museum of the Rockies, a renowned natural history museum and home to the world's largest collection of dinosaur fossils.
Head south towards Yellowstone National Park, the oldest and largest of the American national parks. Here bison roam among fumaroles, geysers, hot springs and mud pools, with spectacular waterfalls and canyons as a backdrop. On the way, stop in Livingston. Nestled between the mountains, this delightfully picturesque town was the first gateway to Yellowstone when the railway arrived here. In the downtown area, you'll find Montana's oldest independent bookshop, as well as the Mint Bar, whose floor is covered with 400,000 pennies (or 4,000 dollars). Continue driving and stay for one night in Gardiner, at the north entrance to the park, still on the Montana side. The hotel has recently had a makeover. The rooms are extra large, as is often the case in the United States, and perfectly adequate in terms of comfort. Peaks and rivers take shape in the distance, an outdoor firepit awaits you, and the indoor pool is a pleasant surprise.
Our suggestion - Mammoth Hot Springs. Just a 15 minute drive from your accommodation, on the Wyoming side, these limestone terraces are a rare natural spectacle and give you your first glimpse of the wonders that await in the park itself. Quite apart from their mesmerising beauty, the hot springs are one of the main attractions. To escape the crowds, set out on the Beaver Ponds Trail, a 5 mile (8 kilometre) loop that winds past small ponds where beavers and muskrats can sometimes be spotted.
First thing today, animal lovers and budding naturalists will want to set off early for Lamar Valley. Every morning, it is visited by hundreds of bison, along with wolves, antelope, and even grizzlies and black bears! Then, continue on to Norris Geyser Basin with its numerous geysers and turquoise and multicoloured hot springs. Here, you can hear the earth breathing, and there are two trails which take you up close to all the bubbling activity. Finally, you absolutely must stop at the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. This colossal gorge is 19 miles (30 km) long, 1,150 feet (350 metres) deep, and 3,937 feet (1,200 metres) wide and is still being carved out by the river. Several waterfalls flow into the canyon, the most impressive being Lower Falls, which plunges from a height of 305 feet (93 metres). That's twice as high as Niagara Falls!
Stay for two nights close to the park's west entrance, on the main street of a small town where everything you need is within walking distance. You can stroll to restaurants, shops, casinos and even the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center. The town is mainly full of visitors, with whom you can chat enthusiastically about the wonders of Yellowstone. You might see the odd ranger too. The rooms are American style with wide beds, soft seating and carpet. The indoor pool is a bonus, as is the hot tub. At the breakfast buffet, you'll find the traditional eggs and sausages, and plenty of options if you've got a sweet tooth.
The highlights - Old Faithful, THE star of Yellowstone and one of the tallest hot water geysers in the world, erupts roughly every 90 minutes and can reach 131 feet (40 metres) high, or even 164 feet (50 metres) on a good day. From the geyser, take one of the hiking trails of various lengths that weave between the park's hot springs and geysers. Upper Geyser Basin, in the north, has the highest concentration of hot water geysers in the park, with relatively unpredictable eruptions. Grand Prismatic Spring, a stunning multicoloured lake and true natural wonder, can be admired from the busy Midway Geyser Basin or by hiking the Fairy Falls Trail. This trail leads to a platform overlooking the vast body of water where you can see it in full.
Drive south to reach Jackson, a picturesque town with historic buildings and wooden sidewalks, surrounded by the snow capped peaks of Grand Teton. Perched at 6,233 feet (1,900 metres) above sea level, it transforms into a ski resort in the winter. In the main square, an elk antler arch is a reminder that the Shoshone and Bannock people used to hunt here before settlers arrived in the 19th century.
Stay for two nights just a few blocks from the centre, at a property with real Western charm. Twenty or so log cabins are scattered throughout the retreat. Inside, there is wood, wood and more wood. And there's everything you need to feel at home, including a kitchenette. Outside a few picnic tables and barbecues are perfect for enjoying meals outdoors, while the swimming pool offers a much appreciated chance to unwind after exploring the park far and wide.
Few places have views as breathtaking as those of Grand Teton and Jackson Hole, taking in as they do, rugged peaks, crystal-clear alpine lakes and lush conifer forests. You may get to observe an incredibly rich array of wildlife in their natural habitat too. See if you can spot moose, bison, antelope, mule deer, wolves, black bears, grizzlies and golden eagles. Three scenic roads run through the park where you can take it all in. Take your pick from Teton Park Road, Jenny Lake Scenic Drive and Signal Mountain Summit Road, or drive down all three.
Already booked - Horseback riding in Grand Teton. With a guide, saddle up to explore some of the most beautiful parts of the national park, such as Christian Pond and Elk Flats. Along the way, you'll enjoy stunning views of Oxbow Bend and the surrounding mountains. The guide, who knows the area like the back of their hand, shares information about the region's history, local wildlife and plants.
Optional extra - Fishing on Lake Jackson.
The drive to Salt Lake City is quite long (5 hours), but also very beautiful. Highlights on the way include - Grays Lake National Wildlife Refuge, a vast green plain watched over by Caribou Mountain - the winding waters of the Portneuf Marsh Valley Canal - and the shimmering expanse of Great Salt Lake.
Stay for one night in downtown Salt Lake City, the capital and most populous city of Utah, nestled at the foot of the Wasatch Range. Your accommodation on Main Street, not far from the tram, stands out with its red brick facade rising over sixteen floors. While skyscrapers are springing up all over, this is Downtown, after all, you can still glimpse the mountains in the distance. The lobby is welcoming with its soft shades of brown and blue. The light cast by the chandeliers reflects off the polished wooden surfaces. It's hard to imagine anything better in terms of amenities. There's two restaurants, a café, an indoor-outdoor pool and even a few shops. The generously sized rooms have large beds. As for breakfast, it will set you up for the day.
Our suggestion for the evening - Sunset at Antelope Island State Park. This place, suspended in time, has a unique atmosphere, quite unlike other parks in the region, with its vast salt lakes set against a backdrop of mountains. It is also home to the largest herd of bison in the state. Go there at sunset for an even more magical experience.
Drive to the airport, return the rental car and fly to Calgary. Upon arrival, pick up your new rental car and take a short 90 minute drive to leave the vast plains behind and head up towards the peaks of Banff. Along the way, the route passes through a cattle rearing region dotted with lots of ranches and overlooked by beautiful cliffs.
Stay for two nights on the corner of a quiet street and the town centre, straddling both worlds. A lovely balcony wraps around this large mountain chalet set over three floors. Inside it's the same story, with mostly handmade wooden furniture. You may be surprised to learn that the building, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, is over a century old. Comfortable and well equipped, the interiors don't look their age.
The charming town of Banff stretches along the valley carved by the Bow River. People come here to admire its hoodoos, tall spires of rock formed by erosion, also known as fairy chimneys, and its hot springs. Banff National Park is breathtaking, with its snow-capped mountains, deep valleys and lakes, such as the turquoise Moraine Lake. The landscape features snow-dusted peaks, glaciers, mounds of flat black stones tumbling into the water, torrents of water surging into lakes and dense conifer forests which are home to deer.
In your itinerary - Sulphur Mountain on the Banff Gondola. Known for its hot springs, this mountain is also famous for its diverse, unspoiled nature. At the summit, enjoy the stunning views of Banff National Park and its majestic landscape. You can then set out on the hiking trails that run along the mountain ridges, or have lunch in one of the high altitude restaurants. Take the cable car back down the mountain.
Optional extra - Guided walks around Lake Louise and Moraine Lake.
The time has come to head to Jasper. To get there, the route follows the Trans-Canada Highway, then the Icefields Parkway, as Highway 93 is known, from Lake Louise. This road, which winds through glaciers, is considered to be one of the most beautiful in the world. At every turn it reveals breathtaking scenery of sparkling peaks, forests, emerald lakes and waterfalls. You then enter Jasper National Park to reach the town of Jasper. You stay here for two nights. The front of the hotel is a mix of stone and wood. There's plenty of street life and you have a front-row seat, thanks to the central location. In the background, clouds are caught by the contours of the landscape. The rooms are spacious and feature a relatively modern décor, especially for this region. You won't want to hang around though. Make the most of the hotel's facilities, especially the pool and delightful hot tub. And, above all, get out to explore Jasper National Park beyond.
You are in the heart of Canada's largest national park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its beautiful mountains, streams, forests and lakes. So your route today is naturally punctuated by a few carefully chosen stops. First of all, Maligne Canyon, a natural wonder with its 164 feet (50 metre) deep gorges carved out by the water. Follow the relatively easy trail to get beautiful views of this famous limestone gorge. A little further on, a photo stop is a must at Medicine Lake, which disappears in the autumn. It's not uncommon to spot bears, moose and elk along the route, which is an added bonus.
Already included - Maligne Lake Cruise. This is one of the most beautiful lakes in the Rockies, bordered on one side by pine-covered hills and on the other by snow-capped peaks reflected in the vivid turquoise waters. As you travel across the lake aboard a heated boat, Spirit Island, a wild picture postcard islet, comes into view. The boat stops here so you can take a walk.
Optional extra - Canoeing on Pyramid Lake.
The next part of the Canadian leg of your journey takes you to British Columbia where the provincial border is marked by the ridge of the surrounding mountains. You cross it at Yellowhead Pass, at an elevation of 3,717 feet (1,133 metres). Clearwater comes into view, set amidst wild and captivating nature, at the entrance to Wells Gray Provincial Park.
Stay for two nights inside the park, at a simple and welcoming ranch that dates back to 1912. The log cabin and the various buildings scattered across the meadow instantly transport you to the heart of a Western, where nature plays the leading role. Inside, the tastefully decorated cabin style rooms are perfectly in tune with the setting. Naturally, there is no shortage of activities. You can take your pick from rafting, canoeing, fishing and horse riding.
Clearwater is an ideal base for enjoying the wonders of Wells Gray Park at your own pace. Eagles soar over conifer forests inhabited by moose, bears and cougars, salmon brave Bailey's Falls and beavers build dams in the rivers. You are truly in the heart of wild and untamed Canada, a land made for outdoor activities. A single road winds through Wells Gray Provincial Park before reaching a dead end after 43 miles (70 km). Only the first 19 miles (30 km) are paved. The park is home to stunning waterfalls, such as Spahats Falls, which rise 196 feet (60 metres) high, and Moul Falls, which can be reached after hiking for one hour through the heart of the forest. As for Helmcken Falls, they are at their best in the late afternoon, bathed in the light of the setting sun. If you like hiking, the Trophy Mountain trail crosses some of the most beautiful meadows in the Rockies, where beautiful wild flowers bloom in summer.
Plan to spend the day travelling to Whistler, 261 miles (420 km) from Clearwater, as there are plenty of attractions along the way. While the first part of the journey along the North Thompson River is already beautiful, the second part, heading west, is even more stunning. Pass through small villages with original names, such as Walhachin or Lillooet, before reaching Duffey Lake and Joffre Lakes. With their emerald waters and stunning views, they are the perfect setting for a picnic.
Stay for two nights in the heart of Whistler. The hotel occupies a V-shaped building with three floors, and looks like a Swiss chalet. Inside, the décor is on trend and features warm tones. In the restaurant, modern tapas is served, prepared mainly with local products. The fish and seafood are caught nearby, and the cheeses come from Vancouver Island. The menu changes regularly and is paired with wines from the region. Finally, the wellness spaces, such as the pool, spa and sauna will help you recover after hours spent on the road.
The drive to Vancouver (2 hours) starts with beautiful natural scenery, then gives way to a completely different, more urban landscape. Stretched between the bay and the mountains, the City of Glass will charm you with its setting and its cosmopolitan, trendy atmosphere. You stay just a stone's throw from Gastown, the site of the original settlement and its sawmill, that became the core of the city. A stroll along the harbour, in the restored old warehouse district, is a must. To the south is Granville Island. The former Industrial Island has been transformed into a cultural district. People come here by water taxi to stroll, shop, see shows or exhibitions, and above all, to fill their tote bags at the Public Market.
Return your rental car and stay for three nights in the centre of Vancouver. Dating back to 1913, the building is one of the oldest hotels in the city and reopened about ten years ago after extensive renovation. Spread over six floors, there are dozens of rooms. Nevertheless, each one is different, as if to confirm the historic character of the building. Beige, grey and white are used throughout. These understated tones pair beautifully with the dark wood furniture. The bathrooms have underfloor heating and marble flooring.
In your itinerary - Vancouver on foot with a private guide. A patchwork of cultural, architectural and natural treasures, the city has a host of different atmospheres and styles. Seeing it in a single day can be quite a challenge, unless you have the right company! For a few hours, you and your guide are exactly where you should be. Have breakfast at Coal Harbour, walk on the Capilano Suspension Bridge, visit the Museum of Vancouver (MOV) and the Vancouver Art Gallery. And then, climb Lions Gate Bridge or to the top of Grouse Mountain for breathtaking views of the surroundings.
Optional extra - Scenic seaplane flight.
Our suggestions for the day - Stanley Park, a 990 acre (400 hectare) urban park of pristine nature in the heart of the built up city. The park is majestic, and the gardens, such as the rose garden, the Ted and Mary Greig Rhododendron Garden, and the Shakespeare Garden, are all charming. The seawall promenade is a spectacular way to walk around the park. As for the hiking trails, they stretch for miles, welcoming walkers, joggers and cyclists who come to enjoy the green, tree filled surroundings. At Brockton Point, the north-eastern tip of the park, the totem poles honour the indigenous communities of British Columbia, past and present. The park, which extends from the West End neighbourhood, is connected by a bridge and by water taxi to North Vancouver, or North Van. Here, against all odds, nature is reclaiming its place. Slightly further afield you can experience treetop walkways and the Cliffwalk, an impressive walkway built along the side of the cliff. A little further north, you can climb Grouse Mountain, either on foot, on the Grouse Grind trail, or by cable car, which welcomes hikers in summer and skiers in winter. If you like panoramic views you will also want to climb up to The Eye of the Wind, an observation deck at the top of a wind turbine. It's a very unusual vantage point over the surrounding area. Finally, be sure to stop at Deep Cove, a charming village nestled between the sea and the mountains.
Optional extra - Use of an electric bike.
Transfer to the airport and international return flight. Night on board, arrival the following day.
This suggested itinerary can be customisable down to the smallest detail, including duration, stops and content. An à la carte menu of experiences is also available to create a journey that reflects who you are.
Every day, our travel specialists craft bespoke experiences shaped around each traveller's profile, desires and budget. These passionate experts design experiences delivered on the ground by a local network of Concierges and trusted contacts. These fully customisable, made-to-measure trips are complemented by a wide range of high-end services (lounges, 24/7 assistance, travel booklet, app, Wi-Fi, restaurant booking, etc.)
Let us create your trip
Every day, our travel specialists craft bespoke experiences shaped around each traveller's profile, desires and budget. These passionate experts design experiences delivered on the ground by a local network of Concierges and trusted contacts. These fully customisable, made-to-measure trips are complemented by a wide range of high-end services (lounges, 24/7 assistance, travel booklet, app, Wi-Fi, restaurant booking, etc.)
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