Totem Circle
Overview
Print PageRoute - 3768 km / 2341 mi
Day | Location | Distance | Duration |
---|---|---|---|
01 | Vancouver to Victoria (via ferry) | 69 km / 43 mi | Approx. 2 hours |
02 | Victoria | ||
03 | Victoria to Tofino | 316 km / 196 mi | Approx. 5 hours |
04 | Tofino / Ucluelet | ||
05 | Tofino to Campbell River | 272 km / 169 mi | Approx. 3 hours 20 minutes |
06 | Campbell River | ||
07 | Campbell River to Port Hardy | 230 km / 143 mi | Approx. 2 hours 26 minutes |
08 | Port Hardy to Prince Rupert (via ferry) | Ferry: full day sailing | |
09 | Prince Rupert | ||
10 | Prince Rupert to Prince George | 722 km / 449 mi | Approx. 8 hours |
11 | Prince George to Jasper | 375 km / 233 mi | Approx. 3 hours 51 minutes |
12 | Jasper | ||
13 | Jasper | ||
14 | Jasper to Lake Louise | 236 km / 147 mi | Approx. 2 hours 56 minutes |
15 | Lake Louise to Banff | 63 km / 39 mi | Approx. 40 minutes |
16 | Banff | ||
17 | Banff to Calgary | 12 km / 7 mi | Approx. 1 hour 29 minutes |
18 | Calgary to Waterton National Park | 263 km / 163 mi | Approx. 2 hours |
19 | Waterton National Park | ||
20 | Waterton National Park to West Glacier (Montana) | 146 km / 91 mi | Approx. 2 hours |
21 | West Glacier to Nelson | 436 km / 271 mi | Approx. 5 hours 10 minutes |
22 | Nelson to Osoyoos | 262 km / 163 mi | Approx. 3 hours 5 minutes |
23 | Osoyoos | ||
24 | Osoyoos to Vancouver | 395 km / 245 mi | Approx. 4 hours 40 minutes |
Vancouver to Victoria (via ferry)
Victoria
Victoria to Tofino
Tofino / Ucluelet
Tofino to Campbell River
Campbell River
Campbell River to Port Hardy
Port Hardy to Prince Rupert (via ferry)
Prince Rupert
Prince Rupert to Prince George
Prince George to Jasper
Jasper
Jasper
Jasper to Lake Louise
Lake Louise to Banff
Banff
Banff to Calgary
Calgary to Waterton National Park
Waterton National Park
Waterton National Park to West Glacier (Montana)
West Glacier to Nelson
Nelson to Osoyoos
Osoyoos
Osoyoos to Vancouver
Trip Details
As you approach the Bay, the island on the south side of the ferry is Pender Island. As you drive out of the ferry terminal, you join Highway 17 into Victoria. About seven minutes into your drive, you’ll arrive in Sidney on your left. Turn into this beautiful, seaside town and enjoy the man books and coffee shops, whale watching and strolling down the pedestrian-friendly main drag.
CanaDream Club Partners:
- Victoria Butterfly Gardens
- Sidney Whale Watching
- Oceanside RV – Parkbridge
- Tsawwassen RV Resort
- Gulf of Georgia Cannery
- Harbour Air Seaplanes
- Vancouver Whale Watch
- Seabreeze Adventures
- Save-on-Foods (Scottsdale Centre-Delta)
- Adrena LINE
- BeaverTails - Victoria
- Craigdarroch Castle
- Five Star Whale Watching
- Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse
Drive into Victoria and spend the next two days wandering in old downtown and the waterfront. See the Parliament Buildings and have high tea at the Empress Hotel. < Close by is the Royal BC Museum and IMAX Theatre. If you enjoy historic houses, take an easy eight-minute drive from Victoria's Inner Harbour, up Fort Street, right on Joan Cresent to visit Craigdarroch Castle.
Victoria is also famous for whale watching. Make sure to check out the CanaDream app to take advantage of discounts. While downtown, wander over to Beacon Hill Park for a picnic or stroll.
CanaDream Club Partners:
- Orca Spirit Adventures
- Springtide Victoria Whale Tours
- The Pedaler Cycling Tours
- Craigdarroch Castle
- Off The Eaten Track
- IMAX Victoria
- Five Star Whale Watching
- Fort Victoria RV Park
- Malahat Mountain Meadows RV Resort & Campground
- Salish Seaside RV Haven
- Pedder Bay RV Resort & Marina
- The Royal BC Museum
On your way up the Trans Canada Highway, Bamberton Provincial Park is a worthwhile stop for a scenic break. Duncan, nestled in the Cowichan Valley, is also an interesting stop.
Part way up the west side of the island, you will come to a town named Chemainus. This is a pretty little seaside town with different murals painted on the sides of many downtown buildings. Branching off the Trans Canada Highway onto Highway 4, just north of Nanaimo, you will be on your way to Port Alberni and Tofino.
For another scenic break, you may want to stop in either Little Qualicum Falls, McMillan or Sproat Lake Provincial Parks. As you continue, stop in Coombs to see the goats that graze on the roof of a local establishment, and stop at Cathedral Grove (a must!), near Port Alberni. Walk among huge old-growth rain forest with trees up to two to three metres thick.
CanaDream Club Partners:
- Cedar Springs Ranch
- Malahat Mountain Meadows
- Country Maples RV Resort (Holiday Trails) south of Chemainus
- Mountainaire Campground & RV Park
- Whiskey Creek Campground
- Surf Grove Beachside Campground
- Jamies Whaling Station - Tofino
- Paddle West Kayaking Ltd
- Tofino Resort + Marina
- West Coast Aquatic Safaris
There are a few sea-kayaking and canoeing companies that offer lessons and day trips, as well as longer tours. These trips offer storytelling, knowledge-sharing about plant life and survival skills, and a day out on the water.
And, if you are passionate about playing golf, there is a golf course overlooking the ocean very close to Parks Canada's Green Point Campground.
CanaDream Club Partners:
- Ocean EcoVentures Whale Watching
- Country Maples RV Resort
- Rondalyn Resort – Parkbridge
- Mountainaire Campground
- Vancouver Island Whale Watching
- SkyDive Vancouver Island
- Cedar Grove RV Park
- Whiskey Creek Campground
- West Coast Aquatic Safaris
- Tofino Resort + Marina
- Jamie’s Whaling Station
Continue on eventually heading north through the Lighthouse Country communities of Qualicum Bay, Bowser and Deep Bay on your way to Campbell River. Follow the Oceanside Route (19A) through the charming communities of Fanny Bay, Buckley Bay and Union Bay, making sure you stop to sample the world famous oysters in Fanny Bay. At Courtenay, you may like to take a short diversion off Highway 19A into Comox.
Other places of interest include Miracle Beach Provincial Park, where porpoises and hair seals can often be seen near the mouth of black creek. Killer whales are sometimes spotted from here in the Strait of Georgia.
From Miracle Beach Provincial Park, it's a short drive to Campbell River.
CanaDream Club Partners:
- Whiskey Creek Campground
- Cedar Grove RV Park
- Qualicum Bay Resort
- Salmon Point Resort
- 49 North Helicopters
- Brown's Bay Resort
- Campbell River Whale Watching
- Discovery West Adventures
If Quadra Island doesn't appeal, how about taking a wildlife and cultural tour with Aboriginal Journeys? This first nations wildlife and cultural tour operator offers whale watching, grizzly bear and wildlife viewing, native history and culture, nature photography and eco-adventure tours in Campbell River.
Should you prefer a day just exploring the area, take a drive down to Gold River or to Strathcona Provincial Park. A day trip to Strathcona gets you into an unparalleled natural wonderland of vast forests, great lakes, alpine meadows and challenging peaks.
CanaDream Club Partners:
If you'd like to add another day or two to this leg of your journey, we suggest you take a side trip into historic Telegraph Cove. Much of the town is built on stilts, raised above the water, and linked by a wooden boardwalk. With a permanent population of around 20 people, Telegraph Cove has reinvented itself as a hub for ecotourism. It is the departure point for a slew of outdoor activities including whale watching, bear watching, fishing, ocean kayaking, caving, diving, hiking and aboriginal cultural touring.
If you decide to continue straight through to Port Hardy, aim for an early evening arrival. Consider spending an additional day in Port Hardy and let Cove Adventure Tours guide you on hikes to remote white sandy beaches and into the North Island backcountry, exploring caves and secret coves.
CanaDream Club Partners:
- Cove Adventure Tours
- Port Hardy RV Resort
- Alder Bay RV Park
- Telegraph Cove Resort
- Sea Wolf Adventures
- Farewell Harbour Lodge
- Seasmoke Whalewatching
- Brown's Bay Resort
- Coastal Rainforest Safaris
- Discovery West Adventures
- At the Waters Edge Adventures
- Kingfisher Wilderness Adventures
Many campgrounds in Prince Rupert say open late for ferry arrivals. We suggest you make a reservation with your chosen campground.
CanaDream Club Partners:
Other places worth visiting include the world class Museum of Northern BC, the Kwinitsa Railway Museum and the Firehall Museum.
Spend a quiet moment watching the boats along the waterfront - you may find yourself rewarded by a glimpse of a harbour seal, or one of many species of seabirds. On rare occasions you may even spot humpback or killer whales.
Points of interest between Prince Rupert and Prince George include K'san Historical Village, 50 million year old fossils at Driftwood Canyon Provincial Park, and Fort St James Historic Site.
On your way south, stop in Smithers where Bulkley Adventures can take you on a Heli Tour excursion deep into the mountains surrounded by glacier covered peaks or on a thrilling jet boat tour.
Prince George is known as an all-season playground. With over 120 parks and more than 1600 nearby lakes and rivers offering endless opportunities for fishing, boating, hiking, wildlife viewing and camping, Prince George is a place for both indoor and outdoor discovery.
CanaDream Club Partners:
- Pipers Glen Resort
- Blue Cedars RV Park & Campground
- MamaYeh RV Park & Campground
- Fort St. James National Historic Site
Continuing east from McBride, take a short diversion off highway 16 into the friendly town of Valemont. Here you can canoe meandering streams or simply take in the nature around you. Late summer brings the world's longest salmon migration to the spawning ground of Swift Creek in nearby George Hicks Regional Park.
Travelling back to highway 16, you rejoin the Yellowhead Highway en route to Jasper. Pass through Mount Robson Provincial Park - named after the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies - a jagged, snowy pinnacle rising 3,954 m (12,972 ft) above largely undisturbed wilderness.
From Mount Robson, it's an easy one-hour drive through to Jasper where you should plan to spend at least two full days. Advance reservations at the National Park campgrounds are strongly recommended during the peak summer season.
CanaDream Club Partners:
- iRVins RV Park & Campground - Valemount
- Hinton / Jasper KOA
- Canadian Rockies Hot Springs
- Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
- The Jasper Planetarium
- Sun Dog Tours
- Jasper Raft Tours
- Jasper Rafting Adventures
- Maligne Adventures Ltd.
- Jasper SkyTram
- Ski Marmont Basin
- Jasper Hinton Air
Spend some time today wandering around Jasper and visiting the variety of stores along the Main Street. RV parking is available close to the downtown area.
This afternoon, head out to the Jasper Skytram. The experience of being gently transported into Jasper National Park's alpine tundra will captivate all ages. Stroll the boardwalks, viewing the interpretive plaques, and watch for wildlife.
Tonight you may like to take a trip up to Miette Hot Springs. Open between mid May and Labour Day, these hot springs consist of two pools kept at about 40 degrees Celsius. An alternative to the hot springs might be a visit to The Jasper Planetarium, the world's largest astronomy park, where you can check out the largest telescope in the Rockies and get the show of the heavens in the "Jasper Dark Sky Preserve ".
CanaDream Club Partners:
- Hinton / Jasper KOA
- Canadian Rockies Hot Springs
- Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
- The Jasper Planetarium
- Sun Dog Tours
- Jasper Raft Tours
- Jasper Rafting Adventures
- Maligne Adventures Ltd.
- Jasper SkyTram
- Ski Marmot Basin
- Jasper Food Tours
- Jasper Theatre Productions
- Journey Bike Guides
On the way back from the lake, stop at Maligne Canyon. Parks Canada has developed a self-guided interpretative trail along the canyon with signs describing the geological history of the area.
If you fancy having an active day, find a local hike or connect with a rafting company. Download the CanaDream app to receive discounts from our partners on activities. And, if you’d like to relax, drive out to the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, surrounded by captivating mountains and sparkling lakes, to enjoy the many activities, including the spa, at this historic resort.
CanaDream Club Partners:
- Hinton / Jasper KOA
- Canadian Rockies Hot Springs
- Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
- The Jasper Planetarium
- Sun Dog Tours
- Jasper Raft Tours
- Jasper Rafting Adventures
- Maligne Adventures Ltd.
- Jasper SkyTram
Allow yourself a full day to enjoy this three-hour drive so you can stop along the way. Make Athabasca Falls the first of those stops. Also keep your eyes peeled for Bow Summit, which at 2,068 m (6,785 ft.) above sea level, is the highest point on the parkway and offers one of the best mountain panoramas in the world at Peyto Lake viewpoint.
The Icefields Parkway ends in the picturesque village of Lake Louise, Located in the Bow Valley, the village provides shopping, accommodation, meals, automotive services and tourist information. Four km (2.5 mi) above the village is the lake itself, dominated by the majestic Victoria Glacier. Near Lake Louise, visit emerald-coloured Moraine Lake. Surrounded by a panorama of ten glaciated summits known as the Wenkchemna Peaks, Moraine Lake is found at the base of the Continental Divide, the geographic point where all waters flow either west to the Pacific Ocean or east to the Atlantic Ocean.
CanaDream Club Partners:
From Lake Louise, take the Bow Valley Parkway and look for the turn-off to Mount Eisenhower where you can do some hiking. According to Indian legend, this 2,862 metre turreted peak is the home of the Chinook - a warm, dry winter wind that sweeps out of the Rockies to melt snow in the foothills and prairies.
Next stop along the road is Johnston Canyon. Proceeding up the highway you will find a nine-kilometre drive that skirts the shores of the three Vermilion Lakes. The surrounding wetland, a marshy area of the Bow River, is rich in plant and animal life. Ringing the lakes are Sulphur Mountain, Mount Rundle and the peaks of the Sundance Range. An incredible view.
You will soon enter the town of Banff, which is a year-round recreation center for tourists, horseback riders, skiers, hikers and mountain climbers.
CanaDream Club Partners:
Be sure to check out the CanaDream app to take advantage of any partner discounts on activities and experiences while you’re here.
CanaDream Club Partners:
Make sure you take your time and stop in Canmore. From mountain bike tours, river adventures, including floating and rafting trips, as well as caving and spectacular helicopter tours, there is so much to do in this town. Your next stop along the way if you have time is Kananaskis where you can picnic, visit the village or stay for a night if you have extra time.
Overnight in Calgary - use our CanaDream app to receive a discount at one of many partners in this sprawling city.
CanaDream Club Partners:
- Heritage Park Historical Village
- TELUS Spark
- Calgary Tower
- Sandman Hotel Calgary
- Best Western Plus Port O Call
- Acclaim Hotel Calgary
- Best Western Premier Freeport Inn & Suites
- Save-On-Foods Calgary CrossIron Mills
- Days Inn Calgary North Balzac
- Comfort Inn & Suites Airdrie
- Wintergreen Golf & Country Club
- Save-on-Foods Cochrane
- Alberta Food Tours
- Alt Hotel Calgary East Village
- Calgary Walks & Bus Tours
- Calgary Zoo
- CLIQUE Hotel Calgary Airport
- Coast Calgary Downtown Hotel & Suites
- Comfort Inn & Suites Airport North
- Days Inn Calgary Airport
- Days Inn Calgary North Balzac
- Heritage Park Historical Village
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Calgary Airport
- Hotel 11 by Sonesta
- Hyatt Place Calgary Airport
- Sandman Hotel Calgary Airport
Turn east at the junction of Highways 22 and 3 to Pincher Creek. From Pincher Creek it's only a short drive south into Waterton National Park. This is an uncrowded natural paradise, where people, wildlife and nature peacefully co-exist all year long.
CanaDream Club Partners:
- Riverbend Campground
- Castle Mountain Resort
- Incept Adventure Co.
- Lost Lemon Campground
- Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Site
- The Fort Museum of the NWMP
- Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump Interpretive Centre
- The Fort Museum of the NWMP
Waterton Lakes National Park has over 255 km (191 mi) of trails in the Park, ranging in difficulty from short strolls to steep treks of several days' duration. Hiking is the best way to experience this paradise.
For a spectacular view over Waterton Village and the lake, there's a short, moderately strenuous hike to the overlook at the top of Bear's Hump - 2.8km round trip with an elevation gain of 225m. Or, rent a canoe or kayak at Cameron Lake for some water fun. Waterton Park offers a huge variety of fishing experiences, too.
Take a trip up to Red Rock Canyon - a 16 kilometer drive from Waterton Village, where the layers of red and green coloured minerals offer a brilliant contrast to each other and the lush surroundings.
CanaDream Club Partners:
If you're travelling between early June and late October, the easiest way to get from Waterton to Glacier National Park, Montana, is through the Chief Mountain border crossing. Between November and the end of May, the next closest port of entry to the USA is at Carway, south of Cardston.
From the Chief Mountain border crossing, it's a spectacular drive south, through the small town of Babb to St Mary. St Mary is at the eastern end of the "Going to the Sun Road", one of the most amazing highlights of Glacier National Park. To truly appreciate the "Going to the Sun Road", you should allow enough time to travel it in each direction. Take a guided tour or use the Park shuttle to experience this spectacular scenic highway.
After completing the road in both directions, you will be back in St Mary. As you are unable to take your RV over the "Going to the Sun Road", you will need to continue your journey around the perimeter of the park to get to your next overnight stop in West Glacier. Allow a couple of hours to get there.
If you're travelling outside of the peak travel months of July and August, we suggest you check to make sure the "Going to the Sun Road" is open before crossing the border into the USA.
CanaDream Club Partners:
The Kootenai (in the US) and Kootenay Rockies (in Canada) provide some spectacular mountain scenery today as you drive west on Highway 2 through Kalispell and Libby to Moyie Springs. Just east of Moyie Springs is the junction of US Highways 2 and 95 where you head north towards the border crossing at Porthill, Idaho.
US Highway 1, becomes Canadian Highway 21 at Rykerts, 11km south of Creston, BC. Nestled in the Creston Valley, between the Selkirk and Purcell Mountains, the attractive town of Creston presides over a broad and fertile river valley where the Kootenay River comes home to Kootenay Lake.
At Creston, you have the choice of saving time on your journey by taking Highway 3 west towards Osoyoos or travelling up the east side of the Kootenay Lake on Highway 3A. If you have the time, we recommend you take the second option.On this route, beautiful scenery, sandy beaches and panoramic views of the Selkirk and Purcell Mountains are sure to delight both young and old. At Kootenay Lake, you’ll take the Kootenay Lake Ferry to Balfour.
After disembarking the ferry at Balfour, you may like to take the road left up to Ainsworth Hot Springs, a few kilometres north of Balfour. If not, continue on to your destination for today, Nelson.
CanaDream Club Partners:
- Red Mountain Resort
- Whitewater Ski Resort
- Kokanee Springs Meadows Resort
- Black Sheep Camp Kootenay River
- Fernie RV Resort
- Fort Steele Resort & RV Park
- Cranbrook / St. Eugene KOA
- Kimberley Riverside Campground
- Kimberley Alpine Resort
- Mountain Park Resort
- Pair-A-Dice RV Park & Campground
Located in the heart of the Kettle Valley, surrounded by the protective mountains of the Okanagan and Kootenay regions, is the small village of Midway>. Worth visiting here is the Kettle River Museum, located at Mile Zero of the Kettle Valley Railway.
From Midway to Osoyoos, Highway 3 skirts the Canada/US border until it reaches Osoyoos in the heart of BC's Desert Wine Country. Located at the northern-most tip of the Sonora Desert, Osoyoos is one of the largest fruit growing areas in Canada.
Take a dip in Lake Osoyoos, Canada's warmest lake, rent a boat from the Marina, celebrate thousands of years of Okanagan First Nations' habitation on desert lands at the Nk'Mip Desert Cultural Centre or just relax in some of the highest average temperatures in Canada.
If you're a wine lover, a winery tour in this region is a must!
CanaDream Club Partners:
- Christina Pines Campground
- Nk’ Mip Campground and RV Park
- Summit RV Resort
- Woodbury Resort
- Kokanee Springs Meadows Resort
- Whitewater Ski Resort
- RED Mountain Resort
Spend your day exploring Osoyoos and the region. From winery tours, museums and walks, enjoy the beauty and warmth of this gorgeous Okanagan town.
Spend your day exploring Osoyoos and the region. From winery tours, museums and walks, enjoy the beauty and warmth of this gorgeous Okanagan town. Consider a drive up Highway 97 into the heart of the Okanagan Valley. You can travel as far as the Shuswap Lake area before returning to Osoyoos through Kelowna, Peachland and Penticton. Don’t forget to check out your CanaDream app for partners in these areas that offer discounts.CanaDream Club Partners:
- Nk’ Mip Campground and RV Park
- Desert Gem RV Resort
- Summit RV Resort
- Gallagher Lake Resort / A Parkbridge Camping & RV Resort
From Osoyoos, Highway 3 takes a south-west toward the US border before it takes a sharp turn again north to Keremeos. The Keremeos area boasts some of the most spectacular scenery in North America.
Located just 30 minutes west from Keremeos is Cathedral Lakes Provincial Park, with its amazing towering mountains and their waterfall veils. If you decide to spend the day hiking in Cathedral Lakes Provincial Park, you may like to add a day to your journey and spend the night in Hedley.
Nestled in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains at the junction of the Tulameen and Similkameen rivers is Princeton, a town rich in history and filled with tales from the early days and adventures of the gold rush era.
The next leg of your trip will take you through mountainous terrain to Manning Provincial Park before reaching the town of Hope. Join the Trans Canada Highway as you leave Hope and travel through the rich farm country of the Fraser Valley. Continuing along Highway 1, the farm country begins to disappear gradually as you approach the cities that make up the Greater Vancouver region.
CanaDream Club Partners:
- Sunshine Valley RV Resort
- Coquihalla Campground
- Bridal Falls Camperland RV Resort
- Pacific Border RV Park
- Peace Arch RV Park
- Burnaby Cariboo R.V. Park
- Steveston Seabreeze Adventures
- Vancouver Whale Watch
- Quality Hotel Airport
- Accent Inn Vancouver
- Landsea Tours & Adventures
- Off The Eaten Track – Olympic Village Food Tour
- Off The Eaten Track – Railtown Urban Eats Tour
- Sandman Vancouver City Centre
- Vancouver Lookout
- Cycle City Tours and Rentals
- Harbour Air Seaplanes
- Harbour Cruises Ltd.
- Stanley Park Horse-Drawn Tours
- Vancouver Aquarium
- Talaysay Tours
- Capilano River RV Park
- Capilano Suspension Bridge
- Grouse Mountain
- River Valley RV Park - Keremeos
- Manning Park Resort
- Princeton Municipal RV Park & Campground
- Princeton Museum
- Harrison Eco Tours
- Fort Langley National Historic Site
- Save-on-Foods (Scottsdale Centre-Delta)
- Metropolis at Metrotown Mall