Journey Itinerary for Driving from Calgary to Vancouver

Journey Itinerary for Driving from Calgary to Vancouver

A HELLUVA RIDE:Let's dive into my unforgettable experience on the Trek America Mountie tour across Canada—an insanely wild journey filled with memories that'll last a lifetime!

(A heads up, this ride's no walk in the park, but it's worth every damn minute.)

Well, ain't no easin' into a Trek America trip! It starts with an early morning briefing, followed by a mad dash for Timmy's coffee and a Walmart spending spree, stocking up on all sorts of Canadian-themed goodies. Next, we cram ten bloggers and two guides into our badass Trek America minivan, and we're off like a shot—hungry as hell for some serious adventure!

Our first glimpse of the Rockies is a mix of awe and fear, as the grey, moody skies and light rain swirl around us like some goddamn natural phenomenon. Most of us didn't pack for cold weather, so we're in for a rude awakening! Thankfully, the rain clears up just in time for us to reach the picturesque Banff—home to some epic trail hikes, like the Tunnel Mountain.

CAMPING 101:The first night camping is a real eye-opener for most of us city slickers. Despite having camped before, I'm no seasoned pro, and freezing my ass off in June was a reality check. Still, I survived the night and woke up, ready as hell for another day of wild Canadian adventure!

THE LAKES:Day two is lake paradise! We kicked things off with a peaceful canoe ride on Emerald Lake, taking in the vivid greens and remnants of recent avalanches. Then, we hit the famous Lake Louise, with its stunning turquoise blue waters courtesy of the mineral-rich glacier. It was like stepping into another world!

ICEFIELDS PARKWAY:On day three, we tackled the Icefields Parkway, home to a helicopter flight over the Rockies, a hike on the Athabasca glacier, and one hell of a surprise I won't give away! For the full scoop, check out my detailed account of that day.

WE WELCOME BC:With half the tour behind us, we crossed the border into British Columbia, home turf for our guide Heather. Ditching Alberta's famous national parks, we headed to BC's provincial parks, and I swear, heaven must be located right here!

First up was Mount Robson Provincial Park, with its towering mountain usually shrouded in clouds. Ignoring the weather, we hiked to Kinney Lake for one of the best lunch spots of the trip—and for the more adventurous among us, a refreshing (read: freezing cold) swim in the lake waters!

WELLS GRAY PROVINCIAL PARK:With two days in Wells Gray, we had plenty of time to explore its "waterfall park" reputation, complete with 39 insane waterfalls. We chased them, sung TLC, and formed a makeshift cowboy band that'd make Johnny Cash proud.

CLEARWATER TO WHISTLER:On day eight, we embraced our van, cruising nearly 500 miles from Clearwater to Whistler. We sang our hearts out to 90s tunes, kept our eyes peeled for sights along the Historic Gold Rush Trail, and reveled in nature's beauty.

WHISTLER R&R:Whistler was the perfect last stop to chill out and recharge. We grooved to sushi, partied in local bars, swam ( Leopold Bloom-style) in the frigid glacier-fed lake, and soaked up the beauty of Lost Lake on our final day.

LEAVING ON A HIGH:Our last day involved one more epic waterfall, Shannon Falls, and a final afternoon of food and drink in spectacular Vancouver. There were many teary goodbyes and too many hugs. Though we connected quickly and formed strong bonds on this trip, it's time to face reality—adventure doesn't last forever!

MY TAKEAWAYS:I've been on two Trek America tours, so I've got some insider tips for the Mountie. Here are a few:

1. Prep for cold weather, even in summer.
2. Book one night in a hotel before and after the trip.
3. Buy (then donate) bedding from a thrift store or supermarket.
4. Waterproofs, hiking boots, and a good sleeping bag are essential gear.
5. Invest in the helicopter flight, trust me on this one!
6. Chat up your guides, they're filled with awesome stories and local knowledge.

Ready to embark on your own Trek America adventure? I want to hear from you! Leave your thoughts in the comments below.

I was a guest of Trek America and Explore Canada on this trip, but as always, all words and opinions are my own and unbiased.

1. Solo travel enthusiasts will appreciate the adventure and camaraderie during the Trek America Mountie tour, providing a lifestyle filled with diverse experiences, from food tastings to stunning landscapes.
2. The cultural immersion offered by exploring Canadian towns and national parks, along with guided tours, offers travelers an authentic glimpse into the Canadian way of life.
3. Whether trekking through the Rockies, canoeing on Emerald Lake, or hiking in Wells Gray Provincial Park, food plays an essential role in the shared meals and shared stories, making each tour a culinary journey.
4. While the Trek America Mountie tour offers unforgettable adventures, travelers should be prepared for various challenges, such as cold weather, rough terrain, and unexpected changes in weather conditions, adding an element of excitement to the overall experience.

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