10-Nights Western Parks, Peaks and Vineyards Self-Drive from $2,097

This 11-day carefully-curated self-drive tour takes you from the prairie landscape of Calgary, Alberta, to the wilderness of the Canadian Rockies, and on to sunny Vancouver. Less-touristy experiences are an integral feature of this relaxing journey as you follow the less-travelled southern route through the British Columbia interior. Highlights include the stunning Rocky Mountains, wild Banff National Park, Radium Hot Springs, historic Nelson in the Kootenays, and Vernon, your gateway to Okanagan wine country. Enjoy two days in British Columbia’s premier grape-growing region before driving through the lush Fraser Valley to the remarkable coastal city of Vancouver, and the Pacific Ocean.

Depending on your time of arrival in Calgary, you might book a visit to the Calgary Tower observation deck which offers a spectacular 360° view of the bustling city and the Rockies in the distance. Or visit Heritage Park Historical Village, Canada’s largest living history museum. Treat yourself to a steak dinner at one of Cowtown’s many award-winning grills, brewpubs, and steakhouses.

Leaving Calgary behind, travel through the foothills and into Banff National Park, where the snow-peaked Rocky Mountains welcome you in all their glory. No words can describe the beauty of this park and the pretty resort village of Banff. Spend two days exploring, while keeping an eye out for the sight of elk strolling down Banff Avenue or along the roadsides. Visit the Luxton Museum, take a dazzling gondola ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain, or try river rafting on the Bow River. Hike the park trails through evergreen forests, admire the Banff Springs Hotel, or take a boat tour on glacial Lake Minnewanka (“Water of the Spirits”). The choices are almost overwhelming.

Head west over the Rocky Mountains on Day 4, crossing the provincial border through stunning, photo-worthy mountain passes. Arrive at Radium Hot Springs, an idyllic mountain town in Kootenay National Park, set between the towering peaks of the Canadian Rockies and Purcell Mountains. Rejuvenate your spirits in a Radium Hot Springs pool, or treat yourself to a spa day. Overnight in lovely little Invermere on the Lake.

Take the less-travelled southern route past the vineyard village of Creston, with a stop at one of the valley’s wineries, before spending the night in Nelson. Take the next day to explore this historic town, known as Canada's best small arts and culture town, and its many galleries, museums, and historical buildings.

Travel through the heart of British Columbia’s most bountiful agricultural region to lakeside Vernon, home to family-run boutique vineyards and world-class wineries. On your second day here, enjoy a scenic guided sampler tour through Okanagan wine country, visiting several renowned wineries for wine sampling. End with dinner at a local steakhouse, or at romantic Intermezzo Castle Bistro, or their award-winning Restaurant and Wine Cellar.

The final leg of the journey traverses the coastal mountains, with rest stops in the village of Harrison Hot Springs, or pastoral Chilliwack in the Fraser Valley. Arrive in Vancouver just in time to explore the city’s incredible fine dining: the Greater Vancouver area boasts hundreds of award-winning restaurants, brewpubs, and fine dining venues.

Spend Day 10 exploring this diverse multicultural city on the shores of the Pacific. Explore the quirky Yaletown or Gastown neighbourhoods, take a sky tram to Grouse Mountain, take a horse and carriage ride in Stanley Park, visit the Vancouver Art Gallery, or indulge in some shopping at Robson Street’s boutiques or the high-end home decor shops on upper Granville.

Your final night’s dinner may be the hardest choice on this exciting tour: try Asian fusion, a Canadian steakhouse, award-winning Mediterranean cuisine, or a seafood hot pot or cedar plank salmon at the Sandbar restaurant by Granville Island Public Market. The next day, make your way to Vancouver International Airport for your flight home, unless you are lucky enough to enjoy an extended stay.