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Holidays

Canada Family Holiday

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Canada Family Holiday

Name: Canada Family Holiday
Brand: Holiday Architects
Price: 3790 GBP
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (1 reviews)

Bears, rafting, and family adventures through Canada

from £3,790 pp including flights

13 days

Canada

Family, Wildlife & Nature, Adventure, Self-drive

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What Makes it Special?

Pan for gold and ride an underground train at Britannia Mine.
Join a 4WD bear-watching tour in Whistler’s wild backcountry.
Ride the Peak 2 Peak Gondola for stunning mountain views.
Go whitewater rafting in Banff’s exhilarating mountain rivers.
Hike around the turquoise waters of Lake Louise.
Swing through the treetops at SkyTrek Adventure Park.

Your tailor-made holiday will be as unique as you are. These itineraries are just a starting point, a bit of inspiration to show what’s possible. Your own trip all starts with a conversation with one of our Canada experts, who’ll take the time to understand what matters most to you and design the perfect holiday to match.

We've designed this Canada holiday itinerary to be ideal for families looking to experience the diverse scenery of British Columbia and the Rocky Mountains, with a mix of adventure and relaxation thrown in for good measure. The itinerary combines the vibrant cityscape of Vancouver with the activity hubs of Whistler and Banff, as well as the more laid-back areas of British Columbia, such as Sun Peaks and the Okanagan, known for their excellent summer temperatures. Throughout the journey, there are plenty of family-friendly activities to enjoy, along with chances to unwind while surrounded by Canada’s stunning landscapes.

10 hours from London

When to go

June to September

Average temperature

7-23°C

Average rainfall

55mm/month

Itinerary at a Glance

Vancouver

2 Nights

Whistler

3 Nights

Sun Peaks

2 Nights

Kelowna (Okanagan)

2 Nights

Revelstoke

1 Night

Banff

2 Nights

Day by Day

Here's a summary of what you might get up to day-to-day on this Canada holiday. As always, this is just an idea. Every single day of your trip will be tailored to suit you.

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Fly to Vancouver today and head to your downtown accommodation. To start your visit, consider going up the Vancouver Lookout for panoramic views of the city and harbour. In the evening, you’ll find plenty of excellent dining options, with Gastown being a particularly lively area in the summer and a great spot for your first Canadian meal.

Hire bikes and spend the morning exploring Stanley Park, where you can spot the totem poles nestled among the trees and raccoons along the waterfront. Later, visit Granville Island Market to sample a variety of foods and enjoy the lively street performers.

Collect your hire car and head to Whistler, stopping along the way to visit the Britannia Mine Museum. Try your hand at gold panning and take a train ride down into the old copper mine. This afternoon, you should have time to explore bustling Whistler Village at your own pace.

Today, join a three-hour bear viewing tour, travelling by 4WD through the hillsides around Whistler, home to a resident bear population. The best chances for sightings are in the early morning or early evening.

This morning, take a ride on the Peak 2 Peak Gondola and enjoy a walk at the top of the mountain with panoramic views. This afternoon, you’ll have time to try another activity, such as zip-lining, an ATV tour, or canoeing on the River of Golden Dreams. There are plenty of adventures for families to get stuck into here.

Drive to the resort town of Sun Peaks, nestled in the interior of British Columbia. Along the way, you’ll pass through charming country towns and take in the impressive scenery. About halfway through your journey, stop at Hat Creek Ranch to learn about the region’s Gold Rush pioneer history and enjoy a bite to eat.

Spend the day enjoying Sun Peaks. In the summer, the gondolas take you up the hillside, where you’ll find excellent walking and mountain bike trails. Alternatively, head to nearby McGillvray Lake for a walk, swim, or a peaceful kayak outing.

Today, travel into the scenic Okanagan region, following the eastern shore of the majestic Lake Okanagan to Kelowna. This afternoon, take a leisurely walk through the waterfront parks and marina, and perhaps even dip your toes in the lake.

Enjoy a free day today, with options to rent a kayak or paddleboat on the lake. Alternatively, head to Myra Canyon and hire bikes to explore the historic railway and trestle bridges.

Begin your journey east toward the Rockies today, stopping in Revelstoke for the night. Along the way, visit the Enchanted Forest to explore its walkways dotted with fairy-tale figures and discover the old-growth forest. For older children, consider the nearby SkyTrek Adventure Park, where zip-lines and tree swings provide a fun and adventurous option.

Travel through the stunning Glacier National Park and Kicking Horse Pass as you make your way to Banff. Along the route, consider stopping at Lake Louise for a walk and to capture some photos of its iconic scenery.

Enjoy an exhilarating whitewater rafting experience today, with options ranging from thrilling grade 3-4 rapids to gentler grade 2-3 sections. If time allows, consider taking a ride on the Banff Gondola for panoramic views of the Rockies—you might even spot a mountain goat or two at the summit!

Depending on your flight departure time, you may have a few hours in Banff this morning for some last-minute souvenir shopping. Then, make your way to Calgary Airport for your overnight flight home.

Places you'll visit

Vancouver

Whistler

The Okanagan

Where You'll Stay

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What You'll Do

All Excursions In canada

Excursion

The Canadian

The Canadian is VIA Rail’s flagship train, offering an epic journey from Toronto to Vancouver (or vice versa) that traverses some of Canada’s most iconic landscapes. The route passes through the northern Ontario lakelands, the vast Saskatchewan prairies, the dramatic Canadian Rockies, and the river valleys of interior British Columbia. The entire journey takes five days and is best suited for dedicated train enthusiasts—while some sections offer breathtaking scenery, others see little change, and there are faster ways to cross these immense distances. For those who prefer a shorter and equally scenic experience, the section between Jasper and Vancouver is a fantastic way to enjoy VIA Rail’s excellent service. This leg of the journey, taking around 20 hours, offers an incredible alternative to the Rocky Mountaineer, showcasing diverse and spectacular landscapes as you travel from the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific Coast. Sleeper Class provides travellers with a private cabin featuring comfortable seating during the day that converts into upper and lower berth beds overnight. Each cabin includes a washroom and toilet, while shared shower facilities are available in each sleeper carriage. Travellers in Sleeper Class also enjoy access to the Park and Skyline carriages, which feature a glass-domed roof for stunning panoramic views. All freshly prepared meals are included, offering a truly relaxing and comfortable way to travel. For families, larger cabins accommodating up to four passengers are available.

Excursion

Vancouver Bike Tours

There are many ways to enjoy discovering Vancouver, but one of the best is by bike, allowing you to explore the city and its various highlights at your own pace. You can hire bikes and self-guide or join a guided tour where a local guide will share insights about Vancouver’s history, culture, and landmarks. For an extra boost, you can even hop on an e-bike to help tackle the occasional hill (though there aren’t many in the city). Whether it’s cycling through Stanley Park with a coffee in hand or stopping at Granville Island for a bite to eat, there’s a cycle tour to suit every type of traveller.

Excursion

Okanagan Valley - Ideas for Free Time

Two of the main reasons for visiting this area are the scenery and the vineyards, and it’s very easy to get amongst both. There are many walking options in the region, from gentle lakeside trails to more challenging mountain hikes – often worth the effort for the stunning views over the lakes. The visitor information centres in the various towns are able to provide ideas to suit your ability. For wine there are simply hundreds to choose from and if you want to just pop in to one or two vineyards for a quick taster then we recommend asking your host or concierge which would be best suited to your tastes, or again visit the local tourist information office for a full run down of the local tipples. Simply driving around the area can be a delight as well. Many of the highways are lined with photo inspiring orchards and grapevines and throughout summer they are also dotted with roadside stands selling seasonal fruit from the nearby farms (most notably between Osoyoos and Oliver in the south of the region). Each of the Okanagan towns has its own characteristics, from livelier Kelowna and Penticton to wonderfully laid-back Peachland and Naramata, however, they all have common characteristics in the pretty lakefronts and excellent selection of locally sourced food and wine. Close to Kelowna Myra Canyon Park is home to a particularly scenic portion of the disused Kettle Valley Railway, now a walking & cycling trail which passes over 18 impressive trestle bridges and through two tunnels. To cycle the whole trail takes around four hours and bikes can be rented locally; alternatively it is possible to walk a shorter section. In Oosoyos the award-winning Nk'Mip Desert Cultural Centre is well worth a visit. Operated by the Oosoyos Indian band it is a great place to learn about this desert region of Canada and the peoples that live within in. There are a number of state-of-the-art exhibits and interactive displays, both inside and out, along with walking trails that showcase the flora and fauna and aim to raise awareness of conservation in the area.

Excursion

Vancouver – Ideas for Free Time

You will never be short of things to do in Vancouver – this is a city that truly has something for everyone. A great starting place is the Vancouver Lookout, which offers panoramic views of downtown Vancouver, Coal Harbour, Stanley Park, and the mountains beyond. Complimentary guided tours are available, and interpretive displays provide insight into the city’s history, infrastructure, and local communities. Nearby at Canada Place, FlyOver Canada is a fascinating 3D attraction that takes you on a magical 25-minute simulated flight across the country and through its seasons. From the waterfront, you can head uphill through the business district to explore the shops and restaurants around Robson Street or take a leisurely stroll along the shore via Coal Harbour to Stanley Park. For those interested in exploring vibrant cultural districts, Gastown, Chinatown, and Yaletown are all within walking distance of downtown. Alternatively, the Vancouver Trolley is a great way to get around the city. From the inner harbour at False Creek, you can catch the ferry across to Granville Island, home to the famous market. It’s the perfect spot to spend several hours browsing beautiful arts and crafts while drooling over the impressive range of gastronomic delights—from American doughnuts to German cheeses, Asian spices to Italian antipasti. Granville Island is also a fantastic place to watch street performers and soak up Vancouver’s unique and vibrant atmosphere.

Excursion

Finer Things Dinner Tour

This culinary walking tour is an excellent way to experience some of Whistler’s finest dining establishments, whilst exploring the bustling streets of the Village. During the tour you will be taken to four award-winning restaurants and enjoy a different course at each. You will also visit an impressive 15,000 bottle wine cellar where you can try your hand at the ceremonial way of opening a champagne bottle with a sabre! You will learn about the history of Whistler, its food scene and each of the locations you are visiting, and expert wine pairing can be added locally for an additional cost (approximately $35 per person). If you enjoy food and wine, and meeting locals and travellers alike, then this tour is definitely for you!

Excursion

Zipline Adventure

Whistler has some of the best ziplining in Canada, and each tour offers a slightly different way to see the valley. The Bear Tour is the most relaxed option and a great introduction, with a series of shorter lines linked by forest paths and small suspension bridges. It’s ideal for families and first timers who want something fun and scenic without anything too intense. The Eagle Tour takes things up a level. The lines are longer and faster, and you start higher on the mountain, so the views open out over the whole valley. It still feels very accessible, and the guides keep everything easy and enjoyable, but it definitely has more of a thrill than the Bear Tour. Then there’s the Sasquatch, which is the big one. This is one of the longest ziplines in North America, stretching more than two kilometres in a single run between Whistler and Blackcomb. It’s fast, dramatic and perfect for anyone who wants a proper adrenaline hit and a real standout moment in their trip. All three tours offer something a little different, so it’s easy to pick the one that best matches how adventurous you’re feeling.

Excursion

Exploring Vancouver on Foot

Wandering around Vancouver, you’ll find countless hidden gems waiting to be discovered, from charming neighbourhoods to fascinating historical sites. A fantastic way to truly get to know the city is by joining one of the many walking tours available. These tours are designed to suit all travellers, with varying lengths, durations, and themes to match different interests and tastes. For food lovers, there are tours that take you through Vancouver’s culinary hotspots, where you can sample everything from fresh seafood and international cuisine to locally crafted treats. History buffs can dive into the city’s fascinating past with guided walks through historic districts like Gastown and Chinatown, uncovering stories of early settlers and cultural milestones along the way. Culture-focused tours shine a light on Vancouver’s vibrant diversity, introducing you to its Indigenous heritage, artistic highlights, and hidden local haunts. For something more niche, you can even find tours that explore specific topics, such as architecture, street art, or ghost stories, offering a unique perspective on the city. Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in the food scene, uncover the city’s rich history, or simply enjoy a leisurely stroll with stunning views, a walking tour is an engaging and enjoyable way to explore Vancouver like a local.

Excursion

River of Golden Dreams Canoe Tour

The River of Golden Dreams is a classic Whistler summer experience and a really enjoyable way to spend a few hours on the water. The tour begins on Alta Lake, which is calm and open, giving everyone time to get comfortable with the canoe before heading towards the river. Once you drift into the narrower channels, the scenery becomes more intimate, with lily pads, low hanging greenery and the chance to spot ducks and geese along the banks. It’s a gentle, scenic route that still feels like a bit of an adventure, especially in spring when the water moves more quickly, or in late summer when natural obstacles like beaver dams can appear. Guides keep things relaxed and share a little about the area as you go, which makes the whole experience feel very typically Whistler.

What You're Saying

“

Our recent trip to Canada was an adventure of a lifetime and our experience was enhanced by the faultless planning by Paul Turner. His thorough organisation and assistance throughout made our time away so relaxed and enjoyable and we are truly grateful.

Kim Hill Trustpilot

”

“

First class. This was the 2nd time I’ve used Holiday Architects - they are absolutely excellent. We have just returned from a perfect trip to Canada to travel and visit friends which Paul Turner brought together excellently.

Patsy Trustpilot

”

“

We choose Holiday Architects so we have a chance to work with an expert on an region, who will combine their knowledge with listening to what we enjoy and are hoping to get out of a particular holiday. Paul really delivered on a wonderful trip to Canada for us this autumn. We had a brilliant balance between exploring cities and their culture and architecture, with some great opportunities to see beautiful fall landscapes and eat some amazing food thrown in for good measure. Highly recommended.

RD Trustpilot

”

“

This time we embarked on a fly/drive tour around the west of Canada and the holiday build was excellent. Our point of contact was Paul Turner. We received an initial itinerary based on Paul's local knowledge and experience, and then over 3-4 phone calls, we honed it down in detail to our requirements and his recommendations. The actual holiday was excellent, everything went as planned with no hiccups. Canada is like the Lake District on steroids and will blow you away, the roads are great to drive on and very well signed. The people very friendly and accommodating. From my experience Holiday Architects have got the right model, they take the stress and time out of a lot of the planning, have excellent customer care, great follow up and very flexible with a budget you set them. Try them and I think you will agree.

Canada customer Trustpilot

”

Holiday Gallery

Drive to Whistler via Britannia Mine Museum

Drive to Revelstoke via the Enchanted Forest

Related holiday ideas

All Holidays in Canada

Meet our Canada expert

We offer tailor-made holidays to suit a wide range of tastes. Our expert Paul is dedicated to all things Canada and is here to help you plan your perfect trip.

Paul Turner

Destination Manager

Paul’s love for Canada began on a snowboard in Whistler and hasn’t stopped since. From scenic rail journeys to Rocky Mountain adventures, he’s full of ideas for seeing both the wild and city sides of Canada.

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Book with confidence:

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Canada Family Holiday

What Makes it Special?

Itinerary at a Glance

Day by Day

Day 1 Welcome to Vancouver

Day 2 Stanley Park & Granville Island

Day 3 Drive to Whistler via Britannia Mine Museum

Day 4 Bear spotting in Whistler

Day 5 Peak 2 Peak Gondola & other adventures

Day 6 Sun Peaks & Hat Creek Ranch

Day 7 Sun Peaks Resort

Day 8 Journey into the Okanagan Valley

Day 9 Free day to explore Kelowna

Day 10 Drive to Revelstoke via the Enchanted Forest

Day 11 Journey through Glacier National Park

Day 12 Whitewater rafting & Banff Gondola

Day 13 Final morning in Banff & head for home

Places you'll visit

Vancouver

Whistler

Ready to
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