Drive down to Kamloops, but instead of taking the Trans-Canada all the way into Vancouver, take the "back road" from Kamloops through Cache Creek, Lilooet and Pemberton. You will see all sorts of wildlife - bears, moose, etc. and gorgeous mountain scenery. You won't really see much civilization until you are almost immediately into Whistler - it feels really remote. You can make the trip in a long day, but I'd split it into 2 days and camp to take advantage of the parks, camping areas and scenic views. The Sea to Sky Highway from Whistler to Vancouver is about a 2 hour drive and very scenic. In Whistler, it is very common to see wildlife just outside of town on the trails and Valley Trail.

Yes that's highway 99- a splendid drive through the coast mountains.

http://www.drivebc.ca/

Well said Julia. I drove this route and it was beautiful . It does feel very remote and we loved it.
We stopped in Cache Creek for the night . Not much to do, but we were very tired.

Enjoy the trip.

Thanks for the suggestions that really helps. The journey sounds just what we are looking for and although camping sounds like fun, I think a hotel stop in Cache Creek is probably a better option for us.
We were planning a two night stay in Whistler, does this sound long enough or should we consider more time there. We will have already had about 8 days in Calgary, Banff and Jasper.

I am unclear as to whether you are driving your own car or renting somewhere and dropping off in Vancouver and flying home. The last three times I have been to Jasper it has been by ViaRail train. Rental cars are available in Jasper if you take the Canadian.

I guarantee you'll be underwhelmed coming from Jasper to Whistler-the Rockies are the Real Thing/much much more majestic-two hours would be lots.

Tom, we will be renting a car in Calgary and driving up to Banff and Jasper and staying 3 days in each and I am OK with the route for that part. From Jasper we will then drive to Whistler and it was this part of the journey I am not sure about and what route and stopovers are the best. After Whistler we will then drive down to Vancouver and drop the car off there. Hope this make sense.

Makes sense if they don't charge a large drop off fee on the rental car. Know before you sign the contract.
I like the train (Canadian) between Jasper and Vancouver.

I agree with Sam. The Rockies are the real draw. Having said that, the drive from Jasper to Whistler is beautiful. Two nights is enough in Whistler. As we've said, the drive there will be beautiful.. the area is beautiful too... a full day in Whistler to see the area, then the beautiful drive to Vancouver.

It's all so beautiful .. but the areas around Banff, up the Icefield Parkway, and Jasper cannot be beat.

Enjoy your trip.

Thanks again Tom, I will check the rental agreement before we book. Did look at the train option but really fancied the drive so we can do things in our own time. Might do the train next time we visit.

Kodi, thanks for that. Hopefully 6 days within Banff & Jasper will be enough to take everything in, I just need to explore how best to spend that time now. Will look forward to it all.

We always stop to golf or have lunch or snack here at this paradise on your trip back to Vancouver form Whistler. Amazing scenery. http://www.golfbc.com/courses/furry_creek

At Whistler, take advantage of the great restaurants. Caramba is fun, open kitchen and usually good service.

If you like to canoe or kayak, there are small lakes nearby for that. My husband went tube fishing with a guide and love dit. Whistler has lots of fun activities departing form their active ski village area.

Horseshoe Bay is also a dream spot to stop.( weather permitting) . and actually, to take as foot passenger the ferry roundtrip to its next stop. It will wind along the prettiest part of the ferry route IMO.

I'm with Sam & kodi.

We did the inverse last September (Whistler to Jasper) and where seriously underwhelmed with the scenery en route. Lilooet must be the ugliest town I have ever seen (sorry).

Things only started to improve when we arrived at Kamloops lake (great view from the western tip). That was the first pic I took since leaving Whistler.

The 2nd part of the trip (Kamloops to Jasper) is much MUCH nicer, and I can certainly advise following stops:

- Wells Gray Provincial Park (and all it's amazing waterfalls)
- Blue River (and the boat tour with guaranteed bear sightings from rather close)
- mt. Robson (and the hike to Kinney Lake at the foot of the mountain)

Of course, for all these stops, you'll need time and thus a place to stay. I would recommend at least one night at Wells Gray and/or one night in Kamloops (our B&B's were called "Clearwater Springs Ranch" and "Wedgewood Band" respectively, and I can recommend both wholeheartedly.

For an extensive trip report showing all the above (and more) with plenty of pics, see here:

http://safaritalk.net/index.php?showtopic=7604

Enjoy!

J.