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Through British Columbias National Parks



Garibaldi Lake
Garibaldi Lake

If you love the great outdoors, a road trip through British Columbia’s national parks offers the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in some of the most breathtaking natural landscapes in the world. Starting from the iconic mountain town of Whistler, this one-week itinerary will guide you through some of BC’s most stunning parks, each offering its own unique charm, from towering waterfalls to rugged peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and ancient forests.

 

Day 1: Whistler to Garibaldi Provincial Park (45 km / 1 hour)

Start your adventure by heading just a short distance south from Whistler to Garibaldi Provincial Park, Day passes at https://bcparks.ca/garibaldi-park/ ,  hidden gem that offers a fantastic introduction to BC’s wild beauty. While technically not a national park, Garibaldi’s pristine wilderness feels like a world of its own.

After breakfast in Whistler, pack your daypack with essentials and head to Garibaldi Lake. The hike to the lake is about 9 km one-way (moderate difficulty), but the views are worth the effort. As you ascend through alpine meadows and dense forests, you’ll eventually reach Garibaldi Lake, a stunning turquoise jewel surrounded by glaciers and mountain peaks. Take your time to explore the area around Garibaldi Lake. You can hike the short distance to Black Tusk Viewpoint for an even more impressive panoramic view of the surrounding landscape, or simply relax and enjoy the peace and serenity of this alpine paradise. Head back to Whistler in the evening and enjoy dinner at one of the village’s many excellent restaurants.

Consider staying in either Riverside Campground or Whistler RV Park.


Day 2: Whistler to Joffre Lakes Provincial Park (60 km / 1 hour)

On Day 2, drive a short distance to Joffre Lakes Provincial Park, another gem that showcases the beauty of BC’s alpine lakes and towering peaks. MAKE SURE TO BOOK A DAY PASS on the BC Parks  https://bcparks.ca/joffre-lakes-park/

Early morning drive to Joffre Lakes trailhead. This 10 km (round trip) hike is considered one of the most scenic in BC, with three stunning glacier-fed lakes that are a brilliant turquoise color. The trail takes you through lush forests, over bridges, and past waterfalls before reaching the upper lake, which is surrounded by snow-capped peaks. Enjoy the crystal-clear waters and take photos of the iconic views. If you're feeling up to it, continue exploring the area around the lakes, or relax by the shore and enjoy the calm atmosphere. Drive back to Whistler for the evening and enjoy a relaxing dinner in the village. If you're up for more outdoor adventures, consider an evening walk around Whistler Village or along the scenic Lost Lake.

Consider staying in either Riverside Campground or Whistler RV Park.

 

Day 3: Whistler to Garibaldi Provincial Park to Yoho National Park (350 km / 4.5 hours)

Today marks the first long stretch of driving as you journey towards Yoho National Park, one of Canada’s most beautiful national parks, located in the Canadian Rockies. Visit https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/bc/yoho for all information on park fees and accommodation

Drive through stunning mountain scenery and make your way to Yoho National Park in the Canadian Rockies. Along the way, you can stop at the charming town of Golden, known for its easy access to national parks and beautiful surrounding landscapes. Once you arrive in Yoho, head straight to Emerald Lake. This iconic lake is known for its vibrant green water, framed by towering peaks. A gentle walk around the lake offers sweeping views of the surrounding mountains, and you can rent a canoe to paddle across the lake for an even closer look at the landscape. Check out the famous Takakkaw Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in Canada, which cascades down from a height of 384 meters. The sound of the falls is thunderous, and the mist that rises from the base adds to the dramatic atmosphere.

Visit the Parks Canada website for all your camping options; https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/bc/yoho

 

Day 4: Yoho National Park to Glacier National Park (30 km / 30 minutes)

Today is all about exploring the rugged beauty of Glacier National Park, a place where towering peaks, ancient glaciers, and pristine wilderness come together in one spectacular landscape. Visit https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/bc/glacier for all the information on passes and accommodation.

Start your day with a visit to the Glacier National Park Visitor Centre to learn about the history and wildlife of the area. Afterward, explore some of the park’s iconic hiking trails, such as the Illecillewaet Glacier Trail, which offers stunning views of the glacier and surrounding peaks. Consider a short hike to Hidden Lake or take a drive along the Trans-Canada Highway, which passes through the park and provides incredible views of the rugged, snow-capped peaks of the Selkirk Mountains. As the evening draws in, enjoy a peaceful dinner in the small town of Revelstoke, just south of the park. Revelstoke has a lively arts scene and is known for its craft breweries.

Consider staying in one of either Campgrounds with great facilities. Snowforest Campground or Revelstoke RV & Cabin Resort


Day 5: Revelstoke to Kootenay National Park (150 km / 2 hours)

Your adventure continues as you head further south to Kootenay National Park, a lesser-known but equally stunning park in the Canadian Rockies. Visit https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/bc/kootenay/activ for information.

After breakfast in Revelstoke, take a scenic drive through the Kootenay National Park area. One of the highlights of the park is Radium Hot Springs, a natural hot spring surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery. Take a dip in the warm waters to relax and rejuvenate after your hikes. Explore the Marble Canyon area, a short but beautiful walk that takes you through a narrow gorge where the Kootenay River rushes through deep, blue pools. You can also take a longer hike to Numa Falls for a peaceful, scenic experience. Head to the nearby town of Radium Hot Springs for dinner, where you can enjoy a meal at one of the local restaurants that overlook the valley.

Consider staying in Kootenay National Park or one of the campgrounds in Radium Hot Springs; Canyon RV Resort & Campground or Redstreak Campground


Day 6: Kootenay National Park to Mount Revelstoke National Park (250 km / 3 hours)

Today, head back north to Mount Revelstoke National Park, known for its lush forests and alpine meadows. Visit https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/bc/revelstoke for all the information on passes and accommodation.

Drive back through the gorgeous Kootenay Valley, stopping for photos along the way. Once you arrive in Mount Revelstoke National Park, head up the Meadow in the Sky Parkway. This scenic drive takes you to the summit of Mount Revelstoke, where you can enjoy stunning panoramic views of the surrounding valleys, mountains, and forests. Explore the Eagle Pass Trail or take a leisurely walk through the wildflower-filled meadows. If you're visiting in the summer, the wildflowers in this park are a real highlight. Relax in the town of Revelstoke with a hearty dinner after a day of hiking and exploration.

Consider staying in one of either Campgrounds with great facilities. Snowforest Campground or Revelstoke RV & Cabin Resort


Day 7: Revelstoke to Whistler (400 km / 5 hours)

For the final leg of your journey, take the scenic route back to Whistler to complete your one-week adventure.

Start early and enjoy the long but beautiful drive back to Whistler. Along the way, you can stop in small towns like Pemberton for a break and perhaps take in a local café or bakery.Arrive back in Whistler, where you can reflect on the week of adventure you’ve had exploring British Columbia’s most stunning national parks at the Scandinave Spa. End your journey with a relaxing dinner in Whistler Village and final stroll around the scenic village.

End your trip staying where it all started either Riverside Campground or Whistler RV Park.

 

Final Thoughts

A one-week road trip through British Columbia's national parks offers the perfect blend of rugged wilderness, outdoor adventure, and stunning beauty. From the alpine lakes of Garibaldi Provincial Park to the towering waterfalls of Yoho National Park, this itinerary highlights the diverse landscapes that make BC a true outdoor paradise. Whether you're hiking through dense forests, gazing at glaciers, or relaxing in hot springs, you'll find that BC’s national parks offer an experience that is both humbling and exhilarating.

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