Travel Insights

Insights, ideas and itineraries from kimkim's trusted network of Local Travel Specialists and Experts

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Vancouver to Calgary: Whistler, Wells Gray, & the Canadian Rockies - 10 Days

Follow one of Canada's most popular road trips from Vancouver to the Canadian Rockies, passing through Whistler and Wells Gray Provincial Park as you make your way across the province. This trip is fast-paced at the start given limited time, but the driving reduces dramatically once you reach the Rockies where you'll spend the majority of your days exploring the trails and backcountry away from the crowds. Finally, you'll depart from Calgary after driving through the iconic Icefields Parkway.

Sunrise at Wedge Pond in Kananaskis Country

Vancouver to Calgary: Whistler, Wells Gray, & the Canadian Rockies - 11 Days

This road trip crosses the breadth of British Columbia in 11 days, from the Pacific Coast Mountains to the rugged interior of the Canadian Rockies. The first half of the trip includes a few longer days of driving before slowing down the pace to shift your focus to the countless trails and vantage points surrounding Jasper, Banff, and underrated Kananaskis Country.

Vancouver to Calgary: Whistler, Wells Gray, & the Canadian Rockies - 12 Days

Get the true sea-to-summit experience as you road trip across British Columbia from the coast to the mountains. You'll follow some of Canada's most scenic highways through numerous provincial and national parks, culminating in the spectacular scenery of the Canadian Rockies. This itinerary is designed to spend fewer days on the road and more time exploring the mountains, lakes, and rivers.

Vancouver to Calgary: Whistler, Wells Gray & the Canadian Rockies - 13 Days

With 13 days, you'll get a good taste of Vancouver and the Pacific Coast before heading east across the province to the Canadian Rockies. Here, you'll slow down the pace and spend the majority of your time exploring the hiking trails, lakes, and viewpoints in some of Canada's most spectacular mountain landscapes. For those seeking some comfort, combine this route with overnights in scenic wilderness lodges.

Approaching Mount Robson Provincial Park

Vancouver to Calgary: Whistler, Wells Gray, & the Canadian Rockies - 14 Days

Two weeks is the perfect amount of time to drive across British Columbia without feeling too rushed. This itinerary is designed for those seeking to spend the majority of their days in the outdoors and covers the best mountain parks and trails that the province has to offer. The ideal time to travel this route is from mid-May to mid-October when the alpine trails are more likely to be clear.

Icefields Parkway in the Canadian Rockies

Vancouver to Calgary: Whistler, Wells Gray, & the Canadian Rockies - 15 Days

This epic route across British Columbia takes you through some of the most impressive mountain landscapes in Canada. You'll base yourself in convenient locations for two-to-three days, with less time driving and more time exploring the trails and scenic viewpoints. As you near the Canadian Rockies, the views become even more impressive, where Kananaskis Country provides the perfecting ending to your trip.

Vancouver to Calgary: Whistler, Wells Gray & the Canadian Rockies - 16 Days

Follow one of Canada's most scenic road trips from Vancouver to the Canadian Rockies. With 16 days, you'll have ample time to stop and explore Whistler and Wells Gray en route before devoting over a week to the hiking trails and backcountry of the Rockies. This route is best done from mid-May to mid-October.

Pacific Marine Circle Route - 4 Days

This quick trip gets you into the wilderness and wild coastline of Vancouver Island and is only a short drive away from Victoria. After exploring a number of beautiful beaches at the start, you'll overnight in Port Renfrew, known for being the jumping-off point of the famous West Coast Trail. From there, veer north through some of the island's tallest trees before circling back through the vineyards and lakes just north of Victoria.

Sunshine Coast & Pacific Rim Road Trip - 8 Days

With eight days, this is the minimum amount of time you'll want to explore two of British Columbia's most beautiful coastlines without feeling too rushed. First, you'll have three days to explore the hidden coves and seaside communities of the Sunshine Coast. From there, you'll catch a ferry to Vancouver Island for two days in the Pacific Rim, home to some of the province's best sea-kayaking and coastal trails. The best time to travel this route is from April through October.

Sunshine Coast & Pacific Rim Road Trip - 9 Days

Circle your way along the beautiful coastline, quaint seaside towns, and First Nation's heritage of British Columbia’s west coast. After a brief stay in Vancouver, you'll hit the road (and ferries) as you explore the Sunshine Coast before heading over to Vancouver Island's Pacific Rim National Park. Here, explore remote islands by kayak and hike through the dense coastal rainforest. Finally, end your trip with some time to enjoy the urban scenes of Victoria and Vancouver.

Wild Pacific Trail near Ucluelet, Pacific Rim

Sunshine Coast & Pacific Rim Road Trip - 10 Days

With 10 days, split your time between the sun-warmed beaches of the Sunshine Coast and the rugged coastline of Vancouver Island's Pacific Rim. You'll get a great feel for Pacific Coast culture as well as the dramatic landscape that defines it. Finally, you'll have a day at the start and end of your trip to enjoy great restaurants in Vancouver as well as the small provincial capital of Victoria.

Sunshine Coast & Pacific Rim Road Trip - 11 Days

Explore the best of British Columbia's coastline by car and ferry on this 11-day road trip. Starting in Vancouver, head to the Sunshine Coast to explore the fjords, beaches, and seaside communities before ending your trip with three days along Vancouver Island's rugged Pacific Rim. This itinerary is a great way to combine outdoor adventure while exploring local culture and maritime history.

Sunshine Coast & Pacific Rim Road Trip - 12 Days

This route is the perfect introduction to British Columbia’s west coast, combining ocean-based activities with rugged mountain trails and vibrant coastal communities. Starting and ending in Vancouver, you'll wind your way by car and ferry along the Sunshine Coast before crossing over to Vancouver Island. From there, you'll base yourself in the two beautiful nature reserves of Strathcona Provincial Park and the Pacific Rim.

Aerial view of Tofino along the Pacific Rim

Sunshine Coast & Pacific Rim Road Trip - 13 Days

Starting and ending in Vancouver, you'll follow a coastal circle route through the Sunshine Coast and Vancouver Island that focuses on the best outdoor adventures and most idyllic communities. On the Sunshine Coast, you'll find relaxed communities with great breweries and restaurants, while on Vancouver Island you'll end your adventure by exploring the remote islands and temperate rainforest of the Pacific Rim.

Sunshine Coast & Pacific Rim Road Trip - 14 Days

With two weeks, take your time as you explore the most beautiful spots along the southern coast of British Columbia. Starting with the seaside communities of the Sunshine Coast, you'll wind your way through hidden coves and inlets over to Vancouver Island. Here, you'll divide the remainder of your time between two outdoor paradises—the mountainous Strathcona Provincial Park and the storm-swept coastline of the Pacific Rim.

Sunshine Coast Getaway - 5 Days

With 5 days, you'll have just enough time to explore the Lower Sunshine Coast without feeling too rushed. Wake up next to the ocean before visiting quaint seaside villages, hidden coves, and the easily-accessible outdoors; the region has some of the province's best sea kayaking and hiking trails. Finally, end with a day in Vancouver before you depart.

Sunshine Coast Getaway - 4 Days

With just 4 days, head straight to the Lower Sunshine Coast for some relaxation and outdoor adventure before returning to Vancouver for a day to explore the city. Waking up next to the Pacific Ocean, you'll have easy access to sheltered coves and inlets, driftwood-strewn beaches, and quaint seaside villages with surprisingly great restaurants and breweries.

Driftwood-strewn beaches of the Sunshine Coast

Sunshine Coast Getaway - 6 Days

With just under a week, this itinerary is designed to keep you moving each day so that you can experience all of the highlights of both Upper and Lower Sunshine Coast. You'll have short drives and ferry transfers each day, passing through Gibsons, Sechelt, all the way up to Powell River and Lund. En route, stop at historic seaside villages, local breweries, driftwood-strewn beaches and sheltered coves for easy kayaking.

Calm over the Gulf Islands near the Sunshine Coast

Sunshine Coast Getaway - 7 Days

One week is the perfect amount of time to truly relax and get a feel for the Sunshine Coast, an underrated stretch of coastline and islands just north of Vancouver. Here, you'll find quaint seaside villages with amazing restaurants and breweries, endless stretches of driftwood-strewn coastline, and numerous islands and protected coves to explore by kayak.

Sunshine Coast Getaway - 8 Days

Starting and ending with a day in Vancouver, this route gives you ample time to explore the highlights of both Upper and Lower Sunshine Coast. Explore its hidden coves, deep fjords, and artsy seaside villages or hit the trails and hike through the nearby forests and mountains. This region is the perfect place to combine relaxation with easy access to outdoor adventures.

Sunshine Coast Getaway - 9 Days

After a couple of days of exploring the parks and great restaurants of Vancouver, escape to the Sunshine Coast for its laid-back vibe and accessible outdoor adventures. Despite it's proximity to Vancouver, this stretch of coastline often gets overlooked but those who venture here will no doubt love it—quaint seaside villages with great food and breweries, endless beach trails and hidden coves for kayaking, and an overall artsy vibe unique from the rest of British Columbia.

Sunset on the Wild Pacific Trail, Ucluelet

Pacific Rim Adventure: Vancouver to Tofino - 9 Days

Experience the wild coastline of Vancouver Island's Pacific Rim. With three full days to explore the park, you can make day trips to remote islands or simply relax on the beach, sticking to the coastal trails. You'll also have a few days to experience Victoria and Vancouver's urban scene, great restaurants, and local shops.

Pacific Rim Adventure: Vancouver to Tofino - 8 Days

Get a taste of Vancouver before heading to the rugged coastline of the Pacific Rim National Park. Here, you'll be surrounded by coastal rainforest and beautiful coastline with ample time to explore. Head off on a sea kayaking adventure, spot whales, and enjoy some of Canada's best cuisine in Ucluelet and Tofino. Finally, stop to explore Victoria before heading home.

Pacific Rim Adventure: Vancouver to Tofino - 7 Days

Spend a week combining the urban highlights of Vancouver and Victoria with the rugged wilderness of the Pacific Rim National Park. This itinerary takes you by car and ferry to the west coast of Vancouver Island, famous for its coastal rainforest, whale watching, and access to some of the most rugged and magical coastline in Canada. Relax in a lodge by the beach and choose from a wide range of adventures each day.

Pacific Rim Adventure: Vancouver to Tofino by Flight - 6 Days

After a day in Vancouver, catch a scenic floatplane flight to the west coast of Vancouver Island where ancient rainforests, remote islands, and abundant wildlife await. You'll have three days to enjoy the Pacific Rim National Park, sea kayaking and hiking by day and delighting in the local great restaurants by night. Head back to Vancouver by floatplane, as well, before returning back home from Vancouver.

Hiking through coastal rainforest in the Pacific Rim

Pacific Rim Adventure: Vancouver to Tofino - 5 Days

This short adventure takes you by floatplane to the wild west coast of Vancouver Island. You'll have close to three days to explore the rugged coastline, walk through ancient rainforest, and head off on a full-day sea kayaking or hiking adventure. At night, relax in a cozy lodge next to the beach and enjoy some of the province's best restaurants in the small villages of Ucluelet and Tofino.

Trail to Helen Lake, Banff National Park

Canadian Rockies Road Trip: Banff, Lake Louise & Jasper - 5 Days

With just three full days, this is the minimum amount of time you'll want to get a great feel for the Canadian Rockies. Besides two longer days of driving, you'll be able to focus your time exploring the countless trails and viewpoints along the scenic Icefields Parkway. After returning to Canmore on your last night, it's a short drive to Calgary for your onward journey.

Canadian Rockies Road Trip: Banff, Lake Louise, & Jasper - 6 Days

With just 6 days, base yourself out of Banff and Jasper for convenient access to some of the best hiking trails and viewpoints in the Canadian Rockies. Besides a couple of longer days of driving, this itinerary is designed to get you outside and into what these parks are all about—alpine trails, turquoise lakes, giant glaciers, and great opportunities to see wildlife.

Canadian Rockies Road Trip: Banff, Lake Louise, & Jasper - 7 Days

One week is just enough time to explore the Canadian Rockies without feeling too rushed. Designed for those looking to get up into the mountains, this route starts and ends in Calgary and focuses on providing the best access to amazing trails as well as lesser-known regions that evade the crowds. The ideal season for this route is May through September.

Canadian Rockies Road Trip: Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper, & Canmore - 8 Days

With 8 days, explore the best of the Canadian Rockies stretching from Banff to Jasper. You'll drive one of the world's most iconic stretches of road in the Icefields Parkway and spend full days exploring the backcountry trails away from the crowds. This is the perfect amount of time to cover a lot of ground without feeling too rushed.

Fresh snow on a sunlit peak in the Canadian Rockies

Canadian Rockies Road Trip: Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper & Canmore - 9 Days

Spend nine days exploring the best of the Canadian Rockies. You'll base yourself in just a few locations to avoid moving around too much and instead spend your days on beautiful alpine trails. Besides having enough time to take in all the main highlights on the Icefields Parkway, you'll also explore some of the lesser-known regions that help you escape the crowds.

Hiking in the Ten Peaks Valley, Banff National Park

Canadian Rockies Road Trip: Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper, & Canmore - 10 Days

With 10 days, you'll have enough time to explore all the highlights of the Canadian Rockies between Banff and Jasper. You'll also have time to get off the beaten path and away from the crowds, either on a multi-day hiking adventure, to a wilderness lodge, or into the lesser-known (but just a stunning) region of Kananaskis.

Canadian Rockies Road Trip: Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper, & Canmore - 11 Days

Spend 11 days in the outdoors of the Canadian Rockies. Starting and ending in Calgary, you'll base yourself in four locations that allow for nearby access to the best trails and lesser-known regions around Banff and Jasper national parks. This route is best done between May and September and was called the "drive of a lifetime" by National Geographic.

Canadian Rockies Road Trip: Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper, & Canmore - 12 Days

Starting and ending in Calgary, this route gets you outdoors on the best trails and routes through the Canadian Rockies. You'll have ample time to visit all the famous stops along the way as well as the lesser-known regions known just to locals. This route is optimized for those looking to get out into nature, beyond just the roadside stops and attractions.

Moraine Lake and the Valley of the Ten Peaks

Canadian Rockies Road Trip: Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper, & Canmore - 13 Days

Designed for outdoor adventure lovers, this route gets you away from the crowds into the best alpine scenery of the Canadian Rockies. You'll start and end in Calgary and drive the iconic Icefields Parkway in both directions, taking in Banff, Lake Louise, and Jasper, with minimal driving time and more time in nature.

Canadian Rockies Road Trip: Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper, & Canmore - 14 Days

In two weeks, explore the best of the Canadian Rockies from Banff to Jasper. This route is optimized for less time on the road and more time hiking in incredible alpine scenery away from the crowds, best done between May and September. You'll start and end in Calgary, and take in a couple of special, lesser-known regions such as Kananaskis Country.

Canadian Rockies Road Trip: Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper, & Canmore - 15 Days

This route focuses on getting you into the incredible mountain scenery of the Canadian Rockies, starting and ending in Calgary. You'll head north and south along the iconic Icefields Parkway while basing yourself in a few key locations along the way. As well, you'll explore beautiful Kananaskis Country, a region just south of Banff and Canmore that locals regard as their favorite hiking region (without the crowds of the more famous parks).

Follow this epic route through the Canada Rockies

Canadian Rockies Road Trip: Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper, & Canmore - 16 Days

Discover the best of the Canadian Rockies by basing yourself in a few key locations where you can stay for a few nights and explore the backcountry trails and lakes. You'll take in the main highlights of the Icefields Parkway as well as the lesser-known regions, such as the beautiful Kananaskis Country and Yoho National Park. This route focuses on less time driving and more time out on the trails.

Highlights of Estonia & Helsinki - 14 Days

See a different side of Europe with this unforgettable adventure to the northern Baltic region and the Nordic country of Finland. The journey begins in Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, where you'll stroll through its well-preserved medieval center. After visiting some of the nation's prized national parks and lakes you'll board a ferry to Helsinki, the capital of Finland, for a tour of its historic fortress and day trips to medieval cities.

See the Memorial Museum of Holocaust and Vilna Ghetto

Jewish Heritage in Lithuania & Latvia - 10 Days

Over 10 days in the Baltics, you'll discover Lithuania and Latvia's historic landmarks, plus embark on a cultural tour of Jewish heritage. It's a comprehensive itinerary covering museums, Jewish minority communities, historic synagogues, former ghettoes, and various memorials to the thousands of Jews in the Baltics who the Nazis murdered. You will also have time to visit seaside towns and cities, home to some of the most gorgeous coastlines in the region.

Discover the nature, culture, and history of the Baltics

Discover the Baltics - 14 Days

This two-week holiday is your opportunity to discover northeast Europe and three beautiful countries hugging the Baltic Sea. You'll arrive in Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, where you'll tour medieval castles and cathedrals. Then it's off to Latvia and Estonia to visit the lakes and forests of their national parks, go on walking tours of ancient towns and cities, and overnight in opulent countryside manor homes. You'll even have the option for a quick day trip to Finland.

Highlights of Latvia - 7 Days

Over seven days you'll cover the highlights of Latvia, from the medieval capital city of Riga to its gorgeous coastal villages. You'll also stop at unique locales, like abandoned fallout bunkers and former KGB headquarters, that are throwbacks to when Latvia was controlled by Soviet Russia. In between, you'll tour well-preserved castles, cathedrals, and opulent palaces, some of which date back as far as the 13th century.

Volcanoes in the desert on plateau Altiplano, Bolivia

Bolivia in August: Travel Tips, Weather & More

It's still peak season in August in Bolivia, with plenty of blue skies and dry days ideal for tackling outdoor pursuits all over the country—from hikes in the footsteps of Incas in the Andes to jungle tours by boat in the Amazon. In the latter half of the month, temperatures slowly creep up in the rainforest and the savanna, but it's still lovely and cool on the Altiplano. The best digs are snapped up quickly during this popular month.

Bolivia in September: Travel Tips, Weather & More

The onset of spring in September marks the end of the peak season rush in Bolivia, so in many ways, this is a fantastic month to visit, with largely dry days, warm weather, and far fewer crowds. As the country edges into the less busy shoulder season, you should be able to snag some deals on tours and accommodation. While rising temperatures have taken the bitter edge off nights on the Altiplano, this is the hottest time of year in the Amazon.

Illimani moutain, the highest in the Cordillera Real, near La Paz

Bolivia in October: Travel Tips, Weather & More

October is the height of spring in Bolivia. If you want to sidestep the crowds of winter, this is a fantastic time to visit, as there is still plenty of dry, sunny weather everywhere, from the depths of the Amazon to the heights of the Andes. Rains are slowly but steadily increasing, so come prepared for the odd downpour. Shoulder-season benefits are many, especially when it comes to scoring deals on tours, outdoor activities, and accommodation. And the drop in visitor numbers is a blessing at big-hitters like the Salar de Uyuni and Lake Titicaca.

Off roading on Salar de Uyuni - flooded from rains

Bolivia in November: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

Summer is swiftly approaching and bringing with it rainy days to much of Bolivia in November, though nothing like what will fall in the coming months. Come now, and you'll experience the country at its tranquil best, with few crowds at major sights and milder weather up on the Altiplano, where the showers are slowly transforming the parched highlands into a lush carpet of wildflowers.

Bolivia in December: Travel Tips, Weather & More

Christmas might be around the corner (along with several other exciting festivals), but the weather in Bolivia this month is surprisingly good. In fact, of all the low season months from November through March, December is arguably best for a visit, with lower rainfall, higher temperatures, and more overall sun. And if the rain does come down, Bolivia has a phenomenal culture to tap into, which can usually be done indoors: at one of La Paz's standout museums, for example, or in cities like Sucre or Tarija.

July is a good time to drive Boliva's North Yungas Road ("Death Road")

Bolivia in July: Travel Tips, Weather & More

July is the peak season in Bolivia, with warm, bright, largely sunny days, though things can feel cooler up on the Altiplano. Such reliable weather makes this a brilliant month for outdoor activities, from hiking and mountain biking in the Andes to expeditions into the wildlife-rich Amazon. July is also one of the busiest months, ruling out special deals on accommodation and tours. Plan ahead if you want to visit during this popular time.

Views of Salar de Uyuni from Incahuasi Island

Bolivia in June: Travel Tips, Weather & More

One of the driest, brightest months of the year, June ushers in the start of peak season. But with the biggest crowds still yet to arrive, this is a terrific time for snapping up the few remaining deals on tours and accommodation. Cooler temperatures everywhere, from the Andes to the Amazon, also mean this is an excellent month for outdoor pursuits, but you'll want to pack layers for the chilly nights. The country celebrates some memorable festivals now, too, such as the winter solstice celebrations at Tiwanaku.

Arbol de Piedra, or Stone Tree, in the Dalí Desert

Bolivia in May: Travel Tips, Weather & More

The rain steadily eases up in May, bringing drier days, brighter skies, and refreshingly cooler temperatures. May is a great time to visit all regions of the country, from the heights of the Andes to the depths of the rainforest. And if you're up for an outdoor adventure, go now for perfect conditions for hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, and more. Just bear in mind that you won't be the only one traveling—the dry season marks the start of peak season in Bolivia.

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