Compare Yellowstone, Grand Canyon & Tequila by Dragoman vs Active West Coast Canada Discovery by G Adventures

Day 1: Banff

Border information: If joining in Banff, you will most likely enter Canada at Calgary International Airport (IATA code: YYC).

There will be an important group meeting at 18:00 at the joining hotel - please look out at the hotel reception for a note from your leader with more details about this important meeting.

The rest of the day is free to explore Banff and its stunning surroundings. Please note that many of the options listed below will only be possible for those with extra time in Banff before the start of your trip with us - please contact the Sales team if you would like to book pre-tour accommodation with us to have extra time exploring Banff.

In Banff we will stay in dormitory rooms in a centrally-located hostel.

Day 2-3: Glacier National Park

Estimated Drive Time - 8-9 hours (please note that all drive times given here are the approximate number of hours that the truck will be in motion only, and does not include any time taken for coffee or lunch stops, border crossings, photo stops, activities en route, comfort breaks, shopping stops, toilet stops, etc. The times given are approximate estimates only and whilst given with the best of intentions, the drive times are heavily dependent on traffic, road conditions, weather, police roadblocks, and many other factors - flexibility is essential on any overland trip!).

Border information: Exit Canada at Chief Mountain, enter USA at Chief Mountain.

Today we will have a full day drive over the US border into the state of Montana and arrive at the eastern side of Glacier National Park, stopping en route at the fascinating Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, a cliff that aboriginal people used for hunting for almost 6000 years.

On Day 3 we will free time to fully explore the pristine ecosystem of Glacier National Park and take some optional treks or scenic drives up the Going-to-the-Sun Road to Logan Pass and other scenic points.

In Glacier National Park we will camp in a campsite near the spectacular St. Mary's Lake.

Daily Activities

Included Activities: (Included in Kitty)

• Visit the Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, used for around 5,500 years by the indigenous peoples of the plains to kill buffalo by driving them off the 11m-high cliff
• Explore the spectacular lakes and mountains of Glacier National Park in the state of Montana

Day 4-6: Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park

Estimated Drive Time - 9-11 hours.

Today we have a full day drive south into the state of Wyoming and to the famous Yellowstone National Park, home to magnificent landscapes, fantastic treks, and the incredible Old Faithful geyser.

On our first night we will stay at a Campsite on the northern edge of the park with good facilities.

On Day 5 we will pack up our camp and explore Yellowstone National Park as we make our way to our camp on the southern edge of the park, where we will base ourselves for the next 2 nights.

From here we have a free day on Day 6 to fully explore Yellowstone and Grand Teton National park and take part in optional treks and other activities.

In Yellowstone National Park we will camp at a campsite in the Madison area of the park.

Daily Activities

Included Activities: (Included in Kitty)

• Explore the highlights of the famous Yellowstone National Park, including its hiking trails and the iconic geyser of Old Faithful

Day 7-8: Jackson Hole

Estimated Drive Time - 7-9 hours.

Today we will drive south through the stunning Grand Teton National Park and take a stop at the spectacular Jenny Lake, where we'll have some free time to explore the lake and possibly take a short boat trip. We will then continue to the beautiful town of Jackson Hole.

In Jackson Hole we will stay in quad rooms in a comfortable hostel, the following day we have a free day for activities and to explore the area.

Daily Activities

Included Activities: (Included in Kitty)

• Drive through the stunning Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming, stopping at the picturesque Jenny Lake

Day 9: Salt Lake City

Estimated Drive Time - 5-6 hours.

Today we will drive to Utah's state capital of Salt Lake City, where we will have time for quick free exploration of the city centre and its famous Temple Square. We will then head to the nearby Antelope Island State Park, known for its abundant population of American bison and pronghorns.

In Antelope Island we will camp at a basic campsite with few facilities.

Daily Activities

Included Activities: (Included in Kitty)

• Explore the rugged Antelope Island State Park and go in search of American Bison and Longhorns

Day 10-11: Canyonlands National Park, Moab

Estimated Drive Time - 6-7 hours.

Today we will have a full day drive to the town of Moab, perfectly located next to the rugged wildernesses of Arches and Canyonlands National Parks.

We will spend the next day exploring and trekking in Canyonlands National Park, and taking part in some optional activities in and around Moab.

In Moab we will camp in a well equipped campsite.

Daily Activities

Included Activities: (Included in Kitty)

• Explore the phenomenal 'Islands in the Sky' region of Canyonlands National Park and walk on some of it's stunning trails
• Explore the other-worldly landscapes of Arches National Park and see the iconic Delicate Arch at sunset

Day 12: Monument Valley

Estimated Drive Time - 8-9 hours.

Today we will drive to the incredible Monument Valley, the iconic landscape symbolic of the American West. On arrival we will head out on an included jeep tour of the Monument Valley Tribal Park, seeing the stunning rock formations up close and learning about the local Navajo culture.

In Monument Valley we will spend the night in a traditional Navajo ‘Hogan’ (an igloo-shaped dwelling of wood and earth where 6-8 people sleep together on the ground in a circle).

Daily Activities

Included Activities: (Included in Kitty)

• Spend a night sleeping in a traditional Navajo hogan and take a jeep tour of the spectacular Monument Valley

Day 13: Page

Estimated Drive Time - 5-6 hours.

Today we will continue our drive to the beautiful town of Page near the stunning Lake Powell.

In Page we will camp in a well-equipped campsite.

Daily Activities

Included Activities: (Included in Kitty)

• Visit the iconic Antelope Canyon on a trip from the town of Page

Day 14: Kodachrome Basin State Park

Estimated Drive Time - 7-8 hours.

Today we will drive to the wonderful Kodachrome Basin State Park, where we will have free time on arrival to explore the beautiful landscape.

In Kodachrome Basin State Park we will camp in a scenic campsite.

Day 15-16: Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park

Estimated Drive Time - 4-5 hours.

Today we will drive to the incredible Bryce Canyon National Park, where we will have a few hours here to take some optional treks to its hoodoos (odd-shaped pillars of rock left standing from the forces of erosion). Following this, we will take a very scenic drive to the stunning Zion National Park.

In Zion National Park we will camp at a well-equipped campsite just outside the park.

On Day 16, we have a free day for exploring and activities in the Zion National Park.

Daily Activities

Included Activities: (Included in Kitty)

• Visit the beautiful and scenic Bryce Canyon National Park and the nearby Kodachrome Basin State Park
• Visit the spectacular canyons and rock formations of Zion National Park

Day 17-18: Las Vegas

Estimated Drive Time - 4-5 hours.

This morning we will have free time to explore, trek or take scenic drives through the spectacular deserts and rock formations on Zion National Park. In the afternoon we will drive to the bustling and energetic city of Las Vegas.

On the following day we will have free time to fully explore the fascinating city of Las Vegas and enjoy its world-famous all-night entertainment options, including its casinos and shows!

In Las Vegas we will stay in a local hotel.

Day 19-20: The Grand Canyon

Estimated Drive Time - 7-8 hours.

Today we will continue south into the state of Arizona and to one of the most spectacular highlights of the USA - the world-famous Grand Canyon. On arrival we will head up to one of the stunning viewpoints over the Grand Canyon for sunset.

On the following day we will have free time to explore the Grand Canyon area and take optional treks and scenic helicopter flights over the canyon. The entrance to the Grand Canyon is included on the trip, but as there are many options once inside the National Park the day will be free to explore in your own way.

At the Grand Canyon we will camp at a well-equipped campsite in the Grand Canyon Village.

Daily Activities

Included Activities: (Included in Kitty)

• Visit some of the spectacular viewpoints over the world-famous Grand Canyon and the Colorado river

Day 21: Phoenix

Estimated Drive Time - 5-6 hours.

Today we start to drive south through Arizona to the area near Phoenix.

In the Phoenix area we will most likely stay in multi-share rooms in a hostel, if time allows we may have the opportunity to go horse riding or visit Antelope Canyon.

Day 22: Nogales

Estimated Drive Time - 5-6 hours.

Today we will drive south to the border town of Nogales.

In Nogales we will camp in a well equipped campsite.

Day 23-24: Mazatlán, Guaymas

Estimated Drive Time - 8-11 hours each day.

Border information: Exit USA at Nogales, enter Mexico at Nogales.

Today we will cross the border into Mexico, and over the next two days we will drive south along the Pacific coast, staying close to the towns of Guaymas and Mazatlán en route.

In Guaymas and Mazatlán we will camp in well-equipped campsites.

Day 25-26: Sayulita

Estimated Drive Time - 7-8 hours.

Today we will drive to the surfing town of Sayulita on Pacific coast and enjoy some free time on arrival.

On the following day we will have free time to explore the Playa Los Muertos beach and possibly try your hand at surfing!

In Sayulita we will stay in a basic hostel.

Day 27: Tequila

Estimated Drive Time - 5-6 hours.

Today we will drive to the town of Tequila, where we will have time for an optional visit to the town's famous distilleries (either today or on the following morning).

In Tequila we will stay in a basic hotel.

Day 28-29: Angahuan

Estimated Drive Time - 5-6 hours.

Today we drive to the town of Angahuan. This village is inhabited by the Purépecha people, who have been indigenous to the area since one thousand years before the Spanish invasion. Angahuan is the gateway to the Parícutin volcano, the only volcano in the world to have been born in modern times.

On the following day we will have free time to explore the village of Angahuan or to go for optional walks around the area of the Parícutin volcano. The creation of the volcano in 1943 buried two nearby villages, and it's still possible to see the spire of the cathedral of San Juan Parangaricutiro sticking up from the lava field.

In Angahuan we will camp at a campsite near to the volcano.

Day 30-31: Mexico City

Estimated Drive Time - 10-11 hours.

Today we will have a full day drive to the massive and chaotic Mexican capital of Mexico City.

The following day we have a free day to enjoy Mexico.

In Mexico City we will stay in a good hotel in the central district of Bellas Artes.

Day 32: Mexico City

Border information: if leaving in Mexico City, you will most likely exit Mexico at Mexico City Benito Juárez International Airport (IATA code: MEX).

Today is the end day for passengers finishing their trip in Mexico City. Please note there is no accommodation included on the trip tonight - please contact the Sales Team if you are interested in booking extra nights of accommodation in order to fully explore and take part in some of the optional activities listed below.

Day 1 Vancouver/Sooke

Enjoy a morning welcome meeting with your CEO in Vancouver before catching the ferry to Sooke on Vancouver Island. Eat a picnic lunch upon arrival before setting off into East Sooke Regional Park for some hiking. There’s a wide range of trails that have different levels of difficulty, but all of them will offer great views of the dramatic, rocky coastline, and lush Pacific rainforest filled with moss and green ferns. In the evening set up camp, get settled, and have dinner around a fire with the group.

Day 2 Sooke

After fuelling up with a camp breakfast the group will travel to the Juan de Fuca Strait from Sooke to embark on a hike along a section of the impressive trail. You’ll traverse miles of dense coastal forest and walk over beautiful pebble beaches, past gurgling waterfalls, slippery suspension bridges (watch your step) and the occasional pit of mud, but the dramatic views along this hike are well worth the effort. Transfer back to Sooke in the evening to rest up at camp and have dinner as a group.

Day 3 Sooke

Today after breakfast at camp the day is yours to do as you wish. If you need a break from hiking consider one of the many optional activities available like, sea kayaking, whale watching, bicycle rentals, or a visit to the quaint town of Victoria for some people watching and cafe hopping.

Day 4 Sooke/Parksville

In the morning after breakfast the group will transfer to Cowichan Valley where you'll go out on canoes and kayaks in Cowichan Bay. In the afternoon the group will travel to Parksville and walk in Rathtrevor Park along the beach. Feel the sand beneath your feet, hear the waves crashing, see old growth forests along the shoreline, and look for wildlife in the tide pools. In the evening set up camp and relax in the outdoors.

Day 5 Parksville/Squamish

Leave Parksville behind and head to the ferry port in Nanaimo to hop on a ferry to Horseshoe Bay. Once across the water, the group will drive to Squamish and hike The Stawamus Chief trail. This trail is one of the region’s best hikes and will take you up a steep incline to one of its three peaks. The views of the area surrounding Squamish, with the Howe Sound and the Garibaldi Park to the north are incredible. Enjoy a picnic lunch during your hike and in the evening relax at camp and have dinner as a group, refuelling after the day’s adventure.

Day 6 Squamish

Another great day of hiking to discover captivating views and new heights (literally). Set out to trek the Elfin Lake trail in Garibaldi Provincial Park. Offering amazing views you’ll hike 11km to get to the lakes, but it’s certainly worth it. Go for a dip in the icy water, fill up your bottles in another pond reserved only for drinking water and have lunch as you admire those insane views. After hiking the 11km downhill you’ll be able to have dinner wherever you choose in Squamish before heading back to camp for the night.

Day 7 Squamish/Whistler

In the morning the group will travel from Squamish to Whistler to take the Whistler Gondola up to the peak and hike the High Note trail. This trail offers hikers with the most scenic views of Cheakamus Lake with its vibrant aquamarine waters. The hike begins at the top of Whistler Mountain and takes you around the backside with views of the surrounding mountains and a descent through an alpine area. After the hike you’ll have free time to enjoy Whistler. Consider checking out the ​​Squamish-Lil'wat Cultural Centre, the Cloudraker Skybridge, or find a cozy coffee shop in town. In the evening at camp you’ll have your final dinner as a group around the campfire.

Day 8 Whistler/Vancouver

Travel from Whistler to Vancouver. Tours ends on arrival in Vancouver.

Please book any departing flights no earlier than 4:00pm.