Rockies & Beyond – A 21-Day Vanlife Adventure from Coast to Alpine Heights

Pickup at Vancouver Airport at 8:30 AM—let the adventure begin. We kick things off with a group briefing, gear check, and a proper “meet your trail crew” moment (cue road trip excitement and a few “wait, what did I sign up for?” laughs). Then it’s straight to the ferry and over to Vancouver Island—wild coast, here we come.

We stop in Nanaimo for a quick resupply—snacks, drinks, and any last essentials before we head off-grid. On the way to Tofino, we stretch our legs under the towering old-growth trees of Cathedral Grove—a magical forest that sets the tone for the days ahead.

By late afternoon, we roll into Tofino, explore the laid-back surf town, and sit down for a welcome dinner (on us) to kick off the trip. Our first night is spent camping near the beach in the Squatch Bus, falling asleep to the sound of waves and the beginning of something big.

Wake up to salty air and a sunrise stretch on the beach—because nothing says “let’s do this” like moving your body under a pink sky with the Pacific in front of you. Deep breath in… adventure out.

Then it’s straight into surf lessons. Whether you ride your first wave or faceplant gloriously into the foam, you’re winning either way. This day is all about Tofino energy: wild coastline, chill vibes, and a full reset from whatever “normal life” means.

We’ll spend the day catching waves, flopping off boards, soaking up sun, and kicking off the ultimate vanlife rhythm—barefoot, sandy, and grinning. Trust us: your legs will thank you later. Your wetsuit… maybe not.

One last slow morning on the coast—coffee in hand, toes in the sand, and maybe a sunrise beach walk before we pack up camp. But before we go? A mandatory stop at Tacofino, the legendary food truck that serves up the best surf-town burritos on the coast. It’s the battle of Squatch Bus vs. taco bus—and no one’s walking away hungry.

We ferry back to the mainland and hit the Sea to Sky Highway—one of the most beautiful drives in all of Canada. Coastal cliffs, deep fjords, and rising peaks line the route as we wind our way toward the mountains.

We roll into Squamish, the adventure capital of BC, and take time to restock, refuel, and wander town. Grab snacks, pick up any missing gear, and maybe a bottle of campfire wine—you’ve earned it.

Tomorrow we head deep into the backcountry. But tonight? We settle in with the Squatch Bus parked under the stars, and the mountains starting to rise around us.

It’s time to earn those views. We shoulder our packs, lace up the boots, and leave the pavement behind as we head deep into Garibaldi Provincial Park for a two-night backcountry mission.

The goal? Panorama Ridge—one of the most iconic alpine viewpoints in all of BC. The trail takes us past turquoise lakes, through dense forest, and higher into open alpine terrain, with glacier views getting better by the step.

Distance: 32 km
Elevation Gain: 1,940 m
Vibes: High

We’ll set up camp in the alpine, share dinner with a view (literally), and watch the sun dip behind peaks before crawling into our tents for a well-earned sleep under the stars. Day 5 is all about soaking it in—sunrise views, high alpine hangs, and a second night in the wild.

We hike out the next morning (Day 6), legs tired but spirits fully charged. Dirty gear, sore feet, and full hearts guaranteed.

We emerge from the backcountry a little dustier, a little stronger, and a whole lot hungrier. First stop: civilization. Think hot showers, real toilets, and maybe even laundry (but no judgment if your socks stay crunchy).

We spend the day in Squamish, giving our legs a break and letting the stoke settle in. There’s time to explore town, grab coffee, restock snacks, or just hang out and swap stories from the ridge.

As the sun starts to dip, we gather for a group dinner and toast our first big mission with a celebration beer at Backcountry Brewing—because where else would you go after backpacking Panorama Ridge?

Tonight we’re parked just outside of town in the Squatch Bus, cozied up and ready for the next chapter of this wild ride.

Today, we trade hiking poles for harnesses and dive headfirst into rock climbing. No experience? No problem. This day is built for beginners and seasoned scramblers alike. We’ll cover the basics, build confidence on the wall, and give everyone a chance to challenge themselves—physically and mentally.

Squamish is world-renowned for its granite cliffs, and we’ll be climbing in some of the most beautiful spots on the continent. Bonus: the views only get better the higher you go.

By the end of the day, you’ll have sore arms, a whole new set of skills, and at least one “I can’t believe I just did that” moment in the bag.

As the sun dips, we roll toward Whistler, settle into a quiet camp spot, and let the campfire stories roll.

After a full week of mountains, backpacking, and granite walls, today’s all about freedom and fun in the iconic mountain town of Whistler.

We kick things off with a morning hike—nothing too wild, just enough to stretch out and soak in some views. The trail depends on the group vibe (and how everyone's legs are feeling), but Whistler’s got options for every energy level.

The afternoon is yours to explore. Whether you want adrenaline, chill time, or a mix of both—we’ve got you:

- Ride the legendary Peak 2 Peak Gondola

- Fly through the forest on a ZipTrek Eco Tour

- Take the plunge with Whistler Bungee

- Rent a bike or head to the lake for a cold dip and sunny hang

- Or just wander town, grab a coffee, and people-watch your heart out

We regroup at camp in the evening, share our adventures, and settle in for a relaxed night under the stars. S’mores? Probably. Laughs? Definitely.

Time to say goodbye to the ski town vibes and get back into off-grid mode. Today we hit the road toward Wells Gray Provincial Park, trading highways for big mountain views and remote wilderness.

The drive is long—but epic. We’ll crank tunes, stop at scenic pullouts, and restock in Kamloops—snacks, drinks, last-minute supplies. Because tomorrow? We’re leaving the roads behind and paddling deep into the wild.

Expect jaw-dropping views, good roadside coffee, and maybe a cheeky bus nap or two. By evening, we roll into the Wells Gray area and camp on the edge of adventure, ready to load up the packrafts in the morning.

We trade wheels for water and load up the packrafts—this is where the trip goes full wild.

Over the next three days, we’ll paddle across Clearwater Lake, a remote glacial lake tucked deep in Wells Gray Provincial Park. Each day brings a new stretch of water, a new wild camp, and new views that look straight out of a postcard (but with way more bugs and way better stories).

Expect hidden waterfalls, shoreline lunches, island naps, and that feeling you get when there’s no cell signal, no crowds—just forest, water, and real quiet.

We’ll camp on remote beaches, cook over stoves, and fall asleep to loon calls and crackling fires. Whether you’re paddling hard or floating with your feet up, this part of the trip is about slowing down and settling into the rhythm of the wild.

By the end, you’ll have paddle blisters, smoky clothes, and the kind of tired that feels really good.

We wake up on the shores of Clearwater Lake one last time—sleepy, maybe a little sunburnt, and totally dialed into wilderness mode. After breakfast, we paddle back to our launch point, deflate the boats, high-five the crew, and reunite with the good ol’ Squatch Bus.

There’s something kind of magical about slipping back into vanlife after being off-grid on the water. The gear’s damp, everyone’s a little scruffy, and the energy’s high.

We hit the road east toward Glacier National Park, with towering peaks calling us forward and road trip snacks re-entering the chat. The drive winds through BC’s rugged interior, and by evening we find a cozy wild camp near the park, ready for our next big summit.

Tomorrow? We hike straight into the sky.

Time to lace up—it’s a big one. Today we take on the legendary Abbott Ridge Trail in Glacier National Park, one of the most rewarding (and underrated) alpine hikes in the Rockies.

The trail climbs through lush forest, then opens up to jaw-dropping views of the Illecillewaet Glacier and surrounding peaks. The final ridge is the kind of place that makes you feel like you're walking the spine of the Earth—exposed, wild, and absolutely unforgettable.

Distance: 13 km
Elevation Gain: 1,200 m
Epic Rating: Maxed out

We’ll break out the summit snacks, soak in that edge-of-the-world feeling, and then cruise back down with quads on fire and cameras full.

After the hike, we head to Golden, where we set up camp, crack something cold, and let the ridge stories roll. Tomorrow morning? Sunrise magic.

We’re up before the sun—but trust us, it’s worth it. We’ve got a local’s-only sunrise spot above Golden that delivers the kind of golden light and valley views that will short-circuit your brain (in a good way).

After breakfast, we hit the road toward Yoho National Park for one of the most beautiful point-to-point hikes of the trip. We start at Emerald Lake, a turquoise gem straight out of a dream, and hike through alpine forest and wild meadows toward the roaring power of Takakkaw Falls—one of the tallest in Canada.

Distance: 12 km
Elevation Gain: 750 m
Splash Zone: Likely

The Squatch Bus will be waiting at the other end, ready to scoop us up and roll into Lake Louise for dinner and a proper town reset. Afterward, we find a nearby wild camp—because one of the perks of vanlife? You can sleep just about anywhere the views are good (and they always are).

Today we hit Lake Louise, one of Canada’s most iconic (and crowded) spots—but don’t worry, we’re not here to fight tourists for shoreline selfies.

We’re headed up. Way up. The plan: hike to the Devil’s Thumb, a stunning ridgeline high above the lake where the crowds disappear and the views go full-mind-blow.

Distance: 12.7 km
Elevation Gain: 1,046 m
Views: Lake Louise, glaciers, peaks—everywhere you look

Up top, we’ll take it all in, enjoy a summit snack, and feel real smug about earning these views the hard way. On the way back down, we pass by Lake Agnes and the Tea House trail, so expect some bonus sights too.

Depending on timing and road conditions, we may roll over to Moraine Lake after dinner for a quiet evening hang (it’s often closed in May, but if it’s open—we’re going!).

We camp somewhere wild and peaceful tonight, full from food, fresh air, and way too many photos of turquoise lakes.

Today is a full-on vanlife dreamscape as we cruise the Icefields Parkway—a stretch of highway so beautiful it honestly feels fake. Glaciers, turquoise lakes, alpine passes—it’s one of the most scenic drives on Earth, and we’re doing it Squatch Bus–style.

We’ll stop for short hikes, viewpoints, and spontaneous jaw-drops. Expect things like:

- Peyto Lake – looks like a wolf, feels like a painting

- Bow Lake – good spot for a cold dip (no pressure, but also... pressure)

- Wilcox Pass – if trail conditions allow, we’ll hike for insane glacier views

Snowshoes might make an appearance if it’s still wintry up high—because, well, the Rockies like to keep us guessing.

This day is about big mountain energy, roadside lunch breaks, and laughing at how unreal it all feels. By the end of the day, we’ll roll into camp near Banff/Canmore, where we’ll be based for the final stretch.

For the last few days, we slow things down just a bit—but only when we want to.

We base ourselves around Banff and Canmore, two of the most iconic mountain towns in the Rockies. Think cozy cafes, alpine lakes, ridgeline scrambles, and the freedom to follow the stoke wherever it leads. No strict plans—just great trails, mountain air, and plenty of “holy sh*t” views.

Your guides will pick the hikes based on group energy and trail conditions, but expect a mix of:

- Alpine lake loops

- Optional scrambles or high ridges

- Chill town hangs or canoe rentals

- Pizza, pints, and proper town food if we’re feelin’ it

Evenings? Campfires, guitar strums, wild stories, and everyone pretending they’re not already emotional about leaving.

You’ll wake up in the Rockies one last time, crawl out of your bunk, and probably smell like campfire. That’s how you know it was good.

We have a slow, cozy morning—one last brew, one last bus breakfast, and maybe a group stretch if your legs still work. Then we load up and hit the road to Calgary Airport, swapping playlists, hugs, and inside jokes that no one else will ever understand.

- Plan your flight for any time after 3:00 PM—we’ll make sure you get there in time, with dirt under your nails and a grin on your face.

You came for the adventure—but left with a trail family, sore legs, and a wildly different idea of what “normal” is. That’s how vanlife gets you.

-Full Refund within 24H of booking

-Full Refund for Cancellations More Than 3 Months Before the Tour

-Deposit Kept for Cancellations Less Than 3 Months Before the Tour

Please Note:

In the case of extreme weather or unforeseen circumstances on our end, we will work with you to reschedule or offer a full refund.