Day 1-2: Banff / Lake Louise

90 min transfer from Calgary Airport

Banff is the perfect place to relax, appreciate the stunning scenery and get into an activity or two.  Mountain biking, horse riding, canoe tours, lake cruises and rafting are just a few to try! Less energetically, you can enjoy the town’s eateries, its famous hot-springs, and the amazing views from the top of the Sulphur Mountain gondola.

Take the shuttle service from Banff to the, unfeasably blue and famous waters of Lake Louise. Go early (helped by your European body-clock)… and get some good selfies!

Day 3-4: Jasper

Full day transfer from Banff (with Columbia Icefields excursion)

The amazing journey to Jasper along the world famous Icefields Parkway includes visiting the Columbia Icefield, where you’re free to ride up to the Athabasca glacier and experience the vertigo-triggering Skywalk.

Jasper sits at the heart of Canada’s largest national park, with an unbelievable amount to see and do. The Jasper Skytram and a visit to Maligne Canyon and Maligne Lake are essentials for even a short visit (shuttle services available). It’s also a great place to try activities including horse riding, paddle-boarding and climbing.

Day 5-6: Aboard The Canadian or the Rocky Mountaineer

Roll out of Jasper to start your amazing journey to the coast – along stunning valleys beside the Fraser river, under the nose of Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Rockies, and onwards with unique views of mountains, lakes and waterfalls. The Canadian and Rocky Mountaineer follow the same route, so get comfortable and enjoy some delicious food with an incomparable view.

As the day goes on, the scenery at the centre of British Columbia softens, shaped by a warmer climate. In late afternoon, the Rocky Mountaineer reaches Kamloops, where travellers transfer to hotels for the night. The Canadian whizzes on into the night, transforming into sleeping berths and cabins!

Day 6-8: Vancouver and the West Coast

Travellers aboard The Canadian will arrive in Vancouver for 8 am. Those on the Rocky Mountaineer will arrive in early evening, after another day aboard with breakfast and lunch included.

In Vancouver, transfer to your hotel, and then explore. Enjoy an evening in trendy Gastown or Yaletown or in famous Chinatown. Next day, take an inclusive day-trip: either to white-knuckle Whistler, home for many 2010 winter Olympics events, or to charming Victoria and the Butchart Gardens on Vancouver Island – a different world, where afternoon tea is still observed!

Explore more on your last day, as most flights leave in late afternoon. Enjoy the city scene, go green in 1000 acre Stanley Park or visit the Capilano suspension bridge just inland.