Canada & The Rocky Mountaineer

Day 1  Fly to Calgary
Today, you will fly to Calgary. On arrival we’ll transfer you to your hotel in downtown Calgary. The rest of the day is free for you to spend at leisure.

Day 2  Calgary to Banff  
Today you'll transfer to Banff for a sightseeing tour of Banff National Park. In Banff National Park's huge pine forests, black and grizzly bears still roam free and the area is home to spectacular sights such as wondrous snow-capped peaks, crystal-clear lakes, sparkling streams and rugged canyons with crashing waterfalls. Our tour today includes visits to the Hoodoos, Surprise Corner and Bow Falls, and you might opt to take a ride on the Banff Gondola. This evening we'll get together for dinner.

Day 3  Lake Louise
Lake Louise – a glacial jade-green lake high in the mountains, surrounded on all sides by towering peaks – is often described as the most beautiful place in Canada. Our included excursion to the lake today gives you the chance to see if you agree.

Day 4  Banff to Jasper                
The Icefields Parkway reaches almost 7,000ft above sea level at points and is flanked by great mountain ranges soaring to more than 11,000ft. As we head along this magnificent highway to Jasper National Park, a stop at the Great Columbia Icefield provides an opportunity to take an Ice Explorer ride across the Athabasca Glacier.

Day 5  Jasper                  
The former railroad town of Jasper is now home to the breathtakingly beautiful Jasper National Park. On this morning's tour we'll view the turquoise waters of Maligne Lake, set in a canyon and ringed by snow- and ice-capped mountains. During free time this afternoon, you could choose to take an optional river raft ride.

Day 6  Jasper to Kamloops (Rocky Mountaineer – SilverLeaf)
What a treat we have in store today as we board the famous Rocky Mountaineer train for a fabulous two-day journey to Kamloops and Vancouver. The first leg of our journey takes us from Jasper in the Canadian Rockies to Kamloops, in the heart of British Columbia. Sit back and relax and take in the dramatic scenery of the Continental Divide and the river valleys of the Monashee and Cariboo Mountains. Special highlights will be views of Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies at 3,954 metres, and the stunning Pyramid Falls, which descend from a hanging valley and are a truly remarkable sight. We'll also climb over Yellowhead Pass and along the North Thompson River as we approach Kamloops for an overnight stay. Just as impressive as the scenery will be your surroundings on the iconic Rocky Mountaineer. Relax in comfort as your onboard host shares stories about life in the Rockies as you take in the unbelievable views.

Day 7  Kamloops to Vancouver (Rocky Mountaineer – SilverLeaf)                  
We rejoin the train for a journey towards the Pacific Ocean and the coastal city of Vancouver. From the comfort of our carriage we'll see dramatic changes in scenery as we pass by winding river canyons, pristine forest and dramatic mountains. We'll follow the Fraser River, renowned as the home of British Columbia's largest salmon fishing run – when salmon that have migrated from the ocean, swim to the upper reaches of the river to spawn – so keep your eyes peeled for grizzly bears trying to pluck a catch from the water. Hell's Gate is another highlight, when the river narrows abruptly forcing the water to gush through a 35-metre wide passage.

Day 8  Vancouver
Boasting one of the most beautiful settings in the world, Vancouver is surrounded by mountains, forests and delightful islands. On our sightseeing tour we'll take in Chinatown, Gas Town, the remarkable 1,000-acre Stanley Park with its famous totem poles and the magnificent harbour. Granville Island is a huge draw for locals and tourists alike, thanks to its theatres, restaurants and shops. The highlight for many is the indoor public market with stalls selling gourmet delicacies, baked goods and seafood. Here we'll visit the market with time to explore after lunch. 

Day 9  Vancouver
Victoria on Vancouver Island can be reached by ferry, and if you choose to join an optional excursion, that’s how we’ll reach the capital of British Columbia. On our city tour you’ll be able to admire the architecture here and see how its British Victorian heritage is perfectly preserved. More highlights include the marvellous Butchart Gardens – 50 acres of spectacular floral displays and emerald-coloured lawns. We’ll also visit the Parliament Building and the classic Empress Hotel, sitting next to Victoria’s sparkling harbour.

Day 10  Vancouver
Vancouver’s North Shore, featuring the Capilano Suspension Bridge and Grouse Mountain, is well worth a visit and you can do so on an optional excursion if you wish. A farewell drink with your fellow travellers this evening will bring your tour to a perfect end.

Days 11-12  Fly to the UK        
You'll fly back to the UK on day 11, arriving in the UK on day 12.