Spectacular Rockies and Vancouver

Today you will fly to Calgary. On arrival we'll transfer to our hotel for an overnight stay.

This morning we'll leave Calgary to go and enjoy the great outdoors with a tour of Banff. There are so many scenic highlights here, and we're going to fit in as many as possible. You'll see the Hoodoos of Bow Valley, imposing spires of rock carved by the forces of nature which stand guard over the Bow River, and Surprise Corner. As the name suggests, sensational picture-postcard views are waiting for you here, so remember to bring your camera!

You might choose to make your own discoveries this afternoon. However, you've also got the chance to see more spectacular views of the Rockies, but this time from the sky on an optional helicopter flight.

A full day out today takes you to a destination often described as the most beautiful place in Canada, Lake Louise. See if you think this glacial jade-green lake surrounded by mountains lives up to its reputation.

At times the Banff - Jasper Highway reaches nearly 7,000ft above sea level, and the mountain ranges flanking it soar to more than 11,000ft. We're going to travel along this iconic route on our way to Jasper, our next base. Before we arrive we're going to stop at the Great Columbia Icefield. If you're up for adventure, an optional Ice Explorer ride across the Athabasca Glacier is highly recommended.

A former railroad town, Jasper is now known for its breathtakingly beautiful national park. You're going to discover its incredible highlights today, in particular the spectacular Maligne Lake, renowned for its azure waters, and the Maligne Canyon.

During our time at Maligne Canyon we'll stop at the Wilderness Kitchen where a lunch of distinctly Canadian produce will be served. Later, choose to join a thrilling optional excursion, rafting on the Athabasca River.

Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch

Our journey to Kamloops in British Columbia takes us over Yellow Head Pass, past Mount Robson – the highest peak in the Rockies – and along the Trans-Canada Highway. The scenery may be spectacular but the highlight of your day is sure to be our stop at Blue River for an exciting Rockies river safari. This once-in-a-lifetime cruise will take you through Grizzly Bear Valley on the lookout for an array of wildlife including moose, eagles, ospreys and, of course, grizzly bears.

Meals included: Breakfast

The ferry terminal is where we're heading this morning on a journey which takes us once again through the rugged scenery of the Rocky Mountains. Our ferry will take us to Vancouver Island and then we'll travel by road to Victoria, the provincial capital of British Columbia. This is our base for the next two nights, and we'll get our bearings right away with a sightseeing tour on arrival.

Soak up Victoria's old-world charm as you explore at leisure today. Highlights include the fabled Empress Hotel, which overlooks the picturesque inland harbour. The waters here are home to an array of marine mammals, so an optional whale-watching excursion is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Your morning tour takes you to the famous Butchart Gardens to see a dazzling display of flowers and plants. Later, we return to the mainland by ferry and travel by road to Vancouver. This city boasts an idyllic setting, where the ocean meets the mountains, and you'll see its highlights this afternoon. Your tour will take you to the city's historic core, known as 'Gastown', then on to Chinatown and Stanley Park with its famous totem poles.

Vancouver is yours to explore as you please today. If you'd like to join an optional excursion, come with us to Vancouver's North Shore. Here you'll see the spectacular Capilano Suspension Bridge and take a cable-car ride up Grouse Mountain. On a clear day the views of the city, the snow-capped mountains of Washington State and Vancouver Island are just wonderful.

Enjoy a little more free time in Vancouver before we transfer you to the airport for your overnight flight home.

You'll arrive back in the UK today.

Join a guided walk at Maligne Canyon this morning. Later, take to the aqua waters and cruise Maligne Lake to Spirit Island (seasonal), admiring views of its three glaciers and Spirit Island. After the cruise enjoy a delicious lunch with wine at the lakeside Maligne Lake Chalet. Choose to join an optional rafting trip down the Athabasca River or take in an optional theater performance highlighting the best of this little mountain town.

The icy fingers of the Columbia Icefield beckon as we journey along the Icefields Parkway to Athabasca Glacier. Cross its icy terrain on board a specially designed Ice Explorer and continue on to Lake Louise, where there is time to soak in the majestic beauty of the lake and its turquoise, glacier-fed waters, fringed by high peaks, deep green forests and overlooked by Victoria Glacier. Continue on to the township of Banff, in the heart of UNESCO-listed Banff National Park. Settle in for an evening at leisure.

The day is free for you to pursue your own discoveries and your Travel Director is eager to help plan the perfect day for you. Join an optional guided Signature Hiking experience, a helicopter tour of Mt Assiniboine or Three Sisters Peak. After lunch, opt to take the Brewster Banff Gondola. Then enjoy Banff sightseeing including Bow Falls, Surprise Corner and other local sights. Tonight, we join our newfound friends for a Farewell Dinner.

Descend from the glorious Canadian Rockies and transfer to Calgary International Airport, arriving at approximately 11:30 am, or to the Westin Calgary if you are extending your stay.