Canadian Rockies and Vancouver

Day 1 - UK - Calgary - Banff

Our nationwide shared chauffeur service collects you from home for your flight to Calgary. On arrival, we transfer to the little town of Banff - surely one of the loveliest in North America. This small town is the launching point for world-famous Banff National Park, home to an untamed wilderness. Rugged mountaintops, glistening lakes, thick forests and elusive wildlife. It’s the stuff that inspires novels and painters. This evening you’re free to enjoy your hotel and explore the surrounding area.

Day 2 - Banff - Lake Louise

We head out on a day of scenic delights are we explore the town’s surrounds and Lake Louise (named after Queen Victoria’s daughter), plus Moraine Lake (subject to seasonal availability). These glassy lakes are filled by waterfalls and flash shades of deep emerald and bright turquoise, reflecting the mountain peaks towering overhead.

Day 3 - Banff

Today you can enjoy Banff completely at leisure. On the outskirts of town is Sulphur Mountain, with its enclosed gondola ride to the 7,500ft summit from where there are some breathtaking views of the Bow Valley and Banff town below.

Day 4 - Columbia Icefield - Jasper

You’ll want to keep your camera within reach this morning as we journey to Jasper National Park from Banff National Park by way of the Icefields Parkway. This stunningly scenic road links the two great parks, and for over 140 miles we’ll wind through jagged mountain peaks and high forested valleys, passing emerald lakes and mountain-fed streams, waterfalls and rivers. The halfway point is the spectacular Columbia Icefield, one of the biggest accumulations of ice and snow south of the Arctic Circle. We’ll jump on an Ice Explorer for a ride on the surface of the Athabasca Glacier (subject to weather). Then, heading west, we enter Jasper National Park - 4,200 square miles of alpine forests, natural hot springs, white-water rivers, tranquil valleys and jagged snow-capped mountains.

Day 5 - Jasper

Head out today for an unforgettable sightseeing journey. Beginning with the limestone gorge of Maligne Canyon, we’ll continue along the shores of Medicine Lake and on to the breathtaking Maligne Lake - the largest of the glacier-fed lakes in the Rockies. It really is a sight to behold. We arrive back in Jasper in the afternoon, where you’ll have the rest of the day to yourself. We’ll finish off this evening with an interpretative talk at dinner.

Days 6-7 - Kelowna

A spectacular drive as we leave the Rocky Mountains and descend to the Okanagan Valley, takes us to Kelowna, beautifully positioned on the shores of shimmering Lake Okanagan. The following morning, we've arranged a visit to one of the region's internationally recognised and award-winning vineyards for a tour and tasting of some delicious wines. The afternoon is free to relax, perhaps enjoy time by the lakeside in this lovely setting.

Day 8 - Victoria

Leaving Kelowna behind this morning, we take the scenic route to Hope. We continue on our drive south through Vancouver to Tsawwassen, to take the ferry through the glorious Gulf Islands region with towering Douglas fir trees climbing the hills on all sides, to Swartz Bay. We continue to the southern-most tip of Vancouver Island and Victoria, the provincial capital of British Columbia. We'll enjoy an orientation tour on arrival, of this very English city.

Day 9 - Victoria

Charming Victoria is perhaps the most British city you’ll find outside of London. Laid-back lower rises give way to pretty ports and sprawling gardens. We’ll enjoy a morning at the world-famous Butchart Gardens. Then this afternoon is at leisure to get to know the city for yourself.

Day 10 - Vancouver

Leaving Victoria behind this morning, we drive to Nanaimo, a deep sea fishing port and major centre for the forest industry, where we take the ferry through the Strait of Georgia to Horseshoe Bay. We end our holiday in Vancouver, staying in the vibrant city centre.

Day 11 - Vancouver

Vancouver is considered by many to have one of the most spectacular settings in the world - in the foreground the encircling Pacific Ocean and, as a backdrop, the grandeur of Grouse Mountain. For natural beauty, there is the 1,000-acre Stanley Park, the largest urban park in North America. It is Vancouver’s green heart - a wilderness area of forest, marshland and beaches. For excitement and variety, Chinatown, centred on Pender Street, is a city apart. Vancouver’s 100,000 Chinese are expected soon to surpass San Francisco’s as the largest community outside the Far East. Shops, hotels, markets and restaurants along with incessant activity combine to create a vibrant atmosphere. The Gastown area of the city is distinguished by cobbled walkways, gas lamps, quaint shops and restaurants. As an introduction to this fabulous city we have arranged a short orientation tour; then you’re free to discover its wonders for yourself.

Day 12 - Vancouver

A relaxing free day to further enjoy Vancouver as you please. Perhaps discover some of the 9,000 marine and freshwater animals at the aquarium in Stanley Park. Or visit the Classical Chinese Gardens - a replica from the Ming Dynasty. For a local taste of the city, head to Granville Island, a friendly and easy-going spot alive with shops, markets, galleries and a marina. Or, if you’re looking for a spot of relaxation, Kitsilano Beach is your best bet, with views out over English Bay towards Stanley Park. Sit outside one of its idyllic cafes and watch the world go by.

Day 13 - Vancouver - In flight

Transfer to the airport for your overnight return flight to the UK.

Day 14 - UK

Upon arrival, your vehicle will be waiting for the journey home.