Rockies Explorer

On arrival into Vancouver, you will be met and transferred to the Fairmont Waterfront (or similar) for a 2-night stay. (D)

This morning join a shared tour of the city, including Stanley Park, Vancouver harbour and the cultural centre of Granville Island. Afternoon at leisure to explore the city further. (B)

Transfer to the station and board the Rocky Mountaineer (GoldLeaf Service) for the initial leg of the ‘First Passage to the West’ route to Banff, passing fertile fields and towering peaks. Overnight at your Kamloops hotel*. (B, L)

Rejoin the train and continue your journey towards the alpine town of Banff. Transfer to the Fairmont Banff Springs for a 2-night stay. (B, L)

Today you can choose from a selection of included activities:a cruise on Lake Minnewanka or a heli-flightseeing trip. This evening, enjoy an included dinner in one of the hotel's restaurants. (B, D)

After meeting a Mountie to listen to stories from the force, join a tour of Banff, including a ride on the gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain. Drive to Lake Louise with a stop at Moraine lake en route. Enjoy a guided tour around the lake and overnight at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise in a lake-view room. (B, D)

Travel along the scenic Icefields Parkway and stop at the Columbia icefield to board the specially designed Ice Explorer vehicle for an excursion on the Athabasca glacier. Continue on to the magical village of Jasper and overnight at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. Tonight, enjoy an included dinner in one of the hotel's restaurants. (B, D)

Journey out of Jasper National Park and on to Blue River. Take a river excursion in search of grizzly and black bears before continuing on to the centrally located Sun Peaks Grand Hotel & Conference Centre for 1 night. (B, L, D)

Travel through the rugged Cariboo region and pass through towering coastal mountains before arriving into Whistler. Overnight at the Westin Resort & Spa, which is just steps away from gondolas to both Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. (B, D)

Travel along the Sea-to-Sky Highway to Horseshoe Bay, stopping en route at Shannon Falls. From Horseshoe Bay, take the scenic ferry across the Georgia Strait to Vancouver Island, before continuing on to Victoria for a 2-night stay at the Hotel Grand Pacific. Alternatively, take a 1-hour floatplane flight between Whistler and Victoria, from £175 (must be pre-booked). (B)

Morning visit to the floral displays of the Butchart gardens, with breakfast in the original Butchart residence. Afterwards there is a choice of included excursions, such as whale watching, a scenic seaplane flight or afternoon tea at the Fairmont Empress. This evening there will be a group farewell dinner. (B, D)

Day 12: Vancouver • Onward travel Morning ferry back to Vancouver, then either transfer to the airport to fly home, or continue your holiday by joining a 7-night Alaska cruise. (B)