A Week in Western Canada

Spend a week in Western Canada experiencing the highlights of Vancouver and Banff and Jasper National Parks. Travel by train and wind through the spectacular Rocky Mountains in pure luxury as you enjoy GoldLeaf service on board the Rocky Mountaineer. Amongst the towering peaks of Alberta's most loved mountain range, keep an eye out for wildlife.

1. Days 1-3: Vancouver

   Touch down in Vancouver and have the afternoon at leisure. Relax and unwind at your hotel or head out to Stanley Park to explore by bicycle. We could even arrange a guided tour of Vancouver's bustling culinary scene, before you retire to your guest room for the night. The next day, we've included a watching excursion through the spectacular Gulf and San Juan islands where you'll search for pods of orca whales, as well as giant humpbacks, sea lions and bald eagles.

   Accommodation: Fairmont Waterfront Vancouver (2 nights)

2. Days 3-4: British Columbia

   The next morning, you will be picked up at your hotel and taken to the train station. Board the Rocky Mountaineer ready for your journey through the clouds from Vancouver to Jasper. Stopping overnight in Kamloops, you'll have two days on board the train to admire spectacular scenery and enjoy show-stopping service. Meals are served by friendly and welcoming staff and are of the highest quality and drinks trolleys pass through the carriages frequently to ensure you never go thirsty. There are plenty of photograph opportunities on this iconic train journey, and you can spend some time on the outer deck. On your first day, you'll pass through the lush green fields of the Fraser Valley, soar past the Cascade Mountains and meander along the Thompson River.

   After your overnight stop in Kamloops, your rail journey continues to the mighty Canadian Rockies in the rugged province of Alberta. You'll follow the banks of the North Thompson River, past the Cariboo Mountains and spectacular Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. You'll also pass Pyramid Falls and the Yellowhead Pass before reaching Jasper National Park.

   Accommodation: Rocky Mountaineer (1 night)

3. Days 4-5: Jasper

   Disembark the train and wave goodbye to the train staff before you collect your hire car at the station, and take a short drive to the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge for the night.

   Accommodation: Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge (1 night)

4. Days 5-7: Lake Louise

   The next day its set to be a true highlight of your vacation, take your time as you drive through the Icefields Parkay, the largest sub-polar body of ice in North America, en route to Banff. We suggest stopping off at the Glacier Discovery center to visit the Skywalk for spectacular views of the Sunwapta Valley from its glass floored observation platform, before taking a shared guided tour onto the icey slopes of the Athasbasca Glacier on a Ice Explorer vehicle. There is also fantastic wildlife viewing opportunities on route, with bears and elk commonly seen on the plains either side of the highway.

   Stay at Moraine Lake Lodge, nestled in a spectacular private setting. Whilst here, Moraine Lake Lodge's offers a fantastic inclusive guided hiking program and complimentary canoeing for guests on crystal clear glacial waters. In the evening, enjoy evening presentations from expert naturalists who bring the ecology of the area to life. Ensure you visit nearby Lake Louise, where the gondola leads to spectacular view points and opportunities for bear viewing in the summer. Horseback riding can be organized on Timberline Trails around Lake Louise, and to toast a spectacular trip, book for afternoon tea with a view of the lake at the iconic Chateau Lake Louise.

   Accommodation: Moraine Lake Lodge (2 nights)

Vancouver, Kamloops, Jasper, Banff National Park