Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Canada – Vancouver – Kamloops – The Rockies – Jasper – Banff – Calgary
100% customisable for you
Your Canadian journey begins today. Head to the airport and whizz through security in preparation for your nine-and-a-half-hour flight to Vancouver. Why not grab a good book or tune into our destination-specific playlist to pass the time?
On arrival, you’ll be privately transferred to your central hotel, where you’ll stay for the next two nights. The rest of the day is left open to settle in or explore the surrounding area. Depending on arrival time, you could wander along the waterfront or head into one of the nearby neighbourhoods for an early introduction to the city. For those looking to stay close to the hotel, dinner can be arranged at a nearby restaurant, with recommendations available from your clued-up Concierge.
Wake up bright and early – today is dedicated to exploring Vancouver with a private guide. Start in Stanley Park, where walking trails wind through cedar and fir forests, opening onto coastal viewpoints and beaches (be sure to have your camera at the ready).
Why not hop on a water taxi to Granville Island? Its vibrant public market offers fresh produce, baked goods and locally made treats – ideal for a relaxed lunch. Gastown, the city’s oldest district, is also a must-visit, with restored buildings and cobbled streets that reflect the city’s early development.
By late afternoon, return to your hotel for some well-deserved downtime or continue exploring at your own pace, perhaps popping into one of Vancouver’s waterfront restaurants for a delicious dinner.
Today, your scenic rail adventure begins. After breakfast, you’ll be privately transferred to the station to board the famous Rocky Mountaineer for a day of picturesque train travel. You’ll journey east through the Fraser Valley, following the Fraser River into increasingly rugged terrain. Keep your camera close as large panoramic windows provide uninterrupted views of forests, lakes, rivers and snowy glaciers.
Highlights en route include Fraser Canyon and Hell's Gate, where the river narrows between steep rock walls. You’ll pull into Kamloops in the evening and be privately transferred to your cosy hotel for a restful overnight stay.
Settle back into your seat this morning as your journey continues north-east towards the rugged Rockies. The scenery will gradually shift, with rolling landscapes giving way to higher peaks as you glide towards Jasper National Park. During the ten to 12-hour journey, you’ll pass mighty Mount Robson – at 12,972ft, it’s the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies – along with Pyramid Falls and Yellowhead Pass.
You’ll arrive in Jasper later today, ready to collect your hire car and head to your hotel, a comfortable base for the next three nights. The evening is left free to settle in, with time for a short walk, a swim in the hotel pool or a relaxed dinner and an early night.
Over the next couple of days, take your time to explore Jasper National Park and its surrounding landscapes.
One of the highlights is Lake Maligne – the largest natural lake in the Canadian Rockies – bordered by snow-dusted mountains and dense pine and spruce forest. Hop on a boat cruise across its glacier-fed waters to Spirit Island, one of the most photographed spots in the region.
Maligne Canyon is another standout, where walking trails follow a series of deep limestone gorges and bridges span the rushing water below. Keep an eye out for wildlife as you explore – elk and deer are often seen in quieter areas, particularly in the early morning or evening.
After a bit of adventure? Take to the water in a canoe and glide across Lake Pyramid for more mountain views, or hop on the Jasper SkyTram for dizzying panoramas from above. If you’re in need of some R&R, then why not slow things down with a scenic soak in the Miette Hot Springs – talk about being at one with nature.
Rise and shine, today’s drive will take you along the Icefields Parkway, widely considered one of the most beautiful roads in the world. You’ll wind past sparkling glaciers, lush forests, emerald lakes and cascading waterfalls at every turn.
The journey takes around four and a half hours, but this is a route best enjoyed slowly. There are plenty of opportunities to pull over for a short walk, a selfie moment or simply to take it all in.
You’ll arrive in Banff later this afternoon, where you’ll check into your hotel for the next two nights. The rest of the day is yours to spend as you please. Settle in, unpack and head out to explore the town’s shops, restaurants and trails.
Ready to see Banff from a different perspective? After a hearty breakfast, make your way to the Banff Gondola and ride up to Mount Sulphur for wide-reaching views across the Bow Valley. At the top, follow the boardwalk to a series of viewpoints or even stop for lunch in one of the high-altitude restaurants (we’d recommend nabbing a window seat).
Back on lower ground, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your own pace. You might opt for a cruise on Lake Minnewanka, head out on a horseback ride through forested trails in Banff National Park or drive to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake for photo-worthy views. If you’d prefer something slower, there are plenty of walking trails nearby that offer an easy way to explore the area.
Come evening, why not ask your Concierge for their top restaurant recommendations? After a delicious dinner, return to your hotel for an early night ahead of tomorrow’s road trip.
This morning, set off east towards Calgary (around an hour and a half away), leaving the mountains behind as the landscape gradually opens out into plains and ranchland.
Once you arrive, check into your hotel in the city centre. This afternoon is free for you to settle in. Why not wander through downtown, stop off at a cafe or simply take it easy after the journey? If you’re keen for a culture fix, head to the Glenbow Museum for a taste of art and history, or stretch your legs along the Bow River pathway while soaking up the city’s modern-meets-western vibe.
Sadly, your Canadian adventure has come to an end. Gather your belongings and enjoy a relaxing final morning, with a few last-minute souvenirs in tow, before heading to the airport. Return your hire car and board your nine-hour overnight flight, arriving home the following day.
Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
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Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges
