Canada’s Rocky Mountaineer, Vancouver & Victoria

We gather at London Heathrow this afternoon with the Tour Manager to board a direct flight to Canada, arriving in Calgary in the early afternoon. Enjoy a welcome drink at we check in to our hotel in this shimmering city of the Canadian west.

Calgary has a modern skyline but is steeped in the western culture that earned it the nickname 'Cowtown'. Heading out for dinner independently you'll find a diverse choice of cuisine, from upscale steakhouses to stylish cafes.

The urban scenery of Calgary fades into the distance this morning as a coach transfer takes us into the dramatic landscapes of the Canadian Rockies and Banff National Park. Look upon some of the park's highlights as we venture deeper into these lands towards the resort town of Banff.

Here, we get a new perspective on the breathtaking scenery as we step aboard the Banff Gondola. Boarding a glass-enclosed carriage, enjoy 360-degree views over endless snow-capped peaks, glacial lakes and evergreen forests during the eight-minute climb to the summit of Sulphur Mountain. At the top, gaze at six mountain ranges and sweeping Bow Valley from the mountaintop boardwalks, perhaps following them to Sanson's Peak before exploring the mountaintop discovery centre. The epic views continue as we make our way back down to the mountain's base and transfer to our hotel for check-in.

Banff is a resort mountain town with much to offer, from art galleries to hiking trails, and the remainder of the afternoon is yours to explore before we reconvene for dinner at a local restaurant.

• Breakfast, Dinner

A day of Banff's most epic scenery lies ahead as we set out into the park after breakfast. Our first stop is one of Canada's most popular destinations, Lake Louise. With turquoise waters wrapped in picturesque forests, beautiful mountain peaks and an impressive hanging glacier, Lake Louise offers a magical setting for outdoor exploration.

Enjoy plenty of time to take photos here before we continue along the Icefields Parkway, stopping at the Columbia Icefield for an unforgettable trip onto the Athabasca Glacier. Stepping aboard an Ice Explorer vehicle, we see this vast sheet of ancient ice up-close - and even have a chance to walk upon it - while spotting waterfalls, mountain scenery, and wildlife like elk, moose and black bears.

After the tour, we reboard our motorcoach and make one final photo stop at Peyto Lake, famed for its brilliant blue water, before returning to Banff with the evening at leisure.

• Breakfast

With an early start this morning, we join an included transfer to Banff's railway station, where Rocky Mountaineer awaits boarding. Friendly hosts welcome us aboard, and as you take your SilverLeaf seat in a train carriage lined with panoramic windows, you can enjoy breakfast at your seat as our journey west gets underway.

Enjoy a memorable perspective on Castle Mountain as you leave Banff and near Lake Louise, and a procession of craggy peaks and wide-open valleys where wildlife roams freely. For an even better view, you could head to the open-air vestibule at the rear of your train car. Your onboard host tells stories about the land and the locations featured on your route as the views unfold. With a locally inspired lunch and a selection of complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks available throughout the journey, there is no better way to see the Rockies.

Eventually, the landscape gets less dramatic and more arid, and Rocky Mountaineer arrives in Kamloops. After checking into our hotel for the night, you have a free evening to find dinner locally.

• Breakfast, Lunch

Reboarding Rocky Mountaineer this morning, the second leg of your route towards Vancouver begins along the Thompson River. Enjoy breakfast and lunch at your seat, as well as a selection of included drinks, as the ever-changing views of the Thompson-Okanagan region pass by the windows.

The train passes the rushing rapids of Hell's Gate and over the Fraser River, surrounded by beautiful evergreen trees. The Coast Mountains come into view later in the day, marking our descent towards the Pacific. Enjoy beautiful scenes of the Fraser Valley as we near our destination, Vancouver.

This city is nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the mountains and is a hub of art, culture and nature, offering something for everyone. After checking into our hotel for the night, you can spend the evening uncovering Vancouver at your own pace. You might like to seek out the unique restaurants in Gastown or dine at one of the excellent seafood and fish restaurants.

• Breakfast, Lunch

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before we set out for a guided tour of Vancouver's best sites, with a local guide offering interesting commentary and stories to enhance our experience. See the city's original downtown district, Gastown, where daylight reveals cobbled streets lined with character-filled buildings. The neighbourhood's most iconic landmark, the Gastown Steam Clock, draws visitors with its regular bursts of steam and nostalgic appeal.

We also visit Canada's largest Chinatown, thriving since 1885, and the famous Stanley Park. Covering more than 1,000 acres, this park boasts a collection of towering First Nations totem poles, leafy walking paths and a famous seawall. We then enjoy the lively atmosphere of Granville Island's food markets and artisan shops.

Following our tour, there is free time to have lunch, and then we board the ferry to Vancouver Island. Take in the beautiful scenery and keep watch for seals, whales and other marine life as we make our way across the water. On arrival, a short coach transfer takes us to our hotel in Victoria, where your evening is at leisure.

• Breakfast

From its humble beginnings as a military fort to its growth during the Gold Rush and, now, as the capital of British Columbia, Victoria has a long and storied past, which we discover this morning on a walking tour. Setting out with a local guide, we visit landmarks such as the BC Legislature Building and the Empress Hotel, explore Canada's oldest Chinatown, and admire beautiful views of the Inner Harbour.

Upon returning to our hotel, we are greeted by a coach that takes us to one of Vancouver Island's most famous attractions, Butchart Gardens. Founded in 1904, this National Historic Site of Canada is still owned by the Butchart family. Enjoy some free time to roam throughout the displays and lush gardens, which cover 55 well-manicured acres, before rejoining the group in the Dining Room for afternoon tea.

Have a seat in the window-surrounded room and enjoy scones, sandwiches and sweets as you sip tea with beautiful views of the surrounding gardens. Upon returning to Victoria, the remainder of the day is free to continue exploring independently.

• Breakfast

Wrapping up our time in Canada this morning, we visit the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, where you can enjoy a self-guided tour. This beautiful building features numerous architectural styles, including classical, Renaissance and Romanesque, and its beautiful features are spread over three floors. Admire the stunning Jubilee windows, the Lower and Memorial Rotundas, and the Legislative Chamber, as well as displays of Indigenous and historical artifacts during your visit.

The morning continues with free time to lunch or take in Victoria's old-world ambiance before we rejoin the ferry this afternoon, returning to Vancouver. Boarding a coach, we head to the airport to catch our flight back to London Heathrow.

• Breakfast

On this journey from Calgary to Victoria on charming Vancouver Island, we experienced the glistening lakes, leafy forests, towering mountains and bustling cities that make Canada an unforgettable destination. We soared above the Canadian Rockies on the Banff Gondola, walked on the ancient Athabasca Glacier and crossed British Columbia on the world-famous Rocky Mountaineer before heading to Vancouver, where we enjoyed a two-night stay in charming Victoria.

As our plane touches down at London Heathrow this morning, your spectacular Canadian holiday comes to an end, and you are free to make your way home with these unforgettable new memories.