Discover Western Canada

Arrive in the beautiful city of Vancouver and hop in a taxi to your hotel. Don't let jet lag get the better of you your first evening, head out to stretch your legs. Enjoy an early evening locally brewed craft-beer or chilled glass of wine in the trendy neighbourhood of Yaletown, where industrial buildings and cobbled side streets are lined with an abundance of independently run bars and eateries. After a long sleep, you'll wake refreshed and ready for a full day of city exploration! Vancouver is a small city, easily navigated by foot or bike. Start your day with a cycle along the sea wall to Stanley Park, hop on the sea bus to Granville Island for lunch, wander through the main shopping streets of Robson and West Georgia in the afternoon and head to Gastown for dinner, the historic heart of Vancouver.

After a few nights in the city, it's time to head to the wilderness! Depending on your style, budget and wildlife wish list, we have a number of favoured Wilderness Lodges for you to choose from. Whichever you decide is right for you, you'll leave from Vancouver, by car and ferry or domestic flight, heading west to Vancouver island in order to transfer to your lodge. Most lodges have a minimum 2 night stay and all your activities and wildlife viewing will be included. Wilderness Lodge season runs from May through to October, with different viewing options available at different points in the season. 

Due to the distances and logistics involved in your itinerary, you will need to spend another night the mountain clad city of Vancouver. Tonight perhaps you'll explore further afield, to one of the restaurants in beach-front Kitsilano, the birthplace of Lulu Lemon and home to some of the cities finest dining establishments. 

Today you will be boarding The Canadian, Canada's cross country sleeper train, bound for the mountain town of Jasper in Alberta. This outstandingly beautiful journey winds through central British Columbia's lake country, before heading north to the heady peaks of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Whilst on board, all your meals are provided and if you book Prestige Class, you will enjoy a luxury cabin as well appointed as any hotel room. However, the standard cabins are also beyond charming, offering a private seating area by day, before being transformed into a bunk-bed room by night. A truly magical way to arrive in the mountains. 

Welcome to Jasper! At first sight a seemingly sleepy mountain village, but don't be fooled, its a serious adventure center with a multitude of activities on your doorstep. Pick up your hire car, pack a picnic and head off to Medicine and Maligne Lake. Here you can enjoy boat rides, kayak and canoe trips, or take to one of the many trails for outstanding views from above. 

The last stop on this journey of discovery is Banff, the heart of the Rockies and a fabulous town loved by all. The journey from Jasper to Banff, down the Columbia Icefields Parkway is regarded as one of the best drives in the world, so whether you're organising a self-drive trip or a driver-guide, make sure you set aside a full day to make the most of this iconic journey. With Banff as your base, explore in every direction, to the infamous Lake Louise, Johnston Canyon, Sunshine Village and beyond.