The journey
Our Canadian Adventure
Seventeen days from Vancouver to Toronto, travelling through coastal cities, mountain villages and some of Canada’s most spectacular landscapes.
Arrive in Vancouver
London Heathrow to Vancouver
Arrive into Vancouver in the early afternoon before taking the fast and convenient Canada Line SkyTrain directly to Yaletown, where the OPUS Hotel is just a two-minute walk from the station. After checking in and freshening up, spend the rest of the afternoon settling into the relaxed atmosphere of one of Vancouver's most vibrant neighbourhoods, with its boutique shops, cafés, converted heritage buildings and waterfront setting.
Enjoy a leisurely walk along the False Creek Seawall, taking in the marina, floatplanes and mountain backdrop before dinner at one of Yaletown's excellent vegetarian-friendly restaurants. As the evening light softens, stroll back along the waterfront for your first photographs of Vancouver before returning to the hotel for an early night, helping to adjust to the time difference and ensuring you're refreshed for the adventures ahead.
Discover Vancouver
A full day exploring the city
Spend your first full day discovering the very best of Vancouver, beginning with the city's vibrant downtown before exploring the spectacular natural beauty of Stanley Park. Follow the famous Seawall, admire First Nations totem poles, and enjoy stunning views across Burrard Inlet, with plenty of opportunities to stop for photographs along the way.
In the afternoon, head to the lively Granville Island Public Market to browse artisan shops and sample local flavours before continuing to English Bay, where the beach, waterfront and mountain backdrop provide the perfect setting for a relaxing stroll. Return to Yaletown in the evening, having experienced the ideal blend of urban life, coastal scenery and the laid-back West Coast atmosphere that makes Vancouver such a memorable city.
Rainforest & Waterfront
Ancient forests, iconic landmarks and unforgettable views.
Leave the city behind for a morning immersed in Vancouver's temperate rainforest at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. Cross the famous suspension bridge high above the Capilano River before exploring the Treetops Adventure and the exhilarating Cliffwalk, where elevated walkways and spectacular viewpoints showcase the beauty of British Columbia's ancient forests.
Return to downtown Vancouver to discover some of the city's most iconic landmarks, including the historic streets of Gastown and its famous Steam Clock, before strolling along the waterfront at Canada Place. Round off the day with the unforgettable FlyOver Canada experience, an immersive flight simulation that provides a breathtaking introduction to the country's remarkable landscapes before your Rocky Mountain adventure begins.
Vancouver to Whistler
The Sea to Sky Highway
Today we collect the hire car, leave Vancouver behind, and begin one of the world's most spectacular coastal drives as you follow the Sea to Sky Highway towards Whistler. Break the journey with a visit to Grouse Mountain, where the Skyride, resident grizzly bears and panoramic views provide a memorable introduction to British Columbia's mountain landscapes.
Continue north through ever-changing scenery of ocean inlets, towering forests and snow-capped peaks before arriving in Whistler Village. Spend the evening exploring its lively pedestrian streets, boutique shops and welcoming cafés, marking the start of your adventure through the Canadian Rockies.
A Full Day in Whistler
Mountains, village life and alpine scenery
Experience the very best of Whistler with a day that combines breathtaking mountain scenery, peaceful lakeside walks and the charm of one of Canada's most famous alpine resorts. Begin with the spectacular Peak 2 Peak Gondola, taking time to explore both mountain summits and enjoy panoramic views across snow-capped peaks, forests and glaciers.
Spend the afternoon at a gentler pace with a visit to tranquil Lost Lake and a stroll along the Valley Trail before returning to Whistler Village. Browse its boutique shops, cafés and Olympic landmarks, or visit the Audain Art Museum, before relaxing in the heart of this vibrant mountain community after an unforgettable day in the Coast Mountains.
Whistler to Sun Peaks
Through British Columbia’s mountain interior
Leave Whistler behind and follow one of British Columbia's most spectacular mountain roads as you journey through the dramatic landscapes of the Duffey Lake Road. With turquoise lakes, towering peaks and ever-changing scenery, today's drive is as memorable as the destination itself, offering countless opportunities to stop, admire the views and capture stunning photographs.
Continue through the historic Gold Rush town of Lillooet and step back in time with a visit to Historic Hat Creek Ranch before arriving at the peaceful alpine village of Sun Peaks. Spend the evening exploring the charming pedestrian centre and relaxing in preparation for the next stage of your Rocky Mountain adventure.
Sun Peaks to Jasper
Into the Canadian Rockies
Today's journey marks your arrival in the Canadian Rockies as you travel through some of British Columbia's most dramatic mountain scenery. Pause at Clearwater before continuing north to the Mount Robson Welcome Centre, where, on a clear day, you'll enjoy unforgettable views of the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies and your first real taste of the wilderness that lies ahead.
Before reaching Jasper, stop at Rearguard Falls to watch the powerful Fraser River tumble through a narrow gorge and, at the right time of year, witness salmon making their remarkable upstream journey. Arrive at Pine Bungalows, where the peaceful riverside setting provides the perfect base for three nights exploring the breathtaking landscapes and abundant wildlife of Jasper National Park.
Spirit Island
Lakes, mountains and wildlife
Follow one of the most scenic drives in Jasper National Park as you journey along the spectacular Maligne Lake Road. Pause at the dramatic Maligne Canyon before continuing past the tranquil waters of Medicine Lake to the turquoise beauty of Maligne Lake, where a cruise to the world-famous Spirit Island offers one of the most iconic and photographed views in the Canadian Rockies.
Return to Jasper after a day immersed in breathtaking mountain scenery and pristine wilderness, before ending the evening beneath some of the darkest skies in the world. A visit to the Jasper Planetarium and Dark Sky Telescope Experience provides the perfect finale, revealing a dazzling canopy of stars and deepening your appreciation of this remarkable national park.
Exploring Jasper
A quieter day for exploring Jasper
Spend a leisurely day discovering the quieter side of Jasper National Park, where breathtaking scenery and abundant wildlife combine to create an unforgettable mountain experience. Ride the Jasper SkyTram for sweeping views across the Athabasca Valley, explore the tranquil shores of Pyramid and Patricia Lakes, and enjoy time to wander the charming town, keeping an eye out for elk, deer and other wildlife that are often seen nearby.
With fewer miles to cover today, there's time to embrace Jasper's relaxed pace, whether that's enjoying an easy riverside walk, browsing local shops or simply taking in the spectacular surroundings. As evening approaches, the peaceful atmosphere and pristine wilderness offer the perfect opportunity to reflect on the adventure so far before tomorrow's iconic drive south.
Icefields Parkway to Lake Louise
One of the world’s great scenic drives
Journey south along the legendary Icefields Parkway, widely regarded as one of the world's most scenic drives. Pause at the thundering Athabasca and Sunwapta Falls before continuing through an ever-changing landscape of towering peaks, emerald rivers and ancient glaciers to the immense Columbia Icefield, where you'll have the opportunity to walk on the Athabasca Glacier and experience the dramatic Glacier Skywalk.
Continue your journey with stops at some of the Parkway's most spectacular viewpoints, including Bow Lake and the vibrant blue waters of Peyto Lake, before arriving at beautiful Lake Louise. Today's drive is far more than a transfer between destinations; it is one of the defining highlights of any Canadian Rockies adventure, with unforgettable scenery around every bend.
Lake Louise
Turquoise lakes and mountain peaks
Begin the day at beautiful Lake Louise, arriving early to enjoy the still morning waters and magnificent views towards Victoria Glacier before the area becomes busy. Take a leisurely walk along the lakeshore, stopping for photographs and different perspectives across the turquoise water, with the option of hiring a canoe or tackling part of the Lake Agnes trail for a more energetic morning.
Spend the afternoon enjoying an elegant afternoon tea at the Fairmont Château Lake Louise, with its spectacular views across the lake and mountains. Afterwards, return to the Lake Louise Inn for some downtime and dinner, with the option of heading back to the lake in the evening to experience the quieter atmosphere and softer light as the day draws to a close.
Lake Louise to Canmore
Through Banff National Park
Begin the day with a morning shuttle to spectacular Moraine Lake, surrounded by the soaring peaks of the Valley of the Ten Peaks. Walk the short Rockpile Trail for the iconic panoramic view, then spend some time exploring the lakeshore before taking the shuttle back to Lake Louise and collecting the car for the journey south.
Rather than taking the quickest route to Canmore, follow the scenic Bow Valley Parkway, stopping at Morant’s Curve for its classic mountain and railway view before continuing to Johnston Canyon. Walk through the narrow limestone gorge to the impressive Lower Falls, then continue through the Bow Valley to Canmore. Check into the Malcolm Hotel and finish the day with a relaxed evening exploring the town.
Banff National Park
Mountain landscapes and the town of Banff
Start the day in Banff, with time to explore the lively town centre and enjoy the classic view along Banff Avenue towards Cascade Mountain. Continue to the Banff Gondola for the ride to the summit of Sulphur Mountain, where panoramic views stretch across six mountain ranges. Follow the easy boardwalk to Sanson Peak for even more spectacular views across the Bow Valley.
Back at valley level, visit Bow Falls before continuing to Surprise Corner for the famous view of the Fairmont Banff Springs framed by forest and mountains. Finish with more time in Banff to browse the shops, stop for coffee or simply enjoy the atmosphere, before making the short journey back to Canmore for a relaxed evening at the Malcolm Hotel.
Lakes, Wildlife & Indigenous Culture
A memorable Sunday
Begin the day with a relaxed morning exploring the beautiful Lake Minnewanka area, stopping at Two Jack Lake before continuing to Lake Minnewanka. Enjoy the mountain scenery from the shoreline or take an optional boat cruise across the lake, with the surrounding area also offering the possibility of spotting some of Banff National Park’s wildlife.
Return towards Banff or Canmore for the afternoon, keeping plans flexible to take advantage of events celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Day weekend, should the 2027 programme coincide with the visit. Otherwise, spend the afternoon exploring Canmore, its independent shops and riverside walks, before returning to the Malcolm Hotel for a relaxed final evening in the Rockies.
Canmore to Calgary
From the Rockies to the city
If National Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations are taking place in Banff on Monday 21 June, spend the morning and early afternoon enjoying the programme of Indigenous culture, music, storytelling, art and community activities. Take time for a final wander through Banff and lunch in town before saying goodbye to the Rockies and making a late-afternoon departure for Calgary, a straightforward journey of around 1½ hours.
If the celebrations aren't taking place that day, enjoy a more leisurely final morning in Canmore or Banff, perhaps revisiting a favourite viewpoint, browsing the shops or stopping for coffee before setting off for Calgary. With only a relatively short drive ahead, there is no need to rush: arrive in Calgary during the afternoon, check into the hotel and enjoy a first evening exploring the city.
Discover Calgary
A day in Alberta’s largest city
Begin the day exploring the heart of downtown Calgary, strolling along historic Stephen Avenue before heading into the East Village to see the spectacular Calgary Central Library. Continue to Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre, for an entertaining journey through Canada’s musical history, from country and folk to rock and pop, before stopping for lunch nearby.
Spend the afternoon following the Bow RiverWalk, taking in Calgary’s modern skyline and crossing the striking red Peace Bridge to Prince’s Island Park. If time and energy allow, add a visit to the Calgary Tower for panoramic views across the city towards the distant Rockies, before finishing the day with dinner and a relaxed evening downtown.
Across Canada
Calgary to Toronto
Enjoy a relaxed final morning in Calgary, with time for breakfast and an unhurried check-out before heading to the airport for a mid-morning flight to Toronto. After crossing Canada and the two-hour time difference, arrive at Toronto Pearson during the late afternoon, collect the hire car and drive downtown to the Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel.
After checking in, spend the summer evening rediscovering central Toronto, perhaps walking through Nathan Phillips Square and down towards the waterfront and Harbourfront as the city lights begin to appear. Enjoy dinner downtown before returning to the Sheraton, ready for an early start the following morning and a final, rather special return to Niagara Falls before the flight home.
Niagra Falls and Flight Home
A final day before returning to London
Leave Toronto early for the drive to Niagara Falls, returning to one of the highlights of the 1991 honeymoon. Spend the morning and early afternoon enjoying the spectacular Horseshoe Falls, walking the Canadian waterfront and viewpoints around Table Rock, with time for lunch and the option of taking a boat cruise for a memorable final experience in Canada.
Leave Niagara around 15:30 and drive directly to Toronto Pearson, refuelling and returning the hire car at around 18:00. With the luggage already in the car, there is no need to return to downtown Toronto. After check-in and security, head to the airport lounge for dinner and a relaxed end to the holiday before boarding the 22:00 flight to London.