Rockies Odyssey

Once you've landed, we'll take you to your hotel before tonight's welcome dinner. Stay Two Nights: Vancouver Fairmont Waterfront Hotel (D)

Today you'll experience the very best of Vancouver on a fantastic half-day sightseeing tour. Led by a knowledgeable local guide, you'll soak in the scenery at the vast Stanley Park, explore the trendy Granville Island and immerse yourself in the historic neighbourhood of Gastown. (B)

Board the Rocky Mountaineer and soak up the views from your bi-level glass-dome carriage in GoldLeaf Service. Gaze up at the Coast Mountains and pass Hell's Gate. Follow the Thompson River on the way to Kamloops. Stay: Kamloops, hotel as assigned by Rocky Mountaineer (three-star accommodation) (B/L)

Today your rail journey heads towards the Rockies. See the engineering marvel of the Spiral Tunnels and traverse Kicking Horse Pass. Once in Banff National Park, head for the ‘Castle in the Rockies', Fairmont Banff Springs. Stay Two Nights: Banff National Park, Fairmont Banff Springs, in a Mountain View Room (B/L)

• You may like to take part in the Banff Experience, which includes a visit to the Cave and Basin National Historic Site. Alternatively, board the Banff Gondola, or set off on a heli-sightseeing excursion. Perhaps enjoy a float trip along Bow River, or learn how to be a Canadian ice hockey player. Otherwise, spend some time at the Willow Stream Spa.
• This evening, dine at one of your hotel's restaurants.

• For dinner, choose from one of your hotel's restaurants.

• This morning, meet a Mountie and listen to tales of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

• On the shores of Lake Louise, join an expert Mountain Heritage Guide and learn about the area's rich natural history.

• Choose where to dine at your lodge this evening.

• Enjoy a Harley-Davidson motorcycle sidecar tour, embark on a Maligne Valley experience by hike or cruise, go rafting down the Athabasca River, or ride the Jasper SkyTram.

Today, take in views of Mount Robson as you travel along the Yellowhead Highway to Sun Peaks. Stay: Sun Peaks Grand Hotel (B/D)

Follow the tracks of early gold rush pioneers through the Cariboo region, stopping at Seton and Duffey lakes.

Later, re-enter the Coast Mountains and learn why Whistler attracts so many outdoor enthusiasts. Stay Two Nights: The Westin Whistler Resort & Spa (B/D)

• Enjoy a floatplane flight, explore Whistler Mountain on a snowcat adventure, enjoy a mountain Jeep safari or ride the Peak 2 Peak Gondola. Adventurous ones may prefer a tree trek or a zip trek.

• The heritage of Canada's Indigenous people comes to light at the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre. Enjoy breakfast and explore the museum, discovering your First Nations ‘animal spirit' with the help of your guide.

Travel south along the Sea to Sky Highway. Board your BC Ferries journey to Vancouver Island. Continue to Chemainus, a town famous for its vibrant outdoor murals, before arriving in Victoria. If you'd rather forgo the journey by land and ferry, take a floatplane flight instead (own expense). Stay Two Nights: Delta Hotels Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort, in a Deluxe Water View Room (B)

• Visit The Butchart Gardens before the general public is granted access, and enjoy an exclusive breakfast in the original Butchart residence. More than 100 years in the making with a former quarry as the initial canvas, this space was transformed by Jennie Butchart into a haven overflowing with lush greens and colourful blooms. The result of her vision is the gardens you will see today, which are still family-run.

Your journey comes to an end today. (B)