Ultimate Canada

Your journey begins in Toronto BUT...we're off to Ottawa this morning for a glimpse into life in the nation's capital.

Welcome to Ottawa, the fun-loving capital. We'll explore our new surroundings on a city tour before enjoying some time to see Ottawa your way - whether it's a boat ride on the Rideau Canal or just strolling the streets. (Exercise seems a good idea in preparation for all that Poutine in Quebec....). Or maybe just relax with a beer-tasting tour. The day is all yours. Stay: Days Inn (or similar)

Au revoir Ottawa and bonjour Quebec City! With its cobbled streets and ancient stone houses, Quebec City's UNESCO World-Heritage-listed old town is an open-air museum. It's time to get out and explore more of what this region has to offer - we're talking vibrant art scenes, Parisian-style eateries and quaint river boardwalks.

We'll immerse ourselves in the history of the city on a tour with a local guide, then once we've uncovered Quebec's hidden historical gems, it's time to fill up on a famous Canadian dish - Poutine! We'll be sure to hit up a local eatery where it's well and truly the star of the show. (B/D) Stay: Hotel Le Voyageur (or similar)

There's no better way to start the day than with fresh air and fantastic views, so let's whisk ourselves away to Montmorency Falls this morning. If you're feeling adventurous, opt to soar across the falls on a zipline that will bring you even closer to this magnificent, natural phenomenon. Now that you're fully awake, we'll head back to Quebec where you'll have the afternoon to explore.

You could check out the Chateau Frontenac - this red brick building built in 1983 is a landmark the city is definitely proud of. Or try munching on duck with maple syrup – a local delicacy. Oh and let's not forget the awesome nightlife Quebec offers - it's time to party French style!

Bid Quebec au revoir as we head towards the jazzy island city of Montreal. The French-infused city is home to arts, mouth watering food and the prettiest panoramic scenic views. Together, we'll take a spin around Montreal's Old Port and quays where we'll familiarise ourselves with a few signature sites. Failing that, you can always just wander around, trying out the best of your high school French. (B/D) Stay: Travelodge by Wyndham Montreal Centre (or similar)

Today you'll have a full day to explore Montreal – on your tod or with your squad. Don't miss Mount Royal Park, the Notre-Dame Basilica, the breathtaking botanical gardens or the awesome Barbie Expo. Today you'll also have the chance to hop on the Grande Roue – Montreal's 60-metre-high ferris wheel. Talk about a great view of a great city!

Still bopping along to the sax from the night before, we bid farewell Montreal. Experience Niagara Falls' surging power first-hand on the Niagara Cruise boat by cruising right up to its thundering base. Looking to see things from a different perspective? You'll also have the chance to soar above the action in a helicopter, whizz past it from the Wildplay Zipline or simply take in the scene from the safety of a viewing platform. And don't worry – the ponchos are on us. Stay: Days Inn Fallsview (or similar)

Rise and shine. Today's the day you finally get to say “I'm taking a helicopter ride over Niagara Falls today.” Totally optional of course! Welcome to Toronto, the largest city in Canada. Your Trip Manager will fill you in on the hot spots of this fabulous city soon after we arrive and will then give you the afternoon to yourselves where you can find your niche in this cosmopolitan melting pot.

If you want to enjoy an evening of laughter, head to the legendary Second City improv show where some of the funniest people on the planet have trodden the boards. Joan Rivers, Martin Short, Eugene Levy and Bill Murray are just a few of the big names to have started out here over the past 60 years. Stay: Chelsea Hotel (or similar)

Another day to explore this epic city. Score, or should we say homerun? Catch a baseball game, head to the CN Tower, visit Gallery 44 or Toronto Park for people watching. You'll also have the chance to see the whole of Canada in model form on a visit to Little Canada, and take a tour of historic Steam Whistle Brewery! Tonight, why not go feel the global vibe of this city's nightlife? (D)

Rise and shine, wanderlusters! We've got an early flight to Vancouver this morning... And then we're headed straight to Whistler. While mostly known for its excellent ski conditions, this town is an absolute delight in the summer. Take in all that fresh air and admire Whistler's breathtaking mountains and crystal blue rivers and lakes. Soak up all the nature vibes you can get, but make sure to rest up, because adventure is on the cards all day tomorrow. (D) Stay: Pangea Pod Hotel (Multi-Share)

Come winter, Whistler may be a haven for snowbunnies, but when the weather is warm, it's activity central. Test your Popeye strength by canoeing along the River of Golden Dreams, zipline over churning rivers or take a hike through scenery that puts most postcards to shame. If you're feeling lazy, take a gondola or a chairlift to the mountain tops, but don't forget to explore the village itself – you'll melt at its cuteness. (B)

We're headed out of Whistler to the largest ski area in Canada, Sun Peaks. Along the way we'll enjoy a scenic drive through the Lillooet Mountain Range, admiring the various reservoirs and lakes that sparkle in the wintry sun.

Welcome to Sun Peaks! This elegant little village will be our home for the night. Why not take a gondola ride between the two peaks, to soak up those glorious panoramas? (D) Stay: Sun Peaks Lodge (or similar)

Well rested, we'll take in some incredible scenes on our drive this morning, and you might even see the highest point in the Rockies if weather permits. Eating outdoors is essential in these parts, so feel free to grab some lunch and dine against a beautiful backdrop. And then the outdoors is yours to explore.

Want to take the adrenaline levels up a notch? Get involved with our optional white-water rafting experience on the Fraser River. There's nothing like a rafting adventure to confirm that there is no 'I' in team. Jasper will be your home for the next two nights – convenient really, considering it's the perfect base to explore the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies. Stay: Athabasca Hotel (or similar)

Rise 'n' shine - it's time to get out there with an easy hike though Maligne Canyon. Towering limestone walls will watch over us as we take in the scene, making our way across bridges to the thrilling soundtrack of rushing water. Nature goals achieved, we'll jump on the coach and head to Maligne Lake, famous for the azure colour of its water, and today we'll show you why.

Drink in the beauty of the surrounding snow-capped mountains from the shore, or take an optional cruise out to iconic Spirit Island, the most photographed image in the Rockies - we'll bet you know the one. A truly special experience awaits us tonight – we'll be joined by the Warrior Women for a fireside chat.

On our way to Banff today, you'll be glued to the windows as we pass the waterfalls, lakes, meadows, glaciers and towering mountains that make up the Columbia Icefield Parkway. Take a walk to the Athabasca Falls, wheel across the Athabasca Glacier on the Ice Explorer, and cure that cotton-mouth with a drink of pure H2O – just be careful not to stick your tongue to the ice... Peyto Lake and Lake Louise (you're sure to have seen these on Instagram) are the perfect place to snap your next profile pic, and make sure those eyes stay peeled for wildlife.

We'll roll into Banff – the unofficial capital of the Canadian Rockies. You're in cowboy country now, and who are we to buck tradition? Saddle up for a round of drinks before dinner and check into your chalet. Stay: Tunnel Mountain Resort (multi-share)

Today kicks off with Canada's ultimate mountain experience. Standing on the suspension bridges of Mt Norquay Via Ferrata, you'll feel alive, emotional and a little dizzy all at once. There's loads more on the menu today in Banff: take a heli-tour of the high country or choose to explore on horseback. (B)

Marvel at the change of scenery today as we cut through three national parks on our way to Vernon. First up is Yoho National Park with its valley of waterfalls and meadows, and home to the amazing engineering feat - the Spiral Train Tunnel.

Next up is Glacier National Park, which boasts over 400 (wait for it) glaciers (surprise) and Rogers Pass. Lastly we'll drive through scenic Mt. Revelstoke National Park. After cramming three national parks into one day, you deserve a hearty meal in Vernon. There's plenty of traditional pubs in town, and they'll be able to help you out on the beverage front as well. (B) Stay: Days Inn Vernon (or similar)

We're sure you'll agree that meandering through Canada's wine country – the famed Okanagan Valley - is a great way to kill time on the drive back to Vancouver. It's time to see everything of this magical metropolis that you missed the first time around, we'll treat you to a whirlwind tour of the historic sites. Vancouver's downtown is world class, and its locals take immense pride in its multiculturalism.

Stop for pics at the city's nine Totem Poles - these colourful carved sculptures stand tall in Stanley Park and are a must-see sight that were gifted to Vancouver City. Get out there and get local, do some boutique shopping or even rent a bike and explore the city on wheels. (B) Stay: YWCA Hotel Vancouver

A hidden grassroots art scene, eating adventures in abundance, and a pretty seaport setting - your free day in Vancouver will not be short of magic. If the galleries and cute cafes get old, roam one of the city's many parks or gardens or find a spot to take in the surrounding mountain vistas. Top off the day with a dinner cruise and your Vancouver experience is whole and complete. (B) Stay: Hotel Belmont (Twin-Share)

All good things must come to an end, and so does our alpine adventure this morning. We wish you all a fond salute and bon voyage. We hope we'll be seeing you again soon. (B)