Wonders of the Canadian Rockies

Welcome to the west coast! Touch down in Vancouver and make your own way to the hotel, where your adventure begins. You’ll meet your Travel Director and fellow travelers this afternoon — the perfect time to get the lowdown on the trip and swap hellos with your new crew. If you’re in town early, why not stretch your legs with a wander along the waterfront?

Kick things off with a proper look at Vancouver. Your Travel Director will show you the city's best bits, from historic Gastown with its famous steam clock to the lush landscapes of Stanley Park. Keep your camera ready — there's something to see around every corner. Then it’s time to swap city sights for sea views as you board the ferry to Vancouver Island. Glide across the Strait of Georgia, watching for coastal scenery and maybe even a seal or two. You’ll land in the charming city of Victoria, ready to explore more tomorrow.

Start your day with breakfast in the blooming beauty of Butchart Gardens — it’s a proper feast for all your senses. Stroll through vibrant floral displays before heading into Victoria for an orientation with your Travel Director. You’ll spot Canada’s oldest Chinatown, the iconic Empress Hotel, the harbourfront and the grand Parliament Buildings. The rest of the day is yours to explore. Stroll down Government Street, grab a coffee by the waterfront or check out the Royal BC Museum. You could join a Choice Experience and head out on the water for a whale watching tour. Whether you’re into sightseeing or sea spray, there’s plenty of ways to make the most of your time.

Wave goodbye to the coast as you hop on the ferry back to the mainland. Sit back and soak up the views as you cruise across the water — you might even spot a pod of dolphins if you're lucky. Then it’s on the road through British Columbia’s ever-changing landscapes, from thick forests to glacial peaks. Your day ends in Sun Peaks, a laid-back alpine village tucked into the mountains. It’s the perfect spot to unwind, breathe in that fresh air and get set for tomorrow’s adventure.

Enjoy a slow start with time to explore Sun Peaks your way. Grab a coffee and soak up the alpine vibe, or take a walk through the village trails before hitting the road. Keep your eyes on the horizon as you head deeper into the Rockies — the views only get better. Stop off at the Mount Robson Visitor Center to take in the tallest peak in the Canadian Rockies (and trust us, it’s a jaw-dropper). Then it’s onwards to Jasper National Park, where you’ll settle in for the night surrounded by pristine wilderness and sky-high peaks.

As the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies, explore exactly as you like with Choice Experiences. Spot wildlife as you float down the Athabasca River. Have your heart set on beautiful Maligne Lake? A boat cruise (seasonal) around the largest glacially fed lake in the Canadian Rockies could be perfect for you.

Today’s drive is something else. You’ll journey down the Columbia Icefields Parkway — one of the world’s most scenic highways — with towering peaks, turquoise lakes and ancient glaciers all along the way. Stop at the Icefields themselves and climb aboard a massive Ice Explorer to roll right out onto Athabasca Glacier. Fill your water bottle with a sip of pure glacier melt — it doesn’t get fresher than that. After all that cool adventure, warm things back up with a photo stop at dreamy Lake Louise. That postcard-perfect turquoise water really lives up to the hype. By evening, you’ll arrive in Banff, ready to relax in this buzzing alpine town.

Rise and shine! Start the day with a selection of tempting helicopter flights (weather dependent). Spend the rest of the day your way. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience Plant Medicine Walk with a First Nations Local Specialist. Or, you can opt to end the evening with a Gondola ride and dinner with a view.

It’s time to say goodbye to mountain highs and alpine skies as you travel from Banff to Calgary. Sit back and enjoy the last of those big Canadian views as you make your way to the airport for your onward journey. Whether you're heading home or onto your next adventure, you’ll leave with stories to tell and a camera full of memories. Until next time, Canada!