Canadian Rockies in Winter

Board your flight from London Heathrow to Vancouver, arriving on the same day. After transferring to your hotel by coach, your afternoon is free to settle in. Vancouver is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world and a cultural hotspot with thousands of theatre and music shows being hosted regularly. This sea-facing city fringed by snow-covered mountains is also a cultural hotspot is also any food lover's paradise with restaurants catering cuisines from almost every corner of the world.

Begin Day 2 with a guided tour of Vancouver, exploring its historic Gastown area. Famous for its whistling steam clock, this lively neighbourhood is home to art galleries, restaurants, and a thriving waterfront. Continue to Stanley Park, one of the largest public parks in the world with thick cover of natural forests and beautiful beaches. One of the main attractions of the park is its collection of totem poles that you stop to admire. The rest of your day is free.

After a relaxed morning, transfer to the station for your overnight journey on board The Canadian, travelling across the wildly beautiful terrains of this country. You travel through thick forests, along glacial lakes, and rivers, the Rockies your goal at the end of your journey. You cross Kamloops along the way, a city at the confluence of 2 major rivers.

You arrive in Jasper late in the morning where the rest of your day and Day 5 are free. Sat in the lap of the Rockies, this picturesque town has beautiful log cabins right in the centre. Perhaps spend the day exploring its various bistros and cafés.

Day 5 is perfect for venturing into Jasper National Park with one of the local tour operators (payable locally.) You could take an Icewalk in Maligne Canyon, or a snowshoe walk.

Today travel by coach along the Icefields Parkway from Jasper to Lake Louise, admiring what is regarded among the most scenic journeys across the globe. Punctuated with more than 100 glaciers, swooping waterfalls, emerald lakes, and thick forests of coniferous trees, this drive takes you to Banff National Park and you witness the breathtaking beauty of Lake Louise, whose frozen waters, from December to June, allow them to be turned into an outdoor ice rink.

You have time for a short walk or simply relax with a hot chocolate in the famous Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise overlooking this stunning body of frozen water, before transferring to the resort town of Banff for 2 nights.

You are free to explore the mountain-skirted town at your own pace on Day 7. Perhaps take a festive horse drawn sleigh ride, or discover Banff's hot springs - a welcoming sight in the winter months.

Transfer to the Calgary Airport for your flight to London Heathrow, arriving on Day 9.