Canadian Rockies - Calgary to Vancouver

Sandwiched between the Rocky Mountains and the winding Bow River, Calgary is at the epicentre of the oil industry in Alberta. The high-rise buildings and urban parklands create a balanced modern city. Climb the Calgary Tower if you want impressive 360-degree views and visit the interpretive centre to discover the heritage of the First Nation People. A welcome meeting is held at 6pm, where you meet your tour guide and fellow travellers. Optional activities: Heritage Park Historical Centre: 35 dollars (US$26) Stay: Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Calgary Downtown (or similar).

In the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Banff National Park was established in 1885 and is the oldest national park in Canada. Mountainous terrain encompasses coniferous forests, alpine meadows, icefields and glaciers. Take a gondola ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain or opt to view all this scenic grandeur from a helicopter. Outstanding hikes are available and with an abundance of wildlife around, there's always a chance of spotting something special, so keep your eyes peeled.

There's nothing better after a hard day's hiking than an included soak in the Sulphur Mountain Hot Springs. Optional activities: Aerial gondola/tramway: 78 dollars (US$57) Scenic glacier flight (20-45 minutes): 290-490 dollars (US$213-US$361) Horseback riding (1-2 hour ride): 90-170 dollars (US$66-US$125) Stay: Charltons Banff (or similar).

Cameras at the ready as we head to two of the most photographed locations in the Rockies. With snow-capped peaks, ancient pine forests and aquamarine waters, Lake Louise is known as the Gem of the Canadian Rockies, while Moraine Lake lies in the Valley of the Ten Peaks and is arguably the most picturesque lake in the region.

We spend time at both and there's the opportunity to join the tour leader for a guided hike (the duration and difficulty is determined by the tour leader based on the group's ability). Your next three nights are spent in the nearby town of Golden. Optional activities: Canoeing: 145 dollars (US$107) for one hour The order to visit the two lakes and where we hike will be decided based on visitor numbers and local conditions. Stay: Kicking Horse River Lodge (or similar).

Yoho National Park is considered the hidden treasure of the Canadian national park system, and you have a full day to explore. It's a photographer's dream with several hiking opportunities that showcase the stunning mountains, lakes and waterfalls of this pristine alpine landscape. You can experience the Kicking Horse River first hand with an exhilarating half-day optional white-water rafting excursion or choose to hike at the magnificent Emerald Lake.

We then visit the impressive Takakkaw Falls, where you can choose an easy trail to the base of the falls or a more challenging trail to see their beauty from above. Make the most of this spectacular national park before returning to Golden tonight. Optional activities: White-water rafting: 125-183 dollars (US$92-US$135) Stay: Kicking Horse River Lodge (or similar).

The Icefields Parkway, cutting through the heart of the Rockies, is recognised as being one of the most scenic drives in the world, travelling 140mi (230km) past hanging glaciers, sheer rock walls and broad sweeping valleys. You have a chance to traverse a portion of the imposing Athabasca Glacier on an optional guided glacier hike and be amazed by the turquoise tones of Peyto Lake. End your day in Jasper. Optional activities: Guided glacier walk: 112 dollars (US$83) or 67 dollars (US$49) for under 17s. This activity can get booked up far in advance, so please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. You can pay the tour leader during the trip. Stay: Beckers Chalets or Tonquin Inn (or similar).

Jasper National Park is the largest national park in Canada, covering 4,200sqmi (10,878sqkm). It's much less developed than other areas of Western Canada and offers a true wilderness feel. There are several options in Jasper, including the SkyTram cable car to Whistler's Peak for a bird's-eye view of this splendid park. There's also ample opportunity for mountain biking or hiking amid glorious lakeside scenery and visiting spectacular Maligne Lake. Optional activities: SkyTram cable car: 60 dollars (US$44) Mountain biking: 30 dollars (US$22) per hour Stay: Beckers Chalets or Tonquin Inn (or similar).

Don't let the fact that Wells Gray is not a national park fool you, this place is stunning! After we drive along the old Gold Rush Trail, stretch your legs with a walk to the edge of Helmcken Falls, the fourth-highest waterfall in Canada, stopping at various viewpoints to admire the lush valley below. Wells Gray is also home to many smaller but equally beautiful waterfalls. Embrace the stillness, silence and isolation, and never venture too far without your camera so you can capture wildflower-filled meadows or a roaming bear.

Tonight, we stay in a simple hotel in the town of Clearwater close to Wells Gray Provincial Park. Stay: Clearwater Lodge (or similar).

Perhaps better known as a winter resort, Whistler has plenty to offer year-round. Take the opportunity to hit the trails, jump on a bike to explore at a different pace, or zip line through the trees! Whether you're an adrenaline junkie or someone who likes to immerse themselves in nature, there's something for you in Whistler. Optional activities: Extreme zip-line course: 139-229 dollars (US$102-US$169) Mountain biking: From 70 dollars (US$52) Peak 2 Peak Gondola ride: 90 dollars (US$66) Stay: Pinnacle Hotel (or similar).

Leave Whistler for Vancouver, one of the most picturesque cities in the world. There is plenty to fill your time, but we highly recommend a stroll around this cosmopolitan city to get a feel for it. Treat yourself to moreish maple cookies in Stanley Park, a 990-acre (400ha) green wonderland where you can see authentic totem poles put up in the 1920s or sit in one of the cafes and enjoy a spot of people watching. Stay: Sandman Hotel Vancouver City Centre (or similar).

The adventure comes to an end today and you're free to leave at any time. If you'd like a bit more time to explore Vancouver, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.