Canadian Rockies - Vancouver to Calgary

We start in one of the most picturesque cities in the world, Vancouver. There is plenty to fill your time ahead of the welcome meeting this evening, but we highly recommend a stroll around this cosmopolitan city to get a feel for it. Treat yourself to some moreish maple cookies in Stanley Park, a 990-acre (400ha) green wonderland where you can see the authentic totem poles put up in the 1920s or sit in a cafe to people watch. A welcome meeting will be held at 6pm, where you'll meet your tour guide and fellow travellers. Stay: Sandman City Centre Hotel (or similar).

Depart the bustling city of Vancouver and travel to the adventure capital of Western Canada. Perhaps better known as a winter resort, Whistler has plenty on 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 everyone in Whistler. Optional activities: Extreme zip-line course: 139-229 Canadian dollars (US$102-US$169) Mountain biking: From 70 dollars (US$52) Peak 2 Peak Gondola ride: 90 dollars (US$66) Stay: Aava Hotel (or similar).

We spend today travelling towards the Rockies and our destination of Clearwater, on the edge of Wells Gray Provincial Park. Passing through forested scenery, our surroundings become more mountainous as we approach the quaint town of Clearwater. We have some short stops along the way to stretch our legs - some possible stops include Seton Lake Reservoir and the town of Lillooet, located on the ancestral lands of First Nation communities. Stay: Clearwater Lodge (or similar).

In the morning, 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. Embrace the stillness, silence and isolation, and never venture too far without your camera so you can capture wildflower meadows or a roaming bear. 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 on offer 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).

The Icefields Parkway, cutting through the heart of the Rockies, is recognised as being one of the top scenic drives in the world, travelling for 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 waters of Peyto Lake. End your day at Golden, close to Yoho National Park. 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: 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 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).

Cameras at the ready as we head to two of the Rockies' most photographed locations. With its snow-capped peaks, ancient pine forests and aquamarine waters, Lake Louise is known as the Gem of the Canadian Rockies, while iconic 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 lakes and there's the opportunity to join the tour leader for a guided hike (the duration and level of difficulty will be determined by the tour leader based on the group's ability). Your next three nights will be spent in the picturesque resort town of Banff. 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: Charltons Banff (or similar).

In the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Banff National Park was established in 1885 and is the oldest national park in Canada. Its 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. Keep your camera at the ready.

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).

This morning is your last chance to take in the incredible scenery of the Canadian Rockies before driving back to Calgary for the end of your adventure. You may wish to extend your stay and book post-tour accommodation to continue enjoying the many restaurants and shops of this urban oasis. Sandwiched between the Rocky Mountains and the winding Bow River, Calgary is at the epicentre of Alberta's oil industry. 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. This tour ends at our gateway hotel. We can book you post-tour accommodation at our gateway hotel if required. If you are planning to fly tonight the tour leader will adjust the timing of the day to ensure everyone has plenty of time to get to the airport. Optional activities: Heritage Park Historical Centre: 35 dollars (US$26).