Arrive into Calgary. This dynamic city is a rich fusion of modern architecture and traditional heritage, where the pioneering history of the Canadian west is woven into everyday life.

Due to the number of evening flights into Calgary, your Tour Leader plans to do the welcome meeting on the morning on Day 2, and will leave a message in reception with details on timings and everything else that you'll need for the day. There are no activities planned today, so you are free to arrive at any time. If you would like an airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Calgary International Airport (airport code: YYC), which is a 20 minute drive from the hostel.

If your flight arrives earlier in the day, you may have time to explore the city and soak up the friendly ambience. Filled with museums, shops and cafes, the centre of the city is a great place to just wander and take in its majestic setting against the backdrop of the ever present mountains. Stay: Ramada Plaza Calgary Downtown (Comfortable)

This morning we will take some time to explore the glittering city of Calgary. The centre of town is a great place to wander around, marvel at the impressive architecture and absorb the friendly atmosphere - all set against a backdrop of the Rockies that rear like a distant tidal wave. These rugged mountains, interspersed with moments of sublime serenity in the form of turquoise lakes and cascading falls, beg for further exploration and before lunch we waste no time and head west up into the hills. Our base for the next three nights is the small town of Canmore situated in the picturesque Bow Valley. Described as the gateway to the Rockies, it is the perfect place from which to make our forays in to the nearby Kananaskis country and Banff National Park. This afternoon we explore Kananaskis country and the valleys of this region on foot. Stay: Quality Resort Chateau Canmore (Comfortable)

Over the next two days we will explore the splendour of nearby Banff National Park. We will follow well-marked trails to discover beautiful lakes, stunning vistas and perfumed pine forests. We highly recommend taking an optional excursion by aerial tram to the top of Sulphur Mountain - if the weather is clear, the views across the Rockies are simply breathtaking. You may also want to spend time in the town of Banff itself. A bustling and lively place, it is easy to get infused with the energy that surrounds you. Banff is also famous for its hot springs, in fact, it was the discovery of the hot springs in 1883 that lead to the building of the settlement in this location. Relaxing in these geothermal waters is a wonderful way to while away a few hours one afternoon. For the more active among us there are numerous optional trips, such as canoeing on the Bow River, that can be organised locally.

A note on walking: although this part of Canada is made for the outdoors, this trip isn't specifically a walking holiday. As such the Tour Leader will judge walks based on the entire group's fitness and capabilities, and these will be easy or moderate trails. If you want more challenging hikes and these are available on site, your tour leader will give you the information to do it by yourself. Some trails require a minimum number of hikers per group. Stay: Quality Resort Chateau Canmore (Comfortable)

Today is left free to explore more of Banff National Park including making a visit to the picture postcard Lake Louise and Morraine Lake. Tom Wilson, the first white Canadian to see Lake Louise, when he was led there by a local native in 1882, wrote 'I never, in all my explorations of these five chains of mountains throughout western Canada, saw such a matchless scene…I felt puny in body, but glorified in spirit and soul.' Despite the increasing number of visitors to the lake it is still possible to experience the same feelings of awe that Tom Wilson had the first time he saw it. Stay: Quality Resort Chateau Canmore (Comfortable)

We take the drive along one of the world's top scenic highways today. We leave Canmore, travelling along the Icefields Parkway which cuts its way through a mountain wilderness filled with rivers and stunning glacial lakes. Every kilometre of the Parkway is witness to spectacular scenery and we are likely to encounter wildlife along the road itself. We continue northwards and pass alongside the Columbia icefields where we will stop at the magnificent Athabasca Glacier - here you have the option of taking a guided glacier hike onto ancient glacial ice (your Tour Leader will ask you whether you'd like to book this at the start of your trip, in order to ensure availability). We'll continue up the scenic highway, making more impressive stops on route. Our eagle-eyed tour leader will keep an eye out for bears while we travel. Jasper, in the shadow of Mount Edith Cavell, lies at the end of today's journey. Stay: Beckers Chalet (Comfortable)

We will start the day with a short hike (approximately 4km) in Maligne Canyon, discovering stunning views over the powerful water that leaps and pummels its way through the narrow slot. We have the rest of the day ahead of us to explore the various highlights of the area around the town of Jasper. Keep your eyes peeled for the wildlife that roam freely here, wapiti, elk, moose and bear! Take a boat trip on the enormous Maligne Lake, or try white water rafting on the Athabasca River. Alternatively, you may want to take the Jasper Tramway to the high alpine terrain of Whistlers Mountain - named for the whistling sounds of the marmots that live there - or hike a bike and cycle on one of the many trails in the area. Stay: Beckers Chalet (Comfortable)

This morning we head northwest along highway 16 through Mount Robson Provincial Park. We also see Mount Robson itself, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies (3954m). It is tall enough to create its own weather patterns and if we're lucky we'll be able to view this photogenic monolith from top to bottom. From here we enjoy a hike along Fraser Canyon to Overlander Falls (1km round trip, 45 minutes' walk) before leaving Mount Robson behind and continuing onto Clearwater. This afternoon we head the short distance to Spahats Creek from where we can take an easy walk to the 61m high Spahats Falls. These impressive falls cascade down through layers of pinky-red volcanic rock, and from the observation point we should also have a great view down the Clearwater Valley. Stay: Quality Inn Clearwater (Comfortable)

This morning we head out to the nearby Wells Gray Provincial Park, home to Helmcken Falls, which at 127m is higher than Niagara Falls. There are unexpectedly spectacular views from all along the park entrance road and great opportunities for wildlife spotting. We are then free for the rest of the day. The park offers an array of outdoor activities, including hiking and canoeing on amazingly clear lakes (all optional). You can hire a canoe here and feel as if you really are paddling off into the wilderness, or walk to Moul Falls and venture behind the waterfall itself. The slower pace of life in these parts is infectious so you may also choose to return to our lodge and relax. Stay: Quality Inn Clearwater (Comfortable)

Today we journey south west to Whistler, pausing en route at various places to soak up the wonderful views. We will travel through the mountains of interior British Colombia, through different environments and climate that change the landscape, stopping at several viewpoints such as Seton or Kalamalka lake, where we can do some short walks. This evening in Whistler we can enjoy a meal in one of the many excellent restaurants and, for those that wish, follow it up with a night out on the town. Stay: Aava Hotel (Comfortable)

Today we have a free day in Whistler to enjoy the variety of activities on offer here, including a cable car ride up one of the nearby peaks and hiking. There will also be the chance to walk on different trails around Whistler where we can walk on a trail either on the mountain or around its peaceful shores. Stay: Aava Hotel (Comfortable)

This morning we will follow route 99, more famously known as the Sea to Sky Highway, toward the Pacific coast of Vancouver. We will continue to Horseshoe Bay from where we will catch the early ferry across to Nanaimo on Vancouver Island. Although the island stretches almost 500km from north to south, it only has a population of 500,000 and with its numerous provincial parks it is easy to escape into the wilderness. En route to Pacific Rim National Park we will stop in MacMillan Provincial Park where we will take a short walk to the famous Cathedral Grove, a striking group of huge Douglas Firs. Some of these incredible trees reach up to 70m in height, are 2m thick and are estimated to be up to 1000 years old. We then continue on to the Pacific Rim National Park which will undoubtedly be the highlight of our time on the island. The park stretches intermittently for 130km and the mountains, coastal rainforest, wild beaches and unkempt marine landscapes are as diverse as they are beautiful. We will overnight in Ucluelet near Tofino. Stay: Canadian Princess Resort (Comfortable)

Today we are free to choose from a variety of different activities. The two most popular excursions are both out to sea. The more energetic may wish to take to kayaks and explore this wild coastline of hidden coves and rocky inlets. Alternatively, there is the chance to go whale watching from one of the coastal villages in the park. There is also the opportunity to go Black Bear watching today from a zodiac boat, or take an optional walk along one of the park's many trails. Our local guide will be on hand to organise these trips and accompany those wishing to choose one of the optional walks. Stay: Canadian Princess Resort (Comfortable)

We head south today, away from the wilderness of the Pacific Rim National Park and towards the much gentler scenery of Victoria. On the way we will make stops to view the totem poles carved by the First Nations of the North West Coast. In 1884 the Federal Government outlawed 'pot latching' and this unique art form nearly died out. Fortunately, in recent times, there has been a revived interest in this proud tradition and the totems that can be found along this stretch of coast are strong reminders of the island's native people. This afternoon we have free to time to explore Victoria. We highly recommend visiting the Royal British Columbia Museum or alternatively sit at one of the pavement cafes watching the world pass by. Stay: Huntingdon Manor Hotel (Comfortable)

Vancouver, known as the Jewel of North America and easily one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Canada, beckons us today in contrast to the wilderness we've been experiencing over the past days. However, this city's setting on the beaches of the Pacific Ocean, surrounded by Mount Seymour, Cypress and Grouse Mountain will remind you that nature looms nearby. During the afternoon, we provide a brief orientation tour, as well as the opportunity to discover Stanley Park (optional). This evening we recommend a visit to Gastown, an attractive area offering many restaurants and bars. Stay: Century Plaza (Comfortable)

Our trip ends this morning in Vancouver. There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from Vancouver at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at the hotel. If you would like an airport transfer today, you'll need to depart from Vancouver International Airport (airport code: YVR), which is approximately a 40 minute drive away from the hotel.

Arrive into Calgary. This dynamic city is a rich fusion of modern architecture and traditional heritage, where the pioneering history of the Canadian west is woven into everyday life.

Due to the number of evening flights into Calgary, your Tour Leader plans to do the welcome meeting on the morning on Day 2, and will leave a message in reception with details on timings and everything else that you'll need for the day. There are no activities planned today, so you are free to arrive at any time. If you would like an airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Calgary International Airport (airport code: YYC), which is a 20 minute drive from the hostel.

If your flight arrives earlier in the day, you may have time to explore the city and soak up the friendly ambience. Filled with museums, shops and cafes, the centre of the city is a great place to just wander and take in its majestic setting against the backdrop of the ever present mountains. Stay: Ramada Plaza Calgary Downtown (Comfortable)

This morning we will take some time to explore the glittering city of Calgary. The centre of town is a great place to wander around, marvel at the impressive architecture and absorb the friendly atmosphere - all set against a backdrop of the Rockies that rear like a distant tidal wave. These rugged mountains, interspersed with moments of sublime serenity in the form of turquoise lakes and cascading falls, beg for further exploration and before lunch we waste no time and head west up into the hills. Our base for the next three nights is the small town of Canmore situated in the picturesque Bow Valley. Described as the gateway to the Rockies, it is the perfect place from which to make our forays in to the nearby Kananaskis country and Banff National Park. This afternoon we explore Kananaskis country and the valleys of this region on foot. Stay: Quality Resort Chateau Canmore (Comfortable)

Over the next two days we will explore the splendour of nearby Banff National Park. We will follow well-marked trails to discover beautiful lakes, stunning vistas and perfumed pine forests. We highly recommend taking an optional excursion by aerial tram to the top of Sulphur Mountain - if the weather is clear, the views across the Rockies are simply breathtaking. You may also want to spend time in the town of Banff itself. A bustling and lively place, it is easy to get infused with the energy that surrounds you. Banff is also famous for its hot springs, in fact, it was the discovery of the hot springs in 1883 that lead to the building of the settlement in this location. Relaxing in these geothermal waters is a wonderful way to while away a few hours one afternoon. For the more active among us there are numerous optional trips, such as canoeing on the Bow River, that can be organised locally.

A note on walking: although this part of Canada is made for the outdoors, this trip isn't specifically a walking holiday. As such the Tour Leader will judge walks based on the entire group's fitness and capabilities, and these will be easy or moderate trails. If you want more challenging hikes and these are available on site, your tour leader will give you the information to do it by yourself. Some trails require a minimum number of hikers per group. Stay: Quality Resort Chateau Canmore (Comfortable)

Today is left free to explore more of Banff National Park including making a visit to the picture postcard Lake Louise and Morraine Lake. Tom Wilson, the first white Canadian to see Lake Louise, when he was led there by a local native in 1882, wrote 'I never, in all my explorations of these five chains of mountains throughout western Canada, saw such a matchless scene…I felt puny in body, but glorified in spirit and soul.' Despite the increasing number of visitors to the lake it is still possible to experience the same feelings of awe that Tom Wilson had the first time he saw it. Stay: Quality Resort Chateau Canmore (Comfortable)

We take the drive along one of the world's top scenic highways today. We leave Canmore, travelling along the Icefields Parkway which cuts its way through a mountain wilderness filled with rivers and stunning glacial lakes. Every kilometre of the Parkway is witness to spectacular scenery and we are likely to encounter wildlife along the road itself. We continue northwards and pass alongside the Columbia icefields where we will stop at the magnificent Athabasca Glacier - here you have the option of taking a guided glacier hike onto ancient glacial ice (your Tour Leader will ask you whether you'd like to book this at the start of your trip, in order to ensure availability). We'll continue up the scenic highway, making more impressive stops on route. Our eagle-eyed tour leader will keep an eye out for bears while we travel. Jasper, in the shadow of Mount Edith Cavell, lies at the end of today's journey. Stay: Beckers Chalet (Comfortable)

We will start the day with a short hike (approximately 4km) in Maligne Canyon, discovering stunning views over the powerful water that leaps and pummels its way through the narrow slot. We have the rest of the day ahead of us to explore the various highlights of the area around the town of Jasper. Keep your eyes peeled for the wildlife that roam freely here, wapiti, elk, moose and bear! Take a boat trip on the enormous Maligne Lake, or try white water rafting on the Athabasca River. Alternatively, you may want to take the Jasper Tramway to the high alpine terrain of Whistlers Mountain - named for the whistling sounds of the marmots that live there - or hike a bike and cycle on one of the many trails in the area. Stay: Beckers Chalet (Comfortable)

This morning we head northwest along highway 16 through Mount Robson Provincial Park. We also see Mount Robson itself, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies (3954m). It is tall enough to create its own weather patterns and if we're lucky we'll be able to view this photogenic monolith from top to bottom. From here we enjoy a hike along Fraser Canyon to Overlander Falls (1km round trip, 45 minutes' walk) before leaving Mount Robson behind and continuing onto Clearwater. This afternoon we head the short distance to Spahats Creek from where we can take an easy walk to the 61m high Spahats Falls. These impressive falls cascade down through layers of pinky-red volcanic rock, and from the observation point we should also have a great view down the Clearwater Valley. Stay: Quality Inn Clearwater (Comfortable)

This morning we head out to the nearby Wells Gray Provincial Park, home to Helmcken Falls, which at 127m is higher than Niagara Falls. There are unexpectedly spectacular views from all along the park entrance road and great opportunities for wildlife spotting. We are then free for the rest of the day. The park offers an array of outdoor activities, including hiking and canoeing on amazingly clear lakes (all optional). You can hire a canoe here and feel as if you really are paddling off into the wilderness, or walk to Moul Falls and venture behind the waterfall itself. The slower pace of life in these parts is infectious so you may also choose to return to our lodge and relax. Stay: Quality Inn Clearwater (Comfortable)

Today we journey south west to Whistler, pausing en route at various places to soak up the wonderful views. We will travel through the mountains of interior British Colombia, through different environments and climate that change the landscape, stopping at several viewpoints such as Seton or Kalamalka lake, where we can do some short walks. This evening in Whistler we can enjoy a meal in one of the many excellent restaurants and, for those that wish, follow it up with a night out on the town. Stay: Aava Hotel (Comfortable)

Today we have a free day in Whistler to enjoy the variety of activities on offer here, including a cable car ride up one of the nearby peaks and hiking. There will also be the chance to walk on different trails around Whistler where we can walk on a trail either on the mountain or around its peaceful shores. Stay: Aava Hotel (Comfortable)

This morning we will follow route 99, more famously known as the Sea to Sky Highway, toward the Pacific coast of Vancouver. We will continue to Horseshoe Bay from where we will catch the early ferry across to Nanaimo on Vancouver Island. Although the island stretches almost 500km from north to south, it only has a population of 500,000 and with its numerous provincial parks it is easy to escape into the wilderness. En route to Pacific Rim National Park we will stop in MacMillan Provincial Park where we will take a short walk to the famous Cathedral Grove, a striking group of huge Douglas Firs. Some of these incredible trees reach up to 70m in height, are 2m thick and are estimated to be up to 1000 years old. We then continue on to the Pacific Rim National Park which will undoubtedly be the highlight of our time on the island. The park stretches intermittently for 130km and the mountains, coastal rainforest, wild beaches and unkempt marine landscapes are as diverse as they are beautiful. We will overnight in Ucluelet near Tofino. Stay: Canadian Princess Resort (Comfortable)

Today we are free to choose from a variety of different activities. The two most popular excursions are both out to sea. The more energetic may wish to take to kayaks and explore this wild coastline of hidden coves and rocky inlets. Alternatively, there is the chance to go whale watching from one of the coastal villages in the park. There is also the opportunity to go Black Bear watching today from a zodiac boat, or take an optional walk along one of the park's many trails. Our local guide will be on hand to organise these trips and accompany those wishing to choose one of the optional walks. Stay: Canadian Princess Resort (Comfortable)

We head south today, away from the wilderness of the Pacific Rim National Park and towards the much gentler scenery of Victoria. On the way we will make stops to view the totem poles carved by the First Nations of the North West Coast. In 1884 the Federal Government outlawed 'pot latching' and this unique art form nearly died out. Fortunately, in recent times, there has been a revived interest in this proud tradition and the totems that can be found along this stretch of coast are strong reminders of the island's native people. This afternoon we have free to time to explore Victoria. We highly recommend visiting the Royal British Columbia Museum or alternatively sit at one of the pavement cafes watching the world pass by. Stay: Huntingdon Manor Hotel (Comfortable)

Vancouver, known as the Jewel of North America and easily one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Canada, beckons us today in contrast to the wilderness we've been experiencing over the past days. However, this city's setting on the beaches of the Pacific Ocean, surrounded by Mount Seymour, Cypress and Grouse Mountain will remind you that nature looms nearby. During the afternoon, we provide a brief orientation tour, as well as the opportunity to discover Stanley Park (optional). This evening we recommend a visit to Gastown, an attractive area offering many restaurants and bars. Stay: Century Plaza (Comfortable)

Our trip ends this morning in Vancouver. There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from Vancouver at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at the hotel. If you would like an airport transfer today, you'll need to depart from Vancouver International Airport (airport code: YVR), which is approximately a 40 minute drive away from the hotel.