Spectacular Canadian Rockies with Calgary Stampede

The soaring peaks of Canada's soul-stirring Rockies take centre stage on this epic alpine adventure that begins in Vancouver, one of the world's most livable cities. Spend the day discovering the city's scenic surrounds, then join your Travel Director and fellow travel companions for a Welcome Reception this evening. (WR) Stay: Pinnacle Harbourfront

Embark on a morning sightseeing tour of Vancouver's historic neighbourhoods. Savour the smells of freshly steamed Siopao in Chinatown and admire the Victorian façades of Gastown as you make your way to the leafy sanctuary of Stanley Park to view First Nations totem poles. We continue by ferry to Vancouver island and Connect with Locals during a Be My Guest lunch visit to a family-owned working farm, where we'll enjoy fresh farm-to-table flavours. Later, we enjoy some sightseeing in Victoria. (B/BMG) Stay: Chateau Victoria

Embrace the Garden City status of Victoria as you greet the day with breakfast at Butchart Gardens, a 55-acre showcase of gorgeous floral gardens that have colourfully transformed a once unused quarry. Spend the rest of the day at leisure exploring the walkable capital of British Columbia. (B)

In Kamloops, the soul-stirring sounds of the Shuswap melodies welcome us, as we gain insights into First Nations' traditions and culture. Be entertained by a storytelling member of the First Nations followed by a delicious dinner. (B/D) Stay: South Thompson Inn

This afternoon you'll stop at the Mount Robson Visitor Center where you can admire UNESCO-listed Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies in all its 12,972 feet (3,954 meters) of glory. Continue to the raw wilderness of Jasper National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where we'll spend the next two nights. (B) Stay: Chateau Jasper

Join an interpretive walk at Maligne Canyon this morning. Later, take to the aqua waters and cruise Maligne Lake to Spirit Island (seasonal), admiring views of its three glaciers and Spirit Island. After the cruise enjoy a delicious lunch with wine at the lakeside Maligne Lake Chalet. (B/L)

The icy fingers of the Columbia Icefield beckon as we journey along the Icefields Parkway to Athabasca Glacier. Cross its icy terrain on board a specially designed Ice Explorer and Continue on to Lake Louise, where there is time to soak in the majestic beauty of the lake and its turquoise, glacier-fed waters, fringed by high peaks, deep green forests and overlooked by Victoria Glacier. Continue on to the township of Banff, in the heart of UNESCO-listed Banff National Park. Settle in for an evening at leisure. (B) Stay: Banff Park Lodge

Join a Local Specialist and learn about his experiences as a retired Mountie and the history of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Spend the afternoon exploring the rugged beauty of Banff, from its postcard viewpoint of Surprise Corner to Bow Falls. The rest of the day is free for you to pursue your own interests. Your Travel Director will be available to help plan the perfect day for you. Tonight, we join our newfound friends for a Farewell Dinner to toast the end of our unforgettable encounter with Canada's Rockies. (B/FD)

Transfer to your hotel in Calgary and get ready to embrace all things Western. It will be hard to know where to head to first, but with live music, food and an atmosphere that will ignite your inner cowboy, there’s always plenty of choice. Rest up for the fun to continue tomorrow. (B) Stay: Westin Calgary

Get right into the action today...cowboy boots are optional. At over 100 years old, you’ll be a part of history at this 10-day event. With its roots as a farming festival, the Stampede draws in crowds from all over the world. Try your hand at horseshoe throwing, watch the marching bands strut their stuff and find a stage to listen to some country music, loud and live! Even if you choose to simply wander the Stampede Park grounds, you can’t go wrong today. All the action will be sure to leave you hungry, so take a stroll around the main grandstand and re-fuel with some succulent barbecue as you take it all in. (B)

Take a transfer to the Calgary International Airport this morning. (B)