Holiday Overview
This itinerary has everything you would want from a holiday in Western Canada – taking in the truly magnificent Canadian Rockies onboard the award winning Rocky Mountaineer in GoldLeaf Service, as well as the best of Vancouver, bursting with style, vibrancy, character and beauty.
Then head west to the charming coastal capital of Victoria. You’re certain to fall in love with this incredible landscape of mountains, lakes, glaciers and scenic towns – filling you with memories to last a lifetime. End your trip with a scenic drive along the Sea to Sky highway with Gondola ride and a 2-night stay in Canada's most famous mountain resort of Whistler.
This itinerary can be put together for a variety of dates from April - October.
Classic Rockies & BC includes:
- Return Flights from the UK
- Accommodation & Transfers throughout
- Discover Banff, its Wildlife & Gondola tour
- Columbia Icefield Discovery Tour with Lunch, Ice Explorer ride and Glacier Skywalk
- Two day Rocky Mountaineer Banff to Vancouver - GoldLeaf Service
- Breakfast, Lunch & Beverages both days on the Rocky Mountaineer
- Butchart Gardens (admission)
- Victoria Whale Watching Tour
- Vancouver City Highlights Tour
Day 1 - Fly UK to Calgary
On arrival, transfer to Banff for a 3-night stay. Transfers included
Featured accommodation
Elk+ Avenue Hotel
Enhance your experience
The Moose Hotel and Suites Banff
The Fairmont Banff Springs
Day 2 - Discover Banff, its Wildlife & Gondola
We have included the popular Discover Banff, its Wildlife and Gondola Tour this morning. Duration 4.5 hours.
Build a connection to the World Heritage Site as you visit Banff's landmarks and view wildlife in their natural winter habitat. On the comfortable coach, hear how the history of the Bow Valley changed when three railway workers rediscovered a hidden treasure. See and learn about wildlife behaviour, habitat, and their winter survival adaptations. This is Banff's best tour for viewing wildlife which are seen on 95% of the tours.
You'll then be transported to the base of Sulphur Mountain and ride the Banff Gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain at 7,486 feet. At the summit, marvel at the unsurpassed view of Banff, the Bow Valley and a 360 degree view of six scenic mountain ranges. You'll feel like you are on top of the world when you are standing on the spacious main level observation deck. This tour includes return transportation back to your hotel. Remainder of the afternoon/evening is at your leisure.
Featured accommodation
Elk+ Avenue Hotel
Enhance your experience
The Moose Hotel and Suites Banff
The Fairmont Banff Springs
Unmissable Experiences
Banff Gondola
Day 3 - Icefields Parkway Discovery
We have included the unmissable Columbia Icefield Discovery full day tour for you today. This tour will be one of the main highlights of your trip. Expect to see an abundance of lakes, waterfalls, glaciers and wildlife. The only way to describe this tour is like driving through a picture postcard. You will have plenty of time to stop off, take a stroll and have photo opportunities at all the stops. BExperience the power of glaciers up-close on this exciting tour that highlights the most unique attraction in the Canadian Rockies; the Columbia Icefield Adventure. Travel on a massive Ice Explorer onto an ancient glacier and step out onto ice that is deep enough to bury the Eiffel Tower. Stand in the sky at the Glacier Skywalk, a curved glass walkway that stretches 30 metres from the sheer face of a cliff and hangs mid-air. This tour is filled with exciting experiences, spectacular sights, intriguing stories and the best photo opportunities. Includes : Lunch, Ice Explorer ride and Glacier Skywalk
Featured accommodation
Elk+ Avenue Hotel
Enhance your experience
The Moose Hotel and Suites Banff
The Fairmont Banff Springs
Day 4 - Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf Service to Kamloops
Travel onboard Rocky Mountaineer from Banff to Kamloops, in the heart of British Columbia’s interior. Your journey takes you through a spectacular array of scenery as you travel between the glacier and snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies, over mountain passes and through remarkable tunnels, along rocky lakeshores and across the ranchlands of the interior. Today’s highlights include the Continental Divide, the Spiral Tunnels, the Kicking Horse Canyon, Rogers Pass and Craigellachie – where the last spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway was driven.
Overnight in Kamloops. Breakfast and Lunch included.
Please note that departure days vary dependant upon your departure point, please call for full details
Day 5 - Rocky Mountaineer Goldleaf Service Kamloops to Vancouver
Your journey continues west towards the Pacific Ocean and the coastal city of Vancouver. On today’s journey, you will again see dramatic changes in scenery, from the desert-like environment of the interior, through winding river canyons and pristine forests, to the Coast and Cascade mountains and the lush green fields of the Fraser River Valley. Highlights include the steep slopes and rock sheds along the Thompson River and the rushing waters of Hell’s Gate in the Fraser Canyon. Your rail journey ends on arrival in Vancouver this evening.
Breakfast and Lunch included
Featured accommodation
Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver
Enhance your experience
Sheraton Wall Centre
Fairmont Waterfront Hotel
Day 6 - Vancouver Sightseeing
This morning we have included a 3.5 hour Vancouver City Highlights tour. Prepare to experience the unique history and unfolding splendour as you tour through the modern streets of Vancouver. Drive by the most renowned sights and learn how Vancouver became the city it is today. Situated on the edge of the Pacific Ocean and framed by British Columbia's imposing mountains, it's easy to fall in love with this astonishing city. Drive through historic neighbourhoods such as Gastown, Chinatown, scenic English Bay and the picturesque Vancouver Harbour. Stops in Stanley Park feature Indigenous Peoples' Totem Poles, spectacular views of the mountains and the Lions Gate Bridge. Also includes the opportunity to wander through the charming farmer's market at Granville Island. Reminder of the afternoon at your leisure.
Featured accommodation
Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver
Enhance your experience
Sheraton Wall Centre
Fairmont Waterfront Hotel
Day 7 - Vancouver to Victoria including Butchart Gardens
View the spectacular British Columbia coastline by land and ship, followed by a stop at Butchart Gardens en route to the British inspired city of Victoria. Board a BC Ferries vessel at Tsawwassen terminal for a 90-minute sail through the serene beauty of the Gulf Islands. Marine wildlife sightings from the outdoor ship decks are common, especially eagles, sea lions and whales. Arrive on Vancouver Island and continue to the Butchart Gardens. The City of Victoria boasts many impressive architectural wonders, including the iconic Parliament Buildings and the waterfront Fairmont Empress Hotel. Visit the unique shops and cafes of Government Street and Chinatown. Stroll along the Inner Harbour for prime ocean views, and enjoy some free time to take in the city. Fully driver guided tour includes: 90-minute ferry ride through the Gulf Islands, admission to world-renowned Butchart Gardens, Victoria City Tour.
Featured accommodation
Inn at Laurel Point
Enhance your experience
Hotel Chateau Victoria
Fairmont Empress
Unmissable Experiences
Victoria & Butchart Gardens Day Trip
Day 8 - Victoria Whale Watching Trip
We have included a 3 hour Whale Watching tour from Victoria this morning. This coastal excursion is an exhilarating round trip of 50 to 80 kilometres in search of Orcas, minke whales, grey whales, porpoises, harbour seals and other marine wildlife. You will ride aboard a comfortable covered vessel or a custom-built zodiac boat that offers high speed with extraordinary stability giving you an exhilarating, safe and intimate whale watching experience. Comments by a certified marine biologist and naturalist are provided.
Featured accommodation
Inn at Laurel Point
Enhance your experience
Magnolia Hotel & Spa
Fairmont Empress
Day 9 - Explore Victoria
Day at leisure to enjoy Victoria. Why not ask one of our Canada Experts for optional excursions to pre-book.
Featured accommodation
Inn at Laurel Point
Enhance your experience
Magnolia Hotel & Spa
Fairmont Empress
Unmissable Experiences
Victoria Experiences
Day 10 - Victoria to Vancouver
Transfer by coach & ferry (included) from Victoria to Vancouver for 2 nights. Spend the afternoon at your leisure.
Featured accommodation
Sheraton Wall Centre
Enhance your experience
Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver
Fairmont Waterfront Hotel
Day 11 - Vancouver Sightseeing
Spend today at your leisure taking in the very best of Vancouver. Ask one of our Canada Experts for a tour recommendation.
Featured accommodation
Sheraton Wall Centre
Enhance your experience
Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver
Fairmont Waterfront Hotel
Day 12 - Vancouver to Whistler with Gondola Ride
Duration: 4 hours
Traverse from the scenic coastline of Howe Sound fjord to the lush forested peaks of the Coast Mountains. This escape from the city is an ideal way to experience the natural wonders surrounding Vancouver and Whistler. Gaze out over ever-changing landscapes surrounding the Sea to Sky Highway, with a scenic stop at the 335 metre Shannon Falls. Our next stop is the awe-inspiring Sea to Sky Gondola. After an exciting 10-minute ride to the top of Habrich Ridge, your views change dramatically, rising above the towering canopy of a coastal rainforest and upward above Howe Sound and the neighbouring mountains. Along the way, pass by the quaint town of Squamish. Considered an outdoor paradise, for climbers and backcountry adventurers. Squamish is perfectly positioned at the most north easterly point of the Howe Sound, offering astonishing views of the mountains and water. Continue the journey to Whistler with views of Tantalus Glacier greet passengers en route to Whistler. This pedestrian village is located at the base of world-famous Whistler-Blackcomb Mountains. This world famous ski resort also hosted many 2010 Olympic outdoor sporting events. Spend an afternoon exploring eclectic downtown shops and cafes, hiking along nature trails, or relaxing and breathing in the fresh mountain air. Returning to Vancouver, mountains give way to ocean as the coach winds downwards from towering peaks through rugged coastline, to metropolitan cityscapes.
At the end of the tour, your WestCoast Sightseeing driver will drop you at your Whistler hotel around midday.
Highlights: Sea to Sky Highway, Shannon Falls Park, Sea to Sky Gondola (admission included), Tantalus Glacier Range, Whistler Village.
Spend the afternoon in Whistler at your leisure.
Featured accommodation
Aava Hotel
Enhance your experience
Delta Whistler Village Suites
Fairmont Chateau Whistler
Unmissable Experiences
Whistler, Shannon Falls & Sea to Sky Gondola
Day 13 - Explore Whistler
Today is at your leisure to explore Canada's most famous mountain resort of Whistler. Ask one of our Canada Experts for optional excursions that they can pre-book during your stay.
Featured accommodation
Aava Hotel
Enhance your experience
Delta Whistler Village Suites
Fairmont Chateau Whistler
Day 14 - Fly Vancouver to UK
Coach transfer from your hotel in Whistler (included) to the airport for your overnight flight to the UK.
Elk+ Avenue
Just a few steps from the quaint streets and ample restaurants, shopping and nightlife of downtown Banff, Elk + Avenue Hotel brings an upscale twist to the classic mountain escape.
The Moose Hotel and Suites, Banff
The design of the Moose is Mountain elegance with warm, rich, natural materials. Located a 1 minute walk from the heart of downtown Banff, the Moose Hotel & Suites features 174 air conditioned guests rooms, with a combination of One and Two Bedroom Suites and hotel rooms.
The Fairmont Banff Springs
The Fairmont Banff Springs hotel in Alberta, Canada is one of the world's leading luxury hotels set in its own extensive grounds. This resort, built in 1888, is styled after a Scottish Baronial castle and is a National Historic Site. Located in Banff National Park, the Banff Springs hotel boasts stunning views, exceptional regional cuisine and impeccable service offering an unforgettable retreat.
Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver
Few hotels can rival the elegance, European charm and hospitality of The Sutton Place Hotel. One of Vancouver’s most beautiful boutique hotels, situated in the heart of downtown Vancouver. The spectacular setting allows guests to experience exceptional service and all the needed amenities within the cosmopolitan ambience of the city set against a majestic backdrop of mountains and sea.
Sheraton Wall Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia
Located in the heart of downtown Vancouver, the Sheraton Wall Centre is a short walk from business and entertainment neighbourhoods, Robson Street shops and Yaletown restaurants.
Fairmont Waterfront Hotel, Vancouver
The Fairmont Waterfront luxury hotel showcases the best of Vancouver. Conveniently located, the hotel connects by covered walkway to the Vancouver Convention and Exhibition Centre, the cruise ship terminal at Canada Place, and the Sky train. Situated on scenic Burrard Inlet, it has a central to sightseeing and shopping in Vancouver.
Inn at Laurel Point, Victoria BC
The Inn at Laurel Point is located on a pretty peninsula jutting out into Victoria's Inner Harbour. Offering stunning views of the Inner Harbour, this hotel has an overall Japanese-influenced design and is only 4 blocks from the Royal BC Museum and Government Street shopping, accessible via a waterfront walkway.
Hotel Chateau Victoria
Discover Victoria at its finest through an authentic local experience in the heart of downtown. With deeply entrenched roots in the local community and a strong sense of environmental responsibility – the Chateau Victoria strives to share all that makes Victoria special to each and every guest.
Fairmont Empress, Victoria BC
The Fairmont Empress hotel sits majestically at the cornerstone of Victoria’s sparkling Inner Harbour and city centre of arts, entertainment and cultural attractions. This Vancouver Island resort is located in British Columbia’s capital city and features turn of the century architecture, classic beauty and an unrivalled location on the water.
Magnolia Hotel & Spa, Victoria BC
The Magnolia Hotel and Spa is just 2 blocks from Victoria’s picturesque Inner Harbour and in the heart of the city’s best shopping, dining and entertainment.
Aava Hotel, Whistler, British Columbia
The Aava is just a snowballs throw from Whistler Village and a few more footsteps to the lifts of Whistler & Blackcomb Mountains. Experience Whistlers’ culinary excellence and vibrant nightlife. Whether for business or fun, the Aava is the perfect hotel to relax in affordable style.
Delta Whistler Village Suites
Stunning views of Whistler and the Blackcomb Mountains and a fantastic location make the Delta Whistler Village suites the ideal place to stay when visiting this beautiful, year-round resort . Surrounded by Whistler’s trendiest shops as well as popular restaurants and activities, this all-suite hotel is short distance from ski lifts.
Fairmont Chateau Whistler, British Columbia
Nestled at the base of Blackcomb Mountain, Whistler's landmark ski-in ski-out hotel and golf resort, The Fairmont Chateau Whistler defines mountain luxury. Naturally spectacular, The Fairmont Chateau Whistler resort hotel delivers an ideal setting for families, meetings and weddings alike.
Image & Video Gallery
Rocky Mountaineer
Rocky Mountaineer Scenery
Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf Service
Banff Town View
Banff Gondola
Victoria Whale Watching
Whales in Victoria
Victoria Parliament Buildings
Victoria Inner Harbour
Whistler Mountain
Whistler
Granville Street Vancouver
Gastown Maple Tree Square Vancouver
humpback whale, Vancouver
Vancouver Aerial
English Bay Vancouver Sunset
Alternative Holidays That May Interest You
Below you will find a small selection of 2024, 2025 holidays that may interest you. Remember, we tailor-make each holiday to your exact needs, so please call us on 0800 270 0069 and let one of our Holiday experts design the perfect trip for you
Canada Holiday Offers
Rockies & Alaska Experience
- 15 Nights
- Banff
- Lake Louise
- Jasper
- Rocky Mountaineer
- Kamloops
- Vancouver
- Alaska Cruise
Montreal
A Tale of 4 Cities
- 10 Nights
- Montreal
- Quebec City
- Ottawa
- Toronto
- Niagara Falls
Spectacular Rail Journeys
Canada's West & East Tour
- 12 Nights
- Banff
- Jasper
- Kamloops
- Vancouver
- Toronto
Canadian Rocky Mountains
The Splendour of Canada & Alaska
- 17 Nights
- Toronto
- Niagara Falls
- Banff
- Rocky Mountaineer
- Vancouver
- Alaska Cruise
Spectacular Rail Journeys
The Rockies, Alaska & Toronto
- 17 Nights
- Toronto
- Niagara Falls
- Banff
- Rocky Mountaineer
- Kamloops
- Vancouver
- Alaska Cruise
- Inside Passage
- Skagway
- Glacier Bay
- Ketchikan
Ontario & Quebec
Canada & Alaska Sojourn
- 19 Nights
- Toronto
- Niagara Falls
- Banff
- Jasper
- Rocky Mountaineer
- Kamloops
- Vancouver
- Alaska Cruise
Canadian Rocky Mountains
Rocky Mountaineer and Alaska Cruise in Style
- 16 Nights
- Banff
- Jasper
- Rocky Mountaineer
- Kamloops
- Vancouver
- Alaska Cruise
- Anchorage
Canada Winter Experiences
Rockies Snow Train
- 9 Nights
- Vancouver
- Jasper
- Lake Louise
- Banff
- Calgary
Spectacular Rail Journeys
Coastal Cities & the Rocky Mountains
- 12 Nights
- Victoria
- Vancouver
- Rocky Mountaineer
- Kamloops
- Jasper
- Lake Louise
- Banff
- Calgary
Canada Holiday Offers
Canadian Gold Rush
- 12 Nights
- Vancouver
- Rocky Mountaineer
- Whistler
- Quesnel
- Jasper
- Lake Louise
- Banff
Rockies Highlights and Alaska Cruise
- 14 Nights
- Banff
- Rocky Mountaineer
- Vancouver
- Alaska Cruise
Niagara Falls & Rockies Delights
- 15 Nights
- Toronto
- Niagara Falls
- Calgary
- Banff
- Jasper
- Quesnel
- Whistler
- Vancouver
- Victoria
Cunard Alaska Cruises
Banff, Rocky Mountaineer and Alaska Voyage
- 18 Nights
- Banff
- Kamloops
- Vancouver
- Seattle
- Alaska Cruise
Canada Winter Experiences
Winter City Explorer by Rail
- 10 Nights
- Montreal
- Quebec City
- Ottawa
- Toronto
Canada Holidays 2024
Canadian Rockies & Alaska Adventures
- 16 Nights
- Banff
- Jasper
- Via Rail
- Vancouver
- Alaska Cruise
Canada Winter Experiences
Winter Escapades
- 9 Nights
- Vancouver
- Jasper
- Lake Louise
- Banff
- Calgary
Ontario & Quebec
The Maritimes, Quebec & Ontario
- 15 Nights
- Halifax
- Baddeck
- Liscombe Mills
- Montreal
- Ottawa
- Toronto
Canada Holidays for Solo Travellers
A Tale of 4 Cities Solo Traveller
- 10 Nights
- Montreal
- Quebec City
- Ottawa
- Toronto
- Niagara Falls
Ontario & Quebec
The Capitals & Eastern Canada
- 10 Nights
- Toronto
- Ottawa
- Quebec City
- Niagara Falls
Canada Holiday Offers
The Rockies, Vancouver & Victoria
- 12 Nights
- Banff
- Lake Louise
- Jasper
- Vancouver
- Victoria
Spectacular Rail Journeys
Northern BC & Rockies Explorer
- 17 Nights
- Whistler
- Jasper
- Banff
- Prince George
- Prince Rupert
- Port Hardy
- Vancouver
British Columbia by Rail and Alaska Cruise
- 17 Nights
- Vancouver
- Jasper
- Prince George
- Prince Rupert
- Alaska Cruise
Majestic Alaska & Rocky Mountains
- 14 Nights
- Calgary
- Banff
- Rocky Mountaineer
- Vancouver
- Alaska Cruise
Canadian Rocky Mountains
Canadian Discovery
- 14 Nights
- Vancouver
- Kamloops
- Jasper
- Banff
- Calgary
- Toronto
Canadian Rockies & Grand Alaska
- 13 Nights
- Calgary
- Banff
- Rocky Mountaineer
- Kamloops
- Vancouver
- Alaska Cruise
- Anchorage
Spectacular Rail Journeys
Highlights of Eastern & Western Canada
- 16 Nights
- Toronto
- Niagara Falls
- Banff
- Jasper
- Rocky Mountaineer
- Vancouver
- Whistler
Vancouver, Alaska & the Rockies
- 18 Nights
- Vancouver
- Canada Place
- Inside Passage
- Tracy Arm/Juneau
- Skagway
- Glacier Bay
- Ketchikan
- Kamloops
- Jasper
- Banff
- Calgary
Alaska by Rail and Sea
- 15 Nights
- Fairbanks
- Talkeenta
- Anchorage
- Seward
- Hubbard Glacier
- Juneau
- Skagway
- Ketchikan
- Icy Strait Point
- Inside Passage
- Vancouver
Spectacular Rail Journeys
Across Canada by Rail
- 26 Nights
- Vancouver
- Victoria
- Edmonton
- Jasper
- Banff
- Calgary
- Toronto
- Montreal
- Halifax
Best of Western Canada
- 14 Nights
- Vancouver
- Victoria
- Tofino
- Campbell River
- Jasper
- Banff
Canada Holidays 2024
Canada & Alaska Sojourn Eastbound
- 19 Nights
- Vancouver
- Alaska Cruise
- Kamloops
- Jasper
- Banff
- Toronto
- Niagara Falls
Calgary Stampede
Cowboys & Trains - The Calgary Stampede
- 13 Nights
- Calgary
- Banff
- Jasper
- Rocky Mountaineer
- Kamloops
- Vancouver
Canadian Rocky Mountains
Mighty Rockies & Eastern Maritimes
- 20 Nights
- Vancouver
- Kamloops
- Jasper
- Banff
- Montreal
- Quebec City
- Charlottetown
- Sydney NS
- Bar Harbor
- Boston
Calgary Stampede
Rainforest to Goldrush & Calgary Stampede
- 14 Nights
- Victoria
- Vancouver
- Whistler
- Quesnel
- Jasper
- Banff
- Calgary
Canada Holiday Offers
Grand Canadian Adventure
- 17 Nights
- Toronto
- Banff
- Jasper
- Kamloops
- Vancouver
- Victoria
- Whistler
Canada Holidays for Solo Travellers
The Splendour of Canada & Alaska Solo Traveller
- 17 Nights
- Toronto
- Niagara Falls
- Banff
- Rocky Mountaineer
- Vancouver
- Alaska Cruise
Canada Wildlife Holidays
Rockies, Rail & Spirit Bear
- 14 Nights
- Calgary
- Banff
- Jasper
- Rocky Mountaineer
- Vancouver
- Spirit Bear Lodge
Canada & Alaska Extravagance
- 16 Nights
- Banff
- Lake Louise
- Jasper
- Rocky Mountaineer
- Kamloops
- Vancouver
- Alaska Cruise
- Anchorage