Rocky Mountaineer & Sonora Resort

You'll enjoy VIP lounge access at the airport before boarding your flight to Vancouver. On arrival, check in to your hotel for some rest and relaxation before your adventure begins.

Stay: Opus Hotel, Vancouver (Superior)

This morning you'll have the chance to explore Vancouver at your leisure. This seaport city boasts a number of must-do attractions, from the 405-hectare Stanley Park to the historic Granville Island. Strolling through busy streets, you'll take in art galleries, museums, gardens and restaurants, all set against a backdrop of the spectacular Coastal Mountains. Come the afternoon, you'll transfer to the airport to take a short flight and floatplane to Sonora Resort in the Discovery Islands. This wilderness retreat feels truly remote, surrounded by woodlands and water and designed with escapism in mind. Your stay includes gourmet meals and drinks (additional charges may apply for premium spirits and wines), complimentary wireless internet and unlimited worldwide phone calls. This evening, you'll be treated to a seasonal tasting menu, paired with fine wines and served in the restaurant overlooking the sea.

Today is the perfect day to explore everything Sonora Resort has to offer. After a freshly prepared breakfast, take advantage of the all-inclusive amenities designed to immerse you in your surroundings. Extensive hiking and biking trails, a putting green, tennis courts, swimming pool and even fly-fishing ponds await. For those keen to see more, choose from additional extras such as guided salmon fishing excursions, Polaris eco-tours of the local shoreline and marine habitats, and (during September and October) grizzly bear viewing tours via the Bute Inlet, with up-close views from one of five purpose-built grizzly stands along the river. There's also an onsite spa, perfect for taking the edge off after a busy day of activities. 

After a final delicious breakfast, you'll have a little more time to explore Sonora, perhaps taking another optional tour or soaking in one of the roof top hot tubs. This afternoon, you'll fly back to Vancouver and transfer to your hotel, ideally located in the vibrant downtown area. This evening, make the most of your central location and enjoy Vancouver's buzzing nightlife; dine in one of the many hip restaurants or enjoy a drink in a cosy bar.

Stay: Opus Hotel, Vancouver (Superior)

Today you'll board the iconic Rocky Mountaineer for the start of your scenic rail journey. Two levels of service are available; SilverLeaf passengers enjoy gourmet dining served to your seat and curved dome windows for taking in the incredible views, while an upgrade to GoldLeaf sees you enjoying a custom split-level car with full glass dome windows and an à la carte menu in the dedicated dining room. As you wind your way from west to north east, you'll spot dramatic changes in the landscape, as Fraser Valley's green fields melt into lush forests and winding river canyons among the rugged Coast and Cascade Mountains. Inching closer to British Columbia's interior, the landscape becomes dryer, revealing steep slopes and unique rock formations along the Thompson River. Finally, Rocky Mountaineer skirts the shores of Kamloops Lake into Kamloops, where you'll rest for the night.

Stay: Kamloops accommodation (Superior/Deluxe)

You'll continue north east on Rocky Mountaineer today as you head towards Alberta. Journeying through the peaks of the Canadian Rockies, you'll pass the Monashee and Cariboo Mountains, the Continental Divide, and Pyramid Falls. A highlight is the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies - Mount Robson at 3,954 metres high, rising proudly above Kinney Lake. Towards the end of the day, you'll climb the Yellowhead Pass into Jasper National Park, home to moose, elk and bighorn as well as stunning glacial lakes and subalpine forest. This evening, you'll say farewell to Rocky Mountaineer and settle into the resort town of Jasper, where cosy bakeries, brewpubs and hip coffee bars offer respite from a cooler climate.

Stay: Chateau Jasper (Superior)

Today you'll have a full day in Jasper, home to the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A full-day tour takes you to some of the most photo-worthy natural attractions and majestic cragged peaks, and hopefully offers a glimpse of the local wildlife, including mountain goats, coyotes, and (in summer) bears. You'll also be treated to lunch and a serene cruise across historic Maligne Lake. At the conclusion of your tour, you're free to explore Jasper at your leisure, perhaps taking a short hike or simply enjoying the atmosphere in town.

Stay: Chateau Jasper (Superior)

Today you'll take on the 232km stretch of highway known as the Icefields Parkway, one of the world's most scenic drives. Dotted with more than 100 ancient glaciers, this route covers highlights such as Bow Lake, the Glacier Skywalk and Athabasca Falls. At the Columbia Icefield, one of the largest ice fields south of the Arctic Circle, you'll take an Ice Explorer to the middle of the spectacular Athabasca Glacier, where an expert guide will explain the geology of the region. After an included lunch at the Glacier Discovery Centre and a short stop at the glassy Bow Lake, you'll arrive at Banff via Lake Louise late in the afternoon.

Stay: Moose Hotel & Suites (Superior)

Today, your included touring will showcase the myriad delights of Banff. Often heralded as Canada’s greatest national park, your expert guide will teach you the culture, geology and wildlife while exploring the spectacular sights. You’ll also take the Banff Gondola to the peak of Sulphur Mountain for truly spectacular valley views. The day is completed with a historical cruise on Lake Minnewanka.

Stay: Moose Hotel & Suites (Superior) 

Today you will have an entire morning to spend exploring Banff National Park on your own. Optional activities include soaking in the mineral pools at Upper Hot Springs, enjoying a nature walk on nearby mountain trails, visiting Banff's historic museums, before your afternoon transfer. You’ll end the day at Calgary airport in time for your overnight flight home.