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We gather at London Heathrow this afternoon with the Tour Manager to board a direct flight to Canada, arriving in Halifax early evening local time.

In this attractive city on the Atlantic coast, we check in to our hotel and the rest of the evening is free for you to relax or explore. A cultural centre of the Maritimes, Halifax retains many of its historic seafaring traditions and has scenic parks and ocean views.

With an expert local guide, we explore Nova Scotia, a historic land of fishing villages and coves dappled with small bobbing boats and wooded islands.

With Nova Scotia meaning New Scotland in Latin, it is perhaps unsurprising that its capital, Halifax, blends Celtic influences with unmistakable North American style. Our first stop outside Halifax is Peggy's Cove, a tiny settlement of colourful buildings on a headland dotted with wave-battered boulders. Keeping seafarers safe for more than a century is Peggy's Cove Lighthouse, reputedly Canada most photographed lighthouse. There are also many traditional inukshuks here - age-old rock structures used to navigate the frozen north.

A scenic drive leads us to pretty Mahone Bay, a village adorned with rustic Gothic revival buildings. The UNESCO-listed harbour town of Lunenburg is our next destination. Here, the splash of colour provided by waterfront houses along Bluenose Drive is reflected in the waters.

This evening is independent to try some local food like chowder and the famed Digby scallops.

After a final morning in Halifax, we transfer to the station this afternoon. Boarding VIA Rail's Ocean service we settle into private cabins for an overnight journey to Québec City. The train makes its way towards Moncton before crossing the Miramichi River amidst dense spruce forests. During the night, it continues to Chaleur Bay and crosses into New Brunswick before making its way along the widening mouth of the St. Lawrence River under the cover of night.

• Lunch, Dinner

This morning, VIA Rail's Ocean arrives in to Québec City. On arrival, a guided sightseeing tour of Québec City gets under way. We delve into its history and the conflicts between France, Great Britain and the United States that led to the founding of Canada in 1867. Constructed between 1820 and 1850 on early French fortifications, the star-shaped citadel served to protect British North America. The British gained control of this important city in 1759 after the French surrender at the Battle of the Plains of Abraham.

We visit this battlefield overlooking the St Lawrence River, before transferring by coach to an authentic 1920s sugar shack where maple syrup is produced. Amid a maple forest, we learn the history of the syrup during an informative short tour followed by a tasting of this iconic Canadian staple. Afterwards, we sit down for a three-course lunch of traditional food inspired by the syrup.

Next, we check into the fairytale, five-star Fairmont Le Château Frontenac. This opulent hotel was the first of the iconic castle-like hotels constructed by Canadian railway companies from 1893. Originally built to attract tourists to the trans-Canadian railways, this revivalist masterpiece is regularly considered to be the most photographed hotel in the world.

• Lunch

Today we board VIA Rail's train service to Montreal. Following the course of the St Lawrence River and the shores of Lake Ontario, we arrive in this UNESCO city of design in the early evening, before continuing to this evening's destination: Toronto.

Toronto's Union Station is Canada's largest and most elegant train station. Its Great Hall looks every bit a temple to the railroad, while its resplendent limestone exterior is dominated by 22 Romanesque columns. Built in 1927, this glorious Beaux-Arts structure is actually the third incarnation of the station - a testament to the importance of railways in connecting Canada. Nearby is the iconic CN Tower built by the Canadian National Railway Company and the world's tallest free-standing structure from 1975 until 2007.

We transfer to our historic Downtown hotel that has housed numerous luminaries from Mark Twain to Ernest Hemingway and the Beatles to Louis Armstrong. The rest of the day is free to unwind or explore Canada's most populous city, stopping off at one of its fine restaurants near our hotel.

An incredible highlight of our grand trans-Canadian adventure awaits today as we are joined on a coach by an expert local guide for a full-day trip to Niagara Falls.

Connecting the Great Lakes of Erie and Ontario, the Niagara River plunges down three astonishing waterfalls. When we arrive, we set sail on a cruise to get closer to one of the world's most impressive natural sights - with protective ponchos supplied. Marvelling at the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and the iconic Horseshoe Falls is an unforgettable experience as the clouds of spray and thunderous roar emphasise the awesome majesty of nature.

Back on shore, there is time for lunch independently in one of Niagara's restaurants before viewing the falls from above at Table Rock. Continuing our exploration, we reach the whirlpool where the river bursts out of the Niagara Gorge.

We conclude our excursion at the pretty town of Niagara on the Lake, where there is time to stroll its quaint streets. Returning to Toronto, you can relive the day's dramatic sights as you dine independently.

Waking up to our first full day on the Canadian, we are welcomed to Winnipeg, considered the geographical centre of Canada. We later cross into Manitoba, a province with more than 100,000 lakes stretching all the way up to the shores of Hudson Bay.

We then travel through the southern plains of Saskatchewan, home to deer, eagles and, occasionally, antelope, moose and bison. Next, with nearly half of its 1.2 million residents living in the province's largest city, Saskatoon, scarcely populated Saskatchewan is ideal for sitting back and watching the world go by. The ideal place to relax and observe the scenery is the glass-roofed panoramic observation car, either side of lunch.

The seemingly endless grasslands of the Great Plains stretch as far as the eye can see, with boundless farming communities passing by our windows as the Canadian rolls on. Dinner is also served on board.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, the scenery of remote settlements and serene lakes dotting the landscape transforms into views of glaciers, plunging canyons, soaring mountains and endless pine forests. Watch the Athabasca River flow beside the train as we wind up the Rocky Mountains.

As the train approaches Edmonton, we see vast forests and distant mountains, contrasting with the previous day's prairie views. This evening is an opportunity to view the Alberta countryside, dotted with rivers and lakes.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning, the train arrives in Jasper. We check into the luxury Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge resort, set in 700 acres of parkland overlooking the serene Beauvert Lake and majestic mountains in a UNESCO World Heritage landscape. There is then time to wander around Jasper, one of the most important towns for miles around and a popular destination for visitors to the Rockies, yet it retains a calm, small-town feel.

Today is a free day in Jasper. In Jasper National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, there are breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains, glacial rivers, and expansive forests. The main attractions here are the Maligne Canyon, a deep limestone gorge, and Maligne Lake - the largest glacier-fed body of water in the region. There's plenty of wildlife to watch out for such as grey wolves, hoary marmot, caribou and moose.

The town itself is charming, with a small community and a laid-back atmosphere. You will also find a choice of shops, restaurants, and historical sites, providing both adventure and relaxation.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Leaving Jasper this morning, we journey along the famous Icefields Parkway, a 144-mile road between Jasper and Banff that passes through some incredible scenery.

After a brief stop at the Athabasca Falls, we continue towards the Icefields Centre, where we pause to take in the view of the remarkable Athabasca Glacier, nestled between towering peaks. For those interested, there is the option to enjoy lunch or take a ride across the ice field in a giant, all-terrain Snocoach know as the Ice Explorer (included). From here, we head towards Peyto Lake, passing rugged mountains and a blanket of pine forests, before admiring the stunning turquoise waters of the lake. Finally, we journey through the Canadian Rockies, past many of its highest and most formidable peaks.

On arrival in Banff, we check into the beautiful Fairmont Banff Springs, one of the most historic properties in this charming mountain town, built in eye-catching Scottish Baronial style.

• Breakfast

This morning, we explore this sensational part of the world by coach. Our first destination is the glacial Emerald Lake, so-called due to its remarkable colour.

The first non-indigenous person to record seeing the lake was Tom Wilson in 1882, who was pursuing horses that had bolted. On encountering the lake, Wilson stopped to enjoy its beauty. A backcountry expert, Wilson was also the first non-indigenous person to view our next destination: Lake Louise, a turquoise glacial lake framed by towering snow-capped mountains. As one of the most photographed sights in the Canadian Rockies, it has become intrinsically linked with the region but is equally impressive in person. There is free time to lunch independently at one of the restaurants inside the iconic lakeside Fairmont hotel.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Today we embark on a daylight journey on the iconic Rocky Mountaineer, travelling to Kamloops. The train winds through the spectacular Banff National Park, with its towering peaks and pristine lakes, before crossing the Continental Divide. A highlight of the journey is the stunning Spiral Tunnels, where the train curves through the mountains.

A foreboding environment for 19th-century pioneers, this evocative route oozes excitement and history - as well as spectacular vistas. In 1885 by the shores of the Eagle River, near Craigellachie, the 'last spike' was driven into the track, connecting nearly 3,000 miles of trans-Canadian railway from east to west.

Along the shore of sprawling Shuswap Lake, look out for the mythical Shuswaggi - an eight-foot monster similar to Nessie. We disembark in Kamloops where we spend the night.

• Breakfast, Lunch

Our Rocky Mountaineer adventure continues this morning along one of the most dramatic stretches of the line. Look out for 'hoodoos' - tall skinny spires of rock which protrude from the arid Thompson Plateau. Local mythology describes these as giants, turned to stone by the Great Spirit. Another great spot is Rainbow Canyon, where a myriad of colours are reflected in the rocks. We then pass through green forests and dramatic valleys, home to an abundance of Canadian wildlife, along the Thompson and Fraser Canyons.

Arriving in Vancouver, we check in to our hotel. The elegant Fairmont hotel is in the heart of Downtown, set amongst high-end boutiques and impressive art galleries. Known as the 'Castle in the City' due to its châteauesque copper pitched roof, the Hotel Vancouver was built in 1939 as one of Canada's grand railway hotels.

After check in there is a free evening to unwind or head out to try some of western Canada's finest cuisine, including top-class seafood, such as salmon, oysters and Dungeness crab, or delicious local versions of Asian and Mexican dishes.

• Breakfast, Lunch

A tour of Vancouver's most characterful and historic districts with a local guide awaits us today.

The rejuvenated area known as Gastown is Vancouver's original Downtown. Redbrick Victorian buildings dot the tree-lined streets surrounding pretty Maple Tree Square. Many upmarket fashion boutiques, trendy coffee shops, art galleries and the famous Gastown Steam Clock can be found in this area named after talkative Hull-born sailor and barman 'Gassy' Jack Deighton.

Crossing East Hastings Street, we arrive in Chinatown - the largest in Canada - where we relish the sights and sounds of the lively streets and tranquil squares. From leafy Stanley Park, where we view colourful totem poles celebrating local Native American history, we travel to Granville Island. This buzzing district boasts independent stores and mouthwatering food markets and is where our tour concludes.

The rest of the day is free to explore independently. You can spend time on Granville Island or return to our landmark city centre hotel. For dinner this evening, you could choose to indulge at a restaurant nearby.

A free morning and afternoon gives you the chance to explore Vancouver at leisure. This picturesque city is regarded as one of the most desirable places to live in the world, thanks to its charming atmosphere and positioning amid the incredible setting of mountains and the Pacific coast. Blending the vibrancy and culture of a cosmopolitan city with spectacular scenery, Vancouver and its surroundings have calmly impressed visitors for many years.

Departing the hotel early evening, we are transferred by coach to the airport as we begin our journey back to London Heathrow.

As our plane touches down at London Heathrow this morning, our luxurious Canadian adventure comes to an end.

This spectacular expedition has seen us stay in iconic Fairmont hotels and ride on world-famous trains as we travelled overland from the Atlantic to the Pacific Coast, crossing the world's second-biggest country and witnessing many highlights.

From Halifax, where we viewed some of Nova Scotia's most attractive towns and a night in Québec City's fairytale Fairmont Le Château Frontenac to visiting an authentic sugar shack and the majestic Niagara Falls, the experiences we had are unforgettable. After time in Toronto, we travelled on board the incredible Canadian train for three nights. The beautiful national parks around Banff and Jasper were followed by awe-inspiring vistas on the Rocky Mountaineer to Vancouver.

We say farewell and head home with fantastic memories.