Rocky Mountaineer: Banff and Lake Louise

Your Canadian journey begins with a flight from London Heathrow to the scenic Canadian city of Vancouver. On arrival, your transfer will take you to the hotel where you can begin to get acquainted with the city independently. For a taste of Vancouver's old-world charm, visit Gastown, the city's original downtown. Stroll through pretty Maple Tree Square, where redbrick Victorian buildings dot the tree-lined streets. Enjoy the coffee shops, art galleries and upmarket fashion boutiques, and look out for the famous Gastown Steam Clock.

Vancouver has a lively food scene, and for dinner, you might like to try western Canada's top-class seafood like salmon, oysters and Dungeness crab.

Today is yours to explore the city at your own pace. You might like to visit leafy Stanley Park, where you can find colourful totem poles celebrating Native American history, or stop by the largest Chinatown in Canada, where you can relish the sights and sounds of the lively streets.

If you'd like to venture further, you can take a small ferry to Granville Island, a buzzing district boasting independent stores and mouthwatering food markets. If you're feeling adventurous, you can take the cable car to the top of Grouse Mountain for sweeping views of the city, or head to North Vancouver, where you can make the thrilling journey across the 450-foot-high Capilano Suspension Bridge with views of the forest below.

Today brings one of the trip's highlights: the first of two spectacular daylight-only journeys on the iconic Rocky Mountaineer. Boarding in Vancouver, travel through the lush green forests and dramatic valleys of British Columbia, enjoying spectacular panoramic views from glass-domed cars. Relax in your spacious seat and enjoy the award-winning service provided by dedicated hosts who announce wildlife sightings, tell stories and serve delicious meals.

Your day ends in the evening as the train glides along the shores of Kamloops Lake into Kamloops, a picturesque mountain town on the glacial Thompson River.

After breakfast, board Rocky Mountaineer for your second scenic daylight journey. Today, the train continues east to the mighty Canadian Rockies and the province of Alberta. Enjoy the ever-changing scenery, stepping out onto your outdoor viewing platform for a closer look at the ranch lands, rocky lakeshores, high mountain passes and remarkable tunnels.

Today's highlights include Craigellachie, where the last spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway was driven; the climb over Rogers Pass; Kicking Horse Canyon; the Spiral Tunnels; and, of course, the iconic glaciers and snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies. Your rail journey ends this evening in Lake Louise, a small, scenic hamlet near the famous glacial lake.

Enjoy a day to relax or book your own activities at your leisure in Lake Louise. One of the most photographed sites in the Canadian Rockies, the lake itself is even more incredible in person. In the heart of Banff National Park, the lake has long been a destination for adventurous travellers and visitors seeking spectacular views of the vivid turquoise waters and soaring peaks.

Exploring the area independently, you might like to learn about the local wildlife, paddle across the lake in an iconic red canoe, or soak up views from the shore.

After another free morning to explore beautiful Lake Louise on your own, board a coach for a trip into Yoho National Park. Alongside stunning glaciers and cascading waterfalls, the park's attractions include the sparkling Emerald Lake and an incredible natural rock bridge that spans Kicking Horse River, allowing visitors to safely witness the dramatic waterfall.

At the end of the tour, you are transferred to Banff, where you can dine independently. Choose from among the town's award-winning restaurants, steakhouses and a variety of international spots offering everything from pizza to sushi.

Please note: while departure from the Fairmont Château Lake Louise will be approximately 2pm, scheduled checkout time is normally 12noon. Your luggage will be stored upon checkout, and you are free to enjoy the amenities of the hotel before the tour departs.

Enjoy a day of leisure time to explore the mountain resort town of Banff. Founded in 1883, the town is surrounded by wonderful wilderness. Various excursions are available and payable locally, including guided visits to beautiful Lake Minnewanka.

You may prefer to stay local and soak in the charms of the Main Street, a row of half-timbered independent shops and a variety of restaurants. In the evening, you could enjoy a relaxing visit to Banff's hot springs, where you can soak in the steaming water with scenic views of the surrounding jagged peaks of Rundle and Cascade mountains.

Begin the morning with a sightseeing tour of Banff. Among the points of interest are the Bow Falls, a wide, rushing waterfall, and Surprise Corner, named for its amazing views of the iconic Fairmont hotel and surrounding mountains. Before leaving Banff, enjoy a visit to the Banff Gondola, where you can experience an incredible bird's eye view of six Canadian Rockies mountain ranges (included).

On leaving Banff, you are transferred to Calgary, soaking up stunning views as the scenery transforms from rugged peaks and lush forests to the cosmopolitan landscape of one of Canada's largest cities.

Your Canadian journey has carried you from the coastal city of Vancouver through the picturesque peaks of the Canadian Rockies on the iconic Rocky Mountaineer. You visited stunning Lake Louise and explored the incredible Banff and Yoho national parks. Having witnessed some of western Canada's most spectacular scenery, you can enjoy your final day in Calgary.

Today, you check out of your hotel and are transferred to the airport, where you board your flight back to London Heathrow.

Your unforgettable independent journey ends today as you land at London Heathrow.