Highlights of Canada at Christmas

We fly from London Heathrow to Toronto, arriving late in the afternoon for a two-night stay. The vibrant city of Toronto looks out across mesmerising Lake Ontario from its position on the northern shore and is overlooked by the CN Tower, one of the tallest structures in the world.

A visit to Niagara Falls is one of the highlights of any holiday to Canada, and we discover the magnificent natural wonder for ourselves on Day 2. Heading to the glorious falls, we first enjoy lunch in the Falls View Restaurant of the Sheraton Hotel, where we can admire incredible views over the waters as we eat. We continue with a guided tour of the dramatic falls, which are all the more striking in winter when thick snow covers the ground and the water freezes into giant icicles.

We transfer to Union Station and board The Canadian, beginning our unforgettable journey through the majestic Rocky Mountains to Vancouver. The Canadian is truly iconic, taking us in restored stainless steel carriages through the country in comfort. We enjoy all freshly-prepared meals on board, and can spend our days lounging in the armchairs of the Bullet Lounge, where wrap-around windows immerse us in the passing landscapes.

Day 4 is our first full day on the train and is spent crossing the Canadian Shield - a wild land of frozen lakes, snow-covered trees and isolated communities. Keep a watchful eye on the passing scenery for a possible glimpse of the captivating local wildlife, including bear, moose, eagles and elk.

We continue westwards today, crossing the prairies and arriving in the province of Saskatchewan this evening.

On Day 6, we continue our journey on board The Canadian and climb into the foothills of the Rockies, travelling through some truly spectacular scenery. Relax and enjoy the journey as we pass glaciers, lakes, plunging canyons, frozen waterfalls and soaring snow-covered peaks. The Rockies are not just a line of mountains, but the edge of the Western Cordillera, a complex array of plateaus and folded rock layers that stretch to the Pacific Coast.

We stop briefly in Jasper, a quaint mountain town at the edge of the wilderness in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. The town is surrounded by tree-covered mountains, and at this time of year, blanketed in snow. As you wander through the streets, past pretty houses and small shops, it isn't unusual to see a family of elk crossing the road

We enjoy breakfast this morning on our final leg on board The Canadian, before reaching the city of Vancouver, where we stay for three nights. On arrival, we board our coach for a sightseeing tour that includes Gastown. Named after 'Gassy' Jack Deighton, a Yorkshire seaman who settled here in 1867, today Gastown is a popular downtown area, full of cafés, contemporary fashion shops, galleries and more. We then move on to Chinatown, which is one of the largest Chinatowns in North America. Finally, we visit Stanley Park, Vancouver's first and largest park at 400 hectares, which is famous for its colourful totem poles.

On Day 8, you're free in Vancouver to visit its excellent museums, art galleries and shops, as well as some beautiful parks and eateries. Vancouver is known as the 'sushi capital of North America', and indulging in some delicious sushi or seafood here comes highly recommended.

Today, Day 9, is Christmas Day, and we escape the city and head to stunning Grouse Mountain - the 'peak of Vancouver'. A true winter wonderland, from the top we can enjoy jaw-dropping views over the city, the Pacific Ocean, and the Gulf Islands. Our visit here immerses us in seasonal activities, as we enjoy a scenic cable car journey through the snowy landscapes before sitting down to a delicious Christmas Lunch. After an unforgettable Christmas Day, we return to our hotel for a light buffet supper.

On the evening of Day 10 we transfer to Vancouver airport for our overnight flight to London Heathrow, arriving early in the morning of Day 11.