Wonders of Canada and The Rocky Mountaineer

Meeting our fellow travellers and Tour Manager at London Heathrow this afternoon, we board a flight to the west coast of Canada, arriving in characterful Vancouver early evening local time.

The Pacific coast city is regularly regarded as one of the world's most desirable places to live, thanks to its charming atmosphere amid the incredible setting of mountains and sheltered bays and harbours. Cosmopolitan Vancouver effortlessly impressive its many visitors with a blend of culture and the spectacular surrounding scenery.

Our hotel is a short distance from both Downtown and this picturesque city's gorgeous harbour. After check in there is a free evening to unwind or venture out to try some of western Canada's finest cuisine. Top class seafood, such as salmon, oysters and Dungeness crab can be found in many of the city's popular restaurants. With a multicultural population, you can also find delicious local versions of Asian and Mexican dishes.

An enjoyable early morning tour of Vancouver's most characterful and historic districts with a local guide awaits us on our first full day in Canada.

As Vancouver's original Downtown, rejuvenated Gastown is the city's most historic area. 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 Canada's largest Chinatown, where we relish the sights and sounds of the beautifully adorned streets. From leafy Stanley Park, where we view colourful totem poles celebrating the native history of the region's indigenous Coast Salish people, we travel to Granville Island. Boasting mouthwatering food markets, this is where our tour concludes just after noon.

The rest of the day is free to explore independently. You could stay on Granville Island to enjoy the craft stalls or visit North Vancouver to find the Capilano Suspension Bridge hanging 450 feet above the forest floor.

Early this morning, we head to the train station ready for a spectacular journey into the Rocky Mountains in panoramic carriages providing 180-degree views of the sky and soaring mountain peaks.

Enjoying breakfast on board the Rocky Mountaineer in SilverLeaf Class*, we wind our way through deep forests and fertile fields along the banks of the Fraser River before the scenery becomes even more impressive as the imposing peaks of the Coast Mountains close in. Passing the rushing waters of Hell's Gate, we admire the impressive Fraser Canyon and keep our eyes open in this dazzling landscape for native Canadian wildlife such as bears, elk and moose.

After Lytton, our route follows the Thompson River and the scenery changes once again. Here, we traverse an almost desert-like environment as arid mountains roll out before our windows. A three-course lunch is served at our seats as we admire wonderful views.

Disembarking in the early evening in Kamloops for a night at a local hotel, there is time to explore and dine independently.

*Upgrades to GoldLeaf Class are available. Please call us on 01904 734359.

The Canadian Rockies continue to inspire awe this morning as we continue eastwards on the Rocky Mountaineer. With breakfast and lunch served on board, we can sit back at marvel at the beautiful sights enroute. Look out for the mythical Shuswaggi - an eight-foot monster similar to Nessie said to reside in Shuswap Lake.

Nearly 3,000 miles of trans-Canadian railway were connected by the shores of the Eagle River in 1885 as the 'last spike' was driven into the track. This followed surveyor AB Rogers setting out in 1881 to locate an accessible route through the mountains. His name is remembered by the Rogers Pass under which the five-mile Connaught Tunnel runs.

Climbing the dramatic Kicking Horse Pass, we twist through the magnificent Spiral Tunnels. More striking scenery awaits as we cross the Continental Divide, passing photogenic Morant's Curve and iconic Castle Mountain before arriving in Banff.

After checking in to our centrally located hotel, the rest of the day is free to explore this charming mountain town or savour some delicious local cuisine in one of Canada's burgeoning foodie destinations.

We explore this sensational part of the world on an amazing coach tour today. 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. This famed picture-perfect lake has become intrinsically linked with the region but is equally impressive in person, and here is free time to soak up this spectacular view.

Wilson also played a role in discovering a pass through the mountains for the Canadian Pacific Railway. Having travelled this remarkable route yesterday, we view the Spiral Tunnels from the lookout point - hopefully seeing a train twisting its way through.

Returning to Banff this evening, you are free to dine on your own.

A journey along the famous Icefields Parkway awaits today as we leave charming Banff by coach. This 144-mile road framed by astonishing mountain scenery links Banff and Jasper. Recognised as one of the most scenic drives in the world, there are more than 100 glaciers visible enroute.

Enroute, we pass beautiful lakes and admire the surroundings of rugged mountains and the blanket of pristine pine forests, before arriving at the Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre. Here, we stop to marvel at the otherworldly Athabasca Glacier squeezing between the peaks. There is the option to enjoy lunch or a ride over the ice field by giant, all-terrain Snocoach (payable locally). Afterwards, we make a short stop at the Athabasca Falls, where thundering waters cascade their way through the idyllic mountain scenery.

One of the most important towns for miles around, our destination of Jasper manages to retain a calm, small-town feel. Charming buildings line streets peppered with interesting shops and enticing restaurants. After checking in to our hotel, you are free to explore this picture-perfect town this evening.

You are free to explore at leisure today. A scenic excursion deep into the UNESCO-listed Jasper National Park that surrounds the charming town is a popular choice. Heading into the sublime Maligne River valley, you will be greeted by a spectacular showcase of Canada's grandest landscapes, including craggy, snow-dusted mountains, plunging waterfalls, hot spring as crystalline lakes. The main attractions here are the otherworldly Maligne Canyon, a deep limestone gorge, and gorgeous Maligne Lake - the largest glacier-fed body of water in the region - where you could enjoy a wonderful cruise (payable locally).

There's plenty of wildlife to watch out for such as grey wolves, hoary marmot, caribou and moose. Elk can also be found wandering through the town of Jasper and out on the mountains, while ospreys, eagles and other birds circle overhead.

Late this evening there is an excursion to Jasper Planetarium for a telescope tour with expert guides explaining the wonders of the cosmos that we are viewing. Stargazing is a delight here in the Canadian Rockies, as the dark night sky is unpolluted by city lights.

There is time to enjoy lovely Jasper this morning before we transfer to the train station for one of the world's most iconic and revered train journeys.

Boarding the evocative steel carriages of the Canadian, we settle into our berths for a three-night ride across Canada to Toronto. As we follow the Athabasca River, we wind down the Rocky Mountains into the verdant foothills. With lunch and dinner served on board, we can enjoy views of glaciers, plunging canyons, soaring mountains and endless pine forests.

As we cross further into the province of Alberta, the scenery changes as remote settlements and serene lakes dot the landscape. Leaving Edmonton this evening, we can relax and look forward to a laid-back day as the Canadian continues its remarkable journey.

Waking up on the Canadian, we are welcomed to Saskatchewan's vast prairies which we can view while enjoying our breakfast. 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.

With a population similar to that of Glasgow's and an area greater than France, Saskatchewan is ideal for sitting back and watching the world go by and the glass-roofed panoramic observation car is the ideal place to do this, either side of lunch. We travel through the southern plains of Saskatchewan, home to deer, eagles and, in select areas, antelope, moose and bison. Dinner is also served on board.

We later cross into Manitoba, a province with more than 100,000 lakes stretching all the way up to the shores of Hudson Bay. Its capital is Winnipeg, considered the geographical centre of Canada. Late this evening, the train pulls into this fascinating city, home to more than 50 ethnic communities before continuing eastwards overnight.

Over breakfast on the VIA Rail Canadian train this morning, we cross the rocky ground of the Canadian Shield, a landscape pocked with primordial lakes and thick, verdant forests of ancient trees.

For the isolated communities we pass through, the Canadian Pacific Railway has been a lifeline for decades. While Ontario might be the most populous of Canada's provinces, the remote areas we travel through today are raw Canadian wilderness, with moose, lynx and black bears prowling its dense woodlands.

After lunch on board, the Canadian changes direction, continuing its journey in a southeasterly direction towards the Great Lakes. Spend some time in the observation car or lounge as we travel through this evocative scenery before dinner is served. The Canadian continues its epic journey overnight towards its destination.

Our final morning onboard the Canadian begins with a continental breakfast as we travel south towards Toronto. The views change from the mountains and prairies of the past few days to more familiar suburban scenes as we make our way round Lake Simcoe into the Greater Toronto area.

Brunch is served before our arrival in mid-afternoon at Toronto's Union Station, Canada's largest and most elegant train station. 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 Downtown hotel where there is time to unwind or explore Canada's most populous city at leisure. There is no shortage of restaurants nearby for you to find somewhere to eat - from steak and seafood to European and Asian cuisine.

Today is a highlight of our fantastic holiday as we are joined on a coach by an expert local guide for a full day trip to the incredible 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 'Voyage to the Falls' 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 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 admiring 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 this evening, you are free to dine on your own tonight.

There is time at leisure today to enjoy this fantastic city and what better way to get to know a place than through its food? Canadian breakfasts range from light cereals and pancakes to the hearty peameal bacon sandwich, invented in Toronto.

You might like to explore Union Station's historic Great Hall which looks every bit a temple to the railroad, while its resplendent limestone exterior is dominated by 22 Romanesque columns.

Those with a head for heights might like to observe Toronto from the observation decks of the piercing CN Tower, where there is the option to experience the glass floor. However, perhaps you'd rather see this friendly city from ground level. One of the best ways to do so is by catching a ferry over to verdant Ward's Island or Toronto Island Park.

In mid-afternoon, we reconvene at our Downtown hotel and transfer by coach to the airport for our overnight flight to London.

Our exceptional Canadian adventure concludes as we land at London Heathrow early this morning.

This spectacular expedition has seen us journey on iconic trains from the Pacific coast to the Great Lakes, witnessing many highlights of the world's second largest country with new friends.

From the thriving cultural scene of Vancouver and the awe-inspiring views on the Rocky Mountaineer, we explored the national parks around Banff and Jasper on visits to Lake Louise and the Icefields Parkway. Boarding the incredible Canadian train for three nights provided a front-row seat to the varied landscapes before we arrived in vibrant Toronto. The unforgettable experiences continued as we visited the majestic Niagara Falls on a fantastic cruise.

We say farewell to our fellow travellers and Tour Manager with whom we will share these wonderful memories for a long time to come.