THE GREAT CANADIAN ROAD TRIP

You might have heard of Calgary for its magnificent annual Rodeo show: the Calgary Stampede. However, this small city in south Alberta, popular for its thriving food scene and craft beer, is also the gateway to the iconic Rockies. You will stay overnight at Hotel Le Germain, a contemporary but elegant hotel with expert concierge service and apartment-style accommodation with city-surveying views.

Picking up your car, you will drive to picturesque Banff at the heart of the Rockies. Visit the dramatic Hoodoo rock formations which have been shaped by centuries of wind, then head to the viewpoint at the Surprise Corner for incomparable views of Bow River and its waterfalls. Why not take a gondola ride up Sulphur Mountain to enjoy the 360-degree vistas from the top of this postcard-perfect area? You’ll be staying at Moose Hotel & Suites which is just a minute’s walk from downtown and has the feel of an alpine lodge.

The drive from Banff to Jasper that you’ll be doing this morning is described by the National Geographic as one of their 20 ‘drives of a lifetime’ - so get your camera at the ready. Driving through the Icefields Parkway, you will pass ancient glaciers, gushing waterfalls and many a turquoise lake, including the famous Lake Louise. You’ll arrive in Jasper, which has natural hot springs like Miette, where you can unwind after a day of hiking and mountain biking.

Take a boat out to the tiny Spirit Island, one of the most iconic and recognisable spots in the Rockies. You’ll be staying at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, which is found within Jasper National Park.  Make the most of the acclaimed spa on site and check out Canada’s number one golf course.

Arriving in Clearwater, you’ll be surrounded by beautiful meadows, wetlands and forests, which are great for hiking and guided horseback rides. You can also try exhilarating experiences like canoeing or white water rafting along the Thompson River, with waterfalls dotted around. The district is serene and picturesque and is also home to historical settlers’ farms. After a day in the great outdoors, retreat to the Alpine Meadows Resort, where you will stay in cabins dotted around in the wilderness, with black and brown bears for neighbours.

Breathe in the fresh air of British Columbia’s high country as you arrive at the charming small town of Ashcroft. Located on the banks of the Thompson River, Ashcroft dates back to the Cariboo Gold Rush of the 19^th century and is steeped in history. Today, it is a popular destination for visitors wanting to get a slice of the old West while soaking up views of its gorgeous craggy landscapes. 

The Sundance Guest Ranch, where you will be staying, offers some great beginner-to-intermediary-level riding experiences, which are included in your stay. Choose from more than 90 horses suited to riders of varying abilities, from gentle trail horses to sprightlier breeds. Spend the rest of your time luxuriating in your ranch-style room and spending quality time together in the games room or the large heated outdoor pool.

With its high quality of life, forested parks, beautiful natural scenery and myriad of cultural attractions, Vancouver is one of Canada’s most diverse destinations. From Granville Island’s bustling food markets and shopping avenues just south of downtown to beautiful Stanley Park which is popular with cyclists and has 405 hectares of lush greenery.

For a shot of culture, head to the Museum of Anthropology, which specialises in First Nations cultures, or the Vancouver Art Gallery, where contemporary exhibitions sit side-by-side with touring international shows. You’ll be staying at the elegant Sutton Place Hotel in central Vancouver which has an exceptional seafood restaurant and wine merchant (boasting around 700 regional and international labels).