Canada West

The Rocky Mountaineer at Kicking Horse Pass

With its rugged Pacific coastline, dotted with islands, and the unequalled majesty of the Rockies, graced by emerald lakes and soaring mountain peaks, Western Canada is one of the most scenic destinations on earth.

Vancouver, with its wonderful setting beneath the craggy Coast Mountains, is a lively cosmopolitan city with a mild climate year round - the perfect gateway to the region. From here you can head off into the Rockies or take a ferry to beautiful Vancouver Island and Victoria, the charming provincial capital of British Columbia. For wildlife lovers there are grizzly bears in the Great Bear Rainforest and fantastic whale-watching opportunities off the Pacific coast.

The Rockies offer nature at its most diverse and breathtaking. Hire a car and drive through this pristine wilderness or board the famous 'Rocky Mountaineer' for what has been called "The most spectacular train trip in the world". Alberta's Icefield Parkway linking the national parks of Jasper and Banff is undoubtedly one of the most awe-inspiring highways you will ever travel.

There's also some amazing accommodation options, including the three great iconic hotels of the Rockies - Banff Springs Hotel, Chateau Lake Louise and the Jasper Park Lodge, now part of the prestigious Fairmont Group - as well as a wide selection of superb wilderness lodges offering fabulous locations and superb food.