The Great Canadian Crossing

Begin in Calgary with an introductory overnight stay at Fairmont Palliser before driving to Banff. Encircled by rugged mountains that tower overhead and pristine wilderness, Banff pairs breathtaking scenery with world-class hospitality. Spend two nights at Fairmont Banff Springs, nestled within Canada’s oldest national park.

Step inside the postcard on a private tour through Banff and Yoho National Park, visiting the Spiral Tunnels and Takakkaw Falls. Travel during May or June and you’ll also unlock access to the heavily regulated jewel of Moraine Lake.

Next, arrive at one of Canada’s most famous sights for two nights at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Framed by soaring peaks and glistening turquoise water, this is a place to slow down. Indulge in a restorative spa treatment and decadent afternoon tea before retreating to your room, where the landscape outside looks more like a watercolour than a window.

Continue to Jasper National Park for two nights at Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. Here, nature takes centre stage. Stargaze beneath one of the world’s largest dark sky preserves, hike alpine trails, skate frozen lakes or, in warmer months, tee off surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery.

Venture to the Columbia Icefield on a private day tour, exploring glaciers, waterfalls and wildlife before daring onto the glass-floored Skywalk suspended above Sunwapta Canyon.

Then, take your front-row seat to the Rockies aboard the world-famous Rocky Mountaineer train. Travel to Vancouver over two spectacular days – overnighting in Kamloops – as turquoise lakes, rivers and mountain towns unfold beyond your glass-domed coach. Panoramic windows and open-air viewing areas ensure no sight is missed, while the dining car’s elegantly plated meals showcase local ingredients and flavours.

Arriving in Vancouver, spend three nights at Rosewood Hotel Georgia. Fuel your sightseeing with artisanal coffee stops, cycle Stanley Park’s Seawall and wander Gastown before crossing the Salish Sea to Vancouver Island.

Spend two nights at the Wickaninnish Inn in Tofino, where rainforest meets the wild Pacific. Join a marine naturalist by boat in search of orcas, humpback whales, sea lions and seals, while black bears can sometimes be spotted emerging onto rocky shorelines. There’s also time to discover Pacific Rim National Park Reserve.

Next, arrive by boat or seaplane at Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge for three nights of off-grid luxury beneath canvas in a Canadian safari tent. Surrounded by rainforest, tailor your days with hiking, heli-adventures, lake swimming, rock climbing and paddleboarding.

Conclude with an overnight stay at Victoria’s Fairmont Empress hotel. From legendary railways and alpine forest to wildlife-rich shores and vibrant cities, this is Canada at its most extraordinary; a journey that stays with you long after the final mile.