Canada's West: Rockies road trip to cowboy country

You board the plane with a big grin on your face. The day has finally come: you're off to Canada! Welcome to Vancouver! Where everyone wants to live and now you do too. Supposedly the most liveable city in the world? Time to check it out for yourself. Pro tip: take the SkyTrain into the city centre (optional, payable locally)! If you still have time, it's worth making a detour to Gastown. Between Victorian brick facades and cobblestones, perhaps with a thin blanket of snow on the roofs, everything feels a bit like old-school Vancouver - fairy lights twinkle in the trees, the steam clock steams through the cold winter air. The perfect signal to slowly wind down - perhaps with a hot drink in your hand. The next round of city adventures awaits tomorrow. 

Skyscrapers, water and – no matter where you stand – a totally next-level view of the mountains! Vancouver delivers absolute city vibes against a stunning natural backdrop, and you're right in the middle of it all. So you've just got to explore! Start out at Canada Place, where seaplanes take off and land every minute, then stroll along the Burrard Inlet and check out the swanky yachts in Coal Harbour. Next up: the world-famous Stanley Park, aka Canada's largest city park. You can even grab a bike (optional, payable on site) and ride around it all! Plus, because the park’s on a peninsula, it guarantees a super special view: giant, ancient trees on one side and the sea on the other – you can't find that just anywhere! And what’s definitely got to be on your DIY city tour? Granville Island, of course! Around 300 little shops, creative arts and crafts outlets and a foodie paradise await in the indoor market. From freshly caught salmon to shiny donuts and international street food, there's nothing you won't be able to find here!  

Today, it's time for the full Vancouver programme – a perfect mix of city and wilderness! First stop: Chinatown. Between vibrant street art, glowing red lanterns and sizzling street food, everything feels like a mini trip to Asia. And you can't miss a visit to the Dr Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, where bamboo rustles in the wind and koi fish glide through the water – Zen vibes in the middle of the city. After a quick stop for juicy dumplings or a refreshing iced matcha, you head out of town. Next stop: the Capilano Suspension Bridge. Hanging 230 feet above a deep gorge, the bridge can sometimes sway, but the view's totally next level. And if that isn't enough of a rush, the Cliffwalk and Treetops Adventure Park (optional, payable on site) are definitely worth a visit. Afraid of heights? Hopefully not, because the final destination's even higher: Grouse Mountain. Hop in the gondola and take in the view of the skyline, endless ocean and mysterious forests – you can see it all from up here (optional, payable on site)! Then wave hello to the two rescued grizzlies who hang out at the top, stroll along short trails and check out the viewing deck for the best sunset spot in the city.

Your excitement grows as you leave Vancouver behind you. The Sea to Sky Highway winds along the coast, past bays that glisten in the sunlight and cliffs that drop steeply into the waves. On your way through Squamish, you catch a glimpse of the massive Stawamus Chief and already spot the first snow-capped peaks in the distance. As the road meanders higher and higher, the view becomes wider and the air clearer. Between the bends and the scenery, you realise that the road trip isn't just the journey, it's part of the adventure. Welcome to Whistler! The place immediately feels special: a former Winter Olympics spot that's now bursting with summer vibes. After quickly checking in, you set off on your first little tour of the pedestrianised village and spot cute cafés, little shops and mountains on the horizon in every direction. And of course, you've just got to hit up Purebread – the smell of freshly baked goodies draws you in from afar. Brownies or cinnamon rolls in the bag and coffee in hand, there's no better way to be welcomed!