Canada in winter: 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, including you now. After all, it's supposedly the most liveable city in the world. Time to check it out for yourself! Pro tip: The SkyTrain goes straight from the airport to the city centre (optional, payable on site). If it's still early enough when you get in, it's worth making a detour to Gastown. Between the Victorian brick facades and cobblestones, everything here feels a bit like old-school Vancouver. Fairy lights twinkle in the trees, the steam clock whistles, sending billows of vapour through the cold winter air. It's the perfect signal to grab a hot drink and slowly start winding down for the day, because your next round of city adventures awaits tomorrow. 

Skyscrapers, water and – no matter where you stand – a totally next-level view of the snow-capped mountains! Vancouver delivers absolute city vibes against a stunning winter 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 through the crisp, cool air and check out the swanky yachts in Coal Harbour with a hot coffee in hand. 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 with snow-laden branches on one side, and the icy sea on the other – you can't find that just anywhere! And what’s one thing you've just got to see? Granville Island, of course! Around 300 little shops, creative arts and crafts outlets and a foodie paradise await in the indoor market. Freshly caught salmon, steaming soup, hot, glistening donuts – perfect for warming up from the inside! 

Today, it's time for the full Vancouver programme – city and wilderness! First stop: Chinatown. Between vibrant street art, glowing red lanterns and sizzling street food, everything feels like Asia. And you can't miss a visit to the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, where bamboo and miniature trees rustle in the winter wind – Zen vibes in the heart of the city. After a quick stop for dumplings or hot tea, you head out of town. Next stop: the Capilano Suspension Bridge. Hanging at 230 ft above a snow-covered gorge, the view is 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. The final destination's even higher: Grouse Mountain. Hop in the gondola and take in the view of the skyline, ocean and snow-covered 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. The Sea to Sky Highway winds along the wintry coast, past icy bays and steep cliffs that plunge into the steely water below. On your way through Squamish, you catch a glimpse of the massive, snow-covered Stawamus Chief and already spot the first white 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 host to the Olympics that's now bursting with winter vibes. After quickly checking in, you set off on your first little tour of the pedestrianised village and spot cute cafés and little shops decked in snow 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!