West Canada: from Calgary to Vancouver with Whistler and Pacific Rim National Park

Banff is Canada's most famous mountain resort, set in the heart of its namesake national park, the country's oldest and part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Surrounded by the snow-capped peaks of the Rocky Mountains, the picturesque town is the ideal starting point for exploring landscapes of extraordinary beauty, among turquoise lakes, glaciers and forests. Nearby are natural jewels such as Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, with crystalline waters framed by mountains. The Banff Upper Hot Springs invite relaxation, while Banff Avenue offers shops, restaurants and the iconic view of Mount Cascade. Wildlife, from elk to bears, populates the region. In every season, between skiing, hiking and canoeing, Banff offers an unforgettable experience in the heart of the Rockies, one of the world's most spectacular nature destinations.

The journey from Banff / Lake Louise to Jasper is one of the highlights and most spectacular parts of the trip; you travel along the Icefields Parkway, one of the most scenic roads in North America, amidst majestic mountains, vast forests, and enormous glaciers, in a wild region. Jasper is a mountain town set in its namesake national park, the largest in the Canadian Rockies and part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wilder and quieter than nearby Banff, it is surrounded by grandiose nature of imposing peaks, glaciers, emerald lakes and endless forests, where wildlife is easily encountered along the roads. From Jasper, excursions set off to natural wonders such as Maligne Lake, with the famous Spirit Island, the Maligne Canyon and the Miette hot springs. The legendary Icefields Parkway, one of the world's most beautiful scenic roads, links Jasper to Banff along the Columbia Icefield. Recognised as a dark-sky preserve, the park offers extraordinary night skies. Between glaciers, lakes and silence, Jasper is a paradise for lovers of pristine nature.

From Jasper, head west along the Yellowhead Highway (Highway 16), nestled in the majestic Canadian Rockies. Along the way, you will be surrounded by towering peaks, crystal clear lakes and dense forests with breathtaking views at every bend in the road. As you approach Clearwater, the wild beauty of the region becomes more and more apparent, making for an immersive experience in the nature of Wells Gray Provincial Park. Clearwater is a small community in British Columbia, known above all as the gateway to Wells Gray Provincial Park, one of the most spectacular and least-known parks in the province. Set in a landscape of forests, rivers and mountains, the town is the starting point for exploring a territory rich in majestic waterfalls, including the famous Helmcken Falls, volcanic lakes, mineral springs and imposing peaks. The region offers hiking, canoeing, wildlife viewing and pristine landscapes, far from mass tourism. A convenient stop on the route towards the Rockies, Clearwater offers an authentic immersion in the wild nature of British Columbia's interior. Quiet and surrounded by grandiose nature, it is an ideal destination for lovers of adventure and great open spaces.

Whistler is Canada's most renowned ski resort, set in the Coast Mountains of British Columbia, a short distance from Vancouver. Host to Olympic events, it boasts one of the largest and most spectacular ski areas in North America, with the twin mountains of Whistler and Blackcomb linked by a record-breaking gondola. The picturesque, pedestrian and lively Whistler Village offers hotels, restaurants, boutiques and a vibrant atmosphere year-round. In winter it is a paradise for skiing and snowboarding, while in summer it becomes a destination for mountain biking, hiking, golf and trips to the surrounding alpine lakes. The grandiose nature of forests, peaks and lakes frames every activity. Dynamic and cosmopolitan, Whistler combines sport, fun and extraordinary mountain landscapes, an ideal destination for mountain lovers in every season.

The scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway connects Whistler to Vancouver, with picturesque views of Howe Fjord. Depart the Pacific Coast from Vancouver, and board the ferry to Vancouver Island in the Strait of Georgia. Upon arrival on the island, from Nanaimo, the journey continues through rainforests, mountains and beautiful lakes along the Pacific Rim road (Highway 4), offering spectacular views along the way. Finally, you reach Tofino, a fascinating coastal destination famous for its spectacular beaches, perfect surfing waves and unspoilt wilderness. The trip is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Canada's west coast. Tofino is a community on the west coast of Vancouver Island, facing the Pacific Ocean at the edge of the Pacific Rim National Park. Famous for its wild, wave-battered beaches, it is the Canadian capital of surfing and one of the most beloved destinations for "storm watching", observing the spectacular winter storms. Surrounded by ancient, lush temperate rainforests, it offers hikes among millennia-old trees, kayaking among the islands and whale and bear watching. The town retains a relaxed, creative soul, with its little harbour, fresh-fish restaurants and hot springs reachable by boat. First Nations culture is deeply rooted in the area. Between wild ocean, forests and waves, Tofino is a fascinating and authentic destination for lovers of the most untamed nature on Canada's Pacific coast.

The drive from Tofino to Victoria offers an extraordinary experience through breathtaking landscapes on Vancouver Island: the road continues through rainforests, mountains and enchanting lakes along the Pacific Rim road (Highway 4), offering spectacular views along the way, we head east along the Trans-Canada road (Highway 1) until we reach the town of Duncan, known for its totem poles and First Nations culture. From here you finally reach Victoria, capital of British Columbia, with its historic buildings and lush gardens. Victoria, capital of British Columbia, lies at the southern tip of Vancouver Island, facing the ocean and famous for its British-flavoured charm. The city preserves an elegant and refined atmosphere, with historic buildings such as the provincial Parliament and the iconic Fairmont Empress Hotel, overlooking the picturesque Inner Harbour. Its flowering gardens, particularly the famous Butchart Gardens, are among the most beautiful in the world and earn the city the nickname "city of gardens". The downtown streets invite strolls among shops, tearooms serving afternoon tea, and cafés facing the harbour. From Victoria, excursions set off for whale watching and discovering the island's nature. Mild and welcoming year-round, Victoria combines colonial elegance, lush gardens and marine beauty, one of the most charming cities in western Canada.

Boarding the ferry from Vancouver Island in the Strait of Georgia to Vancouver: the crossing is atmospheric, among dozens of sailboats and a wide variety of birds and sea animals. Vancouver is one of North America's most scenic cities, set between the Pacific Ocean and the Coast Mountains on Canada's west coast. Surrounded by water and forests, it combines a lively urban life with extraordinary nature, ranking consistently among the world's most liveable cities. The vast Stanley Park, a green lung facing the sea and crossed by a famous seawall, invites scenic walks and bike rides. The historic Gastown district, with its bohemian atmosphere, the lively Granville Island market and Chinatown reveal the city's many faces. The skyline of glass towers reflects in the waters of the bay, while nearby mountains, such as Grouse Mountain and Cypress, offer skiing and hiking just minutes from downtown. The dining scene, rich in fresh seafood and Asian cuisine, is excellent. Between sea, mountains and culture, Vancouver embodies the perfect balance between metropolis and nature.