West Canada: from Calgary to Vancouver in 1 week and Hawaii

set between the foot of the Rockies and the great Canadian prairies, Calgary has developed from an oil-boom, former frontier town to a rich, wealthy city. It owes its celebrity to the Calgary Stampede, a huge cowboy festival that is held annually in July. Calgary hosted the XV Winter Olympic Games in 1988.

You cross the land of cowboys, going from the plains to the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, which soon dominate the horizon. Banff, surrounded by mountains, forests, waterfalls, and hot springs, is not just a simple resort town, it is the ultimate Canadian resort town, both in summer and winter.

the trip from Banff/Lake Louise to Jasper is one of the most breathtaking moments of the journey: a wild land, crossed by the Icefield Parkway (one of the best panoramic roads in North America), amidst majestic mountains, vast forests and colossal glaciers. Jasper National Park is the largest park in the Canadian Rockies, famous for its spectacular landscapes made up of turquoise lakes, towering glaciers, wild forests, and abundant wildlife. Iconic sites such as Maligne Lake, Mount Robson, and Maligne Canyon make it an ideal destination for those seeking unspoiled nature, adventure, and breathtaking scenery.

Sun Peaks is a charming mountain village and a popular destination for outdoor activities. In winter, Canada’s second-largest ski area attracts skiers and snowboarders with excellent slopes, cross-country trails, and snowshoeing opportunities. In summer, Sun Peaks transforms into a paradise for hikers, mountain bikers, and golfers. The village itself charms visitors with its cozy atmosphere, restaurants, and boutiques. Surrounded by stunning mountains, Sun Peaks offers unforgettable experiences year-round.

Vancouver is a bustling metropolis located on Canada's west coast, in the province of British Columbia, notable for its spectacular geographical location, surrounded by towering mountains and the Pacific Ocean. This unique combination offers panoramic views and a wide range of outdoor activities. One of the jewels of the city is Stanley Park, a vast urban park offering forests, trails, beaches and breathtaking views of the city and ocean. It is a great place for walking, jogging, cycling and simply enjoying nature. Vancouver is one of Canada's most culturally diverse cities, with a cosmopolitan population reflecting a variety of traditions, languages and cuisines. Neighbourhoods such as Chinatown and Little Italy are testimony to this rich diversity. The city is also an important economic and financial centre and a focal point for innovation and technology. It is home to numerous technology companies and offers opportunities in sectors such as film and television production. The city is often ranked as one of the cities with the best quality of life in the world. This is due to its clean environment, rich cultural offerings, accessible outdoor activities and its lively, welcoming atmosphere. Sports enthusiasts will find many options in Vancouver, from skiing in the surrounding mountains in winter to water activities in the ocean in summer. The city is also home to professional sports teams such as the Canucks (ice hockey) and the Whitecaps (football). In summary, Vancouver is a city that combines urban modernity with natural beauty, offering a wide range of experiences and activities for residents and visitors alike.

Located on the south shore of Honolulu, the world-famous neighborhood of Waikiki is most famous for its beaches. With Leahi (Diamond Head) as your backdrop, the calm waters of Waikiki are perfect for a surfing lesson. But there’s more to Waikiki than just the beach. Attractions like the Waikiki Aquarium offer fun for the whole family. High-end boutiques, shops, and restaurants can be found all along Kalakaua and Kuhio Avenues and at the Royal Hawaiian Center, the Waikiki Beach Walk, the International Market Place and the massive Ala Moan Shopping Center. After the Waikiki sunset, the fun continues with amazing nightlife and live music. Best of all, Waikiki is within a half hour of a variety of Oahu attractions, including Pearl Harbor, the Nuulani Pali Lookout and Hanauma Bay. Not to be missed are the superb beaches of the windward coast, notably Kailua, Waimanalo and Lanikai. As you drive over the Pali Highway, it feels as if you’re entering a different world and a turquoise ocean shimmers in the distance, revealing some of the most stunning natural beauty anywhere in Hawaii. Driving along the two-lane highway you can't miss Mokolii, the tiny island fondly known as “Chinaman’s Hat.” Just across the highway you’ll find one of Hawaii’s most seen but least-recognized locations: Kualoa Ranch; its scenic valley has provided the backdrop for countless movies and TV shows, including "Jurassic Park" and "Lost". Here visitors can enjoy horseback riding, ziplining, ATV tours and host of other activities. From here, the highway meanders around the northernmost tip of the island to Oahu’s North Shore, home of the best surf spots in Hawaii—and some say—the world. But even if you are not a surfer, in the summertime you don't want to miss the beautiful Waimea Beach.

Maui, known also as “The Valley Isle,” is the second largest Hawaiian island. The island beloved for its world-famous beaches, the sacred Iao Valley, views of migrating humpback whales (during winter months), farm-to-table cuisine and the magnificent sunrise and sunset from Haleakala. Regions: West Maui has one of the Island most famous stretches of coastline, Kaanapali Beach, with three miles of paradise where ocean adventures and total relaxation await. South Maui: escape to the tropical beaches of Kihei, Makena and Wailea; relax and unwind at a world-class resort or tee off at one of the 13 world-renowned golf courses. Upcountry: watch the sunrise from the peak of Haleakala, see ancient Hawaii’s desert landscapes and discover unique, locally grown food. East Maui: visitors who brave the Hana Highway’s signature hairpin turns and narrow bridges are rewarded with out-of-this-world views of lush rainforests, gorgeous waterfalls and exotic beaches.