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

Calgary is a dynamic city in Alberta, built at the foot of the Canadian Rockies, famous for its western spirit and the legendary Calgary Stampede, one of the world's largest rodeos and cowboy-culture festivals. Grown as a centre of the oil industry, it boasts a modern skyline of skyscrapers and a lively city life, with districts such as Inglewood and Stephen Avenue, rich in restaurants, bars and shops. The Calgary Tower offers a panoramic view over the prairie and the mountains on the horizon. The city is above all the ideal gateway to the Rockies, less than an hour's drive from Banff and the national parks. Its green spaces along the Bow River invite walks and outdoor activities. Welcoming and growing, Calgary combines urban energy, cowboy tradition and grandiose nature, a perfect base for exploring western Canada.

You cross the land of cowboys, going from the plains to the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, which soon dominate the horizon. 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.

Sun Peaks is a renowned ski resort in British Columbia, located in the interior not far from Kamloops, and is Canada's second-largest ski area. At the foot of the slopes stretches a charming pedestrian village in alpine style, lively and welcoming, with hotels, restaurants and boutiques within ski reach. Famous for its dry, abundant snow and sunny climate, in winter it is a paradise for skiing and snowboarding across three mountains. In summer the resort transforms into a destination for mountain biking, hiking, golf and horse riding, among flowering meadows and mountain panoramas. The relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere makes it especially appreciated. Between sport, nature and comfort, Sun Peaks offers unforgettable mountain holidays in every season, one of the best ski destinations in the interior of British Columbia.

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.

Honolulu is the lively capital of Hawaii, set on the island of Oahu among skyscrapers, tropical beaches and ancient Polynesian traditions. The famous Waikiki beach, dominated by the Diamond Head crater, is the tourist heart, while Pearl Harbor holds its historic memory. The only royal palace in the United States, ʻIolani, tells the Hawaiian monarchical past. Honolulu is the ideal destination for those seeking iconic beaches, Polynesian culture and the tropical energy of the Pacific.

Maui is the second largest Hawaiian island and perhaps the most famous: beautiful beaches for surfers and families, a volcano, Haleakala, whose summit at 3,000 meters can be easily reached by car, with breathtaking views along a road that passes through fragrant eucalyptus forests and in the last part seems suspended in the air. Tropical forests, waterfalls, stretches of spectacular wild coast that can only be traveled by off-road vehicles. Hotels are concentrated on the southwest side of the island: in the busiest area of Kaanapali / Lahaina and in the quieter area of Wailea / Makena. The island is the most equipped for sports activities: windsurfing, sailing, diving, whale watching, cycling down from the top of the volcano. Maui has many beaches and it is worth visiting the most beautiful ones: the most famous are Kaanapali, Wailea, Makena. But also discover the hidden ones, like the secluded and rocky Honolua Bay with crystal clear waters and a great abundance of tropical fish and sea turtles. To admire the windsurfers' maneuvers, go to Ho'okipa, on the windward side of the island.