Welcome to Canada! Today you'll fly to Calgary for your Western Canada tour and from there take the public airport shuttle directly to Banff. Your tour guide will be waiting for you at your hotel upon arrival. After a brief introduction, the rest of the evening is yours to enjoy at your leisure. Arrive at your leisure and look forward to the days ahead. Experience shows that the best way to overcome jet lag is to stay up as late as possible today. How about an evening together in one of the many pubs? 3 nights in Banff.

Where else can you find such diverse nature as in Canada? The crystal-clear Lake Louise and Lake Moraine, whose remarkable, light blue color will leave you in awe, lie nestled in the Rockies. Their radiant beauty is due to the meltwater from the surrounding glaciers. You'll discover breathtaking nature on a hike to Fairview Lookout, where you'll be rewarded with stunning views of Lake Louise and Chateau Lake Louise (easy, approx. 2.5 km, walking time: approx. 1.5 hours, +/- 150 meters elevation gain/loss). Afterward, you'll continue to Lake Moraine and take another short hike to the top of Rock Pile. The view from there is sure to leave you in awe. You'll drive back towards Banff along the scenic Bow Valley Parkway, enjoying the views from your window along the way. To round off the day, you'll have the opportunity to explore the charming town of Banff at your leisure. A stroll through its center with its souvenir shops or a ride on a gondola are highly recommended.

Look forward to Yoho National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) with its cliffs, forests, mountains, lakes, and waterfalls. Located just across the provincial border in British Columbia, it borders Banff National Park and is also situated in the heart of the Rockies. Even the drive through the remarkable mountain scenery of the national park will heighten your anticipation for the day ahead. You'll stop at the Spiral Tunnels, two spectacular spiral tunnels on the transcontinental Canadian Pacific Railway. You'll also catch a glimpse of the 381-meter-high Takakkaw Falls, which are among the tallest waterfalls in North America. You'll reach the clear, turquoise Emerald Lake, where you can admire the original Natural Bridge, a literal natural stone bridge spanning the lake's inlet. Depending on the weather, you'll either hike around the lake (easy, approx. 5 km, approx. 2 hours, +/- 100 m elevation gain) or walk a section of the lakeshore. Afterwards, you'll enjoy a scenic drive back to Banff.

You'll travel north on the stunning Icefields Parkway, leaving Banff behind. As its name suggests, it also leads through the Columbia Icefield, a high-altitude expanse dotted with glaciers. But there's no time to relax during the drive: Stops are made along the scenic route, allowing you to fully appreciate the beauty of the surroundings. You'll then reach the heart of the Rockies. From there, you'll hike to Bow Summit (moderate, 6 km, 2 hours, +/- 250 m elevation gain/loss; weather dependent). The route offers viewpoints overlooking the Bow Glacier and Peyto Lake. Marvel at the mighty ice masses and the sight of the turquoise lake. Afterward, you'll continue your journey to Jasper. Two nights in Jasper. (Distance: approx. 280 km; Travel time: approx. 4 hours)

Today we're heading for the heights again: This time to Jasper National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the largest of the parks in the Canadian Rockies. It lies north of Banff and Yoho National Parks and boasts stunning mountain panoramas, glaciers, lakes, and wildlife. There, you'll enjoy a pleasant circular hike at moderate altitudes along and near Lake Maligne. The length and exact route of the hike will be determined in consultation with your guide, depending on the group composition and interests (easy, 3-6 km, 1-2.5 hours, approx. +/- 150 m elevation gain/loss). This stunningly beautiful lake is considered one of the most spectacular attractions in the national park and is a popular subject for photographs. It is 22 km long and also owes its water to the park's glaciers. Those who are looking for an additional activity can also take a boat trip on Maligne Lake (optional, bookable in advance). Back in Jasper, you can relax and end the day. (F) (Distance: approx. 100 km; Travel time: approx. 2 hours)

After a short drive, you'll reach the Mount Robson area (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the Matterhorn of the Rockies, which you'll explore extensively today. As the highest mountain in the Canadian Rockies, it is truly magnificent, standing at exactly 3,954 meters. The destination of your hike is the enchanting Kinney Lake (easy, 10 km, approx. 3 hours, +/- 100 m elevation gain/loss). Its brilliant blue waters will captivate you. Afterwards, you'll travel to Clearwater, located at the entrance to Wells Gray Provincial Park and particularly famous for its annual autumn salmon run, the longest in the world. 2 nights in Clearwater. (B)

Today you'll experience the quieter Wells Gray Park. Its motto is "The Canada You Imagined," and indeed, Wells Gray Park feels different from the Rockies you've explored in recent days! It's much less crowded, which increases your chances of spotting a bear. Wells Gray Park is known for its volcanic features and impressive gorges and waterfalls. Today you can admire two of the most powerful of these: Dawson Falls and Helmcken Falls. The park also boasts an impressive inland rainforest, more commonly associated with coastal areas. Short hikes along easy, well-maintained trails lead to spectacular viewpoints. Upon your return, you'll have some free time in the afternoon to enjoy the amenities of your resort. Depending on your interests, you can go rowing, swimming, or simply relax on the terrace with a glass of wine and, with a bit of luck, observe the wildlife that often wanders through the resort. After an active day, you can look forward to a delicious BBQ dinner with your group. (B/L/D)

Today you have a long but varied 6-hour drive to Whistler ahead of you. You'll leave Clearwater via the Fishing Highway, travel the historic Gold Rush route through the Cariboo region, and continue on the famous Duffey Lake Road through the dramatic coastal mountains. Take the time to relax, chat with your tour guide and fellow travelers, and enjoy the spectacular scenery as it unfolds before you. With such an unparalleled route, boredom is simply not an option. Your destination today is the famous winter sports resort of Whistler, which, for example, hosted the 2010 Winter Olympics. 2 nights in Whistler. (B) (Distance: approx. 520 km; Travel time: approx. 6-7 hours)

You'll begin your day with a cultural highlight: An important historical and cultural legacy was created by the First Nations, the Indigenous peoples of Canada. Today you have the opportunity to gain an authentic insight into the centuries-old culture of the Squamish and Lil'wat. The corresponding cultural center will provide this. Afterwards, you'll take a gondola up into the Whistler mountains, where you'll have the opportunity to explore the spectacular alpine terrain on foot. You'll hike the relaxed Harmony Lake Trail, enjoying the flora and fauna against an impressive mountain backdrop (easy, 3 km, approx. 1 hour, +/- 130 m elevation gain/loss).

Today you will travel south along Howe Sound towards the Pacific Ocean. In the small town of Horseshoe Bay, just outside Vancouver, you will board the ferry, which will take approximately 1.5 hours, first along the coast of Bowen Island, then across the Strait of Georgia to Nanaimo on Vancouver Island. Before heading to your next hotel right on the ocean, you'll take a short walk through Cathedral Grove, a small patch of rainforest where the trees have grown to incredible heights (easy, 2 km, 2 hours, +/- 0 m elevation gain). 2 nights in Parksville.

Today you'll visit Pacific Rim National Park, located at the southern end of the island. Its proximity to the ocean creates a unique climate, providing a special habitat for animals and plants. This relatively young national park is also known for its Sitka spruce trees, which can grow up to 95 meters tall. Today, you'll take a long walk along Long Beach in the national park. Enjoy the salty sea air and the feeling of being between rainforest and ocean. At a suitable spot, you'll stop for a picnic and enjoy your packed lunch in this magnificent setting. On the return journey, you'll stop in the charming town of Tofino, where you'll have some free time. Stroll along the small wooden houses, browse the restaurants and shops, or sit in a café on the beach and watch the experienced surfers ride the waves. In the late afternoon, you'll return to your hotel. (B)

Today's highlight is the beautiful capital city of British Columbia, Victoria, located at the southern end of Vancouver Island. Historically, Victoria was a center of trade and densely populated due to its role as a gateway to the goldfields. Once you arrive in the city, you'll have the opportunity to explore it on your own. In the afternoon, you'll take the ferry from beautiful Vancouver Island back to the mainland. The "Pearl of the Pacific," the vibrant city of Vancouver, awaits you. This renowned metropolis is Canada's third-largest city. You'll spend the next two nights there. (B)

On your last day, you can experience this modern metropolis up close. Thanks to its well-developed network of bike paths, the city is perfect for exploring by bicycle. Ride your rental bikes around Stanley Park and to the Waterfront without any stress, cross False Creek, and be sure to try the culinary delights on Granville Island. The many seafood restaurants are ideal for a delicious farewell dinner. (F)

At the appropriate time, you will make your way to the airport using public transport. (F)

Welcome home! Today you land back in Germany with a wealth of impressions from your tour through western Canada.