River deep, mountain high...
Experience spectacular scenery on a breathtaking drive from Calgary to Vancouver across the mighty Rockies
S THE second largest country in the world - much of it, raw and rugged - Canada offers so much scope to those seeking adventure. However, its sheer scale can be overwhelming So, a fly-drive holiday with a pre-planned route is a great way to see the highlights of this beautiful nation. In Calgary alone, you can travel from the heart of the city to the mountains and back, all in a day. Fondly known as 'Stampede City', Alberta's largest city is a great place to start a road trip through Canada's western provinces. Head to Studio Bell, home of the new National Music Centre, with interactive exhibits and fascinating memorabilia, or follow in the footsteps of Eddie the Eagle to the site of the 1988 Winter Olympics. After a night in Calgary, take a leisurely drive northwest towards the magnificent skyline of the Rockies. It's only a couple of hours to reach Banff, but worth stopping en route to take in the sheer beauty of the snow-capped peaks. Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper offer a wealth of opportunities to hike, bike, horse ride and take gondola rides or chairlifts to enjoy some of the world's most glorious scenery. Relax in Hot Springs and soak up the surroundings, maybe testing your nerves on the Glacier Skywalkm a glass-floored observation platform 918ft above the valley. The 150-mile drive along the icefields parkway from Lake Louise to Jasper is cited by many as the ultimate road trip, and it's definitely worth allowing time to stop at Peyto lake, Bow Lake and Panther-Bridal Falls. Leaving Jasper on the Yellowhead Highway, driving towards. Clearwater through a landscape of lush green forests and crystal blue waters, you'll pass Mount Robson, highest peak in the Rockies, with a io,000ft sheer face. Be transported back in time as you spend a couple of nights in Gold Bridge, an old mining town founded during the Cariboo Gold Rush. Explore ghost towns and old mine ruins before driving south to Whistler, famed as a world-class ski resort but a beautiful year-round destination. Enjoy watersports in the local lakes — or why not book a ticket for a bear-viewing excursion or a ride on the Peak-2-Peak gondola? The aptly named Sea-to-Sky highway (officially Highway 99) runs between Whistler's peaks to Vancouver on Canada's Pacific coast, a beautiful, dramatic drive. Make your way to Horseshoe Bay and board a ferry to Vancouver Island. Your base for a couple of nights will be Tofino, in the Pacific Rim National Park, with soft sand beaches that offer the chance to beachcomb or take a surfing lesson, kayak around the islets or book a whale-watching or fishing excursion. From Tofino, drive to British Columbia's provincial capital, Victoria, renowned for its British and Chinese heritage. You'll find double-decker buses, horse-drawn carriages and tearooms alongside the colourful streets of Chinatown. Explore the picturesque Inner Harbour area, visit the artisan shops in Market Square, or meander round the magnificent Butchart Gardens. Finally, a short ferry ride across the Strait of Georgia delivers you to Vancouver, a fabulous conclusion to any Canadian adventure. This cosmopolitan city offers something for everyone, from the relaxed vibes of Stanley Park and the city's beaches to the bustling markets on Granville Island and the vibrant entertainment district and buzzing nightlife. Brimming with experience that will stay with you for the rest of your life, western Canada truly promises one of life's big adventures.