18 to 35s Real Canadian Rockies

O Canada! Home of ice hockey and maple syrup, and source of your soon-to-be fondest travel memories. It all starts in Vancouver. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm, where you’ll meet your local leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive early, why not take a walk around the Victorian buildings in the historic Gastown neighbourhood, or maybe pick up a donut and a 'double-double' (that’s coffee with two cream and two sugars) from Tim Hortons. Tonight, maybe head out with your group for an optional dinner and explore Vancouver's nightlife.

Say goodbye to Vancouver this morning and hit the road for Kamloops. You've got a long drive ahead today, but you’ll also get your first glimpses of Canada’s incredible scenery along the way. Stop at the town of Hope to stretch your legs and grab some lunch, then carry on to the hills of the Kamloops region for a night of camping. Settle into your peaceful surroundings and enjoy a night of swapping stories beneath the stars.

Rise and shine for your first real taste of Canada’s great outdoors. Visit Revelstoke, home to the world’s only inland temperate rainforests. What does that mean? Evergreen woodland with ancient trees and moss-covered ground, just like the forests in fairy tales. The area is home to a small herd of woodland caribous plus grizzly bears and moose, along with a population of banana slugs. Stop by Revelstoke town and then travel over Rogers Pass to Glacier National Park. Stop at the visitor centre and take in the panoramic views from lookouts along the way. Continue to Golden, where you’ll spend the night.

This morning, head out to the Rocky Mountain Buffalo Ranch for a tour with the owner of the property. You'll get to learn about the history of the area and buffalo behaviours as you watch the incredible animals roam pastures backdropped by mountains. Then, return to Golden for a free afternoon. If you’d like to break in your boots (and don’t mind heights), there’ll be an optional walk to the Golden Skybridge, which’ll provide some incredible views of the Rockies from 426 feet in the air. Another option (not for the faint of heart) is to battle the wild waters of the aptly named Kicking Horse River on a guided rafting tour.

Say goodbye to Golden, then drive through the stunning mountainous landscape of Yoho National Park. There are a couple of ways to explore the terrain. If you’d like to wander, your leader can point you toward the best trails to tackle. To take things a little easier, maybe book a canoeing activity on the calm waters of Emerald Lake, or simply lie back on the riverbank and watch the world float by. Later, reconvene with the group and head to Takkakaw Falls for a quick stop before continuing to Banff National Park.

Today's your chance to explore Banff at your own pace! Established in 1885, Banff is the oldest national park in the country and contains over 1600 km (995 mi) of hiking trails. Your leader can give some advice on activities in the area, or you might like to explore on your own. Why not join the group for a hike at Tunnel Mountain for the best views over Banff or hire a bike and head to Vermilion Lakes for an incredible view of the reflection of Mt Rundle, which towers over the town of Banff. There's also an option to unwind in the steamy waters of Banff Hot Springs. Return to your campsite in the evening for an included barbecue dinner.

Today you’ll visit two of the national park’s most striking glacier-fed lakes. First is the lovely Lake Louise. With the snowcapped peaks providing an incredible backdrop, the lake is beautiful no matter what time of year you visit. Next is Moraine Lake, where the strikingly blue water sits between the Valley of the Ten Peaks. The view is sure to knock you off your feet! Spend time exploring both lakes and their surrounding areas, then return to camp.