The best way to spend two weeks in western Canada

Untouched snow sparkling under the bright winter sun; ice-hockey players crashing together as the crowd goes wild; a crackling log fire to warm you up after a day on the ski slopes. Welcome to winter in Canada. 

February to early April is the best time to enjoy a dream holiday full of bucket-list thrills. And while there’s plenty to see and do in the eastern provinces during this season, we recommend dedicating a full two weeks to western Canada - from the Prairies and across the soaring Rocky Mountains to the Pacific Coast - so you can take your time and enjoy the best that winter has to offer.

This itinerary can be done easily by coach or car, but we recommend flying between a few places to cut back on long road trips.

Winnipeg is one of the few major cities in the vast Prairie provinces, so this cosmopolitan city is the perfect place to take in some Canadian culture and history to start off your trip. Explore the French-speaking district of St Boniface, stopping to see the ruins of the basilica that date back to 1818. 

Browse the boutiques and antique stores in the Exchange District, a picturesque neighbourhood of terracotta and cut-stone buildings. Wander past the sculptures and interesting architecture in the Forks National Historic Site to eat at Forks Market, where you can choose from a variety of international cuisine that reflects the melting pot city of Winnipeg. This is also the spot to rent equipment for a scenic ice-skate on the frozen Assiniboine River – an unmissable Canadian winter experience.

Catch a plane to the remote town of Churchill. The journey is well worth it, as this is one of the best places in the world to see the magical northern lights. Book an evening in a clear, bubble-like Aurora Dome and you can watch the green curtain of light unfurl over the frozen tundra while staying warm and cosy inside.

Fly from Churchill back to Winnipeg and then on to Vancouver, Canada’s chic western seaport full of top-notch museums, foodie hotspots, historic neighbourhoods and buzzing downtown districts. The city enjoys a stunning location, tucked between an island-studded strait and rugged coastal mountains, and here on the Pacific Coast, winters aren’t as long as cold as the Prairies, so you may find the temperature is already warming up and flowers are starting to bloom. 

Take advantage of the mild weather with a walk in the popular Stanley Park, or around the cobblestone streets of historic Gastown. An aquabus to Granville Island will turn up a fabulous food market - brimming with fresh produce, cheese makers, butchers and bakers - as well as street performers, artisanal breweries and top comedy clubs for your afternoon entertainment.

The city’s trend-setting culture and multicultural population are reflected in the character of its different neighbourhoods, from Mount Pleasant - a vibrant neighborhood filled with boutiques, galleries, coffee shops and craft breweries - to Canada’s largest Chinatown, which is even older than the city itself. Last but not least, culture and history lovers will also be spoiled for choice, flitting between excellent institutions like the Museum of Anthropology, Vancouver Art Museum and Maritime Museum.

An unforgettable ride on one of Harbour Air's seaplanes will get you from the city to the mountainous Vancouver Island in only 35 minutes. Here you can spend the day in the pretty provincial capital of Victoria, taking the morning to explore its charming harbour, famous food scene, historic neighbourhoods and uncrowded beaches. While Victoria has a distinctly British feel to it, before the arrival of Captain Cook in 1778 the area had been inhabited by First Nations people for thousands of years, and their cultural heritage is celebrated here in the Royal British Columbia Museum, one of Canada's finest.

Enjoy a latte and pastry at Revolver (325 Cambie St) then spend a leisurely morning strolling, people-watching and window-shopping along chic Robson Street. In the afternoon, get ready to tick off one of the ultimate bucket list experiences - a luxury train journey through the dramatic winter vistas of western Canada. 

Splurge on one of ViaRail’s sleeper packages for this once-in-a-lifetime ride and you’ll enjoy free drinks and gourmet meals as you watch the snow-covered provincial parks go by beyond the window, plus a shower room to freshen up during your travels, and a spacious cabin for the overnight trip. 

Alight in Jasper the next morning. The most northerly of the four Rocky Mountain national parks, Jasper National Park is also the biggest and most rugged. Venture out to see this wild, wintery wonderland at its most impressive with an ice walk tour through the frozen waterfalls and steep icy cliffs of the Maligne Canyon.

Dwarfed by the 80-million-year-old Rocky Mountains dressed in all their winter splendour, the 3 hour drive south on the Columbia Icefield Parkway could end up being one of the highlights of your whole holiday. Take a break for lunch at the fabulous Chateau Lake Louise hotel in Banff National Park. 

Here you can rent a pair of cross country skis or snowshoes to explore the stunning lake area - there are many easy trails for beginners as well as challenges for thrill-seekers. Afterwards, make your way on to Banff. This famous resort town is choc-a-bloc with shops, restaurants and hotels, but the best sleepover (and spa) is at the five-star Fairmont Banff Springs. On your first night here, take a guided tour for an in-depth look at the history, architecture and amazing food on offer at this luxury hotel.

The next three days, it’s time to hit the slopes! Choose from any of Banff's incredible Big Three - Lake Louise, Sunshine Village or Mount Norquay - and you'll get some of the world's best runs and finest snow, as well as epic Rocky Mountain views. Relax in the evenings with an indulgent dinner - like a fun fondue at The Grizzly House, or a soaring ride on the Banff Gondola to the Sky Bistro at the top of Sulphur Mountain. Warm up afterwards at the Banff Upper Hot Springs, soaking in the steaming pools as the snow falls all around you.

A morning dog sled ride through the tranquil wilderness is the perfect way to end your time in this magnificent national park, then it’s an hour-and-a-half's short drive to the lively city of Calgary. Here you can catch the final experience on your ultimate Canadian winter list: a high energy ice-hockey game at the Saddledome. It may be easier to get your hands on tickets for the city’s major junior team - the Hitmen - than the famous Calgary Flames, but any game will be a thrilling night spent alongside excited local hockey fans. Spend your last night in downtown Calgary and get ready for your flight home the next day - and to start booking your return trip to experience all the fun of Canada in the summer!

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