Highlights of the Rockies & the Best of the East: 29 days Vancouver to New York City

Your journey begins in cosmopolitan Vancouver, a city of rare, effortless beauty, nestled between the Pacific Ocean and some of the most dramatic mountain terrain on earth. A thriving food scene, diverse culture and the quiet splendour of Stanley Park make this one of the world’s most liveable and most visited cities. Enjoy a two-night stay at the iconic Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, where you’ll celebrate the start of your journey with a welcome dinner among your fellow Guests.

Please book your flight to arrive into Vancouver prior to 05:00 PM.

This morning, Capilano Suspension Bridge Park opens early exclusively for Scenic Guests – a rare and unhurried opportunity to wander across the suspension bridge high above the lush forest canopy, with breathtaking views of the surrounding wilderness before the crowds arrive. Later, a city sightseeing tour takes in Vancouver’s vibrant neighbourhoods, iconic landmarks and rich cultural heritage, from the historic streets of Gastown to the waterfront grandeur of Canada Place. 

Board the legendary Rocky Mountaineer for one of the world’s great rail journeys. Settled into your Gold Leaf Service glass-dome carriage, you’ll traverse dramatic mountain passes and deep canyon walls as the landscapes of the Canadian Rockies unfold around you – a procession of scenery that cannot be experienced any other way. As daylight fades over the high country, arrive in Kamloops and unwind for the evening at a hotel selected by Rocky Mountaineer.

The second day aboard the Rocky Mountaineer brings the journey’s most breathtaking scenery. Savour delicious cuisine paired with local wines and craft beers as peaks, glaciers and river valleys reveal themselves beyond the glass dome. Arrive at Lake Louise, known as the Diamond in the Wilderness, and settle into a two-night Scenic Special Stay at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, where your Lakeview Room places one of the world’s most celebrated natural wonders as your permanent backdrop.

This morning’s Scenic Enrich experience brings the story of Lake Louise to life in the most immersive way, a guided walk along the shore with a Mountain Adventure Guide whose captivating stories of the lake’s discovery and the remarkable history of this place add a layer of meaning that transforms a beautiful walk into something genuinely memorable. 

Scenic Enrich
Join a Mountain Adventure Guide for a picturesque walk along the shores of iconic Lake Louise, hearing the captivating stories of its discovery and the rich history that has shaped this extraordinary place over time.

Scenic Freechoice Dining:
Choose between a French-Canadian Brasserie-style dining experience overlooking the spectacular lake or the very best in contemporary Canadian cuisine, both set within the elegant surrounds of the Chateau, where attentive service and refined flavours make every meal an occasion.

Departing Lake Louise, take a moment to absorb the still glacial hues of either Emerald Lake or Moraine Lake (accessible seasonally), tucked into the breathtaking Valley of the Ten Peaks, before continuing along the historic Bow Valley Parkway. This scenic route once connected Lake Louise and Banff and offers remarkable views at every turn. Arrive in Banff and settle into a two-night Scenic Special Stay at the Fairmont Banff Springs, one of Canada’s most iconic hotels set in the heart of World Heritage-listed Banff National Park.

The evening brings two Scenic Enrich experiences that speak to the depth of this journey. 

Scenic Enrich
Meet a retired member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police for a fascinating and personal insight into the enduring importance of the Mounties, past and present.

Scenic Enrich
An intimate dinner concert in one of the historic hotel’s most elegant spaces, where the soothing melodies of a classical violin and cello duet create an evening of rare refinement.

Spanning more than 6,600 square kilometres of World Heritage-listed wilderness, Banff National Park is among the most magnificent, protected landscapes on earth. Today is yours to explore it, as actively or as unhurriedly as you wish, with your choice of Scenic Freechoice experiences. 

Scenic Freechoice:
Heli Flightseeing Banff: Lift off and venture into one of earth’s most dramatic mountain landscapes via helicopter. Weave between the iconic Three Sisters Peaks as sheer rock faces rise around you and the true scale of the Canadian Rockies sinks in. Rugged peaks, glittering lakes and untouched wilderness surround you on every side, with the winding Bow River far below, a breathtaking experience that cannot be replicated from the ground.

Bow River Float Trip: Just minutes from downtown Banff, step onto the Bow River and let it carry you through one of earth’s most spectacular mountain landscapes. No experience needed, just a sense of wonder. Drift peacefully downstream as towering peaks rise on every side, wildflowers line the banks and water birds glide alongside. Keep your eyes open, as wildlife has a habit of appearing when you least expect it.

E-Bike & Hike Johnston Canyon : A guided e-bike tour through mountain forest and along shimmering lakeshores, followed by a hike into Banff’s most beloved canyon, walking deeper into towering rock walls until the spectacular Lower Falls thunders into view. Two iconic Banff experiences, beautifully combined into one extraordinary day.

Banff Gondola: Ride to the summit of Sulphur Mountain for a stunning bird’s-eye view of Banff township and six mountain ranges stretching to every horizon.

Willow Stream Spa at Fairmont Banff Springs: Rejuvenate in the mineral pools of the Willow Stream Spa, drawing energy from the mountains around you in this serene and beautifully appointed sanctuary (available on select early season departures only).

Journey north along the Icefields Parkway, consistently ranked among the world’s great scenic drives, pausing to glide onto the icy expanse of the Athabasca Glacier aboard an Ice Explorer. Standing on ice that has been forming for centuries, surrounded by the vast Columbia Icefield, is an experience that quietly recalibrates one’s sense of scale. Arrive in Jasper and retreat to the warm, lodge-style comfort of the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, nestled within the awe-inspiring wilderness of Jasper National Park. This evening, the choice of where to dine is yours. 

Scenic Freechoice Dining:
Select from a range of included dining experiences at your hotel tonight – from Italian to a classic steakhouse – all within the beautiful surrounds of the lodge.

Spanning an impressive area of approximately 11,000 square kilometres, World Heritage-listed Jasper is the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies. Explore this stunning region today, choosing from a range of Scenic Freechoice experiences. 

Scenic Enrich
Join a guided wildlife tour into Jasper’s natural wonderland, where elk, deer, black bears, moose and mountain goats thrive in their pristine habitats, an intimate encounter with the wild heart of the Canadian Rockies.

Scenic Freechoice:
Harley-Davidson Sidecar Tour: Gear up, climb in and feel the rumble of a Harley-Davidson beneath you as you roll out into the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Wind up dramatic mountain roads where jaw-dropping views of the Athabasca Valley stretch before you, or venture off the beaten track into the wilder, quieter side of Jasper that most visitors never encounter. Open air, open road and the Rockies all around, the kind of experience that stays with you.

Athabasca River Rafting: Float the very same waters that fur traders navigated over two centuries ago, deep in the heart of one of the world’s most celebrated national parks. No experience needed. Gentle rapids add just the right touch of excitement, and the riverbanks reward those who pay attention, with elk, moose, wolves, eagles and bears making regular appearances.

Maligne Valley & Lakes: Journey deep into the spectacular Maligne Valley on an interpretive drive through the heart of Jasper National Park. Witness Medicine Lake, a remarkable natural phenomenon that disappears entirely each year, before arriving at Maligne Lake where impossibly vivid water, soaring peaks on every horizon and three glaciers in plain view frame the iconic Spirit Island, one of the most photographed scenes in all of Canada.

Wildfire Peak-Nic: In July 2024, a wildfire of historic proportions swept through Jasper National Park, the largest in over a century. On this 4km hike through one of Canada’s most dramatically transformed landscapes, witness new growth, wildflowers pushing through ash and wildlife quietly returning. At the peak, share a hot lunch and hear why wildfire is not destruction, but nature’s most powerful tool for renewal.

Leave the grandeur of Jasper behind as you journey through the sweeping, sunlit landscapes of British Columbia toward Sun Peaks, a charming alpine village surrounded by lush forests, winding rivers and sparkling lakes. A welcoming haven for outdoor enthusiasts in every season, it offers a different but equally beautiful face of the Canadian wilderness. Stay overnight at the Sun Peaks Grand Hotel.

Travel through scenic British Columbia landscapes past the Thompson and Fraser rivers, passing through the historic gold rush town of Lillooet before arriving in Whistler, one of the world’s most celebrated alpine destinations. On arrival, visit the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, a place that beautifully embodies the living cultures and traditions of two unique Nations, the Squamish and Lil’wat peoples. Settle into a two-night stay at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler, a haven of alpine luxury at the base of Blackcomb Mountain. 

Scenic Enrich
Join renowned black bear expert and researcher Michael Allen for an enlightening and personal session about these extraordinary creatures, their behaviour, their place in the ecosystem and the remarkable work being done to protect them.

Set in the spectacular Coast Mountains of British Columbia, Whistler is a world unto itself, where alpine scenery of the highest order meets a vibrant village atmosphere and near-limitless opportunities for discovery. Today is entirely yours to shape, with your choice of Scenic Freechoice experiences. 

Scenic Freechoice:
Peak 2 Peak Gondola: Two mountains. Infinite possibilities. The Peak 2 Peak connects the summits of Whistler and Blackcomb mountains, opening up a vast alpine world in a single, spectacular journey. Whether you’re here to hike, explore or simply stand in awe of one of the most dramatic landscapes in Canada, this is the way to see it all.

Zip Lining Over Whistler Valley: Soar above the valley between two legendary mountains, flying high over ancient forests and glacial creeks on four thrilling ziplines. Connected by suspension bridges, elevated boardwalks and forest trails, this is a complete treetop experience, with elevated viewing decks offering breathtaking vistas that stop even the most seasoned travellers in their tracks.

Whistler Heli Flightseeing: Lift off and experience Whistler the way it was truly meant to be seen. Peak to breathtaking peak – soaring summits, sparkling glacier-fed lakes and endless mountain terrain laid out before you in one sweeping, exhilarating panorama.

Whistler Mountain Adventure Tour: Venture beyond the village into raw untamed backcountry that most visitors never encounter, with hidden roads, secret viewpoints and spectacular scenery. The highlight is Whistler’s thriving black bear population, with sightings from the comfort of your vehicle a genuine possibility. Round out the day at the top of the world-famous Olympic Ski Jumps for panoramic mountain and valley views.

Cross the Georgia Strait by ferry, with beautiful coastal views accompanying the passage, and arrive in Victoria, a city where elegant Victorian architecture, lush gardens and a deeply felt British colonial heritage create one of Canada’s most charming atmospheres. Delight in a two-night Scenic Special Stay at the iconic Fairmont Empress, set directly on the waterfront of Victoria’s celebrated Inner Harbour.

This morning, explore the world-renowned Butchart Gardens on Vancouver Island, where vibrant flowerbeds, tranquil ponds and winding pathways wind through one of the world’s most celebrated botanical landscapes. This afternoon, choose from a selection of Scenic Freechoice experiences to explore this remarkable region further. 

Scenic Freechoice:
Whale Watching Cruise: Step aboard and venture into the heart of the Salish Sea, one of earth’s most breathtaking marine environments. Come face to face with majestic whales, sea lions, otters and bald eagles against the stunning backdrop of Victoria’s coastline, with expert onboard naturalists bringing the wild to life with fascinating insight.

Take to the Skies Over Victoria: Climb aboard a floatplane and soar over one of Canada’s most breathtaking coastal landscapes. Watch Victoria’s dramatic coastline unfold, the Strait stretch to the horizon and the snow-capped Olympic Peninsula rise in the distance, before touching down gracefully on the glistening waters of the historic Inner Harbour.

Victoria Gorge Cruise: Step on board a quiet zero-emission electric boat and ease into 90 minutes of pure discovery. Glide through working shipyards and scenic waterways as your captain brings the rich history of the Coast Salish people and a waterway remarkably restored from industrial pollution to thriving ecosystem beautifully to life.

Victoria Bites & Sights: First enjoy a harbour ferry for Inner Harbour views, then step into Canada’s oldest Chinatown, with hidden alleys, secret courtyards and extraordinary stories most visitors walk right past. Wander cobblestone paths layered with history, enjoy a classic Canadian treat and save the best for last, Victoria’s most beloved chocolate shop and one of the city’s most deliciously memorable stories. 

This evening, join your Tour Director and fellow guests for a celebratory farewell dinner. 

After breakfast, join your flight from Victoria to the elegant city of Montréal (flight not included). Montréal is a union of European charm and North American attitude. Enjoy a two-night stay at the luxurious Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth.

A mosaic of cultures, flavours and creative energy that comes alive at street level, Montréal rewards those who wander. This morning, join a guided city tour to uncover its history, striking architecture and distinct neighbourhoods, from the heritage streetscapes of the Plateau to the grandeur of Mount Royal. This afternoon, make the city your own with your choice of Scenic Freechoice experiences. 

Scenic Freechoice:
Beyond the Market Walking Food Tour: Jean-Talon isn’t just a market – it’s the beating heart of Montréal’s food culture. Sample fresh goat cheese, lose yourself in a spice den, taste exceptional charcuterie and discover a forager, a sorbet maker and Syrian sweets around every corner. A stroll into Little Italy brings freshly roasted coffee, generations of tradition and an award-winning bean-to-bar chocolate maker.

Montréal Underground City Tour – The City Beneath the City: Most visitors never know it exists. Stretching 33 kilometres beneath the city, Montréal’s Underground City is a vast, ingeniously designed network of metro stations, towers, hotels and public squares, built to keep the city moving through the harshest winters. A local guide reveals hidden passageways, insider shortcuts and the fascinating history behind one of the world’s most remarkable urban feats.

Montréal by Cadillac Convertible: Settle into a stunning Cadillac convertible and let Montréal unfold around you in the most stylish way imaginable. Iconic landmarks, vibrant neighbourhoods and hidden gems come to life with a passionate local guide. No crowded buses, no rushing – just open skies, great stories and insider knowledge that turns a city visit into something genuinely memorable. 

Travel the historic Chemin du Roy – the ancient road connecting Montréal and Québec City for centuries – passing through Sainte-Anne-de-la-Pérade, the self-proclaimed world capital of ice fishing. Along the way, a Scenic Enrich experience offers a genuine taste of Québécois tradition. 

Scenic Enrich
Step inside a local Sugar Shack to discover the centuries-old art of maple sugaring – a practice that began with the Indigenous peoples of North America and was embraced by French settlers, giving birth to one of Québec’s most beloved traditions. Savour traditional Québécois fare and enjoy the warmth of live, local music in a setting that feels genuinely unchanged by time.

Arrive in Québec City and settle into a three-night Scenic Special Stay at the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac – the world’s most photographed hotel, dominating the city’s skyline above the Saint Lawrence River and visible from almost anywhere in the city. 

Dating to 1608, Québec City is one of the oldest European settlements in North America – a fortified city of stone buildings, narrow streets and a French-speaking soul unlike anywhere else on the continent. This morning, a guided tour takes in the Latin Quarter, the sweeping Plains of Abraham, City Hall and the historic Place Royale. The afternoon is yours to shape with your choice of Scenic Freechoice experiences. 

Scenic Freechoice:
Old Québec Walking Tour – Four Centuries Waiting to be Discovered: A World Heritage treasure and the cradle of French civilisation in North America, Old Québec invites you into four centuries of living history. Every alley and hidden doorway holds something worth discovering. Your guide weaves world-changing battles and generations of local artistry into a walk-through cobblestone streets that feels anything but ordinary.

Lower Town & Grand Marché by E-Bike – Québec City Like a Local: Ride through narrow, atmospheric streets past heritage architecture and a legendary public square, following the waterfront of the Old Port where fortification walls rise above and the St. Lawrence stretches to the horizon. A riverside path leads to the Grand Marché, where local producers invite you to taste and linger.

Québec City Guided Sightseeing River Cruise: Discover Québec City from the water on a guided cruise along the St. Lawrence River, sailing from Old Québec past Île d’Orléans toward Montmorency Falls, with sweeping views of the Château Frontenac from the water. Relax on the outdoor terraces as your guide brings the city’s remarkable story to life.

Stretching between mountains and shores, the Charlevoix region reveals landscapes of rare, unhurried beauty – a World Heritage Biosphere Reserve that has captivated artists and travellers for centuries. Today’s full-day excursion follows the Royal Road – the Chemin du Roy – from the historic heart of Québec City, pausing at the thundering Montmorency Falls and Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré, a revered North American pilgrimage basilica before arriving in the charming town of Baie-Saint-Paul for a leisurely regional lunch. The panoramas, the gastronomy and the sense of quiet grandeur make this one of the journey’s most quietly memorable days.

Begin the day at one of Canada’s most immersive wildlife experiences. At Parc Oméga, elk, bison, wolves, bears and foxes roam freely through vast natural habitats – a Scenic Enrich experience that is as humbling as it is remarkable. Continue to Ottawa, Canada’s capital, situated at the confluence of several rivers and a city whose very name derives from the Algonquin word Odawa, meaning “to trade.” Settle into the Westin Ottawa before an evening that celebrates the city’s culinary standing. 

Scenic Enrich
 Encounter Canada’s iconic wildlife roaming freely through the vast natural habitats of Parc Oméga.

Scenic Enrich
Savour Ottawa’s finest cuisine through a progressive dining experience, with each course served at a different celebrated restaurant in the heart of the capital – a seamless, convivial way to discover a city through the lens of its food.

Before departing Ottawa, a guided morning tour reveals the city’s considerable grandeur – Parliament Hill rising above the Ottawa River, the Victorian architecture of its public buildings and the beautifully park-lined Rideau Canal, a World Heritage Site in its own right. Continue south to Toronto for a two-night stay at the storied Fairmont Royal York, one of Canada’s most celebrated addresses. 

This morning’s guided tour takes in Toronto’s great landmarks – the St. Lawrence Market, Toronto Harbour and the vibrant pulse of Dundas Square. Later, rise to the observation deck of the iconic CN Tower and step out onto the famous glass floor for breathtaking views over the expanse of Lake Ontario. The day draws to a close on the water, with a relaxing harbour cruise offering a final, sweeping perspective of the city’s remarkable skyline. 

Few natural wonders command the senses like Niagara Falls. Cruise to the very base of the falls and feel the full, thunderous force of the cascading waters at close range. This evening, dinner at Table Rock Restaurant perched right beside the Canadian Horseshoe Falls, which is one of the most extraordinary dining settings imaginable.   The Niagara Parks Power Station’s spectacular sight and sound night show follows, a theatrical tribute to the power that once lit a continent. Your Scenic Special Stay is at the Niagara Falls Marriott Fallsview Hotel & Spa, where Fallsview rooms place the falls themselves as your backdrop, a setting that stays with you long after you have moved on. 

Cross into the United States and arrive in Lancaster, a picturesque Pennsylvania city steeped in history, known for its rolling countryside, strong sense of community and the enduring presence of the Amish. Savour a traditional home-style Amish feast this evening, a warm and generous introduction to a culture that has remained deliberately apart from the modern world. Settle into the Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square.

This morning, visit an authentic Amish farm for a genuine and unhurried insight into a way of life guided by faith, tradition and community – a way of living that stands in quiet, principled contrast to the world beyond its fences. Then continue to Washington D.C., where neoclassical monuments and the great institutions of American democracy await. The White House, the Supreme Court and the Capitol building anchor a city that carries the weight of a nation’s story in every boulevard and stone. Enjoy a two-night stay at the Fairmont Washington D.C.

An immersive guided tour reveals the history and enduring influence of the US capital, from the solemn memorials of the National Mall and the wide avenues of Arlington Cemetery to a guided tour inside the US Capitol itself, taking in the Crypt, the Rotunda and National Statuary Hall, also known as the Old Hall of the House. Few cities carry the weight of history quite like Washington D.C., and few days on this journey leave a deeper impression.

Continue to New York City, and the energy of the world’s most famous skyline, and enjoy a two-night stay at the New York Marriott Marquis in the heart of Times Square. After dark, a NYC Night Bus tour reveals the city in its most dazzling state, with the lights, the movement and the sheer scale of it all best absorbed from the open road.

This morning, circumnavigate the island of Manhattan from the teak decks of an elegant motor yacht, exploring the city’s architecture, engineering marvels and revitalised waterfront, with expert narration from a member of the American Institute of Architects New York. It is a perspective on this most vertical of cities that few visitors ever experience.

Scenic Enrich
Nothing captures the spirit of New York quite like a night on Broadway. This evening, you’ll be treated to an unforgettable production in the world’s most celebrated theatre district – one of those experiences that reminds you why live performance, in the right city, in the right theatre, remains truly incomparable.

Your journey draws to a close in New York City. Farewell your new friends, taking with you wonderful memories. Depart with memories of two nations, countless encounters and a journey that set the standard for luxury exploration.

This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. Please refer to Scenic’s terms and conditions for further information. Hotels are indicative and subject to change.