Canada Winter Tours, ages 18-35 The Powder Rush,

Arrive into Vancouver on your own. Make your way to the tour hotel, check in and start rubbing shoulders with the crew you’ll cover this country with. Spend the afternoon exploring Chinatown and the famous totem poles of the First Nations in Stanley Park, or do a bit of shopping along Robson Street. Vancouver is yours to lap up as you please. Get to know the squad over dinner tonight, then if you’re in town at the right time, we might head to the hockey rink to watch the Vancouver Canucks do their thing on the ice.

Today we head out of Vancouver and journey north in search of the mecca of snow sports that is Whistler, via the stunning Sea to Sky Highway. En route, we’ll stop to cross the mighty Capilano Suspension Bridge (entry ticket included), which stretches 70 metres above a roaring river, and walk amongst the treetops of a magical old-growth forest breathing in your first taste of fresh Canadian mountain air. Ahhh. We’ll arrive to Whitler, where gondolas float between snow-capped mountain peaks. This cosy village buzzes with life and powdery flakes coat everything in sight. Spend the afternoon getting acquainted with what is essentially North America’s largest ski resort, perhaps via snowmobile or zip line, before tucking in to a scrumptious (if we do say so ourselves) dinner with the crew.

Whether you’re a beginner bound for the bunny hill or a blackcomb bandit who owns the terrain park, Whistler’s diverse grounds have you covered. It’s o’slopes o’clock! Rent a board or a set of skis (or bring your own), then let us hook you up with a deal on a lesson and get ready to shred. If you’ve got the energy for après, there could even be a pub crawl on the cards tonight.

Head back up the mountain today for more great snow or, take a break and enjoy the Whistler village. Take a stroll through the snow, pamper yourself at a day spa or just maintain a steady flow of hot chocolates and watch the world go by. Tonight, re-group with the crew to discuss just how awesome this mountain playground is over dinner.

It’s time to say farewell Whistler’s perfect powder and head back to Vancouver, where we’ll jump on a plane to Calgary. Baggage fees of $25 plus taxes per bag are payable at check-in. From here we can head to the other-worldly beauty of Banff National Park. If you’ve never been to Banff and have only seen pictures of it nothing can prepare you for how ridiculously beautiful it is in real life. It’s been a long day of travel, so today dinner’s on us – eat up and get some rest so you can jump out of bed early tomorrow and explore.

Banff is nestled in the Rocky Mountains, and you have three resorts to choose from for skiing and boarding. Mt. Norquay, Lake Louise and Sunshine Village all offer a solid mix of relaxed and adventurous terrain and the change to get nose-deep in powder again. Banff’s epic range of bars means there are countess places to choose from should you be keen to burn the candle at both ends.

For some the mountains are going to call you back, to try out a new resort or head back to one of your favourites. Or, you may opt to see Banff’s beauty from another angle today. Book an optional helicopter ride over the snow-laden mountains, or go for a hike on the Johnston Canyon Ice walk which can only be described as spectacular. With thundering waterfalls, imposing cliffs and ice tentacles everywhere, it’s a perilous nature lovers paradise. Come the evening, we’ll re-group and swap stories, while soaking in the hot springs.

For a change of pace you can choose to give cross-country skiing a whirl at Sunshine Village, or let the dogs do the work and go dog-sledding. Get artsy in the afternoon at one of the town’s many galleries and poke around the shops. Over a drink tonight we will contemplate some seriously epic days of wintery wonder.

We can’t think of a better way to bid Banff farewell than with a group gondola ride up to Sulphur Mountain. This could possibly be one of the best views you’ll ever see, and the highest views in the Rockies at 2281m overlooking the Bow Valley. Afterwards, we’ll hit the road again and head back to Calgary where the tour will come to an end. Accommodation: Vancouver – hotel to be advised (1 night); Whistler – Pangea Pod Hotel features innovative pod accommodation and a lively ethos. Enjoy a craft beer in the ‘Living Room’ or a cocktail on the rooftop patio. And if that isn’t enough, you’re staying in the heart of the gorgeous Whistler’s Village. (3 nights) Banff – The Tunnel Mountain Resort. You’ll get to enjoy an elegant chalet to keep cosy & watch snow drift by after a day on the slopes. (4 nights) Meals: 5 breakfasts/3 dinners

City tour of Vancouver; Visit the Totem Poles of Canada’s First Nations People in Stanley Park; Visit the Capilano Suspension Bridge; Transportation Vancouver-Whistler return; 8 nights of accommodation; meals listed; one-way flight Vancouver to Calgary (excluding baggage fees); Transportation Calgary-Banff return; tour leader