USA & Canadian Rocky Mountains from Calgary

The resort town of Banff is situated in its namesake park, the oldest in Canada, surrounded by the towering peaks of the Rocky Mountains. Its enchanting and scenic landscape is home to wildlife such as moose, mountain goats, brown and black bears, lynx, wolves and coyotes. Having emerged as a tourist destination, Banff seduces visitors with its unique atmosphere and is perfect for shopping, wandering through art exhibitions and eating in first-class restaurants.

Jasper National Park is a destination not to be missed when visiting Western Canada. With a landscape boasting crystal-clear lakes, majestic mountain peaks, glaciers and luscious forests, Jasper is a great alternative to the often more crowded Banff, with its breathtaking scenery in the Canadian Rockies even earning it a place as a UNESCO site. Enjoy hikes in the wilderness and soak up its natural beauty. Jasper House was a North West Company fur trade outpost established in 1813 on the York Factory Express trade route to what was then called "New Caledonia" (now British Columbia), and Fort Vancouver in Columbia District on the lower Columbia River. It was later taken over by the Hudson's Bay Company.

While travelling between Vancouver and Banff it’s worth taking a stop in Kamloops, situated at the meeting point of the Thompson River and Kamloops Lake. Time can be passed strolling in the historic city centre, which tells the story of the first merchants who began to organise their business in the area in 1811 and is also home to many cafes, restaurants and a variety of accommodation options.

A vibrant, progressive and scenic city, Vancouver is the third largest metropolitan area in Canada. Its ethnically diverse population and mixture of modernity and tradition results in a vibrant atmosphere and culture, boasting festivals, excellent food and a lively arts scene. The city was home to events such as the 2010 Winter Olympics and is also well-established in the film industry, often named as the 'Hollywood of the North'. Add to all of this the incredible nature right on its doorstep, and Vancouver makes for an excellent visit.

Settled in one of the most scenic spots in the USA, surrounded by water, mountains and evergreen forests, Seattle is a thriving and modern port city. With a progressive attitude, laid-back nature and ethnically diverse and vibrant culture, Seattle makes an interesting stop on any trip to the USA. Enjoy what the city has to offer before exploring the surrounding pristine nature which gives it the nickname of the ‘Emerald City’.

Often referred to as the ‘Palm Springs of Washington’, Yakima delights with its balmy sun-soaked climate and the numerous vineyards and apple orchards in the surrounding Yakima Valley. The city itself has some good museums and cultural attractions in its downtown, and the lingering smell of hops is sure to draw in visitors to sample some of the locally brewed beers and ciders. Be sure to take a tour to the Yakima Valley wineries and explore the beautiful surroundings of the city for the full experience.

Pendleton is perhaps best-known for its woolen shirts and blankets - Pendleton Woolen Mill has been a symbol of the city for over 100 years - as well as its rodeo. The town has managed to keep its old-time cowboy spirit alive, with cultural museums and tours showcasing its Wild West past as well as its indigenous heritage. Visit one of the city’s growing number of craft beer pubs or distilleries while soaking up the traditions of the region.

Its namesake comes from the dramatic Shoshone Falls that cascade over the nearby Snake River Canyon, drawing in visitors who come to see the 212 foot tall natural wonder in all its glory. Spend a day walking or biking the seven mile long trail surrounding the canyon, or even take in the views from below on a kayak tour. The city itself is the economic and cultural hub of this region of southern Idaho, and makes for a perfect base for those visiting the majestic landscape.

Set within the stunning Jackson Hole Valley, Jackson is a small town set just a stone’s throw away from the famed national parks of Grand Teton and Yellowstone. With its traditional Wild West heritage and scenic mountainous landscape, the town has a unique flair, attracting both nature and sports lovers as well as western enthusiasts. Enjoy the town’s vibrant atmosphere before exploring its beautiful surroundings.

West Yellowstone, Montana, is a rustic mountain town nestled between National Forest lands and is the gateway to Yellowstone National Park. It is only a mile from the park entrance, and the town's airport is the closest to the park, and to attractions like Old Faithful.

Butte is one of the major towns in Montana, with a population of 34,000. In its heyday between the late 19th century and about 1920, it was one of the largest and most notorious copper boomtowns in the American West, home to hundreds of saloons.

The gateway to the scenic Glacier National Park, Kalispell is situated on a stunning backdrop of the majestic mountains of the Flathead Valley. Its proximity to the park and its dramatic scenery, hiking trails and crystal-clear lakes is reason alone to visit, yet the city itself also has an attractive downtown filled with restored 1800s buildings, restaurants, bars and local art museums. Just to the South of the city is the vast Flathead Lake, its waters a hotspot for canoeing and fishing and home to the aptly-named Wild Horse Island.

The proud and cosmopolitan city of Calgary is situated at the confluence of the Bow and Elbow Rivers, and its proximity to stunning foothills and prairies as well as the Canadian Rocky Mountains alone make this city a must visit. Yet Calgary has more to offer than just nature, as the city has a growing craft bar and cafe scene, excellent restaurants and entertainment options as well as green parks and a pretty riverside perfect for exploring. Make sure to visit in July for the city’s famous cowboy festival, the Calgary Stampede.