Cross Lions Gate Bridge and head north along the spectacular Sea to Sky Highway to discover wonderful Whistler. Pass 2,200 metre (7,000ft) mountains and vast ocean vistas and walk to the base of Shannon Falls, a 335-metre (1,000ft) waterfall cascading down among old growth forest into Howe Sound. Stop off for pictures at the Brandywine Falls, where black bears and cougars roam. Finally, visit Whistler, the picturesque backdrop to the 2010 Winter Olympics that has been voted the Best North American Ski destination.

You’re free to stroll through the peaceful village, with its alpine chalets and towering peaks. Pick up some souvenirs and soak up the small town atmosphere. Or take to the skies with exclusive reduced tickets for a ride on the world record Peak 2 Peak Gondola between the summits of Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains.

Optional stops include the British Columbia Mining Museum, where you can experience an underground tour of a real copper and gold mine. Or go back in time to the 1950s at the West Coast Railway Heritage Park. Nature lovers will definitely want to make tracks to the Eagle viewing point, where you can see hundreds of bald eagles come to roost in nesting season. Return to Vancouver in the early evening, or use the tour as a transfer to Whistler during ski season.