Lake Louise, the Glacier Skywalk and grand hotels in Banff National Park may be top of most travellers' wish-lists when they visit Western Canada; but there's so much more to see and experience beyond these headline attractions. 

      With imagination, a sense of adventure and a bit of local know-how, wilderness-seekers who'd rather explore the great outdoors without the crowds will find a sense of pioneer spirit when they follow the road less travelled. 

      And to help them on their way, Bon Voyage - the North America travel specialist - has crafted a quartet of Rainforest to Rockies itineraries to connect holidaymakers with lesser-known landmarks and the promise of epic discoveries.

      Though the notion of crowds in this part of Canada bears little in common with "overtourism", the wilderness is better experienced without excessive company. By routing travellers off the beaten path and via out-of-the-way attractions, Bon Voyage's itineraries ensure an element of the extraordinary.

      Of course, each of the tailor-made, self-drive trips includes the region's essential wildlife-rich landscapes, from temperate rainforests to prairie grasslands and snowy mountain peaks. Balancing this natural beauty is time spent in vibrant Vancouver which, as British Columbia's main gateway, acts as each adventure's starting point.

      The classic Western Canada journey connects Calgary with Vancouver, via Banff; so Bon Voyage's Journey-Along-Canada's-Scenic-Route tackles this differently. After a thrilling few days in the city, road-trippers head inland through Fraser Valley and along the Crowsnest Highway on a route packed with wineries, heritage sites and outdoor recreations. 

      Beyond here, a different landscape emerges: Osoyoos and its semi-arid desert. Then, instead of the obvious Rocky Mountain resorts, the journey continues to the mountain town of Fernie, which has all of the valleys, peaks and forests that one associates with Banff, but with the added advantage of flying almost entirely under the radar.  

      This suggested, 8-night holiday costs from £4,595pp and includes flights (from London, Manchester, or Glasgow), car hire, and quality accommodation throughout (room-only basis).

      A big part of these tours' appeal is the diversity that they offer. On the Entering-the-Mountains 

itinerary, a Vancouver city break is followed by the ferry across to Vancouver Island, with a chance to go whale-watching or wander Butchart Gardens' floral displays. 

     Back on the mainland, the Sea-to-Sky Highway (renowned as one of Canada's most memorable drives) takes in the mountains' grandeur on its way to the famous resort town of Whistler.

      Bypassing busy Banff and Lake Louise, this 

trip offers similar experiences in Joffre

 Lakes Provincial Park and scenic Sun Peaks, whose Sunburst Express chairlift promises mountain highs amidst carpets of wildflowers.

      The 14-night holiday costs from £4,395pp and includes flights (from London, Manchester, or Glasgow), car hire, the ferry to Vancouver Island and quality hotel accommodation (room-only basis).

     Of course, some travellers won't want to miss the region's key attractions. To accommodate this, both the Great Parks-of-Western Canada (14 nights, from £3,575pp) and Mountain-Country (19 nights, from £3,695pp) itineraries include stays in Banff and Jasper; but keeping to the alternative theme are visits to the likes of Wells Gray Provincial Park, the hot springs at Harrison Lake and the Okanagan Valley's gorgeous countryside. 

      And with customers having the freedom to adapt all four itineraries to their personal preferences, any one of these Rainforest to Rockies adventures can become the trip of a lifetime.

      For bookings and more information, call Bon Voyage on 0800 316 0194 or visit www.bon-voyage.co.uk