best places to visit western canada

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10 Most Amazing Destinations in Western Canada

West Canada is rugged – this is, after all, Rocky Mountain country. It’s scenic – from pretty alpine lakes and prairies to the ocean. And it’s wonderful, a year ‘round tourist destination where you can ski in winter and hike in the summer.

But don’t limit yourself to outdoor activities. The west has a vibrant cultural scene, beginning with cosmopolitan Vancouver and extending to a variety of festivals throughout the west. Western Canada is, indeed, a place to savor life.

10. Calgary [SEE MAP]

Calgary is a pretty city in southern Alberta Province. Located at the confluence of the Bow and Elbow Rivers, it was named after Calgary, Scotland. Canada’s third largest city was the first Canadian city to host a Winter Olympics in 1988 – it’s just 80 km (50 miles) to the Canadian Rockies.

The city is most famous for its annual Calgary Stampede, a rodeo held in a saddle-shaped arena. The Stampede started more than a hundred years ago and now draws one million visitors annually. Calgary is also home to many marching bands, a tremendous performing arts center and many fine museums.

9. Haida Gwaii [SEE MAP]

Haida Gwaii is an archipelago of scenic islands off the northern coast of British Columbia . They were previously known as the Queen Charlotte Islands, but their name was changed to reflect the large Haida population living on them. Haida Gwaii is made up of more than 150 islands, the largest being Graham and Moresby. Haida art, featured on the Canadian $20 bill, is revered, and can also be seen on totem poles.

Hikers may enjoy the 1-2-hour hike through the forest on Anvil Trail. Haida Gwaii is a sports fishermen’s paradise. If your accommodation has a kitchen, you can make a meal of freshly dug clams.

8. Pacific Rim National Park [SEE MAP]

Pacific Rim National Park isn’t very big, just a thin strip of land on Vancouver Island, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less awesome than its big sisters. Its rugged coastlines where you can explore tidal pools or ride the big waves on a surfboard (be sure to bring your wet suits for this).

There’s great hiking through old-growth forests on the West Coast Trail along a trail that ship-wreck victims used to reach safety. Pacific Rim National Park also a place to learn more about the Nuu-chah-nulth people through storytelling, interactive displays and interpretive walks.

7. Riding Mountain National Park [SEE MAP]

Riding Mountain National Park in Manitoba combines the best of forest and prairie lands. Just 3-1/2 hours west of Winnipeg , you can see the park’s highlights in a few hours, but why not spend several days here to experience all it has to offer. The park has 400 km (250 miles) of hiking trails, some leading into the back country.

Cross-country skiers use the trails in the winter. Wildlife viewing is great; you may see bison grazing on the prairies or wolves howling. Or you can just sit and enjoy the scenery from one of the red chairs placed around the park.

6. Whistler [SEE MAP]

Whistler is a year ‘round resort town just 125 km (78 miles) north of Vancouver. More than two million people visit Whistler every year, so you know it’s got to be great. In the winter people come for the snowboarding and alpine activities. In fact, Whistler was a venue for many snow-related activities for the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics.

In the summer, people come for the mountain biking and to soak up the scenery surrounding this picturesque place. Whistler isn’t all outdoor activities, however. Each fall, it hosts an arts festival that covers visual and performing arts, as well as music. The festival runs from Labor Day to December.

5. Yoho National Park [SEE MAP]

If it’s rugged scenery you long to see, head to Yoho National Park in the western Canadian Rockies in British Columbia. Created in 1886, Yoho is full of tall mountains, with Mount Goodsir being the highest at 3,567 meters (11,703 feet). Take in Takakkaw Waterfalls, one of the highest in Canada, as it cascades down a mountain.

Situated on the Continental Divide, Yoho offers plenty of activities for the whole family. There’s hiking, camping, bicycling, fossil hunting, fishing and canoeing. In the winter there’s snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. And pretty scenery, lots of it, like Emerald Lake with its natural bridge.

4. Jasper National Park [SEE MAP]

Canada’s largest national park, Jasper National Park is also the world’s second largest dark sky preserve. That’s where lighting and pollution are limited, so stargazers can see the night sky at its best. Any time is a good time to watch the sky, but Jasper hosts a night sky festival in October.

If you prefer daytime activities, you can hike through alpine meadows, paddle a lake, soak in hot springs or mountain bike. In the winter, there’s skiing and snowshoeing. Jasper National Park is a good place in Western Canada to spot wildlife such as black or grizzly bears (if you’re lucky), mountain goats, cougars and wolves.

3. Churchill [SEE MAP]

Churchill, a small town with less than a thousand souls, is undoubtedly the biggest tourist draw in northern Manitoba, at least during the fall. That’s when the polar bears move inland, giving Churchill the nickname, “Polar Bear Capital of the World.” October and early November are good times to take in this polar bear migration, but boat tours along Hudson Bay take tourists to them in the summer.

Sometimes, the bears wander into town where they’re put in “jail” until they can be released back into the wild. July and August are popular times to visit also, since that’s when thousands of beluga whales are migrating.

2. Vancouver [SEE MAP]

British Columbia’s largest city, Vancouver , is a cosmopolitan city in the lower province. An important seaport, the city prizes its ethnic groups, with its Chinatown being the biggest in Canada and the second largest in North America. While in Chinatown, be sure to visit the shrine to Jimi Hendrix, who lived here. Stanley Park is a must-see with its seawall and beach activities.

See also: Where to Stay in Vancouver

If you’re not afraid of heights, dare to cross the 70 meters (230-foot) high Capilano Suspension Bridge, the city’s most popular tourist attraction. The University of British Columbia’s Museum of Anthropology is a great place to view totem poles.

1. Banff National Park [SEE MAP]

Canada’s oldest national park, Banff, is chock full of awesome scenery. Set amongst the beauty of the Canadian Rockies, the park contains several beautiful lakes, including Lake Louise, the gem of the park, and the much photographed Moraine Lake. As a year-round tourism destination , the park draws three million visitors annually; they come for the winter sports, and summer hiking and camping.

It’s a good place to see glaciers, ice fields, and wildlife, including elk, deer, moose and bears. The city of Banff, with plenty of accommodations and restaurants, is located inside the park. You can ride a gondola for stunning views or soak in the hot springs.

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15 Incredible Places to Visit in Western Canada

If you are looking for the best places to visit in Western Canada, this post will present you with 15 incredible destinations you cannot miss on your next trip.

Western Canada is a vast, sparsely populated region of overwhelming natural beauty and rich cultural diversity. 

The region stretches from the old-growth forests of the west coast to the polar bear inhabited shores of Hudson Bay. In between, landscapes range from the dramatic Rocky Mountains to the rolling prairies and arid badlands.

Included in Western Canada are four provinces: British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. In total, they cover an immense area of nearly 3 million km 2 (over 1 million square miles)! Major cities providing access to the area include Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, and Winnipeg.

In this article, I’m going to introduce 15 natural & cultural attractions that shouldn’t be missed in this highly enticing corner of Canada.

1. Haida Gwaii

Formerly known as the Queen Charlotte Islands, Haida Gwaii (or “Islands of the Haida People”) is an archipelago off the central coast of British Columbia . The islands of Haida Gwaii encompass a remote region of raw natural beauty .

The rocky islands of Haida Gwaii are covered with moss-covered temperate rainforests. They have even been called the “Galapagos of Canada” for the wide range of plants and animal life they contain, including several endemic species not found anywhere else in the world.

Haida Gwaii features over 500 archaeological sites, including some of the oldest coastal First Nations totem poles and longhouse remains. To best experience Haida Gwaii’s rich culture and environment, including Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve , taking a locally operated tour is highly recommended. 

Ferries for Haida Gwaii depart year-round from Prince Rupert. All visitors are asked to make the Haida Gwaii Pledge before coming, a promise to respect Haida Gwaii and the Haida culture during their visit. 

Another unmissable spot on the west coast of Canada is the area around Tofino on Vancouver Island. Tofino is best known for surfing (it has even been called the “surfing capital of Canada”), fishing, old-growth forests, and local indigenous culture. 

Tofino town itself is the place to go to check out indigenous art galleries, connect with other surfers or travelers, or organize a variety of activities in surrounding Clayoquot Sound. Some of the most popular include kayaking and whale-watching excursions. 

From Tofino, you can also arrange a boat to Hot Spring Cove, which despite being on the mainland, can only be reached by sea. The springs are in a stunning, remote location where thermal springs mix with water from the sea. 

Heading south from Tofino, Long Beach in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve is the star attraction. As the name suggests, the beach is incredibly long; you really have to see it to believe it. The beach is one of the top surfing spots around Tofino, along with Cox Bay and Chesterman Beach.  

3. Granville Island

Granville Island is a historic attraction and cultural hub just south of downtown Vancouver, the largest city in Western Canada. While you may know it for Granville Island Beer, which can be found across Canada, this spot has a lot more going for it. 

First, to be clear, Granville Island is not an island but a sandspit, or small sandy peninsula sticking out into False Creek, an inlet that separates downtown from other parts of Vancouver. The Granville Island Bridge runs right over it. 

Once larger and housing many factories and sawmills, little Granville Island today boasts a high concentration of artistic, cultural, and leisure activities. These include Public Market, numerous theatres and art galleries, restaurants, parks, two breweries, a spirit distillery, and the first sake maker in Canada. 

4. Liard River Hot Spring

Way, way, way up north on the Alaska Highway just before it enters Yukon sits Liard River Hot Spring. It is the second-largest natural hot spring in all of Canada and compared to the first (Fairmont, also in BC), it is far more remote and less developed. 

Deep in the forest, two immense pools of hot water welcome bathers. A boardwalk leads through the forest to prevent damage to the fragile muskeg environment. Bear sightings are incredibly common here. Some visitors have even spotted bears just a few meters away while soaking in the springs!

The best way to experience the springs is to stay in the Liard River Hot Spring Provincial Park campground nearby. 

Getting to Liard River Hot Spring requires a bit of dedication; it’s a 21-hour drive from Vancouver!

5. Mount Revelstoke National Park

One of BC’s three mountainous national parks, Mount Revelstoke National Park is home to one of the only inland temperate rainforests in the world. What this means is the park is unusually moist and verdant for such a northern and inland location. 

One of the best ways to experience Mount Revelstoke National Park is on the Giant Cedars Boardwalk, an easy walk among giant cedars, some of which are more than 1000 years old. 

Another is the Enchanted Forest, which features a collection of trails through old-growth forest to a number of spooky treehouses and fairy tale figures. Next to it, Skytrek tempts adventurous visitors with ziplines, aerial trekking, and a giant swing.

6. Mount Robson

Mount Robson is the tallest peak in the North American Rocky Mountains. At 3,954 meters (12,972 feet), it is a towering giant. 

The south face of the mountain is clearly visible from the Yellowhead Highway when you’re heading in the direction of Alberta; driving toward it is a jaw-dropping experience. 

The hiking trail to Berg Lake is one of the most stunning in Western Canada. The 41.5-km return multi-day trek to the stunning lake at the base of Mount Robson includes trekking through the Valley of a Thousand Falls to the mighty Emperor Falls. Camping reservations along the route are absolutely essential.

7. Lake Louise & Moraine Lake

Stepping across the border into Alberta, the twin Lake Louise and Moraine Lake in Banff National Park are considered two of the most beautiful lakes in Canada. 

Lake Louise has been dubbed the ‘Jewel of the Rockies’. It is the quintessential Rocky Mountain Lake, with unbelievably turquoise glacial waters surrounded by dramatic peaks, and the iconic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. 

From Lake Louise, visitors can hike to a high-mountain teahouse. In winter, ice skating on the lake is a true bucket list experience, while Lake Louise Ski Resort – a great one to spend a winter season in Canada – is nearby.

14 kilometers up the road from Lake Louise, Moraine Lake is every bit as beautiful (some say even more). The view from the rocky moraine, looking down at the lake as it reflects mountains from the Valley of the Ten Peaks, is so beautiful that it was featured on the Canadian $20 bill. 

8. Athabasca Glacier

Driving up the Icefields Parkway, described as one of the world’s most beautiful drives, visitors leave Banff and enter Jasper National Park. The first stop to tempt them is Athabasca Glacier. 

This glacier is just one of six ‘toes’ of Columbia Icefield, the largest ice field in the North American Rocky Mountains. Because you can drive right up to the base of it, it is the most-visited glacier in North America. 

The best way to experience the glacier is to catch a ride on one of the Ice Explorer snow coaches, which includes time to walk on the glacier. After that, guests are escorted to the Skywalk, a glass-bottomed promontory overlooking an immense valley nearby.

9. Waterton Lakes National Park

Waterton Lakes is one of the lesser-known and visited national parks in Western Canada. Connected to Glacier National Park in the United States, it is known for its natural beauty and abundance of outdoor activities . 

Some of the best things to do in Waterton include hiking, kayaking, canoeing, sailing, and snowshoeing. Essential hikes for first-timers are Bear’s Hump, a short but steep ascent to a lookout over Waterton Lakes, and Crypt Lake, an all-day trail that requires a boat ride across the lake and includes an infamous narrow trail, ladder ascent, and tunnel through the mountain. 

Another must is kayaking on Cameron Lake on a calm morning, while Red Rock Canyon is out-of-this-world. And bear sightings in Waterton are practically guaranteed!

10. West Edmonton Mall

While it may seem odd to follow up the above natural wonders with a shopping mall, just hear me out first!

West Edmonton Mall was the world’s largest mall in 2004. Although it no longer tops the list, it is still enormous and houses a ridiculously long list of impressive attractions and activities. 

The biggest draws are Galaxyland and World Waterpark, the largest indoor amusement park and waterpark, respectively. Other temptations include a skating rink, go-karting, replica of Christopher Columbus’ Santa Maria ship, mirror maze, bungee jumping, IMAX theatre, mini-golf, and bowling alley. 

As if that weren’t enough, the Mall even has its own Chinatown, European Boulevard, and New Orleans street filled with bars and restaurants. There’s even a theme-room hotel attached, so visitors never even have to leave the mall. 

11. Drumheller

Calling all dinosaur lovers! Drumheller in southern Alberta is considered the world’s dinosaur capital. Dozens of new dinosaur species have been discovered around Drumheller and nearby Dinosaur Provincial Park. 

The town of Drumheller is full of family-friendly dino-related activities. The top priority is the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Paleontology, arguably the world’s best dinosaur museum. In town, visitors can also climb up into the mouth of the world’s largest T-Rex, a statue 4.5 times larger than a real T-Rex! 

Around Drumheller, the best places to visit are Horseshoe and Horsethief Canyons, as well the famous collection of hoodoos. At Dinosaur Provincial Park, people can camp among the badlands or take a tour to real dinosaur fossil excavation sites. 

12. Cypress Hills

Cypress Hills are a unique landscape among the prairies of Western Canada. Because Cypress Hills is elevated, it escaped being glaciated, and thus has a totally different ecosystem than the surrounding plains. 

As an ‘Interprovincial Park’, Cypress Hills is split into three sections: Elkwater on the Alberta side, and West Block Wilderness Area and Centre Block on the Saskatchewan side. 

Between the three sections, Cypress Hills offer countless opportunities for camping and other outdoor activities. A huge variety of plants (including orchids!), birds, and other wildlife can be seen in the area.   

13. Grassland National Park

One of only two national parks in Saskatchewan, Grassland National Park is the lesser visited of the two due to its isolated location in the far south of the province. 

Grasslands National Park is special because it preserves one of the few original, undisturbed sections of prairie grassland. Roaming herds of plains bison are the park’s signature species, but others include pronghorns, foxes, rattlesnakes, ferrets, and short-horned lizards. 

Visitors may be surprised by the fact that the landscape is not as flat as one might expect, but rather includes rolling hills and other land formations caused by the movement of glaciers in the last ice age.

One of the best experiences to be had is staying in a teepee in one of the park’s campgrounds. The park is also Canada’s darkest Dark Sky Preserve, ideal for stargazing.

14. The Forks

Right next to downtown Winnipeg, the Forks has been a gathering place of various cultures for 6000 years. Early indigenous tribes and Metis hunters met there, followed by fur traders, various immigrants, and river ships & railway workers.

The Forks occupies a large bank at the junction of the Assiniboine and Red Rivers. 30 years ago it was transformed from railway yard to cultural hub, and now attracts millions of visitors every year. 

Facilities and attractions at the Forks include skating rinks, concert stages and a natural amphitheater, walking trails, art galleries, restaurants, and several historic sights. Several major festivals are also hosted here. In many ways, the Forks is the heart of the city and the best way to dive into local, Manitoba culture.

15. Churchill

How did you know I was saving the best for last? Churchill is a town on the Hudson Bay in Manitoba that has been called the “Polar Bear Capital of the World”, for it is one of the best places in the world to see them. 

In summer, when the ice melts on Hudson Bay, the polar bears come ashore. Then in fall when it returns, the bears return to the ice, often via Churchill. 

Because so many people visit Churchill for the few short weeks that the bears are around, there are several other activities on offer to keep them busy: beluga whale tours, dog sledding, and aurora (Northern Lights ) viewing are but a few. 

Thanks for reading, and I hope you’ve some awesome new ideas for fascinating places to visit in Western Canada!

More articles on Canada: 

• Outdoors guide to the best places to visit in British Columbia
• Enjoying Banff as a non-hiker
• All the Vancouver hikes that should be on your radar
• 5 Fall day trips from Vancouver
• 10 Most epic Canada road trips ever
• The best way to explore the Canadian Maritimes

Nick Kembel was born and raised in Edmonton . After traveling and living abroad for two decades, he now finds himself back at home exploring Western Canada.

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• 15 Must Visit Attractions In...

Must-Visit Attractions in Western Canada

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Encompassing the grassy plains and snow-topped glaciers of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, Western Canada is as vast as it is wild. From the Pacific-lapped beaches of Vancouver Island to the town that cohabits with polar bears on Hudson Bay, here are the must-see attractions in the region. Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips , compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips .

The columbia icefield, alberta.

Connecting Alberta’s most famous national parks – Jasper and Banff – the Columbia Icefield is the largest of its kind in the Rocky Mountains. The glacier has six principal toes; the most visited, Athabasca, looms above the Icefields Parkway, a 230km (140mi) long highway that runs parallel to the icy contours of the Continental Divide. Guided tours can take visitors right up onto the glacier, but be aware that the highway can get busy in summertime.

Haida Gwaii, BC

Wanuskewin Heritage Park, Saskatchewan

For 6,000 years, Wanuskewin has been a meeting place for indigenous peoples from across the Northern Plains – where communities came together to hunt bison, gather food and escape the winter winds. With archeological sites dating back thousands of years, including tipi rings, stone cairns and pottery fragments, Wanuskewin is today an educational facility with walking trails, events and exhibitions, directed by a council of First Nation elders. Keep an eye out for the wandering herd of plains bison that was reintroduced to the park in 2019.

Moraine Lake, Alberta

Amid dense coniferous forest and mountainous peaks, some lakes in Banff National Park refract a startling blue – a side effect of glacial silt deposits. The most famous, enclosed within the Valley of the Ten Peaks, are the teal waters of Moraine Lake . If you can tear yourself away from the surreal sight, ascend the challenging 7mi (11km) out-and-back trail to Sentinel Pass through Larch Valley for unparalleled views, especially in the gold of fall. Access to Moraine is via a winding alpine road from nearby Lake Louise; get here early if you want to enjoy the scenery in solitude.

Churchill, Manitoba

Where Manitoba meets Hudson Bay you’ll find polar bears – living alongside people. Churchill, or the Polar Bear Capital of the World, is where thousands of migrating bears wait in autumn for the water to freeze on Hudson Bay. Modified vehicles, owned by responsible operators, allow for safe viewing of these seasonal residents; local authorities secure the town by maintaining a so-called polar bear jail during fall for adolescent bears that persistently loiter too close to town.

This end-of-the-road town is bordered by rugged wilderness on one side and the turbulent Pacific on the other. The population surges in summer when the ocean is a beginner surfer’s dream – all sunshine and gentle rollers – but locals will attest that the best surf season is fall, when the water is warmest and frothy 10ft (3m) waves are drawn to the shore. These swells beckon a line-up of surf events, including Queen of the Peak, the women’s Canadian surf championship, held in Cox Bay.

Prince Albert National Park, Saskatchewan

Prince Albert encompasses Canada’s southern boreal forest, where densely packed pine unfurls into flowering parkland. Home to elk, moose, beavers, otters, black bears and timber wolves, the national park is a sprawling wilderness sanctuary, and counts a growing herd of more than 400 plains bison among its inhabitants. You can canoe, hike, cross-country ski or snowshoe your way through timeless landscapes; we’d recommend the 5.3mi (8.5km) Spruce River Highlands Trail – it’s one of the only places where you can climb above the treeline to admire the surrounding hilltops.

Canadian Museum for Human Rights, Manitoba

Rising above the rolling prairie, Winnipeg is a city booming with craft breweries and coffee roasteries. Between them is the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, housed in a contemporary building wrapped in an enormous glass cloud. The museum sheds light on Canada’s dark history – including the internment of Canadian-Japanese during WWII and the residential schools forced upon indigenous children as recently as the 1990s – with the explicit intention of encouraging reflection and inspiring a brighter future.

Dinosaur Provincial Park, Alberta

Known for its striking badlands and abundance of fossils, Dinosaur Provincial Park protects a complex ecosystem in the Red Deer River valley. At dusk, a chorus of coyotes and nighthawks soundtrack the setting sun; you’ll find cottontail rabbits, mule deer and pronghorn here, too, alongside 165 bird species in spring and summer. But it’s the dinosaurs that steal the show: 58 species have been discovered here, and more than 500 local specimens are on display around the world – stop by the visitor center for a glimpse into prehistory and to join a dig.

Whistler Blackcomb, BC

Beyond the north shore of Vancouver, 75mi (121km) along the winding Sea-to-Sky Highway (BC-99) that passes Howe Sound, is the Whistler Blackcomb ski resort . The two eponymous mountains are both around 7,300ft (2,200m) high – and 8,171 acres (3,307ha) of their enormous flanks are skiable, served by over 200 ski runs and 36 lifts. For the bold, open bowls and couloirs can be found atop their craggy crowns; further down are enough powder fields, wide groomers and terrain parks to suit any level of intrepid skier.

Grasslands National Park, Saskatchewan

Preserving an undisturbed, semi-arid landscape – flushed with blue grama and silver sagebrush – Grasslands National Park is one of the largest Dark Sky Preserves in the world. Here, recumbent pastures meet endless sky; if you intend to camp, prepare for an isolated and bare-bones experience. What Grasslands lacks in frills, it makes up for in wilderness encounters – keep an eye out for burrowing owls, swift foxes, black-footed ferrets and Canada’s only black-tailed prairie dog colonies. Highlights include Frenchman River Valley, the Seventy Mile Butte and the badlands of Rock Creek.

Okanagan Valley, BC

Accounting for more than 80 percent of BC’s wine production, the wineries of Okanagan Valley have been pressing grapes since the 1850s. Today, the region is perhaps best known for its sweet icewine – produced using grapes harvested over the winter, frozen on the vine at -8C (17F). Some 200 vineyards line the valley – the best way to experience this region is by taking a 105mi (170km) road trip from Osoyoos to Vernon in summertime, when local produce is plentiful and the weather warm.

The Inside Passage, BC

Starting in Puget Sound, beside Seattle, the Inside Passage is a 932mi (1,500km) long stretch of sheltered ocean that follows the BC coast all the way up to Alaska. The way is generally wide and deep, crisscrossed with straits, fjords and anchorages, and is popular with cruise ships ( BC Ferries ) and freighters alike, thanks to its calm, flat waters. Overflowing with marine life, from humpback whales and dolphins to salmon sharks and sea lions, and long-traversed by First Nations, the Inside Passage is an enduring way to experience the wilds of the Pacific Northwest.

This is an updated version of an article originally by Hayley Simpson .

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

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Ten jaw-dropping stop-offs on a Western Canada road trip

See stunning vehicular vistas and then take some time out at these amazing pit stops on a road trip from Vancouver to Calgary

Best seen on four wheels, Canada is blessed with enormous landscapes, wide, wild expanses and roads that wind straight through the middle of it all. To explore lakes, waterfalls, national parks and the jaw-dropping contours of the Rockies in Western Canada, rent a car or take an RV on the road, then eat, sleep and immerse yourself in spectacular scenery. Set off from Pacific-facing Vancouver and head inland towards Calgary . Each windscreen vista will be more spectacular than the last, and these ten essential pit stops along the way will help you make the most of it all. Just watch out for grizzlies.

RECOMMENDED:  Full guide to the  best things to do in Canada

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10 essential pit stops on a western Canada road trip

1.  Granville Island Public Market

The centre of Vancouver is almost entirely surrounded by salt water – walk the city’s seawall to see from Downtown’s glinting high rises to epic sunsets at English Bay. Then, take a ferry from False Creek to Granville Island Public Market to refuel. Eat your way around stallsselling local produce and street food, including salmon cured in maple syrup.

2.  Vancouver Island

Forget those four wheels for a second. While you’re on Canada’s West Coast, you’ll want to get out on the ocean to spot the whales that call Vancouver Island ’s waters their home. Jump on the car ferry over to the Island or book a day tour with Prince of Whales (a marine wildlife-spotting company, not a Trump Twitter gaffe) to watch for humpbacks, orcas and grey whales.

3.  Sea-to-Sky Highway

Leave Vancouver via the Sea-to-Sky Highway , so called because it takes you from the ocean’s edge to the alpine forests and snow-capped mountains in Whistler and beyond. Set off in late afternoon to watch the fjords and islands of Howe Sound transform as the light fades. Stop off in Squamish to ride the Sea-to-Sky Gondola for more breathtaking (and knee-wobbling) views.

4.  Mount Revelstoke National Park

Once you’ve made it through the desert-like landscape along Highway 99 and the Trans-Canada Highway past Kamloops, the roadsides sprout greenery and mountains appear on the horizon again. Stop in Revelstoke to explore its small but mighty national park. Drive the winding Meadows in the Sky Parkway and roll past tall hemlock trees to sub-alpine wild- flower meadows. Just remember, you’re in bear country now...

5.  Wapta Falls

Park up on the western side of Yoho National Park at the Wapta Falls trailhead. This hike takes you over knotted tree roots through a silent alpine forest until you reach Wapta Falls. This dramatic section of the rushing Kicking Horse River boasts a huge wall of water framed by fir trees and backed by mountains. Bonus points if its spray creates a double rainbow.

6.  Emerald Lake

No prizes for guessing where this stunner of a lake got its name. Surrounded by mountains, this glassy stretch in Yoho National Park is all rich hues of green and blue. You can hike around it, watching as the lake changes from translucent jade to deep turquoise, or slide out on to the surface in a kayak. It’s a popular place, but quieter than nearby Lake Louise – arrive early and you’ll feel like you’ve got it all to yourself.

7.  Columbia Icefield

Alongside the border between British Columbia and Alberta, the Icefields Parkway is one of the most incredible roads in the world, lined with craggy mountains, lakes and the wild animals of Banff and Jasper National Parks (bears, mountain goats and bighorn sheep). The star is the Columbia Icefield, where you can get close to ancient glaciers. Step out over the Sunwapta Valley on the Icefield Skywalk glass observation deck, or hike up to the toe of the Athabasca Glacier. Don’t miss signs that mark how rapidly it’s been receding in recent years.

8.  Jasper National Park

Although you’ll say goodbye to your mobile phone signal on the Icefields Parkway , you can enjoy the feeling of remoteness once the sun sets thanks to a total lack of light pollution. Jasper National Park became a Dark Sky Preserve in 2011 and is full of stellar opportunities to get an eyeful of stars. For the best views, head out to Maligne Canyon, Medicine Lake or Pyramid Lake after dark to spot astral delights. You might even spy the Northern Lights.

9.  Maligne Lake

You’ll struggle to spot where water meets sky at Maligne Lake, an achingly pretty expanse that, on a calm day, makes a perfect mirror. You can set off on hikes from the edge of the lake, but the best way to see it is by boat. A 90-minute cruise takes you across to Spirit Island, a tiny land mass that might be one of the most snapped places in Canada. You can try to keep it off the ’gram, but resistance is futile.

10.  Banff Upper Hot Springs

All that hiking left you with aching muscles? Soothe yourself in steaming pools on the hill high above the picturesque town of Banff . The natural thermal waters have been attracting bathers since the 1800s and, when you’re immersed in the mineral-rich pool, it’s easy to see why. Don’t leave this alpine town without exploring: visit the castle-esque Fairmont Banff Springs hotel , which could easily be mistaken for the Grand Budapest.

Explore more of Canada

The 14 best things to do in Canada

• Things to do

Canadians are famously proud of their homeland and one jaunt through the Rocky Mountains or a stroll down Quebec City’s Rue Saint-Jean will show you exactly why. While it is far from possible to condense the wonders of the country into one list, here are 14 of the top contenders.

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A Day By Day Itinerary: How To Spend 10 Perfect Days Exploring Canada’s West Coast

Experience the beauty of Western Canada in just 10 days by following this carefully laid out itinerary that starts in Vancouver and ends in Calgary.

• Spend a full day in Vancouver exploring its highlights, including Granville Island Market and Stanley Park. Don't miss out on Lee's Donuts for breakfast at the market!
• Drive north from Vancouver to Squamish and take in the breathtaking views of Howe Sound from the Sea to Sky Gthe ondola. Don't forget to walk across the suspension bridge!
• Visit Whistler, a charming ski village with plenty of shops and eateries. If you're there in the winter, don't miss the opportunity to ski at Whistler Blackcomb, one of Canada's best ski resorts.

Wondering what to do in 10 days in West Canada? This epic 10-day West Canada itinerary answers that question; it takes travelers all the way from the coastal capital of British Columbia to the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Explore Canada’s oldest national park, experience Vancouver’s fantastic gastronomy scene, and the charm of Banff town along the way.

To complete this itinerary, travelers should fly into Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and pick up a rental car on day three. They can drop the car off in Calgary and depart from YYC. It's time to find out how to spend 10 days in Western Canada with this jam-packed Canadian itinerary that showcases many of the region's most stunning (and fun) spots and attractions.

Related: Local Itinerary: How To Spend 10 Incredible Days In Toronto, Canada

10 Day One: Arrive In Vancouver

On the first day of the trip, travelers can fly into Vancouver (YYZ) and take the airport train service into the city center. One of the best neighborhoods to stay in is Yaletown; this charming area is clean, safe, and full of delicious coffee shops and restaurants just steps from the front door.

After checking into their accommodation, travelers can spend the first evening of their trip having dinner in Gastown, one of the best places in Vancouver to visit . Gastown is Vancouver’s historic district, named for “Gassy” Jack, who opened the first saloon in the area in the 1800s.

Cobblestone streets and magical twinkling lights set the scene for a fun and atmospheric dinner at one of Gastown’s many delicious restaurants. Tacofino, MeeT, Gringo Gastown, and Nuba are all excellent choices.

• How To Get Around: SkyTrain
• Top Attraction: Gastown

9 Day Two: Spend A Full Day Exploring Vancouver’s Highlights

Spend a full day in Vancouver, experiencing the highlights of the city. Start the morning with coffee and breakfast at the Granville Island Market (don’t miss out on Lee’s Donuts).

Then, head over to Stanley Park and rent a bicycle. Cycling the seawall is a beautiful way to spend the afternoon!

• How To Get Around: TransLink
• Top Attraction: Stanley Park

8 Day Three: Rent A Car And Drive North To Squamish

On day three, travelers can pick up their rental car and drive the infamous Sea to Sky Highway north from Vancouver to Squamish. Upon arrival in Squamish, it’s worth splurging on tickets for the Sea to Sky Gondola.

The view of Howe Sound is breathtaking. At the top, there is a suspension bridge and hiking trails.

• How To Get Around: Rental Car
• Top Attraction: Sea-to-Sky Gondola

To save on accommodation during this road trip, book a campervan rental rather than a regular car. This combines the cost of accommodation and car rental into one, often lower, expense. Plus, there are great campsite views along the route!

7 Day Four: Discover The Charming Ski Village Of Whistler

After spending a night in Squamish, continue north to Whistler. This charming ski village is magical year-round and has plenty of shops and eateries inside the pedestrian-only village.

In the winter, go skiing at Whistler Blackcomb , one of the best ski resorts in Canada. Consider mountain biking at the Whistler Mountain Bike Park in the summer months.

• Top Attraction: Whistler Village

Related: 10 Tips For Hiking In Banff National Park For The First Time

6 Day Five: Drive To Kelowna

From Whistler, it’s a six-hour drive to Kelowna via Kamloops. Kelowna is located in the picturesque Okanagan Valley and is known for its many wineries and vineyards.

Upon arrival, explore the waterfront park or Kelowna City Park. Then, grab dinner at Salt & Brick or Raudz Regional Dining.

• Top Attraction: Kelowna City Park

5 Day Six: Explore Kelowna Wineries And Lake Okanagan

With a full day to explore Kelowna in beautiful British Columbia, travelers can start the morning on the water. Book a boat ride with Okanagan Luxury Lake Tours for a new perspective of Kelowna.

Then, in the afternoon, it’s time to tour the many wineries of Kelowna and the Okanagan Valley.

• How To Get Around: Guided Tour/Transfer
• Top Attraction: Lake Okanagan

4 Day Seven: Drive To Banff & Explore One Of The Best National Parks In Canada

The morning of day seven starts with a 5.5-hour drive from Kelowna to Banff National Park. One of the most famous places to visit in Western Canada, Banff National Park is also the oldest national park in the country.

Travelers can stay in the town of Banff, or they can camp inside the park at one of the designated campgrounds.

• Top Attraction: Banff Town

Related: 10 Truly Unusual Experiences You Can Only Have At Banff National Park

3 Day Eight: Catch The Sunrise At Moraine Lake And Larch Valley Hike

Travelers should get up before the sun on day eight of their West Canada travel itinerary to catch the beautiful sunrise at Moraine Lake. The road to Moraine Lake in the Canadian Rockies closes during the winter (after Canadian Thanksgiving), so this option is only available during the late spring, summer, and early fall.

Get a spot at the viewpoint for sunrise over the clear blue waters and see the sun come up over the mountain peaks known as the “Seven Sisters”. After sunrise, embark on a hike through the Larch Valley.

• Top Attraction: Moraine Lake

The road to Moraine Lake is only open from Mid-May to Mid-October each year (for safety reasons). Be sure to check the status of the road closures before planning the trip.

2 Day Nine: Watch The Sunrise At Lake Louise And Lake Agnes Teahouse Hike

Day nine of the Western Canada travel itinerary follows a similar structure, but this time, travelers will get to see the sunrise over the famous Lake Louise. Prepare to be sitting among many tourists as the sun comes up over this alpine lake with stunning turquoise waters.

To feel like they have the lake all to themselves despite the crowds, travelers can rent a canoe and get out on the water for a half hour or a full hour. Then, hike to the Lake Agnes Teahouse for lunch. In the evening, drive to Canmore to spend the final night of the trip.

• Top Attraction: Lake Louise

Related: Winter In Lake Louise: 10 Things Worth Braving The Cold For

1 Day Ten: Go Hiking In Kananaskis (Departure From Calgary)

On day 10 of the West Canada vacation itinerary, wake up in the charming mountain town of Canmore . Grab breakfast and coffee before heading for the mountains in Kananaskis.

Kananaskis Country has beauty to rival Banff and is home to many challenging trails and hikes . Pocaterra Ridge and Ha Ling Peak are especially famous routes. Spend a day hiking in this area before driving back to Calgary to catch a flight home.

• Top Attraction: Ha Ling Peak

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40 things to do in Western Canada

Emma De Fry | November 19, 2015 | 6:49 am | 8 Comments

Western Canada…. the home of the Rocky Mountains, ski resorts, maple syrup, wild animals and delicious salmon…. It is one of the planet’s most spectacular locations and one of my very favourites. Explore by horse, boat, train, gondola, plane, skis, Ice Explorer or motorbike, meet the incredibly friendly locals and fall in love with nature on a whole new scale.

As if you needed any more convincing, here are my favourite things to do in Western Canada .

1. Marvel at the beauty of Lake Louise

One of the most famous lakes in the world, Lake Louise dazzles. With famous Mount Victoria at one end, and the Chateau Lake Louise at the other, this blue lake changes colour before your eyes with every movement of the sun, reflecting the majestic scenery around it and captivating you with it’s mountaineering history.

2. Gaze upon the Sunken Garden in the Butchart Gardens, Victoria

An empty limestone quarry was turned into one of the most magnificent gardens in the world by an enterprising Jennie Butchart in the early 1900’s. Visit the entire Butchart Gardens where over a million blooms flower annually and marvel at the vision of the Butcharts in creating such a spectacle.

3. Channel your inner cowboy at Echo Valley Ranch

Where Western Canada turns into the Old West – a family run ranch in the middle of Gold Rush country, this ranch is a luxury lodge and spa retreat in one where you become part of the family, explore by horseback and enjoy some of the best company to be found in Western Canada.

4. See some of the bluest lakes you’ve probably ever seen

The abundance of glacial fed lakes in the Rockies mean magic happens before your eyes, the lakes are the bluest of blue and stand in beautiful contrast to the scenery around them. Travel along the Icefield’s Parkway drive and stop at the lakes along the way, it is a true feast for the eyes.

5. View the Rockies peeping out above the clouds from the top of Sulphur Mountain, Banff

If you’re lucky, once you get to the top of Sulphur Mountain gondola in Banff, the cloud might just be at eye level, making the tips of the highest peaks around you peek through the carpet of white, topped off by a brilliant blue sky.

6. Try and capture the beauty of the Icefield’s Parkway at viewing points along the drive

Photography enthusiasts will not stop clicking at view points along this spectacular route between Jasper and Lake Louise. The conundrum is literally how many places to stop off at and when to stop clicking!

7. Attempt to strike it rich gold panning in the Fraser Canyon

The site for the gold rush in the 1800’s, this spectacular canyon is in British Columbia’s cowboy country and you can try your hand at panning for gold alongside many local prospectors. Organise your trip from Echo Valley Ranch.

8. See the world’s largest bathtub – Medicine Lake – which empties itself every year

This beautiful lake is a natural phenomenon – emptying itself through a natural ‘plughole’ every year and then refilling when the snow melts from the surrounding mountains. Just 15 minutes from Jasper, it is in the middle of Jasper National Park and incredible to visit at any time of the year.

9. Try and spot the highest peak, Mount Robson, not covered in cloud

The highest point of the Canadian Rockies Mount Robson is often shy, hiding itself behind clouds. Head to the Information Centre along the Southern Yellowhead Highway and hopefully spot the mountain cloud free and in it’s full beauty.

10. Get up early to see the mist rise from the lakes

It’s magic hour in Western Canada, when the early sun captures the mist rising off still water and you can see your breath in front of you. The best way to wake up (with a hot coffee in your hand of course!).

11. Discover the many waterfalls that Western Canada has to offer

There is plenty of water in Western Canada, fed by glaciers, melting snow and rain. You are spoiled for choice for spectacular waterfalls such as these, the Athabasca Falls, fed by the Athabasca River, west of the Columbia Icefields along the famous Icefields Parkway. The thunderous waters have carved spectacular gorges beneath the falls which you can explore.

12. See The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise reflected in the water

As the sun starts to set, this amazing illusion is cast onto the still waters of Lake Louise, perfectly mirroring the Chateau and all it’s beauty. Best seen on an afternoon Mountain-Heritage guided walk from the hotel.

13. Take to the skies on a seaplane to witness the magical rainforest and wilderness

Canada is a must-see from the air. With incredible views over pristine wilderness like the Great Bear Rainforest on the Western Coast, the only thing that can top it off is a spectacular seaplane landing on the waters beneath.

14. See the majestic Rockies surround you through the glass domed roof of the Rocky Mountaineer train

Take a 2-day journey through the heart of the Rocky Mountains, viewing the glory outside through the glass dome of Gold Leaf Service. Sit back, watch valleys beneath you and and peaks towering over you and compete with fellow travellers to spot a bear.

15. Have afternoon tea at The Fairmont Empress Hotel, Victoria

Take a step back into Old England with a traditional afternoon tea at one of the most historical buildings in Victoria.

16. Ride the gondola up Whistler Blackcomb, then ski back down

Straight from the village of Whistler, you can hop onto this gondola and head up Blackcomb mountain to world-class ski runs. I saw a few bears on this journey so keep your eyes peeled. Up the top, you can also choose to take the Peak 2 Peak Gondola, the longest and highest lift in the world with a view over British Columbia’s rooftop, connecting Blackcomb and Whistler Mountains so you can ski back down either.

17. Feast your eyes upon the Vancouver skyline from Stanley Park

Stanley Park is Vancouver’s largest urban park and a national historic site of Canada. With 400 hectares of rainforest, coastline, cultural and historical landmarks and recreation sites, the view back to the city is just one of the highlights.

18. Take a traditional horse and carriage ride through charming Victoria

Victoria, the capital of British Columbia and main city on Vancouver Island, is a little piece of Old England. Discover it’s charming streets filled with thousands of blooms, the magnificent Houses of Parliament and English-style gardens on a traditional horse and carriage ride, the perfect way to get your bearings.

19. Stay the night in the ‘Castle in the Rockies’ and brave the ghost stories

One of the most famous hotels in the world, The Fairmont Banff Springs hotel is more than just a place to lay your head – it is an experience in itself. Built for rich Canadian train travellers who visited Banff for it’s ‘wellness’ springs, the Castle in the Rockies has more than it’s share of history, including some infamous ghost stories. If you are staying there, you can book a free heritage tour with the hotel historian who will share all of the hotels stories, including some fairly legendary guests.

20. Go whale watching off the coast of Victoria

In the seas between Vancouver Island, and the US state of Washington, Humpback Whales and Orcas frolic almost year-around, but particularly between April – October. Whale watching tours depart Victoria where you can discover both resident and migratory whales in their habitats, plus an entire population of Sea Lions around Race Rocks Lighthouse.

21. Get treated like royalty on the Rocky Mountaineer in Gold Leaf Service

This iconic journey is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Treat yourself to Gold Leaf Service and enjoy the glass domed carriage where you will pass through some of the most incredible scenery you have ever seen. And equally as amazing, in my books, is the food. Enjoy three course breakfasts and lunches on board in the downstairs dining car, drinks and snacks all day in the main carriage, and feel like royalty as you experience one of the most traditional forms of travel in this region.

22. Take a walk on the Athabasca Glacier at the Columbia Icefields

One of six ‘toes’ of the Columbia Icefields, the Athabasca Glacier lies along the famous Icefields Parkway and is 6km long and between 90-300metres thick – that’s about the height of the Eiffel Tower! It moves at a rate of approximately 5 metres per year and has lost half it’s area over the last 125 years. Board a custom designed Ice Explorer vehicles for a journey onto the ice where you can get out for a glacial walk.

23. Feed the seals at Fisherman’s Wharf floating village, Victoria

This gorgeous little village is a must-visit when in Victoria. Head around to the Fishermans Wharf on the harbour and buy some fish to feed the local seals – beware the seagulls who will zoom in for a snap too. While you’re there, grab some fish and chips for yourself and explore the little town built on the water where people actually live.

24. See the grizzly bears catch and eat their dinner in Great Bear Rainforest

This experience puts you fair and square inside a real life wildlife documentary. In Great Bear Rainforest on the West Coast of British Columbia, Great Bear Nature Tours operate bear excursions for limited numbers of guests who stay in their purpose built floating lodge on beautiful Smith Inlet. Only accessible by seaplane, you experience unbelievable lodge hospitality, but best of all go out on bear viewing excursions where, from the safety of a bear hide (which owner/operator Tom built himself) you can watch grizzly bears in the wild . In salmon season, watch them stock up on their food in preparation for hibernation and pinch yourself in this bucket list experience.

25. Stock up on quality outdoor gear and souvenirs in Banff

There are a million things to see and do around beautiful Banff, but don’t miss a little bit of time simply wandering down the charming main street of Banff and doing a little shopping. You will find excellent souvenirs and of course, all the best gear to pursue the outdoor adventures which Banff is best known for. There are also excellent cafes and restaurants to spend some time in.

26. Buy wild, local salmon at Granville Island Market, Vancouver

Salmon is something the locals in Western Canada take quite seriously and rightly so. It is some of the tastiest and freshest wild salmon in the world, and the fishmonger at Granville Island Public Markets has been selling some of the best for more than 20 years. Fresh and smoked, you can even buy salmon packed especially for travel back to your home.

27. Go on a Harley Davidson ride through Jasper National Park

There is nothing quite like roaring down a mountain road with the freshest wind in your face and the sight of the Rocky Mountains all around you. For some adrenalin filled sightseeing, jump on board a Harley with one of Jasper’s local drivers and explore the surrounding national park in all it’s beauty.

28. Spot Inuksuit (Inuit monuments) throughout the region

These mysterious monuments built of unworked stone are erected by the Inuit people for communication and survival signals. They can be directional signals, placed to mean ‘someone was here’ and ‘you are going the right way’. Spot them throughout the region.

29. Sleep in a Lake View Room at The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

The rooms in the Chateau are heavenly enough, with luxury traditional furnishings honouring the legend of the hotel, but nothing beats the view from the lake side of the building, facing onto the famous blue waters of Lake Louise and Mount Victoria. You can sit at your window all day staring at the scene, so don’t forget to go outside and explore it up close!

30. Continuously stop at every roadside view point for scenes like this

Around almost every corned of British Columbia and Alberta lie breathtaking scenes of nature which look just like a picture postcard. Try and stop yourself from halting at every viewpoint to take pictures like this!

31. Hear your heart pound as you cross the 150 metre high Capilano Suspension Bridge

Just 15 minutes from the hustle and bustle of downtown Vancouver, and you are in pristine wilderness. Capilano Suspension Bridge was literally built by the landowner George Grant Mackay to get from one side of the Capilano River to the other, the bridge suspended 150 metres high above the canyon. Also at the park is the Treetops Adventure set amongst towering evergreen rainforest and the Cliffwalk, a glass cantilevered walkway which hugs a granite cliff and really tests the nerves!

32. Get up before the sun rise at Lake Louise

Canada is a place for getting up early. Nature puts on a show from first light, and the mist rising off Lake Louise before the sun starts to rise is a beautiful spectacle worth the early start.

33. Relax on a float trip down Bow River, Banff

Relax as you float down the majestic Bow River, surrounded by the pristine wilderness of the National Park, and gazing at the incredible wonders all around you. The perfect way to get up close and personal with nature at it’s best.

34. Gasp at the colour and scenery of glacially fed Moraine Lake

Turquoise lakes are not uncommon in this part of the world but Moraine Lake pretty much takes the crown. Dubbed the world’s most photographed lake, this beauty is not far from Lake Louise and will stun you with it’s incredible colour, capped off by majestic mountains all around.

35. Spot the local elk in The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge

Part of the fun of The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge is spotting the local residents that simply wander the grounds as if the own the place. Spot them on the world-class golf course, or simply out the front of the restaurant having a nibble at the carefully tended blooms. Just don’t approach them, especially during rutting season!

36. Have a glacial adventure on the famous Ice Explorers at Columbia Icefields

These custom designed Ice Explorer vehicles are one of only two of their kind in the world and descend the second steepest navigable road in North America to take you on your very own ice adventure on the Athabasca Glacier. With wheels as high as your head, and very entertaining driver/guides, these vehicles are half the fun of the glacier experience.

37. View the valleys and mountains of the Rocky’s from Sulphur Mountain overlooking Banff

If you get the gondola up Sulphur Mountain in Banff and you have a clear day, you will get a 360 degree view of the amazing scenery, valleys and peaks and of course the town of Banff. Spot the Banff Springs Hotel, Bow River, name the surrounding peaks and face in the direction of your own home country (with distance facts included).

38. See the Rockies covered in snow

The Rockies are dusted (or dumped) in snow for many months of the year and nothing is quite like gazing at them in all their glory. White peaks touch the sky and descend into dramatic valleys and the pine forests look like they’ve been dusted in icing sugar.

39. Watch the sun set at The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge

Grab a cold one and sit by the lake at the lodge and watch the sun descent over the Rocky Mountains at the end of another adventure filled day.

40. Eat Bison, Venison and Elk in the heart of the Rocky Mountains

Indulge in the local fare with a taste of the local game. Many restaurants here offer dishes showing off the flavours of the region, including this one that I devoured in Bow Valley Grill at The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. Delicious!

Inspired to visit Canada? Watch our Best Of Western Canada episode here

About Emma De Fry

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November 21, 2015 at 9:37 am

Kate Ascough

November 21, 2015 at 9:38 am

oMG I’m booked next June Thankyou for this now even more excited

November 23, 2015 at 1:00 am

You will have an unbelievable time! So excited for you!

November 21, 2015 at 6:42 pm

Thanks for all the info Emma, you’ve done all the leg work for me! We are just now planning our trip in the new year. Its only a 3 hour drive for us.

You’re very welcome Georgie, you guys will have an incredible time!

November 21, 2015 at 9:28 pm

Grouse Mt. Vancouver on Xmas Eve, spectacular

Sounds amazing! They also do a huge tree and ice skating on frozen Lake Louise at Xmas I believe, it would be a magical time of year to visit 🙂

November 21, 2015 at 10:17 pm

Amen to that

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Travel guide to West Canada & the Rockies

Canada is an enormous country (the world’s second largest) with no shortage of beautiful places. The western part of the country, which includes the provinces of Alberta and British Columbia, is particularly renown for its jaw-dropping natural scenery. Here, the Canadian Rocky Mountains represent a pristine wilderness area on a scale difficult to imagine, amazing its visitors with deep blue glacial lakes, endless pine forests, rugged mountains, and abundant wildlife, including the mighty grizzly bear. Towards the Pacific Ocean, the shoreline is dotted with islands (such as Vancouver Island), spectacular fjords, endless patches of temperate rain forest, and magnificent wild beaches, all within easy reach from one of the world’s greatest cities, Vancouver.

Get the most out of your trip to West Canada & The Rockies with my travel guide. Find out more about:

• Best time to visit
• How to get there
• Travel requirements
• Getting around
• Inspiration, highlights, & travel tips
• Suggested itineraries
• Recommended luxury hotels (+ reviews)

BEST TIME TO VISIT

The best time to visit western Canada is in summer from mid-June to mid-September. This time frame offers the best chance for sightseeing and hiking in good and dry weather; however, this seasons also sees the largest crowds and highest rates for accommodation. Consider a trip during the shoulder season such as mid-May to June and mid-September to October: the crowds are thinner; the room rates are lower compared to the summer months; and your chances of spotting wildlife are much better, especially towards autumn, when dozens of grizzlies converge on the spawning channels along the coast to feed on salmon. British Columbia is notorious for its abundance of rainfall in autumn, winter and spring, so unless you like non-stop drizzle and heavy rain, you best avoid traveling during this period. However, the Rockies are located far more inland and protected from most winter storms, making early December through March a perfect time for winter sports such as snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

HOW TO GET THERE

Most visitors arrive via one of West Canada’s 3 major airports.

• Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is located about 12 km (7.5 mi) from Downtown Vancouver and the most important getaway to British Columbia. Click here for a list of airlines that offer direct flights to Vancouver.
• Calgary International Airport  (YYC) is located approximately 9 km(5.6 mi) northeast of downtown Calgary and serves as the main getaway to the southern part of the Rockies (Banff town is located a 90 min drive from the airport). Click here for a list of airlines that offer direct flights to Calgary.
• Edmonton International Airport  (YEG) is located 26 kilometers (16 mi) southwest  of downtown Edmonton and serves as the main getaway to the northern part of the Rockies (Jasper town is located a 4 hour drive from the airport). Click here for a list of airlines that offer direct flights to Edmonton.

If you want to cover all of West Canada during your vacation, it’s best to either arrive in Calgary and depart from Vancouver, or the other way around, to avoid backtracking on the last day(s) of your holiday. When you limit your holiday to the Rockies only, you’re best off flying in via Calgary and moving north for a departure via Edmonton, or the other way around, since that will save you at least one day of backtracking via the road.

Before you buy a plane ticket, consider reading my  tips & tricks for buying the cheapest plane ticket .

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

Requirements for entry into Canada differ from country to country, and are subject to change. Prior to departure, always check with your government and your nearest Canadian embassy or consulate to find out which documents you need to enter Canada .

• You need a valid   passport .
• Most people need a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization to travel to Canada.

Make sure you read my 10 tips to plan a worry-free trip .

GETTING AROUND

Although public transport in the cities is quite good, getting from one area to another by public transport can be though and is generally not recommended unless you like to backpack. The vast bulk of visitors rent cars and drive, while flying is an excellent albeit expensive alternative if you don’t have much time.

• Most travelers will rent a car . This is indeed the easiest way of getting around and taking in the amazing scenery. Rental car companies are present at major airports and central city locations.
• Another way to travel worry-free around western Canada is by signing up for a tour  (which can be arranged via most hotels in the Rockies, Vancouver, and Vancouver Island).
• The Rocky Mountaineer is a world-renowned, luxurious train  that travels by daylight through the wild beauty of Canada’s West, connecting Vancouver with the Rockies.
• Air Canada s (this is Canada’s national carrier, a Star Alliance member)

INSPIRATION, HIGHLIGHTS & TRAVEL TIPS

There are several good reasons why you should put West Canada on your bucket list:

• Icefield Parkway, one of world’s most scenic drives
• Emerald blue lakes in Banff National Park
• The vast wilderness of Jasper National Park
• Hiking Yoho National Park’s Lake O’Hara
• Wildlife spotting with focus on bears and whales
• Vancouver, one of the world’s greatest cities
• The Inside Passage, one of the world’s most scenic boat trips
• Wild beaches on Vancouver Island’s Pacific Rim National Park

The following, comprehensive articles may also inspire you and help you plan your holiday to West Canada & The Rockies:

• Top 10 best things to see & do in the Rockies
• Top 10 best hotels & lodges in the Rockies
• Top 10 best luxury hotels in Canada
• Top 10 best hotels & resorts in British Columbia
• Tips & tricks for getting the best deal at a luxury hotel
• Tips & tricks for buying the cheapest plane ticket

SUGGESTED ITINERARIES 

It’s impossible to suggest one itinerary for West Canada, but I hereby suggest a two-week itinerary based on my own holidays to Canada (although three weeks are recommended if you have more time and want to see all of the area)

• Day 1 : explore Calgary (recommended hotel: Fairmont Palliser ).
• Day 2-3 : explore Banff National Park (recommended hotel: Fairmont Banff ).
• Day 4-5 : explore Yoho National Park while staying in the Lake Louise area (recommended hotels: Fairmont Lake Louise ,  Post Hotel , or Lake Moraine Lodge ).
• Day 5-6 :  explore Icefield Highway & Jasper National Park (recommended hotel: Fairmont Jasper ).
• Day 7 : transfer from Rockies to Vancouver (plane or car).
• Day 8-10 : explore northern Vancouver Island with focus on grizzly and killer whale watching (recommended hotel: Hidden Cove Lodge )
• Day 11-13 : Pacific Rim National Park (recommended hotels: Clayoquot Wilderness Resort ,  Long Beach Lodge or Wickanninsh Inn )
• Day 14-16 : Vancouver city & surroundings (recommended hotels: Fairmont Pacific Rim , Shangri-La Vancouver, or Rosewood Vancouver).

If money is no issue, you may also opt to skip northern Vancouver Island and stay at one of British Columbia’s best lodges instead ( Sonora Resort ).

If you have three weeks instead of two weeks, I suggest you stay a few extra days in the Rockies, after which you drive to Prince Rupert on British Columbia’s West Coast (a drive that takes 2 to 3 days). From there you take the ferry via the world-famous Inside Passage to Port Hardy on northern Vancouver Island, after which you catch up with the schedule as described above.

For more ideas, I suggest the excellent Canadian itineraries as suggested by The Rough Guides and Frommers .

RECOMMENDED LUXURY HOTELS (+ REVIEWS)

Consider visiting my top 10 lists if you are eager to know how I rank The Rockies and West Canada’s top properties, based on my own experience:

Below, you find my reviews of hotels in Canada (with pros, cons, and tips to save money per property).

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Top 10 Sights in Western Canada

Check out our favorite sites in this diverse country.

There are so many reasons to love western Canada: The Vancouver Olympics are just around the corner, and you know how we feel about a certain Banff Squirrel. We’ve put together a series of resources so you can explore Canada’s wild west. Our January/February issue has a walking tour of Vancouver , and you can find a complete city guide to Vancouver online . Our A*List newsletter was devoted to western Canada this week (want to get the A*List in your inbox? Subscribe here .) Plus, our pals over at National Geographic Books helped put together a list of the top ten sights to see in the region. For a limited time, you can get 20 percent off if you purchase the National Geographic Traveler: Canada guidebook.

Top Ten Western Canada

1. Banff National Park

2. Lake Louise

3. Yoho National Park

4. Glacier & Mount Revelstoke National Parks

5. Vancouver

6. Vancouver Island & Victoria

7. The Inside Passage

• Nat Geo Expeditions

8. Prince Rupert, Skeena Valley, & Queen Charlotte Islands

9. The Kootenays

10. Okanagan Valley

Photo by Leslie Cooper via My Shot

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Solo Traveler

Solo travel tips, destinations, stories... the source for those who travel alone.

Western Canada Itinerary: Top Things to See and Do

September 5, 2017 by Janice Waugh

My western Canadian itinerary began in Prince Rupert and ended in Vancouver.

I’ve been referring to my western Canadian itinerary as my Grand Western Swing.

The trip started in the far northwest of British Columbia, went east to the eastern edges of the Rocky Mountains in Jasper, south from there along the Icefields Parkway to Banff, then back west again to almost the southwestern most tip of British Columba.

Did I have enough time on this trip?

No. With the exception of a career break of 10 months, when have I ever felt that I had enough time traveling?

But was it a great trip? Did I learn lots? Was I exposed to new cultures, people, geography, and history?

Absolutely, on all points! It was fantastic!

Now, it’s time to report on this trip. I’m starting today by giving you my:

• 12-day itinerary for Western Canada

More to See in Western Canada and an Alternative Itinerary

• Top 12 Things to See and Do in Western Canada
• Travel Budget for 12 Days in British Columba and Alberta

I will follow up with articles on specifics for each stage of the trip.

Snapshots from the Via Rail train from Prince Rupert to Jasper.

Table of Contents

12-Day Western Canada Itinerary

I would have loved a couple of extra days for this trip but the train schedules were a roadblock for me. You see, both the Via Rail train and the Rocky Mountaineer only travel on certain days. The way their schedules work, I would have had to add four or five days to my time away and I just didn't have it available. Hopefully, you have the luxury of more time than I had. Here's my Western Canada itinerary.

• Fly to Prince Rupert.  Day 1 – This took all day as I flew from Toronto to Vancouver and then Vancouver to Prince Rupert. Prince Rupert is near the Alaskan border so it is far north. Getting there from just about anywhere other than Vancouver is a full day's journey. I was told that flying into Terrace, BC, which is about an hour and a half away by car along a spectacular route is less expensive. You can take the train from Terrace to Prince Rupert as well, however, it does not run every day.
• Two days in Prince Rupert . Day 2/3 – Great hiking, canoeing and kayaking, food, and friendly people make this one of the best small towns I've visited. Story to come!
• Two days aboard Via Rail traveling from Prince Rupert to Jasper. Day 4/5 – This train ride involved a one-night stop in Prince George. Time on the train is approximately 33 1/2 hours as it covers over 1,100 km. Because freight trains have priority on the tracks, it is rarely on time and usually late, sometimes by a few hours. It's a beautiful trip and I met lots of wonderful people on it. It runs about every other day but check  the Via Rail schedule .
• Drive the Icefields Parkway from Jasper to Banff.  Day 6 – This is a 3-hour drive so I thought there would be plenty of time to stop and enjoy. Because there was so much of interest and I stopped frequently, I covered only about half of it in seven hours. It is spectacular. I think it is a drive that everyone should do at least once.
• Explore Banff and area.  Day 7 – One day certainly does not do this area justice. And, unfortunately, my one day was a Saturday which made it really challenging to get around. There were people and cars everywhere trying to see Lake Louise, going to Canmore, strolling around town. You really have to stay in town on such a day and explore the semi-urban hikes, shopping, and museums or go early to a trail that is not known around the world.
• Take the Rocky Mountaineer between Banff and Vancouver . Days 8/9 – This is a luxury train with full service of meals and drinks, and your overnight hotel in Kamloops. Staying overnight here as I did in Prince George means that all travel is during the day.
• Explore Vancouver.  Days 10/11 – If you've never been you could spend a week or more in Vancouver but I spent just a couple of days as I have lived in Vancouver and visited before. Still, I found new things to do and will share my recommendations soon.
• Fly home . – Day 12

The North Pacific Cannery National Historic Site is located outside of Prince Rupert, British Columbia.

While I was certainly happy with my itinerary, if I were traveling for a month I would do more. There were great temptations along the way and times when I had to think about how lucky I was to be where I was, doing what I was, and remind myself that to leave wanting more is actually a good thing.

• Take a ferry from Prince Rupert to Haida Gwaii . This would require an extra four days or so because of the ferry and train schedules so it was not meant to be for my trip. However, this ferry trip or one to Alaska via the ferries out of Prince Rupert would be wonderful. Here's a link to the maps of the BC Ferry system that show you the many options you have.
• Spend more time in Jasper . There are lots of tourists in Jasper but nowhere near the numbers that there are in Banff. I would have liked to spend more time hiking there.
• Spend more time on the Icefields Parkway . There are a couple of hostels along the Parkway and I just know that spending time in them would have resulted in meeting fascinating people and some great wilderness experiences.
• See Lake Louise. On the Saturday that I was in Banff I did drive to Lake Louise but there were so many people I turned around and drove back. Fortunately, I salvaged the day with other activities. Unfortunately, I didn't see the lake, which was, long ago, the first glacier-fed lake I ever saw. It is a moment that is burned into my memory and I wanted to relive it once again. Doing so with thousands of people around would not have worked.
• Fly to Vancouver and spend a couple of days there.
• Take the ferry to Victoria and enjoy the province's capital city.
• Travel up Vancouver Island. If you have time for Tofino, go! But, essentially, you're heading to Port Hardy.
• Take the ferry along the inside passage to Prince Rupert and then continue on the itinerary above.

The Rocky Mountaineer

My Top 12 Things to See and Do in Western Canada

My Top 12 Things to See and Do in Western Canada is a result of this trip, other trips, and having lived in Vancouver for a couple of years. So, it covers more territory than the trip I just took.

• Soak in the grandeur of the Rockies.  Nothing can beat traveling through the Rocky Mountains, whether by car, train, or, if you are in incredible shape, by bike. The views are spectacular. Banff is certainly the center of the grandeur but travel beyond and you'll enjoy the mountains with far fewer tourists.
• Take the train. You have luxury and budget options. Whether you go luxury or budget (see the cost of my trip below and you'll see the cost of both) taking the train through western Canada is a great way to travel so that you can enjoy the views safely. You get to know the geography and the surprising range of climates. You go from rainforest on the west coast to dry mountain air in the Rockies to a desert in south central British Columbia.
• Drive the Trans-Canada Highway. If the train is not a possibility for you then do a road trip along the Trans-Canada Highway. From Calgary to Banff, it passes over multiple mountain ranges, into a desert and then out again to the Coastal Mountains and Vancouver. Yes, it's part of the main highway across Canada but that just means good quality roads and spectacular scenery. If you base your travel time on Google Maps you will be getting into your destination very late. This trip requires many stops because it is just so awesome.
• Explore the Icefields Parkway . The parkway runs from Jasper to Banff. It is in the southern section, towards Banff that there are glaciers. The most famous glacier is the Athabasca Glacier because that is the one that is developed for tourism. Brewster Travel Canada has the corner on tours to the glacier. They are controversial for ecological reasons. I chose not to take one. However, one can enjoy spectacular views of the glaciers from pull-offs on the Parkway and hike to the toe of the Athabasca Glacier independently . My first sighting going from the north is one that I won't forget. If you don't stop between Jasper and Banff the trip will take about 3 1/2 hours. However, it's much too beautiful for that. Plan on the trip taking a good 8 hours, if not more.
• Walk the rainforest of the west coast . Whether you go to Prince Rupert, as I did, or Vancouver Island (as I have done in the past), the rain forests are not to be missed. Not surprisingly, they can be a little wet but the rich forest floor and towering trees are spectacular!
• Travel the inside passage by ferry . The fjords, islands, rainforest, beaches, waterfalls, and mountains of Canada’s Inside Passage make for a wonderful trip. This trip also brings you closer to a number of aboriginal cultures. You can book a 7-day cruise with BC Ferries or piece together your own trip which will allow you to linger longer.
• Glacial Lakes . Rock flour is what makes the glacial lakes of the Rocky Mountains a spectacular turquoise. The fine mineral rock flour sloughed off the rocks by the water before entering the lakes tends to stay at the surface for a while before sinking. The powder reflects back the turquoise color rather than taking on the color of the sky as most lakes do. Lake Louise is the most famous of these lakes but 14 km away is Lake Moraine in the Valley of the Ten Peaks. Moose Lake near Jasper is another great glacial lake destination.
• Wine country . The Okanagan Valley is full of fruit trees and grape vines. Consequently, it is the original wine country of British Columbia. There are now many more wine regions in the province  making it possible for you to explore wine country just about everywhere you travel in BC.
• The Thompson Canyon . It's been more than a few years now since I rafted on the Thompson River but it is a journey I'll never forget. Over the centuries, the Thompson carved itself a canyon and while rafting there does not involve large rapids or waterfalls, it does include some very fast water and very impressive whirlpools. The Trans-Canada Highway, Highway 1, follows the Thompson before it meets the Fraser River.
• Visit Vancouver . Vancouver is my favorite city in Canada and I would live there if my family were not in Toronto. So, what to do in Vancouver? Are you after food, theatre, music, art, hiking, anything on the water, beaches? It's all there. Read One Day in Vancouver – Food, Ferries, and a Walk around Stanley Park . I spent my time very differently on this trip to Vancouver. I'll be writing about it soon.
• Hike the national parks . Hiking is a major pastime in British Columbia and Alberta. Even in the city of Vancouver, there are great hiking options. Go to Jasper and Banff National Park websites for details on hiking there. Here's a site with an overview of hiking in British Columbia.
• Explore Vancouver Island . Victoria is the capital of British Columbia and sits at the southern tip of Vancouver Island. In Victoria, you'll see the British heritage of the city but explore the rest of the island and you'll experience almost 50 First Nations cultures, spectacular rainforests, and fabulous beaches on the west side.

Drive North of Jasper to Hinton, Alberta which is outside Jasper Park and therefore, somewhat less expensive.

Travel Budget for 12 Days in British Columbia and Alberta

The prices below are in Canadian dollars and exclude taxes.

• Toronto to Prince Rupert then Vancouver to Toronto by Plane : $908.89
• Accommodation Prince Rupert : Black Rooster Guesthouse. $297 for three nights or $99/night.
• Prince Rupert to Jasper by Train : $139.65. You have the option of touring class which gives you a better quality carriage and meals.
• One night in Prince George : The train stops for the night in Prince George so you have to book your own hotel. I paid $89.25 which included a decent breakfast.
• One night in Hinton outside of Jasper : $140 for one night. I would not recommend this accommodation.
• Car rental:  $660.02 which included the drop charge of $350.
• Accommodation in Banff : Two nights in the YWCA dorm. Very central with free parking and free Wi-Fi. $89.98 or $44.98/night.
• Rocky Mountaineer to Vancouver : Included breakfast and lunch each day, drinks and snacks morning and afternoon, and hotel for one night in Kamloops which is the halfway point on the trip. $1699
• Two nights in Vancouver: I stayed with family.
• Flight from Vancouver to Toronto : Included in the first price above.

Total for transportation and accommodation: 

• For all of the above: CAD$4,023.79. The cost of food and excursions like one to the Columbia Icefields or the gondola up Sulphur Mountain are not included in this figure.
• Drop the Rocky Mountaineer at $1699.
• Return the car to Jasper rather than pay the drop fee of $350.

Of course, doing both of the above would result in other costs but they would likely be much less.

• I'd definitely stay at a better hotel in Jasper. For one night this would increase my cost by about $200.

At the Bow Falls in Banff.

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Publisher Janice: info @ solotravelerworld.com

Editor Tracey: tracey @ solotravelerworld.com

Sales Simon: simon @ solotravelerworld.com

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The Best Summer Road Trips in Western Canada

By The Canada By Design Team

With travel to Canada from the US once again an option, a road trip is a great way to safely see new sights. Whether your adventure takes you to the Canadian Rockies, Vancouver Island, the Yukon or beyond, our team of expert road trip planners will ensure it all goes smoothly.

Unsurprisingly, a drive through the Canadian Rockies is one of our most requested trips, boasting emerald lakes, sparkling glaciers and awe-inspiring peaks. Even better, the Fairmont properties in the Rocky Mountains – Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel – are particularly unique, offering cozy alpine cabins, picturesque views and castle-like grandeur.

But perhaps you've already traveled to the Rockies and want something else to see. If this is you, a trip along Western Canada's coast reveals some truly stunning sights. Visit Victoria, the nation's capital, or Tofino, a small surf town with a relaxed air. Or, travel north to the Yukon and find yourself swept away by views of Canada's tallest mountain and ample wildlife encounters. Whichever you choose, rest assured these are the best summer road trips in Western Canada.

But first, a few common questions we receive from our US travelers:

Do you need a passport to go to Canada by car?

Yes, Canadian law stipulates that anyone entering Canada from the US by car has proof of citizenship and proof of identity. A passport will cover both these needs, so when in doubt, bring a passport. That said, children under 16 only need proof of U.S. citizenship, and in some cases a valid Nexus card is enough.

What's it like crossing the Canadian border by car?

Since Canada reopened its border to fully-vaccinated U.S. citizens on August 9, traveling by car is once again an option for a trip. There are multiple crossing points all along the border, and this Wikipedia page has a fairly helpful list to find the closest one to you. You can also check this government web page for wait times at various border crossings.

Once you get there, you'll line up for a chance to speak to a Canadian customs agent. They will ask you for proof of citizenship and identity (your passport will do!) and perhaps some other questions about your trip and length of stay. If you are traveling with a minor and the other parent is absent, you will also need a copy of the child's birth certificate, a letter of authorization signed by the parent who is not traveling and a photocopy of that parent's signed passport or identity card. You should also check ahead of time what you are and are not allowed to bring into Canada. You can find a helpful list of restrictions here .

That's it, you're on your way! If you booked with our team you're in for a seamless, awe-inspiring journey.

1. Luxury Lodges & Resorts of the Canadian Rockies

On this week-long luxury road trip , experience some of the best sights in Alberta and stay at Canada's 'Castle in the Rockies,' the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, Moraine Lake Lodge, Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge & Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Enjoy guided activities with local experts, observe wildlife in their natural habitat (black bears, elk and coyotes to name a few!) and experience one-of-a-kind outdoor activities like a helicopter tour of the Columbia Icefields.

• DAY 1 Calgary to Banff | 115 km/72 mi
• DAY 2 Banff | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 4 Excursions
• Option 1. Banff Gondola
• Option 2. Lake Minnewanka Cruise
• Option 3. River Explorer Canoe Tour
• Option 4. Bow River Horseback Adventure
• DAY 3 Banff to Moraine Lake | 78 km/49 mi
• DAY 4 Moraine Lake to Jasper | 237 km/148 mi
• Ice Explorer Ride onto the Athabasca Glacier + Glacier Skywalk
• DAY 5 Jasper | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 3 Excursions
• Option 1. Maligne Lake Cruise
• Option 2. Jasper River Float
• Option 3. Jasper Nature Walk
• DAY 6 Jasper to Lake Louise | 208 km/1129 mi
• Columbia Icefields 55 min Heli-tour
• DAY 7 Lake Louise to Calgary | 177 km/110 mi

2. Jurassic Adventure Southern Alberta

Discover the remarkable terrain of the Canadian Badlands and the Rockies on this 9-night Southern Alberta road trip . Dig for dinosaur bones, explore Cypress Hills Provincial Park, Waterton Lakes National Park and Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Plus, take your choice of tours in Banff from sightseeing on the Banff Gondola, cruising Lake Minnewanka, paddling rivers by canoe or exploring the Bow River by horseback. This is the perfect hands-on itinerary in Alberta's most beautiful and historical regions.

• DAY 1 Arrive in Calgary
• DAY 2 Calgary to Banff | 115 km/72 mi
• DAY 3 Banff | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 4 Excursions
• DAY 4 Banff to Drumheller | 251 km/156 mi
• DAY 5 Drumheller to Dinosaur Provincial Park to Cypress Hills Provincial Park (336km/208 mi)
• DAY 6 Cypress Hills Provincial Park Exploring
• DAY 7 Cypress Hills Provincial Park to Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park to Lethbridge | 297 km/185 mi
• DAY 8 Lethbridge to Waterton Lakes National Park | 119 km/74 mi
• DAY 9 Waterton Lakes National Park Exploring
• DAY 10 Waterton Lakes National Park to Calgary | 290 km/180 mi

3. Wineries & Spectacular Rockies Lodges

Spoil your senses on this 7-day luxury Western Canada road trip . Travel through the sun-kissed hills and valleys of the Okanagan where lakes, orchards, food and wineries await, then continue to the Canadian Rocky Mountains to stay in remote luxury Lodges in stunning wilderness. Your journey begins with a 2 night stay at Sparkling Hill Resort & Spa, and in the Rockies you'll stay in luxury boutique lodges located on the shores of pristine lakes and surrounded by majestic peaks.

• DAY 1 Vancouver to Vernon
• DAY 2 Okanagan Region | Wine Tour
• DAY 3 Vernon to Emerald Lake
• DAY 4 Emerald Lake to Moraine Lake
• DAY 5 Moraine Lake to Banff | Ice Explorer + Skywalk
• DAY 6 Banff | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 4 Excursions
• DAY 7 Banff to Calgary

4. Canadian Rockies & Vancouver Island

Explore the very best of Alberta and British Columbia on a Western Canada road trip between Calgary & Vancouver. Discover spectacular mountains, emerald lakes and charming mountain towns, then travel to Vancouver Island's rugged west coast for sensational scenery and wildlife excursions. This 12-day itinerary has been carefully created to take you through the most scenic highways in the regions, and allows you to choose your own tours in Victoria, Tofino, Jasper and Banff for a personalized experience.

• DAY 1 Vancouver to Victoria
• DAY 2 Victoria | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 3 Excursions
• Option 1. Butchart Gardens Admission
• Option 2. Eat like a Canadian Food Tour
• Option 3. Whale Watching Cruise
• DAY 3 Victoria to Tofino/Ucluelet
• DAY 4 Tofino | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 3 Excursions
• Option 1. Coastal Bear Watch Cruise
• Option 2. Whale Watching Cruise
• Option 3. Tofino Food Tour
• DAY 5 Tofino/Ucluelet to Whistler
• DAY 6 Whistler | Peak 2 Peak Gondola Ride
• DAY 7 Whistler to Sun Peaks Resort
• DAY 8 Sun Peaks Resort to Jasper
• DAY 9 Jasper | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 3 Excursions
• DAY 10 Jasper to Banff
• DAY 11 Banff | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 4 Excursions
• DAY 12 Banff to Calgary

5. Whistler and Canada's Pacific Coast

Combine Vancouver Island and Whistler on this week-long road trip in British Columbia . Ride the Peak 2 Peak Gondola in Whistler, go whale watching or bear viewing in Tofino and visit the world-famous Butchart Gardens in Victoria to immerse yourself in 50 acres of flower displays. For foodies, you'll even have a chance to treat your taste buds to a food tour in Tofino and Victoria. Whichever way you plan to make this exciting trip your own, this is the perfect itinerary to see some of British Columbia's best in limited time.

• DAY 1 Vancouver to Whistler
• DAY 2 Whistler Exploring | Peak 2 Peak Gondola
• DAY 3 Whistler to Tofino/Ucluelet
• DAY 5 Tofino/Ucluelet to Victoria
• DAY 6 Victoria | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 2 Excursions
• DAY 7 Victoria to Vancouver

6. Discover Whistler and the Canadian Rockies

Swap the west coast for the Rockies on our Discover Whistler and the Canadian Rockies road trip . This itinerary is ideal for those who want to travel at a leisurely pace, and includes the Whistler Peak 2 Peak Gondola, an Ice Explorer Ride on the Athabasca Glacier and your choice of tours in Jasper & Banff. Everything is pre-planned to include the best Canadian Rockies hotels and unique activities available. Plus, our special rates allow you to pick up your rental vehicle in Vancouver and drop of in Calgary with no one-way drop-off fees!

• DAY 2 Whistler | Peak 2 Peak Gondola Ride
• DAY 3 Whistler to Sun Peak
• DAY 4 Sun Peaks to Jasper
• DAY 6 Jasper to Banff | Ice Explorer + Skywalk
• DAY 7 Banff | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 4 Excursions
• DAY 8 Banff to Calgary

7. Road Trip Through the Canadian Rockies

Experience the classic Canadian Rockies road trip on this six-day drive through iconic alpine towns . Discover the stunning scenery of Jasper and Banff National Parks, plus enjoy your choice of one-of-a-kind activities in Banff and Jasper. Hosted by local experts, you can observe wildlife in their natural habitat (think black bears, elk, and coyotes to name a few!), cruise Maligne Lake, take the Banff Gondola up Sulphur Mountain, embark on a river float or ride on horseback along the Bow River. We've made it easy for you to design your dream trip your way, so you can simply sit back, relax and enjoy the adventure of a lifetime.

• DAY 3 Banff to Lake Louise | 62 km/38 mi
• DAY 4 Lake Louise to Jasper | Ice Explorer + Skywalk | 208 km/129 mi
• DAY 6 Jasper to Edmonton | 365 km/226 mi

8. Highlights of the Yukon

Home of the Klondike Gold Rush, Canada's tallest mountains and the world's largest non-polar ice fields, all explored on this 10-day Yukon road trip itinerary out of Whitehorse. Visit a town where the population of residents is fewer than that of the grizzlies in its national park, and feel as though you've landed in another century where steamers, casinos and Can-Can floor shows are all current. From the "Land of the Midnight Sun" to wildlife preserves and National Parks to the historic sights of Dawson City, get ready to fall in love with Canada's north.

• DAY 1 Whitehorse | Arrival
• DAY 2 Whitehorse | Yukon Wildlife Preserve
• DAY 3 Whitehorse to Hains Junction | 154 km/96 mi
• DAY 4 Kluane National Park | 250 km/155 mi
• DAY 5 Haines Junction to Tok | 467 km/290 mi
• DAY 6 Tok to Dawson City | 297 km/185 mi
• DAYS 7 – 8 Dawson City | Exploring
• DAY 9 Dawson City to Whitehorse | 532 km/333 mi
• DAY 10 Whitehorse | Departure

9. Yukon & the Dempster Highway

The Dempster Highway road trip is one of the most spectacular self drives on earth, and yet, many people have never heard of it. It’s the only road in Canada that takes you across the Arctic Circle, entering the land of the midnight sun where the sky stays bright for 24 hours a day. Explore subarctic wilderness at Tombstone National Park, witness wildlife at the Yukon Wildlife Preserve, see the world's largest non-polar icefields and discover the "Dog Mushing Capital of Alaska. " In Inuvik, we recommend the sightseeing flight to see the Arctic Ocean from above.

• DAY 7 Dawson City | Exploring
• DAY 8 Dawson City to Eagle Plains | 408 km/254 mi
• DAY 9 Eagle Plains to Inuvik | 366 km/227 mi
• DAY 10 Inuvik | Exploring
• DAY 11 Inuvik to Eagle Plains | 366 km/227 mi
• DAY 12 Eagle Plains to Dawson City | 408 km/254 mi
• DAY 13 Dawson City to Mayo | 230 km/143 mi
• DAY 14 Mayo to Whitehorse | 406 km/252 mi
• DAY 15 Whitehorse | Departure

Feeling inspired? Chat with one of our travel designers to create a custom trip that's just for you, or visit our Freedom to Explore page for trip ideas to take this summer. Prefer to simply stay in touch? Subscribe to our newsletter for up-to-date deals, trip ideas and more!

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Top 10 most beautiful landscapes in Western Canada

A Western Canada road trip promises grandiose landscapes each more spectacular than the last.

While waiting to make your travel plans a reality, let me take you to the 10 most beautiful places in this magnificent destination .

Time to discover the beautiful and great Canadian Outdoors!  

#1. Icefields Parkway

Let's start the list with the breathtaking scenery offered by the glaciers between Banff National Park and Jasper National Park .

With its crystal-clear lakes, thundering waterfalls and dizzying peaks, it's a real feast for the eyes.

The must-see stops along this 230-kilometre-long scenic route include Lake Louise, Sunwapta Falls and Bow Lake.

Take your time, bring your walking shoes and your camera, and discover all the beauty of the Icefields Parkway .

The West by RV

#2. inside passage.

Linking Washington State and Alaska, the Inside Passage waterway lets you discover islands only accessible by boat.

During your Western Canada road trip , I recommend taking the Inside Passage ferry from Port Hardy to Prince Rupert.

This 15-hour cruise is a chance to see impressive wildlife, including orcas, whales and sea lions, amidst breathtaking scenery.

It's sure to be one of the highlights of your Western Canadian trip.

#3. Maligne Lake

Located in Jasper National Park and known for the magnificent colour of its water, Maligne Lake is a must-see Western Canadian destination .  

Treat yourself to a Maligne Lake cruise and set sail to Spirit Island aboard a heated tour boat. Surrounded by mountains and glaciers, this famous island is so stunning that it's said to be the most photographed island in the world.

#4. Helmcken Falls

In the “Waterfall Park”, as Wells Grey Provincial Park is often known, discover the magic of Helmcken Falls, which is certainly the most beautiful waterfall in Western Canada .

An exceptional spot in summer and winter alike, the falls can be reached in 5 minutes for a quick visit, or a 3-hour round-trip for hikers who want to experience the Rim Trail.

#5. Pacific Rim

The very definition of diversity with its surfing spots, sea kayaking, hiking trails, heavenly beaches and local arts scent , Pacific Rim is sure to charm you with its spectacular scenery.

Take your time, hike one of the many trails that wind through the lush rainforest , before ending your day on Long Beach to watch a magnificent sunset over the Pacific Ocean. 

An open invitation for contemplation and relaxation...

#6. Okanagan Valley

The Okanagan Valley is a real haven of peace, renowned for its vineyards and fruit orchards.

In Kelowna, hike up to Knox Mountain Park for panoramic views of Okanagan Lake and the city . It's also a great place to see local wildlife including lynx and snakes.

#7. Lake Louise

I think Lake Louise belongs on every TOP 10 article in this blog, don't you? In fact, it's in our Top 10 Instagram spots in Western Canada .

This Canadian gem offers a postcard-perfect decor with its aquamarine waters and backdrop of impressive snow-capped peaks.

Hike up the mountain to immortalize magnificent views of the lake from above, flanked by the prestigious Fairmont Château Lake Louise Hotel on one side and the glacier on the other.

#8. Moraine Lake

Just 14 kilometres from Lake Louise, discover Moraine Lake, one of the most beautiful lakes in the Canadian Rockies .

Nestled the Valley of the Ten Peaks, this immense turquoise lake offers a mirror-like reflection of the surrounding mountains on a clear day. 

To make the most of this impressive landscape, plan to visit in June when the colour of the water is at its best.

#9. Peyto Lake

Take one of Western Canada's most popular hikes for stunning views of Peyto Lake.

Perfect for families or casual hikers, this easy trail leads to magnificent viewpoints such as the one in the photo above. 

The contrast between the turquoise waters, the glacier and the dark pine forest is striking.

#10. The Canadian Rockies

Stretching through the provinces of British Columbia and Alberta, the Canadian Rocky Mountain Range is home to numerous alpine lakes and a wide variety of wildlife.

What better way to enjoy all this natural beauty than a scenic helicopter flight over the Rockies ?

It's no accident that this experience is on our list of things to do in Western Canada before you die .

The most beautiful landscapes in Western Canada

Once again, it was hard to limit myself to only 10! So feel free to add to this list with any places you feel are among the most beautiful landscapes in Western Canada.

An enthusiast of both our vibrant cities & great oudoors, my life revolves around travel & adventure. It's a no brainer that I have to share the wonders & secrets of my neck of the woods with other travelling souls. Enjoy the journey!

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30 Most Charming Towns in Western Canada

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By TVR Staff October 2017

Think of Western Canada, and things like stunning natural scenery, world-class ski slopes, and maybe even a cowboy or two come to mind — but charm? We went on a search through the region to find what we could call the 30 most charming towns in Western Canada, and we think we’ve found plenty of just that.

While we found way more than 30 towns to fit our needs, we ultimately narrowed it down based on the following methodology. First, we only considered towns in the provinces of Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba — “Western Canada” as defined by Statistics Canada. Then we considered charm level. Since charm can mean all sorts of different things, we considered such characteristics as tourist draws, historic sites, heritage events, common architecture, and surrounding nature.

Black Diamond

Saskatchewan

British Columbia

Cowichan Bay

Fort Nelson

A young girl hikes the Skyline Trail, near the town of Jasper, Alberta, Canada.

Lake Louise

Peace River

Prince Rupert

Sylvan Lake

Turner Valley

Waterton Park

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Top 10 things to do and see in Western Canada

When people talk about Western Canada, the first place they usually think of is Vancouver Island and the Pacific Coast. But in British Columbia and the Rocky Mountains, you will find vast expanses of national parks and other wildernesses, underpopulated and completely unspoilt.

If you love the great outdoors and want a varied, stunningly beautiful destination where you can try all sorts of different activities, Western Canada should be top of your list. 

Tip: Check visa requirements with eTA before you travel.

Let our “Top 10” inspire your own Rocky Mountain adventure.

Drive the Trans-Canada Highway

The Trans-Canada runs 4,990 miles across the entire width of Canada, from the Atlantic to the Pacific. The dramatic western section goes from Horseshoe Bay through the Fraser Valley, crossing passes, bridges, and gorges. It’s a fantastic road trip with plenty to see, and the road links together many of the other sites on this list.

Stay on a houseboat

Ron’s houseboat

Shuswap Lake is one of the most picturesque settings in British Columbia, and you can sleep on board many of the comfortable houseboats. Typically sleeping 10, the boats are based in the marina but sail out across the lake to various spots where you can swim, sunbathe, and relax. The boats vary from basic to pretty luxurious: some even have a hot tub!

Read also: Kamloops, Shuswap and the North Okanagan, British Columbia, Canada

Summit Mt. Norquay

At 2,133 m, Mt. Norquay is by no means the highest peak in Canada, but it is easily accessible and from the summit, you’ll have breathtaking views across the Banff National Park. You can hike up to Mt. Norquay (the name of both the mountain and the ski resort on its slopes) from Banff town in a few hours or, if you aren’t feeling too energetic, take the chairlift instead.

Soak in Sulphur Hot Springs

There are naturally occurring hot springs across the Rocky Mountains: the water is heated as it forces its way up through the Sulphur Mountain Thrust Fault, and once mixed with snowmelt the water temperature is a bath-like 38°C. There are nine hot spring sites in the Banff National Park, but the most developed of these are Banff Upper Hot Springs, where you can sit in the hot pool looking out across Mt. Rundle.

Raft on the Lower Thompson River

Western Canada’s mountain rivers offer numerous possibilities for white water rafting, but one of the best sites is on the Thompson, a tributary to the much larger (and more famous) Fraser River. Here you can take a motorised rafting trip with a guide through the class 3 and 4 rapids, including rafting through a river feature known ominously as the Jaws of Death.

Camp at Lake Louise

Lake Louise is a glacier-fed jewel, sparkling in turquoise and surrounded by mountain peaks, hiking trails, and pebble beaches. Camping on the riverbank you’ll have the lapping of the water as your soundtrack, and an extraordinary canopy of stars overhead by night.

Traverse Columbia Icefield

Columbia Icefield is the largest ice field in the Rocky Mountains, crossing into both the Banff and Jasper National Parks. The glaciers here were formed some 200,000 years ago, and they are surrounded by some of the Rockies’ highest peaks. You can walk out on the Glacier Skywalk, a glass walkway suspended 280 m above the ice fields, and also ride on a purpose-built Ice Explorer, purpose-built for travelling across glaciers.

Explore Banff National Park

Black Bear Mother and Cubs feeding on grass and clover in the rain

Lonely Planet voted the Banff National Park as the world’s #1 natural site, and quite justifiably so. It’s the oldest national park in Canada and is home to grizzly and black bear, cougar and lynx, moose, big horn sheep, and golden eagle, amongst numerous other species. Come for the wildlife watching and hiking, climbing, skiing, and horse riding.

Canoe on Clearwater Lake

At Clearwater Lake you can canoe or kayak through the wilderness, and it’s here you’ll have the greatest sense of adventure. There are no signs of human development here at all, and so you can paddle at peace along the shoreline, spotting wildlife, and finding the perfect spot to pitch your tent and wild camp for the night.

Horseback ride in the Cariboo

horseback riders

In Caribou Country you’ll find Canada’s cowboys and ranches, in stark contrast to the wilderness of other areas. Experience cowboy culture first hand by horseback riding along trails through the rolling hills from ranch to ranch. Saddle up, cowboy, and get ready to discover Canada!

Best time to go: The best time to visit British Columbia and the Rocky Mountains is in summer, from May to September. There’s still snow on the mountain tops and glaciers, but it’s warm enough for hiking and camping in the great outdoors.

Getting there: Air Transat is a budget Canadian airline with direct flights from London Gatwick to Vancouver from £415 return.

About Visa requirements – eTA

UK passport holders must arrange an eTA application for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before travelling to Canada. A visa is valid for five years and there is no limit to the number of times you travel there. To check if you need a visa visit The online eTA Canada

You may also like: 24 hours in Vancouver, Canada

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10 things to do in Western Canada on your 2024 vacation

Western Canada, more commonly referred to as the West, is home to the Canadian provinces Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. These rugged, culturally diverse provinces are full of adventures, outdoor amazements, fantastic ski opportunities, and many other attractions to experience during your vacation in Canada.

10 things to do in Western Canada

If you're thinking of visiting Western Canada this year, here are some of the sights and cities you won't want to miss.

1. Vacation in Canmore, Alberta

Located in Alberta's Rocky Mountains, Canmore is known for its stunning nature features, including waterfalls and lakes, and plenty of places to ski, fish, and even rock climb. If outdoor adventures aren't your style, check out the shops, restaurants, and art galleries in downtown Canmore— you'll be surrounded by mountain views while supporting locally-owned businesses or visiting a welcoming pub. If you want to visit Western Canada's national parks , Canmore is a great base camp.

2. Explore Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada

While you're in Alberta, don't miss Banff National Park! Though the park is known for its skiing, there's plenty more that brings three million visitors to the park every year— to take in the gorgeous scenery, walk, cycle or drive past lakes and glaciers, bighorn sheep and bears.

3. Check out Rocky Mountain House National Historic Site in Alberta

Rocky Mountain House National Historic Site provides historical insight with archaeological remains of forts, period costumes, and exhibits informing about the fur trade that helped shape Canada. Whether you're hiking, watching bison herd, or sitting around the fire with a First Nations drummer, this southwestern Canadian vacation is one you won't forget.

TIP: Stay in a home exchange close to the historic site, like Annette's home that boasts a wood-fired pizza oven and steam sauna!

4. Drive along British Columbia's Sea-to-Sky Highway

The scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway Route links Whistler with Vancouver, and the drive can be done in a leisurely weekend, with 163 kilometers of driving (101 miles). The spectacular views will ensure your drive is never boring, and there are plenty of places along the way to stop for anything from scuba diving to a history lesson on the area's local First Nations people.

TIP: Spring and fall can be the best times to visit the Sea-to-Sky Highway, as it can get extremely busy during the summer months.

5. Be a tourist in Vancouver, British Columbia

Vancouver, a vibrant seaport in British Columbia, is one of Canada's most ethnically diverse cities. The thriving city is known for its art, theater, and music scenes, and you won't run out of fun things to do in Vancouver. Museums, an aquarium, beautiful hikes, local markets, and live music add to the bustling culture of British Columbia. In this city, you're surrounded by mountains wherever you go, whether you choose to enjoy a hockey game or an afternoon of kayaking.

6. Enjoy a seaside lunch at Fisherman's Wharf in Victoria, British Columbia

No trip to British Columbia is complete without seal-spotting in Fisherman's Wharf, located in Victoria's Inner Harbour. Grab fresh seafood off a boat, read a book in the park while your kids play, and purchase a souvenir from one of the wharf's unique shops. On a sunny day, a leisurely stroll, kayaking adventure, seafood lunch, and watching seals play is one of the best ways to spend your time in Victoria.

7. See the northern lights in Churchill, Manitoba

Manitoba, the Western Canada province furthest east, is an outdoor adventurer's dream destination. More than 80 provincial parks provide access to excellent hiking, snowmobiling, biking, canoeing, and fishing. The northern lights can be seen from Churchill, Manitoba up to 300 nights a year. This winter adventure is something you absolutely need to cross off your bucket list, and you'll have front seats to the show of a lifetime in Manitoba.

TIP: In Churchill, Manitoba, the peak viewing time for witnessing the Aurora Borealis is between February and March.

8. Enjoy a family-friendly outdoor vacation in Manitoba

Manitoba is packed with opportunities for families with kids, providing fun and affordable activities that everyone can enjoy. Spend an afternoon at a museum , spot beluga whales and polar bears, try a dog sledding adventure , or ice fish on one of the province's many lakes and rivers. A road trip to Manitoba is sure to be one that will make wonderful memories for the entire family.

9. Explore Prince Albert National Park in Saskatchewan, Canada

For fans of Canada's national parks , Prince Albert National Park is sure to impress. It's beautiful in any season: birdwatch and walk the trails in the spring, spend summer in the beach town Waskesiu, stargaze and horseback ride in the fall, or cross-country ski during the winter. There's no bad time of year to visit this stunning park.

10. Tour Canada's only Medieval-style castle in Saskatchewan

Take a guided tour of Stone Hall Castle in Regina, Saskatchewan, and be transported back centuries to a very different time and place. This refurbished castle brings a medieval European experience to Saskatchewan, with original 17th century oil paintings and stunning architecture.

TIP: While you're in Regina, stop by Bushwakker Brewpub , and try some seasonal housemade brews crafted with pride.

Where to stay in Western Canada

Looking for accommodations for your vacation in Western Canada? HomeExchange has more than 1,000 homes in Western Canada, offering affordable stays with all the comforts of home. Spend a week at a luxury condo in the Canadian Rockies, or a long weekend in an oceanfront cottage in British Columbia during your Western Canadian vacation.

Check out these 10 beautiful home exchanges in Western Canada available in 2024.

1. Luxury condo in the heart of the Canadian Rocky Mountains

2. Warm, welcoming Calgary gem close to Banff

3. Cozy red cabin surrounded by nature in Alberta, Canada

4. Cozy family home in Calgary - 45 min to Rocky Mountains

5. Oceanfront cottage on Saturna Island, British Columbia

6. Beautiful Condo by the Sea in Oak Bay

7. Penthouse with water and mountain views in Vancouver

8. Outdoorsy, cozy haven in Langenburg, Saskatchewan

9. Lakefront vacation home on Lake Winnipeg in Manitoba

10. Private luxury cottage on Shoal Lake, Manitoba

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Western Canada for Families

A fabulous mixture of coast and mountains, this is the classic self-drive itinerary through western Canada. There’s plenty of stunning scenery and enough outdoor activities and wildlife to keep all ages happy.

From the cosmopolitan city of Vancouver, head to Vancouver Island and enjoy plenty of wildlife and water-based action at Ucluelet or Tofino. Then back to the mainland for a magnificent drive through the Rockies, enjoying the jaw-dropping scenery of Jasper, Banff, Lake Louise and the Icefields Parkway along the way.

15 days from £3,000 pp

Plus international flights from £700

Western Canada for Families day-to-day itinerary

Vancouver is regularly voted the best place to live in Canada and is one of the world’s most beautiful cities. It is set in a stunning natural location, nestled between the deep blue waters of the Pacific Ocean and the snow-capped Rocky Mountains.

Dining options are endless. With a strong Asian influence, your family will be in noodle heaven – or introduce the kids to sushi pizza perhaps….

Day 2 Vancouver After your first breakfast (peameal bacon and maple syrup on bagels anyone?!), you have a full day to explore this family-friendly city.

In the morning, take a self-guided cycling tour. From the financial towers of downtown Vancouver to the towering cedar trees of Stanley Park, the views are constantly changing. Cycle past Third Beach to the famous totem poles at Brockton Point, keeping an eye out for beavers and raccoons along the way.

Later you can stroll through historic Gastown with its quaint cobbled streets and vintage lampposts. The kids will love watching the steam clock whistling and shooting steam, Canada’s answer to Big Ben. Grab a bite to eat at the Granville Island Public Market and let the children go wild in the nearby Kids’ Market with its kite-covered ceiling.

In the afternoon you can take the cable car to the top of the alpine resort of Grouse Mountain or, if you are looking for more of an adrenalin kick, then head to the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. Here you can walk over the famous suspension bridge, which spans 137 metres over the thundering Capilano River.

Day 3 Vancouver Island – Ucluelet This morning, hop on the ferry to Vancouver Island. An incredible road trip awaits you as you drive across the island, through some of the country’s most gorgeous scenery. First stop is MacMillan Provincial Park, home to Giant Red Cedars and an ancient collection of massive Douglas fir trees. Some of these are nearly 9 metres in circumference (giving tree-hugging a new meaning…). From here, a spectacular winding road leads you to the Pacific Coast.

Your base is Ucluelet, commonly known as ‘Ukee’. This is the gateway to the magnificent Pacific Rim National Park, a huge area of ancient coastal rainforest and wind-swept sandy beaches. This is a natural outdoor playground with an incredible array of activities as well as superb wildlife viewings (bears and whales being the big draw cards).

Day 4 Ucluelet After breakfast, head out into Barkley Sound on a small boat excursion to search for whales. Accompanied by a specialist naturalist, you enjoy spectacular views of the coast as you cruise to the common feeding areas. With a bit of luck you should have excellent sightings of grey and humpback whales and may even see killer whales. The kids will be mesmerised as these vast mammals breach, spout, feed and ‘spy-hop’. It’s also common to see sea lions, sea otters, seals and eagles so keep your eyes peeled at all times!

The afternoon is free to explore by yourselves. Perhaps head to Long Beach to hit the surf or take a hike along the 9km Wild Pacific trail, following winding boardwalks through the dense forest to emerge at dramatically beautiful viewpoints.

Day 5 Ucluelet This morning it’s time for a sea kayaking expedition. Younger children will enjoy a slightly shorter route within Ucluelet harbour whereas those with older children can head out into Barkley Sound. Kayak past giant kelp beds, craggy rock formations and wildlife colonies where you might spot black bears, sea lions or whales.

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Day 6 Harrison Hot Springs Head back across the island to the charming town of Nanaimo where you can try some of their famous Nanaimo Bars (only for the sweet toothed families out there!). From here you will board the ferry for the scenic ride to Horseshoe Bay. Your journey along the Trans-Canada Highway towards the Rockies begins!

Tonight you will stop in the holiday resort of Harrison Hot Springs. This is located at the foot of Harrison Lake and surrounded by mountains. Stretch your legs with a walk along the beach or explore the hot mineral springs which give the town its name.

Day 7 Clearwater After breakfast drive to Clearwater, the gateway to the fabulous scenery of Wells Gray Provincial Park. This is full of old-growth forest, pioneer homesteads, volcanoes, canyons and spectacular waterfalls. Helmcken Falls are the most famous; at 142m high, this is the fourth tallest in Canada. There are numerous trails through the park offering superb views of the waterfalls and mountains beyond. The park is also home to one of North America’s largest concentrations of black bears during early summer – so keep your eyes open for great wildlife spotting!

Day 8 Jasper Another spectacular journey today as you head to Jasper with the Columbia and Monashee Mountains to your right and the towering peak of Mount Robson (the highest in the Canadian Rockies, at 3,954m) to your left.

You will stop en route for a boat safari along the Blue River, through Grizzly Bear Valley. The scenery here is extraordinarily dramatic, with glaciers descending down from snow-capped peaks, but the real draw is the abundance of wildlife. Black bears, grizzly bears and moose are frequently seen in the area, coming down to drink in the river or ambling through the woods.

Day 9 Jasper A full day to explore Jasper, a picturesque alpine town surrounded by aquamarine lakes, snowy peaks and glaciers. Perhaps take the SkyTram to the top of Whistlers Mountain and walk the Summit Trail. This takes you to the 2,463m peak, from where you can see Mount Robson. Alternatively you might want to head out into Jasper National Park either on bike or foot. With nearly 1,000km of well-marked trails, independent hiking is easily manageable; we like the route to Maligne Canyon.

The kids might also like a morning spent at Lac Beauvert of Lake Edith where you can hire a SUP or kayak and head out onto the lake.

Day 10 Jasper An exciting morning awaits with a white-water rafting excursion in Jasper National Park. There are two different rivers where this can be arranged; one is more challenging, with wilder water that offers a good dose of adrenalin for those with older children. There is also a more gentle option, where the grade 2 rapids are interspersed with a more serene section where you can soak up the  breath-taking Rocky Mountain scenery.

Day 11 Icefields Parkway – Lake Louise Your drive today takes you along the Icefields Parkway, undoubtedly one of the most beautiful roads in the world. Linking Lake Louise with Jasper, the route winds along the Continental Divide through a bewilderingly beautiful panorama of snowy mountains, vast forested valleys and huge icefields.

Stop en route at the Colombia Icefields where you will head out in an all-terrain vehicle onto Athabasca Glacier. Situated between towering peaks, the glacier is vast – the guides will tell you that the ice in the centre of the glacier is as deep as the Eiffel Tower is high!

You will also walk out onto the new Glacier Skywalk. Here the self-guided audio tour will teach you all about the glaciers (and the challenges posed by global warming) before you walk out onto a glass-floored platform that dangles over the edge of the Sunwapta Canyon. Vertigo aside, the views up and down the valley are extraordinary.

End the day in the Lake Louise area, in Banff National Park. This is Canada’s oldest park and one of the world’s greatest natural outdoor playgrounds. There are 6,641 km² of snowy mountains, glaciers, waterfalls, dense forests and aquamarine lakes.

Day 12 Lake Louise & Surrounds The startlingly turquoise waters of Lake Louise have bewitched visitors for more than 100 years. Nestled beneath the mountains, with glacier topped Mount Victoria providing a majestic backdrop, this is one of the most famous landscapes in the Canadian Rockies.

There are a multitude of activities to choose from. You can explore on foot, in which case there are easy options around the lakeshore, or more challenging hikes up into the mountains for stunning views. Alternatively hire a canoe and head out onto the lake itself.

If you want to travel a little further afield, it’s worth visiting the pretty town of Golden. Here you can hop on the chairlift up to the Kicking Horse Grizzly Bear Refuge, the largest protected grizzly bear habitat in the world. You can also visit the Northern Lights Wolf Centre, where you can view wolves in their natural environment.

Or perhaps head west for a short distance and pop across the border back into BC to Yoho National Park. More scenic highlights await here, most notably the sparkling green waters of Emerald Lake which reflect the surrounding snow-capped peaks.

Day 13 Banff Head to Banff, perhaps stopping to visit Moraine Lake. This is one of the most photographed spots in all of Canada, a glacially fed lake in the heart of the Valley of the Ten Peaks. This is hiking heaven; we recommend the Rockpile and Lakeshore Trail for younger families whilst keen hikers can take on the scramble to the top of the Tower of Babel.

Wildlife abounds here, with both grizzlies and black bear commonly spotted. There are also moose, elk, bison (recently re-introduced), wolf, coyote, bald eagles and those amusing marmots. Remember to be ‘bear safe’ if you bump into a grizzly – sing, dance and make a fool of yourself noisily!

End the day in the renowned alpine resort of Banff with its kitsch, chocolate-box setting. Perhaps splash out this evening with a meal at the historic landmark Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel or introduce the kids to the joys of hot rock cooking and fondues at the Grizzly House Restaurant. Here you can prepare your own bison, buffalo and alligator steaks…

Day 14 Banff After breakfast take a ride on the Banff Gondola up to the summit of Sulphur Mountain for an incredible view of six mountain ranges. There is a short trail you can follow to maximise the views.

For the rest of your time in Banff there are masses of different activities. Choose from boat trips, float trips, e-bike rides, zip-lines and white water rafting excursions. You can also unleash your inner cowboy for a ride out into the Rockies on horseback, tackle a Via Ferrata or take to the skies on a scenic helicopter ride.

Day 15 Calgary Depending on your flight time, you may have one final day in the mountains, before heading to Calgary and your flight home.

Call us and we will be happy to provide you with a free-of-charge no obligation itinerary and quotation designed for you.

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Places to visit, stay and tour in western Canada – readers’ travel tips

Think western Canada and mountains and bears spring to mind. But our intrepid readers have also explored the region’s First Nation heritage and found great places to stay – one without a roof

Winning tip: Falling buffaloes, Alberta

Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump in south-west Alberta is a Unesco world heritage site with a fascinating history. Herds of buffalo were deliberately stampeded over the cliff’s edge here by the indigenous plains people for nearly 6,000 years. Exploring the visitor’s centre, which is built into the face of the cliff, we learned how the Blackfoot nation relied on the buffalo drive to provide food, shelter and clothing, especially over winter. The hypnotic beat of Blackfoot singing and drumming carried us back to the past. We hiked off-trail with a guide, listening to stories about the days when millions of buffalo roamed the windswept prairies. Adult £8.80, youth £6, family £23, history.alberta.ca eurohike

Vancouver Island gardens

Butchart Gardens , Victoria, are a glorious riot of colour, scents, birds, butterflies, music and choreographed fountain and firework displays. They started life as a quarry, owned by cement businessman Robert Pim Butchart, but when the limestone deposits were exhausted, his wife and company chemist, Jennie Butchart, decided to turn a scar on the landscape to a place of beauty. She began by making the quarry into a sunken garden, adding an Italian and Japanese garden soon afterwards. The gardens (one of National Geographic’s world top 10 ) have remained in the family ever since 1904, the plant collection gradually expanding. Spectacular in every season, today they are a designated National Historic Site of Canada . Autumn rates: adult £15.60, child £1.15, butchartgardens.com rja123

Ride the pipe, British Columbia

In the sleepy mountain town of Revelstoke, the new thrill is a steep, hairy monorail ride down the mountain from the top of the chair lift - you will scream all the way as it swoops and lurches 1.4km down 279 metres of vertical drops and dizzy turns over the peaceful hillside. And while you’re on it, look out for bears! 2 rides £17, revelstokemountainresort.com CateScottTraveller

Gold rush town, British Columbia

Visit Barkerville Historic Town and park to explore a gold rush town as it was in 1862 (over 107 original buildings, as well as 60 replicas). The cemetery is particularly moving for its sparseness and remoteness; a resting place to many people from lands far across the globe, memorialised by name, country and claim number. How many found their fortune in this land of plenty? It seems that at least as many lost it as found it. We camped in a nearby site and cycled into the town for a day immersed in the life of a 19th-century frontier town – the courtroom, stables, homes, Chinatown, places of worship, doctors, hotels and newspaper offices. Far off the beaten track (there is a bus from Quesnal ), but well worth a visit. Adult £8.40, youth £5, family £20, barkerville.ca allesklar21

Weird prairie museum, Alberta

Gophers are the bane of farm life on the prairies and the super-weird Gopher Hole museum in Torrington, between Edmonton and Calgary, has a multitude of these rodents posed in dioramas. So strange but incredible. gopherholemuseum.ca Arinn Westendorf

River valley paradise, British Columbia

For a sense of what the wild, free-flowing Columbia used to be like, before damming, visit the Columbia Wetlands , south of Golden, BC, and between Glacier and Yoho national parks. A good starting place is Columbia Wetlands Adventures, where you can rent a canoe or arrange a guided tour on a small boat. Great scenery and birding, and if you go in the evening, a good chance to see busy beavers along the shoreline. Kayak from £23, cataraft tour from £40 adult, £15 child, wetlandsadventures.com JWilsoninVictoria

Sunshine Coast camping, British Columbia

Saltery Bay is among the loveliest of BC provincial parks. Its campground is covered in a carpet of moss, making for a comfortable night’s sleep. Near the site you can see fantastic marine life in the clear tidal pools. The campground is 1km north of Saltery Bay ferry terminal and 27km south of Powell River, which is home to the Townsite Brewery , the creator of the amber Suncoast ale. Saltery Bay and Powell River are great stops on a road trip up the Sunshine Coast and onwards to Vancouver Island and also great jumping-off points for an adventure into Desolation Sound or the 57km Powell Forest Canoe Route . env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks Jessica Gagné

Remote mountain huts, British Columbia

At the Mount Assiniboine provincial park there are relatively cheap mountain huts, with well-appointed kitchens, or visitors can splash out for a stay in Assiniboine Lodge (built in 1928, the first backcountry ski lodge in the Canadian Rockies). Enjoy wondrous lakes, passes, and some of the highest peaks in the Rockies, with the added spice of grizzly bears (some of the trails are closed off in late summer to “reduce human-grizzly conflicts”). Access is by helicopter (£90pp) from Canmore or dirt track and a 27km hike via Bryant Creek. Naiset and Hind huts £15pppn, assiniboinelodge.com janehardman01

Unique B&B, Okanagan valley

God’s Mountain in BC’s Okanagan valley is an unusual, small B&B, run by an English woman and (when we were there) staffed by interesting people from all over the world. It’s in a vineyard above a lake, with deer roaming the slopes below at sunset. It has a roofless room with a four-poster bed and curtains, but the rest of the room, including the bathroom, is open to the sky. It’s an amazing and peaceful place to stay. The valley itself has great cycle paths through the many tourist-friendly wineries and it’s only a day (or two if you stop somewhere on the way) from Vancouver. Doubles for two nights from £119 B&B, godsmountain.com Ian2

Surely a great cafe, Vancouver Island

In the middle of nowhere on the road from Victoria to Port Renfrew is Shirley Delicious , a tiny inconspicuous cafe, which draws queues for its superb coffee, fresh bakes and exciting fresh food. The real treat is Phil the manager, who makes everyone feel like a VIP. On Facebook charlyd

Beastly badlands, Alberta

Dinosaur provincial park in Alberta is a Unesco world heritage site three hours’ drive south-east of Calgary. It is absolutely otherworldy with the most fascinating topography. The two-hour bus tour we took around the site, guided by a paleontologist, was essential to our understanding of the area and we learned how to find fossils (which of course must not be disturbed) on our own. We “comfort camped” in fabulously luxurious and well-equipped tents right on the Red Deer river. A fabulous experience and off the beaten tourist track. Campground pitches from £17pn, albertaparks.ca droflets

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The best hiking in Western Canada

From a barefoot walk along Canada’s only Salt Plains, a stroll along a beautiful Indigenous art trail, an epic multi-day hike or a tour of a world-famous lake, there's a hike for you in Alberta and BC.

British Columbia

West Coast Trail

Pacific Rim National Park Reserve Length: 75km Time: 6 - 8 days Level of difficulty: Difficult. Best for serious hikers! You need to be experienced in overnight backpacking and able to go long distances in difficult conditions with a full pack.

Step by step, make memories which will last a lifetime on the epic West Coast Trail, a six to eight-day adventure through rugged terrain with often rainy, wet conditions across 75km. This endurance trial is made magical by spotting eagles wheeling overhead, whales and sea lions in the ocean and dozens of waterfalls and hidden lighthouses, while navigating vast old growth forest by the crashing seashore. If you’re intimidated by the full experience, you can join mid-point at Nitinaht Narrows, only accessible by water.

First Footsteps Trail

Mount Revelstoke National Park Length: 750m. Drive the Meadows in the Sky Parkway to the summit and then either hike the 2km to the top, or take the free shuttle. Time: 30 minutes Level of difficulty: Easy

Take the First Footsteps Trail for a 30-minute round-trip into the world of the Secwepemc, Ktunaxa and Okanagan First Nations through the mediums of sculpture and art dotted through subalpine meadows. Learn more about the Indigenous Peoples of this region during a mountaintop art walk with plenty of incredible views along the way over the mountains and winding river below, and the “icebox”, a cleft in the rocks which always has snow inside!

Mount Revelstoke National Park Length: 750m. Drive the Meadows in the Sky Parkway to the summit and then either hike the 2km to the top, or take the free shuttle. Time: 30 minutes Level of difficulty: Easy.

Hermit Trail

Glacier National Park Length: 3.2km (one-way) Time: 2-3 hours, uphill. This day-long hike will take around 5-6 hours as a round trip, and has the reputation of being the steepest to tackle in a park famous for its steep trails. Level of difficulty: Difficult

Think you’ve got what it takes to tackle the Hermit Trail? This uphill hike through towering old growth subalpine forest gains some 819m in elevation over just 3.2km, proving a serious workout for your legs. But the views when you get there are more than worth it offering a panoramic display over the ice fields, surrounded by Mount Tupper, Hermit Mountain, Mount Rogers and Swiss Peak.

Emerald Lake Trail

Yoho National Park Length: 5.2km Time: 2 hours Level of difficulty: Easy

Discover the wonder of the Rocky Mountains on the Emerald Lake Trail, an easy hike which hugs the lakeshore of one the park’s most popular attractions. See the difference in terrain and watch as the moist Columbian forest of cedar and hemlock on the east side gives way to the sunny Engelmann spruce and Lodgepole pine of the Rocky Mountain forest in the west.

Kindersley-Sinclair Trail

Kootenay National Park Length: 17.5km Time: 6 hours Level of difficulty: Moderate. Suited for people who can happily hike over some rocky ground and slopes.

Make it a day hike on the top rated loop in the park, the Kindersley-Sinclair Trail. This loop rises 1055m in elevation over 17.5km of forested trail with rocky ridges and avalanche slopes. Make sure you stay on the trail to avoid bushwhacking and scrambling up and down gullies, and be Bear Aware as this is grizzly territory. Throughout summer you’ll see carpets of wild flowers in the meadows and along the way you’ll see what some call the ‘Matterhorn of the Canadian Rockies’ Mount Assiniboine.

Princess Margaret Perimeter Trail

Gulf Islands National Park Reserve Length: 6.5km Time: 3 hours Level of difficulty: Moderate. Best for older kids who might enjoy combining a kayak trip with a hike.

Combine a hike with a boat or kayak trip on the Princess Margaret Perimeter Trail on Portland Island, which is just off the southern tip of Salt Spring Island. Once you’ve moored your boat or kayak, head out and explore the whole island along the shoreline trail which offers up dazzling views of the softly sloping hills and sparkling waters of the Southern Gulf Islands. Look out for seals, sea lions, porpoises and orcas splashing in the waves.

Sulphur Skyline Trail

Jasper National Park Length: 8km (return) Time: 4 - 6 hours Level of difficulty: Difficult. Best for teens and fit adults who can handle a steep climb.

The name may not be sweet, but the views certainly are on the Sulphur Skyline Trail! You’ll catch some of the most awe-inspiring panoramas that Jasper has to offer, but you’ll definitely need to work for them. The 8km trail rises 700m in a thigh-trembling 4-6 hours round trip. But once you reach that summit and see the park spread before you and the mountains rising above you, it will be so worth it. Pro tip: head to the nearby Miette Hot Springs for a soak to relax those limbs after this muscle-pounding hike!

Lake Louise Lakeshore Trail

Banff National Park Length: 2km (one-way) Time: 1 hour Level of difficulty: Easy. Bring a stroller, the toddlers, wheel your chair or just take a stroll on this all-abilities route.

Come and see one of the shining natural jewels in Canada’s crown on the Lake Louise Lakeshore Trail. Lake Louise is one of the most recognizable lakes in the world, and you can take a trip to see the milky creek at the end which gives this famous water its incredible colour.

Banff National Park Length: 2km (one-way) Time: 1 hours Level of difficulty: Easy. Bring a stroller, the toddlers, wheel your chair or just take a stroll on this all-abilities route.

Beaver Pond Trail

Elk Island National Park Length: 3.5km Time: 1 - 2 hours Level of difficulty: Easy

See conservation in action when you explore the Beaver Pond Trail. The fur trade had completely wiped out beavers from this region by the mid-1800s, but Parks Canada staff successfully re-introduced them in the 1940s and now you’ll see them thriving! Follow the trail through open aspen forest and sedge meadows to see another great conservation success story; the plains bison grazing.

Salt Plains Access Trail

Wood Buffalo National Park Length: 350m (one-way). Once you reach the end of the access trail, there is no official trail into the Salt Plains but you are free to walk out onto the landscape. Time: 10 minutes Level of difficulty: Moderate. Best for science and history-loving hikers of all ages.

Sure you can hike alone or with friends and family, but when you’re in such a fascinating spot as the Salt Plains—the only ones of their kind in Canada–it’s fun to explore in the company of a knowledgeable guide so you can appreciate the wonders of Wood Buffalo. Hike out onto the remains of a prehistoric sea; taste a few crystals of salt; slip off your socks and shoes and go barefoot in the clay and hear an expert interpretation of the rare ground you’re walking on.

Related links

• Travel itineraries in Western Canada
• Staff favourites in Western Canada
• Know before you go: Banff National Park
• Know before you go: Jasper National Park

Protect Your Trip »

Best places to visit in canada for 2023-2024.

From the cosmopolitan streets of Toronto to the snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies, our neighbor to the north features a diverse set of vacation destinations that are beautiful year-round. Deciding which one is perfect for your next getaway can be difficult. That's why U.S. News considered several factors, such as affordability, entertainment options and diversity of hotels and resorts, as well as user votes and expert opinions, to compile this list of the best places to visit in Canada. Vote for your favorite spot below to have a say in next year's list.

Jasper National Park

Vancouver, canada, niagara falls, quebec city, prince edward island, gros morne national park, victoria & vancouver island, cape breton highlands national park, mont-tremblant, okanagan valley.

Nestled amid the foothills of the Canadian Rockies, this tiny mountain town in Alberta appeals to both nature enthusiasts and luxury seekers. Visitors can spend their days skiing or hiking in Banff National Park (one of Canada's most beautiful national parks and home of the glacier-fed Moraine Lake) and floating down the Bow River on a canoe before retiring to one of the area's several opulent hotels for some spa therapy. Then, for incredible views of the Rockies, take a ride on the Banff Gondola. Meanwhile, daytrips to popular attractions like the Columbia Icefield, Yoho National Park and Lake Louise cannot be left off of your itinerary.

As the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies, Jasper is ripe for exploration. When you're not hiking through Maligne Canyon, whitewater rafting down the Athabasca River or snapping photos of Spirit Island, you can enjoy a bird's-eye view of the picture-perfect scenery from the Jasper SkyTram. Or, take in the beauty of Jasper National Park while driving along the Icefields Parkway. Keep your eyes peeled for the 53 species of mammals that call this Alberta park home, including black bears, elk and bighorn sheep.

A trip to this British Columbia city, which sits approximately 145 miles north of Seattle, is all about embracing the outdoors. Vancouverites spend their days skiing on Grouse Mountain, swimming at Kitsilano Beach and strolling through the sprawling Stanley Park. Plus, Vancouver offers plenty of cultural attractions, including museums, art galleries and outdoor markets (a tour of Granville Island is a must-do). If you're not afraid of heights, walk across the Capilano Suspension Bridge, which is positioned 230 feet above the Capilano River.

Travel to this iconic destination in southeastern Ontario to see and capture photos of its namesake world-famous tourist attraction . View Niagara Falls from above during a helicopter tour, or see them up close on the Maid of the Mist boat tour. Or, for a unique perspective, admire the thunderous falls from behind with the self-guided Journey Behind the Falls experience. After you've taken in the splendor, check out the area's other top attractions, such as the Niagara Glen Nature Centre, which offers a variety of hiking trails. When you've had your fill of nature, head to nearby wineries or test Lady Luck at the casinos.

Referred to as the "small city with a big backyard," Whitehorse – the capital of Canada's Yukon territory – shines with all of its outdoor activities. Explore Miles Canyon, which is accessible from Whitehorse on foot (a nearly 10-mile loop trail connects the city directly to this natural wonder). After, head north to the Yukon Wildlife Preserve, where you'll find all kinds of animals, including arctic foxes, elk, muskox and bison. Even though this region gets notoriously cold, you might want to time your visit around the first couple of weeks of winter for a chance to witness the northern lights.

A trip to Europe may not be in your budget, but a visit to Québec City could be. This Canadian city charms visitors with its picturesque centuries-old buildings that make up Old Québec – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Meanwhile, the aromas of freshly baked bread and brewing espresso fill the cobblestone streets of the Quartier Petit-Champlain with the essence of Paris. Once you've gotten your fill of the city, take a trip to Montmorency Falls Park to marvel at its 272-foot-tall waterfall. Plan your visit for winter when the city comes alive with twinkling lights, festivals and cold-weather activities – just remember to pack your down jacket .

Take adventure travel up a notch with a visit to Whistler. In winter, this resort town in British Columbia (about 75 miles north of Vancouver) boasts everything from cross-country skiing and snowboarding to bobsled rides and bungee jumping. Travelers can spend their downtime in Whistler Village enjoying the après-ski scene, perusing locally owned shops or strolling through Whistler Olympic Plaza. Meanwhile, visitors in town when the weather is warmer can go hiking, fishing, horseback riding, kayaking and more. Plus, summer travelers will love exploring Brandywine Falls Provincial Park, home to the 230-foot-tall waterfall from which the park gets its name.

Home to rolling green hills, sandy beaches, red sandstone cliffs and a delicious bounty of seafood (this is where PEI mussels come from, after all), Prince Edward Island is the place to travel for a relaxing respite from Canada's more adventure-driven destinations. When you're not hiking the trails at Prince Edward Island National Park, perfect your swing at one of the island's golf courses or visit the Green Gables Heritage Place, where the 1908 novel, "Anne of Green Gables" was inspired. And be sure to keep an eye out for PEI's seal population (four kinds call the island home either full or part time).

This UNESCO World Heritage Site encompasses nearly 700 square miles of land on Newfoundland's west coast. Its top activity is undoubtedly hiking through the Tablelands. Here, you'll traverse exposed earth mantle, a rust-colored landscape that was created millions of years ago by a collision of tectonic plates. Also save time for a boat ride on Western Brook Pond, which is a glacier-carved, landlocked fjord that features cascading waterfalls measuring 2,000 feet. After getting a taste of nature, learn about the region's history at the Lobster Cove Head Lighthouse.

Montréal is a city of juxtaposition: Skyscrapers rub elbows with Old Montréal's 17th-century architecture while the familiar sounds of English intermingle with the foreign buzz of French – the official language of Québec province. Visit Old Montréal to get a taste of Europe (think: beautiful architecture and cobblestone streets), including its own Notre-Dame Basilica, a grand Gothic Revival-style church that offers self-guided tours along with an evening sound and light show. Then head to modern attractions, such as the Montréal Museum of Fine Arts. Meanwhile, if you're visiting during the warmer months, don't miss out on the Montréal Botanical Garden and the scenic Mount Royal Park.

While Montréal and Québec City honor Canada's French roots, Victoria pays tribute to the country's British heritage. Many pay a visit to Victoria, British Columbia's capital city, for afternoon tea, a tour of the beautiful Parliament Buildings or a history lesson at the Royal BC Museum. Others are interested in visiting Vancouver Island's wineries to sample local vinos. Meanwhile, animal lovers enjoy the abundance of marine wildlife that call the waters surrounding Victoria home. In fact, there are nearly 80 orca whales in Victoria's waters. What's more, since Victoria is one of the most sustainable urban destinations in North America, visitors can feel good about the impact of their trip.   

"Big" doesn't even begin to describe this Ontario city. With cultural pockets like Greektown, Little India and Koreatown all within city limits, Toronto has the ability to transport visitors around the globe. Take it all in with a ride up the 1,815-foot-tall CN Tower, or enjoy a quintessentially Canadian experience at the Hockey Hall of Fame. Then, head to the St. Lawrence Market to sample gourmet goodies before checking out the nearby Harbourfront Centre. And if the weather is right, plan a visit to the Toronto Islands, where you can relax on the beach, go kayaking or enjoy an afternoon bike ride.

The star of this national park on Nova Scotia's Cape Breton Island is the world-famous Cabot Trail – one-third of which runs through the park. As you drive the winding highway, which is considered one of the world's most scenic drives, you'll pass forested river canyons, rural fishing villages and plenty of lookout points for admiring Nova Scotia's serene landscape. Prefer to explore the park on your own two feet? There are 26 hiking trails to choose from, as well as opportunities for kayaking, mountain climbing, camping and more.

Located a little more than 80 miles northwest of Montréal in Québec's Laurentian Mountains, Mont-Tremblant is best known for its skiing, specifically Mont Tremblant Ski Resort, which occupies the highest peak in the mountain range. But warm-weather visitors are equally enchanted by its Parc national du Mont-Tremblant, which boasts six rivers and 400 lakes and streams, not to mention countless hiking trails and beaches. Water sports, fishing and mountain biking are all popular here thanks to the area's diverse landscape.

Stretching across more than 150 miles, the Okanagan Valley is home to 86% of British Columbia's vineyard acreage and features more than 200 world-class wineries. There are also a variety of subregions in the valley, each promising its own unique experiences and grape varietals. If you are looking to combine wine tasting with outdoor pursuits, visit the Naramata Bench. This area is packed with wineries and offers everything from kayaking to mountain biking. No matter which area you visit, you'll enjoy spectacular views that rival those of the world's best wine regions .

Vote to Add these Destinations to the Rankings

Kluane National Park and Reserve

Saint John, New Brunswick

You May Be Interested In

Best Places to Visit in the USA for 2023

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