Calgary is the natural base for those exploring Western Canada and the Canadian Rockies. But beyond the region's famed western flair and spectacular natural beauty, Calgary is emerging as a popular urban destination for its own sake – thanks in part to a young, educated population of over one million. The eco-friendly city is home to world-class attractions and festivals, and a culture of hospitality that welcomes visitors from all backgrounds. The Calgary Stampede, which draws a million visitors a year, is just one of many outstanding attractions. The region offers a striking variety of natural landscapes within easy day-tripping distance: Banff and Kananaskis are less than 90 minutes by bus, while the famed badlands and dinosaur beds of Drumheller are less than two hours away.
Lake Louise town is situated in Alberta in Canada, within the extraordinary Banff National Park and the Rocky Mountains. The lake's hamlet was named after Princess Louise Caroline Alberta, the fourth daughter of Queen Victoria, and is famous for its turquoise appearance, the Victoria Glacier, the soaring mountain backdrop, and enormous surrounding ski resorts. Hikers can enjoy a trek up to Lake Agnes Tea House for stunning panoramic views, rent canoes, or skate on the lake’s icy surface in winter. Other highlights include the Lake Louise Gondola, a cable car that crawls up the Whitehorn Mountain via an open ski lift or enclosed gondola, providing a better chance of spotting the area’s local grizzly bears. Several other viewpoints offer more magnificent spots to take in the sights.
Nestled high in the Canadian Rockies, the resort town of Banff is the largest in the Banff National Park and is known for its breathtaking scenery, artsy and cosmopolitan atmosphere, and opportunities for skiing and outdoor activities. Three sublime ski areas are easily accessible from here, and the area famously boasts ‘Canada’s Best Snow’ making skiing, snowboarding, and all other snowsports a dream. The awe-inspiring Lake Louise and forested hillsides make for wonderful exploration in summer, with a massive network of excellent trails well suited to hiking, biking, and horse riding. Delve into the area’s unique heritage by visiting sites such as the Cave and Basin National Historic Site and the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies, or visit purely for views and culinary pursuits by bar and restaurant hopping.
Jasper, set at the heart of Canada’s Jasper National Park in the awe-inspiring Canadian Rockies, retains its timeless appeal as a peaceful, unpretentious, and friendly former railway town. The landscapes here are majestic; numerous mirror lakes, dense and varied forests, breathtaking snowy slopes. A year-round gateway to the park’s pristine setting, Jasper is the perfect place to enjoy skiing, nature photography, a paddle through crystal clear waters, hiking (over 1200 km of trails await), spotting wildlife (including grizzly bears, moose, and elk), or simply enjoying the serenity of the area. Top itinerary items include lake tours; a soak in the warm, idyllic Miette Hot Springs; and a meander along the adrenaline-inducing Glacier Skywalk, where visitors are separated from a 280-metre drop by a glass floor - among others.
Straddling the confluence of the North and South Thompson Rivers, the sunny city of Kamloops is a thriving cosmopolitan hub set in the heart of British Columbia’s Southern Interior. Rugged mountains, verdant valleys, sagebrush-covered hills and unspoilt lakes confine historic buildings, numerous shopping and dining facilities as well as ebullient festivities. Lovers of the outdoors can hike Sugarloaf Mountain, the Hoodoos, Dewdrop Range, Tranquille River, Gibraltar Rock and Kenna Cartwright Park. For a paddle on a kayak or a canoe, try the 100 lakes and streams within an hour’s drive of Kamloops. During the mild winter, traverse the snowy slopes on skis, snowshoes, ice skates, and snowmobiles. Other must-see sites include Riverside Park, Kamloops Museum and Archives, Kamloops Art Gallery, Kamloops Heritage Railway and the wineries and breweries at Thompson Valley.
Located at Canada’s southwestern border, the city of Vancouver boasts majestic mountains, sparkling ocean, rainforests and beautiful foliage in all four seasons. A vast multicultural population, endless activities, and excellent infrastructure ensure Vancouver is welcoming to all. While the city has excellent public transportation, it is a great walking city - easily accessible, clean, green and safe. Vancouver caters to almost any interest throughout the year; visitors can enjoy world-class shopping, gourmet meals, outstanding live entertainment, sporting events, theatre, outdoor adventure, a huge array of watersports, and spectacular sights and attractions. The city is also known for its easy access to Whistler, the Canadian Rockies, Victoria, and Vancouver Island. Don’t miss the opportunity to traverse the thrilling, famous Capilano Suspension Bridge and its new related activities, including palpitation-inducing cliff walks and historical tribal sites.
Situated on the southern end of Vancouver Island in British Columbia, the charming town of Victoria serves as the provincial capital. It is known for its numerous outdoor activities, heritage architecture, and its colourful gardens. The surroundings feature ancient rainforests, majestic mountains and a wild Pacific coastline. Visitors can look forward to partaking in the tradition of afternoon tea, discovering the city’s world-class culinary delights, and enjoying a variety of adventure options with everything from kayaking to whale-watching and more. Other attractions include: the stately Craigdarroch Castle, a historic Victorian-era Scottish Baronial mansion; Butchart Garden, with its immaculately kept grounds; and the extensive network of cycle paths; Victoria has more cycle routes than any other Canadian city.
Set on the United States’ West Coast, Seattle is the seat of King County, and is dubbed 'The Emerald City' due to its abundance of lush, evergreen trees and its spectacular views of the snow-capped Cascade and Olympic mountains. Seattle is a laid-back, friendly city with progressive, multicultural inhabitants. The city is perhaps best known for its seafood, its incredibly wet weather and its famously obsessive coffee culture as well as the staggering diversity of its neighbourhoods: Grand stately manicured suburbs; hip and trendy urban areas; pockets of eclectic, artsy boutiques and cafes; and rows of glistening state-of-art skyscrapers - Seattle has it all. With nature on its doorstep, it’s hardly surprising that an outdoor lifestyle prevails, with plenty of boating, skiing, and hiking facilities on offer as well as a vast array of fascinating museums, galleries and cultural sights.
Situated in Glacier County in beautiful Montana, East Glacier Park Village provides a historical base to explore the scenic surrounds. Set where the Prairies meet the majestic mountains, it serves as the iconic eastern gateway to the breathtaking beautiful Glacier National Park. For more than 100 years, travellers have journeyed to East Glacier for legendary mountain hospitality and to enjoy an array of thrilling adventures. Visitors can look forward to a range of activities including exploring the vast network of hiking trails and soaking up the incredible surrounding scenery. Don’t miss the opportunity to play a round of golf on the oldest green grass golf course in Montana, built in 1928, it boasts a rich history and magnificent mountain views.
