Western Canada
From cowboys to snow capped mountains and turquoise lakes to thermal springs, the province of Alberta has some of Canada’s most impressive scenery. The clean fresh air of the Alberta Rockies rejuvenates the body and cleanses your soul and fills you with energy and enthusiasm to discover this spectacular part of Canada. Whether you decide to explore the Rockies and beyond on a coach tour or go as you please on an independent flydrive, every bend in the road will take you to another impressive natural sight.
British Columbia, Canada’s most western province hugs the shores of the Pacific Ocean and boasts towering mountain ranges. There are few places in the world where you’ll find so many natural wonders within such a small area. British Columbia contains some of the worlds most varied and breathtaking scenery, ranging from rich farm valleys, pine forests and crystalline lakes. Visitors will also be amazed at the outdoor laid back lifestyles of the people of British Columbia, which draw millions of visitors year after year.
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THE ROCKIES
- Calgary: An high tech modern city with a high-rise skyline. Ideal for visitors for an overnight stop before their journey into the Rockies. Most famous for its Calgary Stampede in mid July which attracts thousands of visitors from around the world and also for hosting the 1988 Winter Olympics.
- Banff National Park: Banff is Canada’s first national park and is located about 80 miles west of Calgary. Banff is a year round resort offering world class skiing in the winter. Hiking, rock climbing and cycling in the summer are a few of the outdoor pursuits which can easily be arranged.
- Lake Louise: Probably the most photographed lake in the world and is also referred to as the ‘Jewel of the Rockies’. Lake Louise sits in a small glacial valley which is surrounded by snowcapped mountains.
- Icefields Parkway: One of Canada’s most spectacular stretches of road linking Lake Louise to Jasper National Park. You will pass some of the highest and most rugged mountain ranges on this road, which are some of the most scenic in the Rockies.
- Columbia Icefield: Located half way between Lake Louise and Jasper, the icefields are over 300 metres thick. Highly recommended is an exciting ride on a ‘snowcoach’ which drives out on the ice and allows passengers to get off and walk on the glacier.
- Jasper National Park: Jasper National Park is the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies. It has the wildest of mountain parks and has wonderful walking trails. A variety of wildlife such as wolves, moose and caribou all live in the park.
- Rocky Mountaineer: Board the Rocky Mountaineer for ‘The most spectacular train trip in the world’. Your journey will take you through coastal forests, roaring river canyons, snow capped mountains and unbelievable scenery.
BRITISH COLUMBIA
- Vancouver: Vancouver is a friendly city with so much to see and do including art galleries, museums and theatres. The city offers a real mix of cultural areas such as Gastown which is Vancouver’s Victorian-era business district, and the colourful neighbourhood of Chinatown. Explore Stanley Park, which is Vancouver’s largest and most beloved green space. Robson Street is the city’s busiest shopping street with hundreds of stores to choose from. Vancouver has a stunning harbour where many cruises depart heading for Alaska and beyond!
- Victoria: Situated at the southern tip of Vancouver Island, which can be reached by ferry (takes approx 90 minutes) or by plane. Rich in English culture, in fact you can tour the city by red double decker buses! The picturesque harbour and Parliament Buildings attracts many visitors. Victoria’s biggest attraction is Butchart Gardens, which boasts one of the worlds best flower displays.
- Whistler: Located approximately two hours from Vancouver, this year round resort is surrounded by alpine meadows, forests and sparkling lakes. Whistler offers some of the best skiing in North America but you can still enjoy the summer months and take part in an array of outdoor activities including hiking, windsurfing and golfing. Take a journey on the ‘Whistler Mountaineer’, a three hour train journey, passing
- through amazing scenery between Vancouver and Whistler.
- Bear Viewing: Whilst visiting British Columbia, why not take the opportunity to see the elusive brown bears.
- Fraser River Canyon: Follow the Gold Rush Trail up to Fraser Canyon. Ride the AirTram ride above Hells Gate where 200 million gallons of frothy ice water rushes through a narrow gorge every minute.
- Whale Watching: There's no seagoing experience quite like watching, close-up, a sleek whale weighing thousands of pounds frolic like a child in it's natural habitat. Up and down the coast of British Columbia, from Victoria to Port Hardy on Vancouver Island, from Vancouver to the BC Gulf Islands, and up to the Queen Charlotte Islands, Orcas (killer whales), Gray whales and Humpback whales ply the waves and perform their watery rituals. Whale watching at its best!
