Canada Road Trip: Vancouver to Calgary

Vancouver is a beautiful cosmopolitan city buzzing with life nestled in the lap of the Pacific ocean and the North Shore mountains. Take a stroll through some of the trendy and colorful neighborhoods dabbling with some of the local fare all the while catching a glimpse of the stunning mountains in the distance. A stop at Stanley Park, which borders the downtown core of Vancouver, is a must. Whether it’s to enjoy some of the beautiful viewpoints showcasing the ocean and mountain backdrop or a refreshing walk along the world’s longest uninterrupted seafront path. If you like a little thrill to add to your stay, be sure to visit the Capilano Suspension Bridge combined with the Skyride up Grouse Mountain. For nature lovers, enjoy some of the many exciting trails at your fingertips, from easy walks to more challenging climbs. Take a water taxi to Granville Island to stroll the unique shops, or for the more adventurous at heart, rent a boat and set out on the Pacific ocean enjoying the city views from the water, and if you’re lucky you’ll spot a harbour seal. Finish off your perfect day catching a concert at the iconic Orpheum Theatre or enjoying one of the many restaurants of the vibrant culinary scene. There’s something for every kind of traveler in this heady city of Vancouver that is waiting to be discovered.

Clinton is a pretty little village in British Columbia, nestled between Cache Creek and 100 Mile House. It’s a little-known place that serves as a charming stopover town while traveling between Vancouver and Prince George. Formed during the country’s gold rush years in the mid-1800s, the town offers history buffs with much to explore. There are also plenty of outdoor activities and sports for adventure lovers. The Clinton Museum is worth a visit, with its exhibits from the town’s old pioneering history. The community also hosts one of the state’s oldest continuously running events, the Clinton Annual Ball, which is held every year in May.

Enjoy a delightful range of experiences at the Echo Valley Ranch! Set in the midst of scenic wilderness, the ranch offers recreational activities along with a comfortable stay, spa services, and delicious gourmet food. Start the day with an invigorating Thai yoga session before you set out on a hiking trip to the edge of Fraser Canyon. Adventure lovers can opt for horseback riding or mountain biking through the surrounding forests and hills. If you prefer some leisure, try your hand at fly fishing or a game of golf back at the ranch. Relaxing in the outdoor hot tub or a swim in the heated swimming pool are also great ways to unwind. In the evening, enjoy drinks and a barbeque dinner in front of a camp fire while watching authentic Thai dancing and Thai cooking demonstrations with nutrition tips from the chef himself. End the night with a round of billiards or a fun karaoke session in the game room. (All activities are included in your stay.)

Revelstoke is a charming alpine town on the banks of the Columbia River. Wedged between the Monashee and Columbia Mountain ranges, the small town is surrounded by peaks like the Frisby Peak to the north, Ghost Peak to the south, and Albert Peak to its east. Revelstoke came into prominence as a key junction town along the Canadian Pacific transcontinental railroad, back in the gold rush era of the late 1800s. The town abounds in heritage architecture, and has a restored downtown precinct. Culture lovers have much to do with heritage walks, old-fashioned bandstand entertainment and visits to the Revelstoke Dam and the Revelstoke Railway Museum. Adventure lovers also have plenty to occupy them, with a range of outdoor adventures on offer, including hiking through alpine meadows. Other activities include kayaking and white water rafting on the river, mountain biking, and of course, skiing down the many snowy peaks all around. Be sure to sample the delicious local fare, and don’t forget to take a brewery tour when in town, savoring Revelstoke’s fine craft beer.

Lake Louise will surprise you with its dramatic turquoise water that reflects the rugged peaks and glaciers in all their glory. This picturesque glacial lake sits within Banff National Park in Alberta and promises you the ultimate mountain getaway. Paddling, hiking, and biking are just some of the outdoor adventures in store for those seeking to stay active during the summer months. Horseback riding tours offer a unique perspective of the region whereas the Lake Louise Gondola ride is for bird’s eye views of grizzly bears foraging for food! Chiseled mountain facades draw rock climbers like a magnet. Those seeking to relax and rejuvenate can look forward to leisurely strolls in the pristine mountain air. Historic restaurants and teahouses offer unique dining experiences as well as authentic local flavors featuring fresh ingredients. As seasons change and snow blankets the area, the fun continues with activities such as skiing, snowboarding, and dog sledding.

Take in splendid aerial views of the Canadian Rockies and Banff National Park from the Lake Louise Sightseeing Gondola. At the scheduled time, make your way to the ropeway station where you can board an open chairlift or travel in a gondola cabin. As you ascend to a maximum elevation of 6,850 ft, savor panoramic views of the spectacular landscape comprising rugged peaks, gleaming glaciers, and tranquil lakes. You may even be able to see grizzly and black bears foraging for food in their natural habitat. Keep an eye out for endemic species of flora and fauna as you glide over the slopes of Mount Whitehorn. Reach the viewing platform and take in the scenery of alpine meadows and wildflowers. Later, you could check out the award-winning Wildlife Interpretive Center, with its informative exhibits and displays about the region’s diverse ecology and wildlife. Enjoy a delicious buffet lunch. After, choose to go on a guided alpine hike along the upper-mountain trails. (Duration: half day; Seasonal: May 15 – Oct 13; Self-guided activity; No guide or transfers included; Starting point: 1 Whitehorn Road, Lake Louise; There is a complimentary shuttle from various Lake Louise hotels and Samson Mall (Jun-Jul only); Entrance tickets and lunch included; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance; Please present your voucher for admission)

A resort town in the heart of the Rocky Mountains and part of Canada’s oldest national park, Banff is an outdoor enthusiast’s haven. While in Banff, explore and enjoy the sights by taking a gondola up Sulphur Mountain to enjoy stunning views of the region. Take time out to explore Banff National Park, with its craggy peaks, ice-blue lakes and coniferous forests offering a picture perfect setting to hike, bike, raft, paddle, ski, snowboard or ice skate – it all depends on the time of year you visit. To unwind and enjoy some relaxation, you can visit the famous Banff Hot Springs, open year round. Enjoy some time wading in the soothing mineral rich natural hot springs amidst the breathtaking Rocky Mountains.

An ever-evolving and dynamic cosmopolitan city, Calgary still maintains the tranquility of the Rockies. One of the best ways to capture the essence of the city is to simply stroll through it. This is especially true of the downtown area, where you can’t miss the eclectic mix of music, food, street art, culture and sights of youngsters on their colorful scooters. Speaking of music, Studio Bell with its stark modern façade is a music-lover’s paradise, showcasing music-related attractions and hosting live performances. Heritage Park Historical Village, on the other hand, takes you back in time to Calgary’s past with a steam engine ride and a vintage vehicle museum. The staggering Calgary Tower offers stunning bird’s eye views of the city from its 56th storey observation deck.