Canada Road Trip: Vancouver to Calgary

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.)

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)

Banff, nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, has the most awe-inspiring scenery. Enjoy the natural grandeur of this rugged mountain paradise, its towering granite peaks and the beauty of Lake Minnewanka, aboard a comfortable boat on this hour-long cruise. An experienced crew will give you insights into this region, replete with rich history, native folklore and fascinating geology as you cruise across the turquoise-hued lake. Learn about the submerged town of Minnewanka Landing as the captain navigates deeper into the mountains to reach Devil’s Gap, a glacial path carved through Lake Minnewanka from the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. As you soak up the glorious scenery, you get a chance to spot some of the wildlife that inhabits the countryside. Scan the alpine wilderness for bear, big-horned sheep, deer and bald eagles. (Duration: 1 hour; Shared Activity & No Transfers; Departure point: Boat Dock at Lake Minnewanka, Minnewanka Loop; Drive distance from Banff: about 10km)

Enjoy a guided trip to Johnston Canyon that involves biking and a short hike. Begin with a shuttle ride to the parking lot at Banff Train Station. From there, set out on a comfortable e-bike along the Bow Valley Parkway. Cycle on the scenic Legacy Bike Trail, and go past Mount Rundle to reach the trailhead at the end of the Vermilion Lakes Road. Head into the forest on foot, going past the Johnston Canyon Lodge. Trek alongside Johnston Creek and navigate to the Lower Falls. Continuing onward, enter a tunnel before proceeding further up the canyon. Stop at viewpoints to peer into the depths of the gorge. Reach the Upper Falls and take in gorgeous views of the cascade from two observation posts, before returning to base from where you will be driven back to Banff. (Duration: half day; Seasonal: Jun 1- Oct 14; Time: 0900/1330 hrs; Shared activity & one way transfer included; Group size: min 4 ppl; Starting point: 202 Bear Street, Banff; Fitness level: moderate, please note that people with physical limitations can participate as long as they have someone to provide assistance; Distance covered: 16 mi (cycling) & 1.86 mi (hiking); Return van shuttle to Banff is included; Min age: 16 yrs; Min height: 5’0”; Please wear long-sleeved shirt, light jacket & comfortable walking shoes; Sandals or flip flops are not allowed; Depending on the weather condition, the timing and date of this activity may change at a very short notice)