Western Canada

-British Columbia & Alberta......

Canada’s West Coast is a laid back haven for recreation, wildlife and some of the most spectacular scenery you will see in your life. The wildlife is amazing here – from bear viewing in Knight Inlet to whale watching off the rugged West Coast of Vancouver Island. Wolves, moose, seals and otters can all be spotted enjoying their natural habitat.

Vancouver is a unique combination of urban attractions and is surrounded by mountains and water. Markets sell crafts and fresh produce and kayaking around the harbour is a popular pastime. Visit the steam clock at Victorian Gastown and take a tourist bus around all the major attractions of this wonderful city.

Take a ferry from Vancouver to Victoria and experience all the Victorian English charm of afternoon tea at the Empress Hotel and stroll around the pretty harbour. The West Coast offers superb whale and bear watching and the magical Pacific Rim National Park. To the north lies Telegraph Cove and Campbell River where wilderness is abundant and breathtaking.

The coast of British Columbia is a mixture of wild, undeveloped scenery, old growth forests, waterfalls and luxurious stretches of coastline. It feels a million miles away from busy Vancouver with waters of such a crystal clear blue that starfish can be seen from the surface and it is the unhurried pace of life that attracts the artists and visitors alike.

There are many ways to continue your journey in Western Canada. Take the Rocky Mountaineer Train from Vancouver to either Jasper, Banff or Calgary, or the Skeena Train from Prince Rupert or just simply drive through the wide open spaces and miraculous wonders of nature you will encounter here. The interior of British Columbia between Vancouver and Alberta’s Canadian Rockies has a wealth of alpine villages, wine growing areas and soaring mountains.

The Rockies are spectacular. Stretching from Jasper National Park to Calgary lies some of the most beautiful natural scenery in the world. Banff National Park offers sweeping panoramas of lush green mountains and waterfalls. Lake Louise is surrounded by picturesque snow-capped mountains and its green quartz waters are due to the rich minerals from nearby glaciers.

Travel along the Icefi elds Parkway to Jasper passing glaciers, forests and waterfalls and be amazed by the Columbia Icefi eld with the Athabasca Glacier that just falls short of the road. Don’t forget to see Yoho National Park and the clear glacier fed Emerald Lake. Jasper National Park is Canada’s largest National Park in The Rockies with wonderful hiking trails amid fantastic views.