Rocky Mountains, clear blue lakes and wildlife
The journey begins in Banff, one of Canada's oldest national parks. A special place, surrounded by the majestic mountains of the Rocky Mountains, glaciers and crystal clear mountain lakes like Lake Minnewanka. Take a boat ride on Lake Minnewanka, or visit Yoho National Park and the Johnstone Canyon. Here you can hike, heli-hike, horseback ride and raft.
The Icefields Parkway takes you to Jasper, via the clear blue lake Lake Louise, set in a stunning setting of rugged mountains with snow-capped peaks.
The Icefields Parkway takes you to Jasper, via the clear blue lake Lake Louise, set in a stunning setting of rugged mountains with snow-capped peaks.
The mountain landscape slowly disappears as you ride the Rocky Mountaineer straight through the mountains toward the coast to Vancouver. On Vancouver Island, forests and rainforest dominate, with beautiful beaches along the coast. Again, the scenery awaits you to be discovered, both on land and on water. Spot whales, black bears, sea lions and otters from the waters of Clayoquot Sound's UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Or take a hike through the beautiful Pacific Rim National Park.
One of the last nights is at a special bear lodge. Everything here is dedicated to guided tours in search of grizzly bears. A wonderful place to end your round trip.
TIPS & TOPS IMPRESSIVE ROUNDTRIP WEST CANADA:
- We recommend that in the Lake Louise area, be sure to stop at Morraine Lake, Emerald Lake or Yoho National park. Park the car and take a (short) hike in the overwhelming nature.
- As you drive along the Icefields Parkway, the highlights follow in rapid succession. Definitely take time to stop at Bow Lake, Peyto Lake and Mistaya Canyon as well.
- Or take a snowcoach tour at Athabasca Glacier, one of the main foothills of the Columbia Icefield in the Rocky Mountains. A hike on the glacier is also possible; for a moment, you will imagine yourself in another land of ice and snow.
- The beautiful Sea to Sky Highway from Vancouver to Whistler runs along Howe Sound from the coast to the mountains. Along the way you will have beautiful views, drive past Shannon Falls and visit the impressive Britannia Mine Museum.
- In Whistler, take the Peak to Peak gondola from the top of Whistler Mountain to the top of Blackcomb Mountain.
- The Butchart Gardens near Victoria are the most beautiful botanical gardens in Canada. Perfectly cared for and attractively lit at night.
- Bring hiking boots because the possibilities for any hiker are endless.
- In Vancouver, visit the different neighborhoods of the cosmopolitan city, such as the cozy Gastown with many restaurants and cafes, or Granville Island with its daily market with fresh vegetables, fruits and various spices.
- Want to relive past times with international grandeur? Then choose to stay at the prestigious Fairmont hotels.
- In Tofino, choose a special overnight stay in nature at Clayoquot Wilderness Resort; glamping on an unprecedented level!
