A-Z of Canada inspiration

Canada is the second largest country in the world. Do not be daunted! A road trip along the West Coast is the perfect way to explore this dramatic destination in a short space of time. You can expect every season in the space of just a few minutes, starting from sunshine turned to sleet, which soon blankets the evergreens in snow, and spotting glaciers and skywalks across several national parks. The stunning scenery begins as soon as you open your cosy lodge door. From exciting hiking, and dynamic cities to coach day trips with expert local guides, this route has something for every traveller.

Western Canada has long been known as a winter wonderland, perfect for skiing holidays. As an alternative, we recommend visiting in June as this gives a new and exciting perspective less frequented by tourists. The shoulder season makes typical attractions less crowded, but the lakes and rivers still retain their ethereal blue colour. Also, you will have the best chance of seeing the quintessentially Canadian wildlife. In just one day, from the passenger seat of our trusty hire car, christened Hilda, we were lucky enough to spot 4 grizzly bears, 2 eagles and a moose!

To give you some more inspiration, we have compiled an A to Z of adventure from Alberta to British Columbia…

Alberta- Your Alberta adventure will either begin or end in the bustling city of Calgary, home of sport and the famous Calgary stampede in July. Within one hours drive you will find yourself in the infamous West Coast mountain ranges. Why not learn from the rich Indigenous culture that underpins the area, or head out to the glaciers and hiking ranges that populate your route along the Trans-Canada Highway?

British Columbia- British Columbia hosts cosmopolitan cities, dynamic landscapes and incredible island adventures. These range from sky plane rides across the city of Vancouver, to wildlife experiences on Vancouver Island, and onwards towards the rainforests, lakes and desert landscapes of Whistler, Clinton, Kamloops and Clearwater.

Castle Mountain- Castle Mountain is just one of the magnificent sights on your tour of Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. This mountain stands out because of its orange colour, dwarfing the highway as you set out in search of bears and turquoise pools. Talk to your travel specialist to add this epic tour to your itinerary!

Driving- Self-drive is the number one recommended way to travel around Canada, maximising your freedom on the spectacular open road. The majority of your journeys follow the same straight highway from place to place, all of which are perfectly constructed and easy to navigate. If you are unsure whether to pick self-drive, this is your sign that you definitely should!

Environmentally friendly travel- Canada is a leading destination for ecologically friendly travel, and our Canada trips are no exception. Guesthouses, tours and resorts posit sustainability as a top priority, as well as a cultural emphasis on promoting reconnection with the natural world and fundamental values of wildlife protection.

Family travel- Canada is the ideal destination for a family holiday. Not only is it a spectacular experience with activities for all ages in abundance, but the self-drive element gives all families more flexibility. Ask a travel specialist about one of our family-specific itineraries along the West Coast.

Granville Market- This indoor food market boasts the majority of the region’s local delicacies as well as arts and crafts from local artisans. This is a really exciting place to visit if you are in Vancouver.

Helmcken Falls- Clearwater, and adjacent national park Wells Gray, are a haven for hikers. If you’re feeling adventurous, take a stroll through the forest to Helmcken Falls, a highlight for many nature lovers. Alternatively, a quick, flat and accessible 5-minute walk from the road towards Helmcken is the picturesque Spahats Creek Falls.

Jasper & Banff- These two iconic towns high up in the Rocky Mountains should not be missed! Banff is filled with picturesque ski lodges and a bustling centre of shops, bars and restaurants for a cosy, holiday feel. Jasper has a real edge-of-the-world atmosphere with numerous hiking trails on your doorstep, and the Rocky Mountaineer train station. Don’t forget to check out the fantastic Bear’s Paw bakery while you are here!

Kayak- one of the top outdoorsy adventures you must enjoy on your trip to Canada is a trip out on a kayak. Delve into the dense green forests from this new perspective and if you are lucky, spot wildlife along the shoreline. A highlight of a trip along the West Coast is surely a leisurely glide across mirror-like lakes fringed with picture-perfect pines in the sunshine. Bliss!

Lakes- Usually the first image of Canada that comes to mind is the sparkling lakes that populate the region. Check out this blog for a run down on the top lakes to visit in your hire car. Our top picks are Lake Louise, Moraine Lake and Kamloops Lake.

Meadows & Mountains- the skiing town of Whistler has far more to offer than meets the eye. A haven for adventure seekers all year around, it boasts home to the world’s highest lift of its kind, the Peak 2 Peak Gondola. If you are into mountain biking, bear spotting, café hopping or simply shopping for souvenirs, this quaint mountain town holds fun for everyone and is also perfect for families.

Nature- easily one of the best places in the world to truly immerse in nature. Whether from the window of a train, car, RV, kayak or out on foot you will not be disappointed. Pictures simply do not do the landscape justice. If you’re feeling adventurous, ask the team about our new RV itineraries.

Okanagan Valley- A hub of relaxation on the West Coast. If you are looking for some downtime on your journey, then look no further. Sit back at the lakeside with a glass of wine in hand, and outdoor adventures aplenty on your doorstep. We recommend wine tasting here, as the Okanagan Valley is home to many award-winning drinks from their Vineyards, and is amongst the top regions for wine production in Canada.

Poutine – A feast! Typically a mix of chips, gravy, cheese curds and toppings of your choice there is no better way to refuel after a long day in the great outdoors.

Rockies- The Canadian Rockies are unrivalled in drama and dynamism. A highlight of your trip is simply sailing between these in your hire car. You will lose count of the jaw-dropping moments. Be sure to pull over at the numerous viewpoints – we would love to see your photos!

Sun Peaks- This is a lovely village at the centre of the West Coast that gets up close and personal with nature. Encompassing mountains, meadows and lakes, there is a variety of ways to enjoy this stop on your West Canada road trip, from gondolas to stand-up paddle boarding, hiking, mountain biking and kayaking.

Train- if you fancy minimal self-drive and are heading out on the holiday of a lifetime, why not consider an adventure through the viewfinder of the spectacular Rocky Mountaineer? Expect sights that take your breath away, incredible service and one of the best travel experiences going!

Vancouver- This bustling and cosmopolitan city is a fantastic place to visit and see another side to life on the West Coast. Meander down Robson Street, eat out at Granville Market, enjoy a variety of day trips, or simply take a stroll along the harbourside towards Stanley Park. This is a park of epic proportions that sits on the waterfront, blanketed in trees and a real haven of tranquillity in the city.

Wildlife- This is a must-visit destination for wildlife lovers. You will have multiple opportunities to spot Canadian critters from your car, as well as organised trips to see bears, whales, eagles and Orcas to name a few. For aspiring photographers, head out on a wildlife photography tour in the Rockies, and for the adventurous travellers, take to the waters in your kayak to get up close and personal with Orcas… The opportunities are endless!