2017 was a big year for Canada: it celebrated its 150th year since its confederation and it was named as the number 1 country to visit in 2017 by Lonely Planet. 2018 is shaping up to be just as much of an exciting year – so it’s time to start thinking about your Canadian summer adventure.

 

And what better place to start your adventure than in Western Canada? With everything from breath-taking mountain scenery to magnificent wildlife, cosmopolitan cities to pristine alpine forest, Western Canada has something for everyone. There are so many ways to explore this stunning destination, but we think our Best of the West self-drive tour is at the top of the list. Here’s just some of the highlights you can expect on this 14-day journey of discovery.

 

Nestled high in the Canadian Rockies, Banff is a town that makes you feel at home and exhilarated with wonder all at the same time. This is a town that truly celebrates its heritage, lives and breathes mountain culture and never takes its backyard for granted. In all directions you’re surrounded by strikingly beautiful and rugged mountains that seem to burst straight out of the ground. You might even see a herd of deer wandering down the main street. Perhaps go out and discover the many sights and highlights of the town, or the picturesque scenery of nearby Bow River. If you’re feeling more adventurous, maybe you’ll take a heli-flightseeing tour for awe-inspiring aerial views of the Canadian Rockies. Check out the Cave and Basin National Historic Site, Banff Gondola (admission included) where you will see a panoramic view of the Bow Valley, and then take a dip in the hot mineral pools at the Upper Hot Springs.

 

Explore this charming mountain village, close to many terrific scenic highlights. This pleasant alpine village is nestled amidst some of Canada’s most stunning scenery. The “Gem of the Canadian Rockies” is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, thundering waterfalls, glaciers, lakes and rivers running in deep canyons, a region where wildlife abounds. Perhaps take a gondola ride to Jasper’s alpine tundra for stunning views of six mountain ranges, or maybe a gentle raft ride down the Athabasca River then stroll around the village and relax with a coffee. Jasper National Park was established in 1907 and is the largest national park in the Rockies. With over 4,000 acres of alpine forests, white-water rivers, hot springs, soaring mountain peaks and tranquil river valleys there’s little chance you’ll see it all!

 

Whistler is a world-class mountain resort and hive of activity for outdoor enthusiasts throughout the year. Think of Whistler and you may think of skiing and snowboarding, but this pretty alpine village has gained a reputation for attracting summer visitors because of its quaint village, excellent cuisine and friendly cafés. Immerse yourself in the electrifying alpine ambience of this well-known resort, a hotspot for skiers, hikers and nature-lovers, set in the lofty surrounds of the Coast Mountains. Enjoy some of Whistlers activities, from golf on one of the 4 championship designer golf courses, water activities on any of the 5 lakes or rivers, to mountain top dining or just relax and enjoy some of the fine café’s and restaurants of the village. The Peak2Peak gondola ride is included to the top of Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains (operates 27 May - 17 Sep; 18 Sep - 09 Oct weekends only).

 

Spend time exploring Victoria, with its turn of the century architecture, British traditions such as high tea and shops full of woollens and china. Admission is included to the Butchart Gardens, one of the world’s premier floral show gardens established by the Butchart family in 1904. Here, you will have ample time to stroll through the wonderful estate and view the truly enchanting gardens with its 50 acre display of magnificent colour. Spend time wandering through the lovely Sunken Garden and relax in the beautiful settings of the Japanese Garden and the Italian Garden amongst 900 different varieties of flowers with a botanist on hand and to find out more about your favourite flora.

 

Visit Vancouver, voted the world’s third most liveable city and most liveable in Canada; a young, friendly city with countless natural charms in close proximity. Shop on chic Robson Street or explore the funky Granville Island with its market and artists enclave; visit the city’s vast array of museums; walk or cycle around the 1000-acre Stanley Park or visit quaint and atmospheric Gastown. Discover the surrounding peaks of the Coastal Mountains or go whale watching on the Pacific Ocean. Dining is a delight and a dilemma, there’s so many restaurants and cuisines to choose from; the nightlife so varied you’ll be spoiled for choice.

 

Fancy experiencing life on the Canadian open road on the Best of the West self-drive tour? Contact our Canada experts on 0161 888 5632 for a free, no obligation quote.