Tag Archives: canada

Banff National Park: Canada’s Dream Getaway

If you want to experience nature’s most beautiful, head to Banff National Park. Located in Albert, Canada, it’s the country’s first national park. It started as a modest hot springs reserve and today serves as an unmatched mountain destination tucked away in the Canadian Rockies. Not only for mountain lovers, Banff National Park has something to offer everyone — think skiing, fishing, golfing, plus the most luxurious in terms of accommodations.

Planning your itinerary? Here’s some of what you can expect.

The Best of Banff National Park

Hot Springs


Banff is famous for its hot springs. The geothermally heated water bubbles up to the surface from the earth’s crust, reaching a toasty 116°F in the winter and 81°F in the springtime. Soothing and packed with minerals like sulfate, calcium, magnesium, sodium, and bicarbonate, Canada’s year-round hot springs are the perfect place to unwind.

Each spring provides a unique experience, with its own balance of minerals, gases, and temperatures. Plus, the views are unparalleled: snowcapped mountains and the gorgeous sun rising or setting. Perfection.

Whitewater Rafting

Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned expert, you won’t regret whitewater rafting in Banff. Kicking Horse River is the place to be. If you’re looking for a calmer rafting opportunity, they’ve got it. Want to live life a little more on the edge? They’ve got those kinds of rapids, too.

Don’t get us wrong: the Bow River, Highwood River, and Kananaskis River also offer their own unique adventures.

Sunshine Meadows

sunshine meadows in banff national park

Considered by many to be Canada’s number one day hike, Sunshine Meadows looks like it was pulled directly from a postcard. Venture to this area and you’ll be surrounded by some of the highest peaks in the Canadian Rockies.

Take Banff’s biggest gondola up to the Village, where you’ll have awe-inspiring views of the valley down below, all the mountain peaks, and the area’s wildlife. Then, pick from the six graveled hiking trails that wind through all three alpine lakes, waterfalls, and the lush fields packed with flowers spanning more than seven miles of Sunshine Meadows. Brilliant.

Lake Louise

banff national park lake louise

If nature is calling, you must answer her. While it’s about 40 miles northwest of Banff, if you’re spending time in the park, you can’t miss visiting the emerald waters of Lake Louise for canoeing or heading into the neighboring mountains for hiking or rock climbing. Go for a short walk or challenge yourself to an off-trail excursion. You can even saddle up and ride horseback to explore the lake and park. No roads. No rushing. Just you, your horse, and nature.

Museums

It’s not all outdoor adventures, although Banff certainly doesn’t disappoint in that arena. You can also get a heavy dose of culture, history, and art while you’re there. The resort town is full of museums. The Whyte Museum, for instance, honors both the historical and contemporary art of the country. It has guided tours, archives, and even a library.

Or there’s the Banff Park Museum National Historic Site of Canada, which is home to more than 5,000 animal specimens and is an excellent opportunity to learn about Banff’s wildlife.

Camping

lake louise in banff national park

Banff National Park has most other locations beat when it comes to its camping opportunities. With multiple campgrounds in the area, you can’t go wrong. Waterfowl Lake Campground is a mere 45 miles from Banff and has 116 sites. Enjoy the Mistaya River and Waterfowl Lake, and then take the trail to Cirque and Chephren Lakes.

If you visit Lake Louise and don’t want to leave, set up camp there! Park yourself in the woods along the Bow River, just 2.5 miles from the water. Multiple biking and hiking trails are right within reach.

night camping in banff national park

Accommodations

While you should explore Banff’s stunning outdoors as much as you can, no one will blame you for wanting accommodations that might be a bit cozier. Thankfully, the town doesn’t fall short there, either. You have plenty to choose from — like the Paradise Lodge & Bungalows, the Mountaineer Lodge, Johnston Canyon Resort, and Mount Robsten Inn, just to name a few, and that doesn’t even cover it.

Cave and Basin National Historic Site

This is a must-see for both nature lovers and history fanatics alike. Many consider this the original birthplace of Banff National Park, home to the original thermal mineral springs. This is where it all began. While those springs aren’t open to the public, you’ll learn about the park’s history and local wildlife. It’s possible people first began roaming the area 10,700 years BP, helping explain the deep cultural significance the Cave and Basin National Historic Site holds.

cave and basin national historic site

This is just a brief glimpse into what Banff and its national park have to offer. We haven’t even gotten into Helen Lake Trail, Bow Valley Parkway, and Surprise Corner — home of the hidden (and quite photogenic) historic Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. And don’t forget to make time for the park’s most picturesque waters, aside from Lake Louise, like Lake Minnewanka, Vermilion Lakes, Cascade Ponds, and Johnson Lake.

When you travel to Banff, the world is in your hands.

Have you ever been to Banff National Park? What’s your favorite thing to do there? Let us know in the comments!

Get Adventurous on Canada’s Spectacular Vancouver Island

These days, it’s fashionable to have a list of wonderful and wacky things to do. Who doesn’t want to experience the heart-stopping rush of hurtling head first toward a raging, crocodile-infested river with only a piece of rubber between you and a serious headache?

Okay, maybe that’s not everyone’s cup of tea; but for some of us, ramping our adrenaline up to the max is better than sex. For others, it’s enjoying a spectacular sunrise on the savanna, or simply kicking back in some natural hot springs.

Whatever your muse is, Canada’s world renowned Vancouver Island has got you covered. For the daring to the dreamers, you will be hard pushed to find a location as beautifully diverse and accommodating as Vancouver Island.

Wrestle a Grizzly Bear in Knight Inlet

vancouver island

Okay, so you won’t actually wrestle a grizzly, and we definitely don’t recommend it; but if experiencing the cream of the crop of Vancouver Island’s wildlife tickles your fancy, then consider spending a weekend expedition with one of the many tour operators within Knight Inlet. Companies such as Grizzly Bear Lodge and Knight Inlet Lodge provide you with three- to four-day wildlife discovery adventures that you will stay with you forever.

Watch black bears feeding on the beach, and get up close and personal with white sided dolphins, sea lions, and harbor seals, before being wowed by a spectacular humpback whale show (no theme park admission necessary).

Finally, enjoy the abundance of natural fauna, snowy green mountains, and crystal clear lakes as bald eagles swoop overhead.

Try Spelunking at Horne Lake Caves

Step out of your comfort zone and tap into your animal instincts as you navigate your way through Vancouver Island’s underworld. With anything from one-hour cave explorations to four-hour extreme cave rappelling, Horne Lake Cave Tours has it covered. Enjoy a simple guided walking tour, including Vancouver Island’s only underground slide; or you can crawl, climb, and swim through underground waterfalls and crystal filled caverns.

vancouver island

Located just outside the town of Qualicum Beach, you can camp by the lake in a traditional teepee, and go on your own self-guided caving expedition or short 1.5-km uphill hike around the spectacular fossil geology trail.

Enjoy a Picnic in Butchart Gardens


Enjoy the serenity of Butchart Gardens just outside of Victoria. Set in an old quarry, these magnificent gardens that were planted over a century ago by Jennie Butchart are a testament to how much of a positive impact an individual can have on nature. In the summer, look out for concerts, boat tours, fine dining, fireworks, and nighttime illuminations. During the winter, you will be treated with Christmas lights and decorations, winter themed dining, and ice skating.

Butchart Gardens has something for the whole family with self-guided discovery walks, boat tours, greenhouse tours, indoor gardens, historical displays, a plant and seed shop, and even a children’s pavilion and rose carousel.

Ski the Slopes at Mount Washington

From mountain biking to weddings, Mount Washington has it all; but it’s skiing that Mount Washington is really famous for. Hit the powdery slopes for an unforgettable adrenaline rush with snowshoeing, tubing and alpine/Nordic night skiing; or get to grips with the slippery terrain by taking some lessons at the Snow School. With an elevation of over 500 meters, visitors can enjoy cross country skiing, tobogganing, luxury spa experiences, or simply building a snow wo/man.

Falling flat on your face in freezing temperatures not your thing? Then visit in the summer and take advantage of a myriad of activities including golf, canopy tours, fly fishing, and rock climbing.

If you really want to stretch the imagination, then give quad bungee trampolining a shot.

Kayak With Orcas at Telegraph Cove

johnstone strait

With over 200 resident orcas, Telegraph Cove is renowned as one of the best places in the world to see killer whales. Mistakenly labeled a whale, the orca actually belongs to the dolphin family; and despite being nicknamed the killer whale, there are no reports of wild orcas attacking humans; so there is no need to worry about a whale capsizing your kayak into its mouth!

Thanks to a few tour companies such as North Island Kayak and Spirit of the West Adventures, you can get your thrills with one- to eight-day kayaking tours, where you’ll be treated to a great variety of Vancouver Island’s most interesting wildlife.

Go Storm Watching in Tofino

You’ll find art everywhere here 🎨 . 📷: @entwistlephoto

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Let’s face it, Vancouver Island has it all: stunning whale filled lakes, bear populated forests, snowy mountains, and every outdoor adventure imaginable. But there is one unique experience that Vancouver Island is less known for. With stunning beauty and ecological diversity, like much of the island, you can try fishing, kayaking, hiking, and camping. However, it is storm watching that is the reason most people visit this little gem.

Between November and February, visitors can experience the truly wild side of nature. Draped in full rain gear, you can watch awestruck as giant surf rolls in to the soundtrack of thunder and lightning.

Gale force winds, giant swells, and lashing wind a little too intimidating to experience out in the open? Then enjoy the nature show from the luxury of a hotel such as the Wick Inn, which provides specially tailored seasonal packages. While you’re there, head 27 nautical miles northwest to Maquinna Provincial Park, where you can indulge in the hot springs cove.

Misty morning giants… #tofino #yourtofino #earlymorningsights

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Whether you go by boat, seaplane, or with an experienced tour operator, your jaw is guaranteed to drop as you soak up the Pacific Ocean and kick back in the healing geothermal waters.

Get Some Fresh Air in Coastal Vancouver

Canada’s British Columbia province is home to some of the country’s most magnetic and exotic ecosystems. In the midst of the Canadian rainforest, just above Washington state, is the True North’s third largest metropolitan area — Vancouver. The city is an impressive makeup of neighborhoods and diversity, including a culturally inclusive community with visible minority groups. The city and its wilderness are the ideal places to experience the best of the west. If you’re looking to explore authentic Vancouver, or just take advantage of top-grade forest therapy, check out these activities and local haunts.

Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

vancouver suspension bridge capilano

Millions of visitors have crossed North Vancouver’s mile-long, half-mile high suspension bridge since the late 1800s when it was built. Beetling high above the Capilano River with a birds-eye-view of the sprawling evergreen rainforest below, you’ll have the opportunity to climb into the trees on elaborate man-made tree houses in, what park officials call, Treetop Adventures. The park’s operators also offer educational perspective with Living Rainforest exhibits for curious visitors.

Sea to Sky Gondola

sea to sky gondola

For stupefying views of the Canadian Rockies, forests and other coastal mountain ranges, admission to the Sea to Sky Gondola is a steal. Beginning with a 10-minute gondola ride 3,000 feet above sea level, your journey continues with a series of viewing platforms, suspension bridges, and incomparable photo opportunities. Suitable for all ages, this is a must-see for adventure enthusiasts with a healthy relationship with heights. Stop at the Summit Lodge for a drink and live music during the summer season.

Hike a Provincial Park

Bowen Lookout in Cypress Provincial Park, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
Bowen Lookout in Cypress Provincial Park, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

The city of Vancouver offers dozens of local and provincial parks for hiking, picnics or sightseeing. Options include Cypress, Mount Seymour, Indian Arm and Pinecone Burke Provincial Parks. Cypress is closest to the city limits and each season has something for visitors. The winter features a private ski resort, while summer is most popular with hikers and families.

Walking Brewery Tour

vancouver brewery tours
Image courtesy of Vancouver Brewery Tours

The city launched its official walking tour of local breweries in the historic Brewery Creek district in 2016, where visitors have the opportunity to see architecture and learn its history while trying the best brews in Vancouver. You’ll stop at three breweries in about three hours, giving you ample time to soak up the atmosphere. Stops include Brassneck, Faculty, Big Rock Urban, and Main Street Brewing companies.

Dining

Restaurants in the trendy Yaletown neighborhood, formerly a warehouse district.
Restaurants in the trendy Yaletown neighborhood, formerly a warehouse district.

The city’s food scene is as culturally compelling and unique as Vancouver itself. With a high European and Asian population, visitors can try new flavors and old favorites. For high-end Japanese cuisine with stunning views, check out Miku. Don’t forget to get a taste of some of the world’s best seafood at Blue Water Cafe, too.

Getting Outside

Kayakers near Kitsilano Beach, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
Kayakers near Kitsilano Beach, Vancouver, BC, Canada.

Hikers and climbers can rejoice with abundant opportunity for outdoor appreciation. Hikers are able to traverse Grouse Mountain, Cypress Mountain and Mount Seymour in even the shortest of stays. Other activities in the region include lumberjack shows, wildlife refuges, zip line tours, scenic chairlift rides, tandem paragliding, helicopter tours, and snowboarding.