Six days, three cities, one very special train journey, and a lot of incredible scenery in between. A group of Travel Counsellors recently travelled through Western Canada, starting in Vancouver before heading through the Rockies to Jasper, Banff, and finally Calgary. It was a busy few days, but that meant getting a real feel for just how much variety you can pack into a Canada holiday – from mountains and waterfalls to city neighbourhoods, food tours, iconic lakes, and a few unexpected moments along the way.
Starting in Vancouver
Vancouver was a brilliant place to begin because you can go from city to nature so quickly. The first day started with a suspension bridge walk surrounded by huge trees and bright blue water, before heading up Grouse Mountain by gondola. The eight-minute journey up was worth it for the views alone, especially as the group emerged above the clouds.
There was time for a short walk at the top and a chance to see Coola, the resident orphaned grizzly bear, before heading back down. A quick stop at Stanley Park followed, with views across to Lions Gate Bridge. It was only a short visit, but enough to make everyone want to come back – hiring bikes and spending an afternoon exploring would be an easy addition to a Vancouver stay.
Seeing another side of the city
After lunch at the Pan Pacific, the group headed out on the water in Zodiacs towards Bowen Island. Along the way, there were seals and otters to look out for, before arriving somewhere that felt completely different from the city. Bowen Island was quiet, relaxed, and full of little harbour-side moments – including deer wandering nearby.
The journey back became slightly more adventurous when fog rolled in unexpectedly, but everyone made it back safely and in good spirits. From there, it was straight into a Vancouver food tour, with stops for everything from Korean chicken and ravioli to poutine and waffles. It was a great way to see more of the city, hear some of the stories behind the restaurants, and finish a very full first day.
Then came Rocky Mountaineer
The next part of the trip was the one many of the group had been really looking forward to: two days aboard Rocky Mountaineer. Even the start felt special, with a smooth check-in, live music at the station, and plenty of excitement before boarding. Travelling in GoldLeaf meant spacious seats beneath a glass-domed ceiling, with huge windows designed for taking in the changing scenery. And there was a lot of it.
Over the two days, the landscape shifted from city to countryside, desert, forest, and eventually the mountains. There was always something to look at, and spending hours watching Canada pass by never really felt like a hardship.The food was another highlight, with GoldLeaf guests dining in a separate restaurant carriage, while drinks and snacks were served at your seat throughout the journey. There is definitely more to say about Rocky Mountaineer, but the biggest takeaway was simple: this isn’t just a way of getting from Vancouver to the Rockies. The train journey is very much part of the holiday.
Jasper, the Icefields Parkway, and some serious scenery
After arriving in Jasper, the group had a quick taste of the town before continuing south towards Banff. The journey along the Icefields Parkway included stops at Athabasca Falls, the Icefield Skywalk, and the glacier itself.
Athabasca Falls was one of those places that felt even better in person. The noise of the water, the trees, and the sheer force of it all made the stop feel much more dramatic than seeing it in a photograph. The Icefield Skywalk was another highlight. Even some of those who weren’t especially keen on heights found it manageable, and it doesn’t take too long to do, so it works well as part of a wider Rockies itinerary. There was also the chance to head onto the glacier. It was great fun, although recent rain had made the ice very slippery, so it’s worth bearing in mind for anyone with mobility issues or injuries.
Peyto Lake and Lake Louise
The colour of Peyto Lake really was as striking as it looks in the photos, and it ended up being one of the big ‘pinch me’ moments of the trip. The group didn’t have long there, but it’s somewhere they would recommend allowing a little more time for, especially as it can get busy.
The following day brought the full Lake Louise experience, with a visit to Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. It absolutely lived up to expectations. The lake and mountain backdrop were every bit as impressive as hoped, but the afternoon tea inside the hotel became just as memorable. The food was lovely, the service was excellent, and for some of the group, it was a real bucket-list moment. They also had the chance to look around some of the different room categories, which is exactly the sort of thing that helps when recommending a hotel to customers later.
Ending on a high in Calgary
The final stop was Calgary, and the last night turned out to be one of the most fun. The group started at the top of Calgary Tower, where they were surprised with cowboy hats before taking in the nighttime views across the city. Dinner followed at Wednesday Room, which ended up being one of the favourite meals of the trip. A local recommendation led the group to Spanky’s, a traditional North American bar with country music and a line-dancing floor, which proved to be a fitting finale for an unforgettable trip.
Six days, a lot of Canada
For our Travel Counsellors, experiencing it first-hand means being able to talk to customers about more than just where to go. They can share what worked, where they would spend more time, which hotels stood out, and the little things that can make a Canada itinerary even better. If Western Canada is somewhere you’ve always wanted to explore, your Travel Counsellor can help you bring the different pieces together and create a trip that works for you.
To book your trip to Canada, speak to your Travel Counsellor today.
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