Canada
We then headed across to the West coast and Vancouver where we had a short stay before we were to board the iconic Rocky Mountaineer train. We just had time to have a wander around Vancouver to get our bearings and took the ferry across the false creek to Granville Island. A bright and early start for our trip on the train and as you board to the sound of bagpipes, it really does send a shiver down your spine in anticipation of what you are going to see! It really does not dissapoint. Two days (with overnight hotel stay in Kamloops) from Vancouver to Jasper, journey through the clouds. We treated ourselves to Gold Leaf service. Lovely food, friendly, knowledgable, attentive staff and of course stunning scenery. We saw Eagles, Egrets, long horned sheep, elks and yes - BEARS!
Our home for a couple of days in Jasper was the Bear Hill Lodge where we stayed in a cute cottage. A great location and ideal experience of staying in a lodge/cottage without being in the middle of nowhere. Jasper's mountain backdrop offers a more natural and "wild" feel and is a great location to explore this area.
After collecting our car hire we joined the Icefields Parkway. Wow! what a drive, the views just got better and better. We stoped at Sunwapta Falls on the way to the Icefields Adventure Centre, where we had booked a trip on to the glacier (by special vehicle) and Skywalk. As you drive on to the glacier and get out and walk on it, it is truly amazing that it has been there for 1,000 of years, but may not be there in another 50 years. Now I do not like heights and as part if the excursion had the Skywalk to contend with! A glass bottom walkway off the edge of the cliff. Just walking to the entrance was a challenge, but I really pushed myself and I did it! Definitely worth the experience. We then got back in our car to travel the remainder of the parkway down to Banff.
Our base in Banff was the lovely Moose Hotel & Suites. A great location, makes you feel like you are in a mountain resort. We had a superior one bedroom suite which was really nice and great to have extra space, with balcony and mountain view. We popped back up to Lake Louise to find it was still frozen. It may not have been what we were expecting in terms of a blue lake, but to actually say that we have walked on it, is different!. We even popped in to the gorgeous Chateau Lake Louise for a coffee and look around. The next day was another challenge for me, the Banff Gondola, 7,486 feet up the Sulphur Mountain. I had been on a high gondola before (Lake Tahoe), so knew I could do it and the views are stunning! Mountain ranges, Banff and the lakes - not to be missed. We did have a cruise on Lake Minnewanka booked but it was also still frozen in places, so the boats were cancelled, but we decided to take the short drive to see it anyway. A lovely natural calm, serene, beautiful location. Banff is a lovely town with lots of good shops and restaurants, a more vibrant experience, with lots to see and do.
After Banff we drove to Calgary and our short flight back to Vancouver for the last leg of our trip. Our base in Vancouver was the Hilton Downtown. It's location is ideal for everything you will want to see. Great staff, nice restaurant and good facilities, just what you need. We had a two room suite, we appreciated the extra space to chill in between excursions. Our first experience was an epic four hour electric bike tour. As it has been years since we have been on bikes, we really, really, appreciated the "boost" button! A great different way to see the city, including Stanley Park, with great guides, makes a change from bus or walking tours. The next day was another heights challenge - Capilano Suspension Bridge. We took the free shuttle (if you have tickets) from the city centre up to Capilano. A great set up with eating places and shop, very well organised and enjoyable. The bridge is suspended 230 feet above a gorge and raging river!. Of course the bridge moves when you walk on it, but I forced myself and was rewarded with a lovely rain forest the other side . A great adventure, I even did the treetops walk, I must be getting brave! Our last full day was whale watching. A bit rough going out but we were rewarded with spotting humpback whales! Very well organised and a great trip. Nest time I would like to see Orca's. Vancouver is a great city to visit. With water surrounding it and moutains in the distant, easy to get around and lots to see and do. If you fancy some retail therapy, there are some good shops too.
An amazing, stunning trip to Canada, we really enjoyed it and it surpassed our hopes and expectations. Limited space here to mention everything, so get it touch if you want to hear more or see more photos! And yes, I am still afraid of heights!! Get in touch and I can organise your Canada Adventure.