Embark on a three-week journey and discover some of Canada’s most beautiful national parks. Be mesmerised by the untouched wilderness and the picturesque landscapes. Spot unique wildlife such as moose, wolves, beavers and grizzly bears. Meet the friendly locals, visit quirky towns, and uncover the fascinating culture. Take an unforgettable trip and immerse yourself in pure nature.
Local tip: The best time to travel is between May and October.
Travel at a relaxed pace
The best way to experience Canada is to travel at a relaxed pace. Slow down and take in the wondrous environment around you. No need to rush from highlight to highlight. By spending two to four nights at each destination, you can capture the essence of each special place.
Experience authentic Canadian hospitality
Along the way, stay at charming lodges, boutique hotels, ranches, and bed & breakfasts. Be warmly welcomed by Canadian hosts who look forward to sharing their knowledge about the local area with you. They are more than happy to show you around too – a true highlight of your trip through Canada.
First stop – Calgary
2 nights
Start your journey in the eastern foothills of the Canadian Rockies and explore the vibrant city of Calgary. Located in Alberta, this part of Canada is renowned for its annual Stampede rodeo show but has much more to offer. Wander the streets and discover green parks, hip neighbourhoods, fascinating museums and an array of fantastic restaurants. Or feel like a local and watch a live sporting event!
After a day of exploring this lively city, relax at a boutique bed & breakfast by the Bow River. Located in a newly revamped neighbourhood, which is oozing with murals, street art, buzzing cafes, boutique stores and much more. Downtown Calgary is within walking distance and you can also find a touch of nature at St. Patrick’s Island. With a galore of things to do and see, Calgary city is the perfect place to start your Canadian adventure.
Banff National Park
3 nights
Just an hour and a half drive west of Calgary, you’ll find a 6,641 square kilometre natural wonderland. When you arrive at Banff National Park, you will feel like you have entered nature’s open-air art gallery. Be dazzled by the picture-postcard-perfect Lake Louise or marvel at the flowers in Sunshine Meadows.
An outdoor enthusiast’s paradise
With over 2,500 kilometres of well-maintained and easily accessible trails, there is no shortage of walks and hikes to conquer. Or choose from an assortment of adventurous activities. Go kayaking, rock climbing, canoeing, fishing and possibly skiing! If you are a bird lover, there are plenty of opportunities to go bird-watching. Keep an eye out for wildlife such as grizzly bears, caribou and wolves.
Discover one of the world’s beautiful most scenic routes
Take a tour with a local guide and sit back and relax as you pass by the stunning scenery of the Icefield Parkway. Soak up the beauty and spot wildlife along the way, and enjoy a picnic in the mountains. Take stunning photos at Bow Lake, one of the largest glacial lakes in Banff National Park, with Crowfoot Glacier in the background.
Stop by Peyto Lake or lower Waterfowl Lake, a beautiful glacial lake near Mt Chephren, which is also along the Icefields Parkway. Then board a six-wheeled vehicle and drive across the ice! Feeling adventurous? You can also walk out on the Glacier Skywalk, a glass floor suspended 280 metres above the Sunwapta Valley with indescribable views.
After a day of adventure, spend the night at a luxurious lodge. An ideal place to relax and meet other travellers from around the world. Wake up to a delicious home-cooked breakfast, made with love by your hosts. Enjoy your meal on the balcony, overlooking the unforgettable mountainous views and ponder over how you will spend your day in this magical part of the world.
Jasper National Park
3 nights
Be enchanted by the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies. Admire rugged mountains, alpine meadows, glaciers, forests and rivers in Jasper National Park. World-heritage Listed, this natural paradise is home to the greatest population of grizzly bears and moose in all of North America. Here, you can also find the world-famous Columbia Icefield, 990 kilometres of hiking trails and unique ecosystems.
Set in the pristine nature of Jasper National Park, you will find a 700-acre luxury mountain resort. Nestled by the shores of the dazzling emerald green lake, Lac Beauvert. It is a charming village of cedar chalets and luxury cabins, all connected by picturesque paths. Immerse yourself in the Canadian Rockies, where you can ski snow-capped peaks, curl up by the fire with smores, and enjoy everything in between.
Wells Gray Provincial Park
3 nights
Home to black bears, grizzly bears, pumas, lynx, wolves and more than 200 bird species, Wells Gray Provincial Park is sure to impress! Discover awe-inspiring waterfalls, vast lakes, and colourful alpine meadows. It is the perfect destination for an outdoor enthusiast to indulge in! Featuring a vast wilderness of 5415 square kilometres, here you can go kayaking, canoeing, horseback riding, hiking and much more.
After an adventurous day of exploring this outdoor playground, retire to a boutique bed & breakfast. When you walk through the front door, you’ll feel right at home! Your Canadian hosts love to cook and prepare a delicious breakfast, and they are also more than happy to help you plan activities in the area.
Revelstoke
3 nights
Approximately 400 kilometres west of Calgary, you will find the historic city of Revelstoke. Be astounded by the white peaks, pristine wetlands, mighty rivers and thriving meadows. Winter or summer, this outdoor wonderland has plenty of fantastic things to do and see. Whether you prefer hiking, cycling, kayaking or simply relaxing, the sublime mountain scenery is mesmerising.
Wander downtown and admire the picturesque streets, art galleries and local stores. In the summertime, listen out for the music playing in the square and be sure to savour one of the local restaurants. Many of the restaurants in Revelstoke only use local produce and make all of their menus themselves from scratch.
IMPORTANT NOTICE:
If you are reading this article anywhere other than on A Luxury Travel Blog, then the chances are that this content has been stolen without permission.
Please make a note of the web address above and contact A Luxury Travel Blog to advise them of this issue.
Thank you for your help in combatting content theft.
After enjoying the lively vibes in Revelstoke, spend the night at an award-winning bed & breakfast. Oozing with sophistication and style, it is an ideal place to make yourself feel at home. Take a tip in the hot tub and enjoy a freshly cooked breakfast in the morning, made by your friendly hosts. Savour buttermilk pancakes, eggs benedict, fresh fruit, frittata and overnight oats. It’s the perfect way to start your day during your Canadian adventure.
Okanagan Valley
4 nights
Welcome to one of the warmest regions in all of Canada, The Okanagan Valley. An ideal climate for growing grapes, here you find rolling hills lined with fruitful vines, reaching down to a giant lake that divides the valley. Indulge in wine tastings, farmer’s markets, and food & wine festivals. There is also an abundance of outdoor activities such as swimming, boating, bike riding or hiking to the top of Giant’s Head Mountain. A visit in autumn is a must because this region is bursting with every shade of red, yellow and orange.
Sleep between vines
Experience this gorgeous wine region by staying in a bed & breakfast and winery. From your private terrace, you can take in the incredible views of the surrounding vineyards, wineries, and the Naramata countryside. Within the area, you can go hiking or mountain biking along the famous Kettle Valley Rail Train. Or if you prefer, hop on a tube and float on top of the Lake Okanagan Channel. At night under the stars, enjoy stories by the bonfire with a glass of wine.
Waterton Lakes National Park
5 nights
Boasting an assortment of outdoor activities and adventures, Waterton Lakes National Park is renowned for its stunning lakes. Visit the charming town of Waterton Park, go hiking, or take a boat tour through the remote and untouched wilderness.
Enjoy world-class Canadian hospitality at a nine-acre resort, and the perfect base to discover the surrounding area. The property features a prestigious golf course, two outdoor hot tubs, a seasonal heated pool and fitness facilities. And naturally, you’re surrounded by endless nature and one-of-a-kind views.
The Southern Rockies
As you near the end of your trip, the beauty of Canada will no doubt continue to surprise you. The Southern Rockies is made up of five national parks and each park features its own unique characteristics and attractions.
Discover Banff National Park, Jasper National Park, Kootenay National Park, Yoho National Park and Waterton Lakes National Park. Interspersed throughout this region are some fantastic cities to add to your itinerary as well. All waiting to be explored, the possibilities are endless.
Andrew Morten is the Founder of Little America. Little America creates bespoke, tailored trips to the United States and Canada.
If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.
