So you want to visit Canada, eh? Eat poutine, drench your food in maple syrup and hang with ~dreamy~ Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as Drake gently serenades you, right? Well I hate to burst your bubble, but this is not the Canada you’ll experience (except for the poutine and maple syrup part).
The Canada you’ll experience is actually so much better. And you should believe me: I’m a flannel-wearing, toque-sporting, beer-drinking Canadian.
Canada recently turned 150 and already-nice Canadians will be even nicer – it’s the perfect time to visit!
I want to give you a few tips on where to go. So in no particular order, here are the best places you need to add to your western Canada itinerary.
1. Banff
If you’ve seen a postcard of Canada, there’s a good chance that mountain pic that made your jaw drop was taken in Banff.
It’s home to some famous peaks of the Rocky Mountains, turquoise lakes and impressive waterfalls. Don’t miss Johnson Canyon, Moraine Lake (this is the one you probably see all the time on Instagram) and Lake Minnewanka. If you want to go hiking, Sentinel Pass, Lake Agnes and Tunnel Mountain are all awesome.
And a visit to Banff isn’t complete without stopping by, or better yet , staying at the famous Banff Springs Hotel. This beautiful hotel looks straight out of The Shining — and yes, there are ghost stories. When you’re feeling spooked enough, head back to Banff for some fresh maple fudge. Mmmmm.
2. Vancouver
The largest city in western Canada, Vancouver is part of a strange breed of cities that enjoys both mountains and beaches.
Sitting pretty between the Rocky Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Vancouver is the quintessential city for getting outdoors — in a day you could (technically) crush Grouse Mountain, bike around Stanley Park and paddle board at Kitsilano Beach. Then finish your day like the locals do: with some delicious food and a pint of craft beer, of course.
Head to Granville Island, Gastown or Main Street, or you know, ask a hipster-looking local (there’s a lot of them). Vancouver is good vibes only.
You might like to view another article I recently wrote – what to do for 24 hours in Vancouver.
3. Whistler
If you ski or snowboard (or follow it), you’ll have heard the name Whistler.
In the winter, it’s packed with so-called ‘ski bums’ from all over the world. And in the summer, it’s a chilled-out mountain town that lives for excitement: there’s white water rafting, ziplining, kayaking, ATV-ing — feel your adrenaline pumping yet?
One of my fave Whistler experiences is the PEAK2PEAK gondola, which gives you epic 360 degree views of the mountains. And within Whistler village, the good times keep on rolling. In fact, some travellers go to Whistler for its nightlife.
And the best part about going out in Whistler? The restaurants, bars and pubs are all within walking distance of each other. Definite win.
4. Calgary
I’d like to preface this one by saying I’m from Calgary, so I definitely have a soft spot for it. And in my totally expert opinion, Calgary is grossly underrated. It’s the largest city in Alberta, the sunniest city in Canada and the only city in the world with a city-wide festival and rodeo, the Calgary Stampede.
Yes, friends, for 10 days Calgary gets decked out in all things country (fun fact: I hate country music). And if that’s not enough, Calgary is very good-looking — two mountain-sourced rivers run through it, it’s packed with parks (including my fave, Edworthy and Bowness Park) and has awesome neighbourhoods like Chinatown and East Village.
My must-do things for Calgary: cafes in Kensington, restaurants on 17th Ave and shopping on Stephen Avenue. You’re welcome.
5. Jasper
What do you get when you mix glaciers, hot springs, lakes, waterfalls and mountains? Jasper National Park.
This famous Albertan national park is not only beautiful, it’s the largest in the Canadian Rockies. In fact, it’s so great that the good people at UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site in 1984. Animals must find Jasper awesome too because elk, moose, deer, bears and mountain lions all call it home.
So, what makes travellers to Jasper National Park tick? It could be the mountain biking in Valley of the Five Lakes, taking in mighty Athabasca Falls or canoeing on the majestic Maligne Lake. Or maybe they find the Columbia Icefield Glacier Skywalk — a glass platform 918 feet over the glacier — enthralling.
Whatever it is, Jasper always impresses me.
6. Canmore
Unless you’re from western Canada, the word “Canmore” probably means nothing to you… yet. Canmore is another adorable mountain town that, just like Calgary, is completely underrated (think of it like a pocket-size Banff with less throngs of tourists).
Close to Kananaskis — a haven for adventure types — you can hike up Ha Ling Peak or Mount Yamnuska, go for a dip in Barrier or Grassi Lakes or rent a bike from the Nordic Centre and hit the trails. About a 45 minute drive away from Canmore, you can play with wolfdogs (part dog, part wolf, all parts adorable) at the Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary. Yes, it’s amazing.
In the town of Canmore, get into some Rocky Mountain Flatbread and homemade cream soda from the Grizzly Paw Brewing Co. while reflecting on how darn cute Canmore is and how you want to move there stat.
View my Canada travel tips for more recommendations.
