Travel to Western Canada

Western Canada –Like a breath of fresh air...

Western Canada is a country apart. Wilder and less populated than the East, it is a loose checkerboard of ranches and fields of waving grain, stretching through latitudes of fruitful prairie, lake and forest all the way to the Alberta foothills. There, at Calgary, begins the first of five successive ranges of the Rocky Mountain that flow west to the Pacific. Carpeted with spruce and Douglas fir until the altitude is so high that only rock and snow remain, this is a kingdom of clear air and untrammeled places.

The people who live in the western provinces have been shaped by land and climate. Long winters and hot summers lend them an innate hardiness, giving them a zest for life and a can-do attitude. Outdoor activities are very popular, with horse and hiking trails, ski slopes, and other sport and adventure facilities widely available. A lively art scene, excellent museums and galleries are well-funded and found throughout the region. Wineries on the west coast, orchards, fisheries and cattle ranches have given rise to a bold and innovative cuisine that has drawn accolades from far and wide.

There are many dynamic cities in the region. Calgary is noted for its people-friendly spaces and modern frontier ambience. Charming Victoria, capital of British Columbia, is a little corner of Britain situated on an island in the Pacific. Vancouver is hands-down one of the most beautiful cities in the world, exuding a palpable excitement and freshness. From a vantage point in forested Stanley Park, you can look past the weathered totem poles of First Nation peoples to Vancouver’s far off steel and glass skyscrapers. Snow-capped mountains and sky reflect back at you from their mirror-like facades.

From the tried-and-true to innovative new attractions, Western Canada promises an unforgettable vacation. We can customize any itinerary to Western Canada to reflect your interests.

A feel for Paradise – Beautiful Alberta and British Columbia

Choose an itinerary that combines these two westernmost provinces. Historically the Canadian West has a lot more to do with the orderly Mountie-controlled society than the shoot ‘em up gun slingers south of the border, and this distinction continues today. This is a glorious land of mountain vistas, breathtaking glacier lakes, forests, sweeping plains and… outdoor adventures. It has energetic modern cities but also ghost towns from the Gold Rush era. It is wildlife roaming free and within view, and in the right places, nightlife at its most sophisticated – another type of wildlife. The fruits, wines and fresh seafood of British Columbia are legendary. Come be inspired as we create an ideal vacation for your group…

Vancouver and the Coastal Mountains

For those with only a limited amount of time, the close-in attractions around Vancouver may be the perfect choice. Experience the mountains, lakes, glaciers, ranchland and Gold Rush towns – all magnificent. See the venues of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. Try rafting down the Fraser and Thompson Rivers, and visit the many First Nation interpretive sites that enlarge your perspective on the region. Give in to the temptations of the spa so that you have the energy to explore cosmopolitan Vancouver with its audacious skyline, wonderful galleries, restaurants, museums and beautiful neighborhoods such as Robson Square, Granville Island and North Vancouver. The views - ocean-facing, mountain-facing or on an inlet – are unforgettable. You will vow to return, perhaps permanently…

Vancouver Island, by ferry or by air

Across the Strait of Georgia from the city of Vancouver lies sunny Vancouver Island. Blessed with a mild climate (since the mid-1990s, even Mediterranean fruits like olives and lemons thrive here), Vancouver Island is a special getaway where the clocks seem to run slower. The island has hidden coves, sandy beaches and dense forests to explore. You can ride the waves beside magnificent orcas or wander through Butchart Gardens, a Canadian National Historic Site. Begun over 100 years ago in a spent quarry, Butchart Gardens has been transformed into a world-renowned year-round floral paradise covering many acres. The province’s sparkling capital, Victoria, has a gentle English vibe that can be found in its charming streets, restaurants and shops. Enjoy a traditional English tea at the waterfront Fairmont Empress Hotel, serving up Commonwealth traditions since 1908.

Calgary, Alberta – Much more than its famous Stampede

The capital of Alberta and Canada’s cowboy town, Calgary has grown up into a cosmopolitan city and important financial center, especially for the energy sector. But for a few days every summer, it straps on spurs and chaps for the famed Calgary Stampede, a giant rodeo and festival. Don’t despair if you miss Stampede; this city on the Bow River has a lot to offer after the hordes of tourists have gone home. People come year-round to Calgary for its excellent museums and galleries, cultural events and restaurant/nightlife scene. Nearby are the Rockies, the resort town of Banff, and the badlands that surround Drumheller, a site rich in dinosaur fossils.

Calgary – and continuing southward on a magnificent trans-border nature trail

When you just can’t get enough in one country, perhaps you need two! This itinerary takes you south from Calgary to Waterton Lakes National Park and Montana’s Glacier National Park, linked in 1932 through the efforts of Alberta and Montana Rotary groups. Together the two contiguous areas form the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, the largest intact ecosystem in the lower 48 states. This is spectacular glaciated landscape, with two sub ranges of the Rockies running through it. It features abundant wildlife, miles of well-maintained trails and many historic buildings. To make the trip more spectacular, we’ll continue on to the natural wonders of Idaho and Washington State, both known for their majestic scenery. As Washington is the second largest American wine growing region, we’ll toast a great trip by sampling local varietals such as Riesling, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah.