West Canada bite-sized trips

Begin or end your Canadian adventure in this perfectly located city between the sea and the ski slopes. Vancouver sits in stark contrast to the vast and rugged nature of the rest of the country and is a highlight of western Canada not to be missed.

The waters around Vancouver Island are reknown as some of the best in the world for watching whales (from mid-April to late-October). Victoria is only a short ferry hop away from Vancouver and has a charming English flair.

Pacific Rim National Park is one of the best places in Canada to spot wild black bears in their natural habitat. Heading out on a large rubber dinghy, you’ll have the chance to spot these magnificent creatures for yourself.

Telegraph Cove & Port McNeill are tiny fishing villages, in the north of Vancouver Island. Which is, in our opinion, the best place to spot Killer Whales in Canada. Here, the migration route runs close to the coast, and from the beginning of July until the end of September you can admire these impressive animals.

Fancy really getting away from it all and experiencing the ruggedness Vancouver Island has to offer? This trip will take you off into the wilderness for a couple of nights camping in the forest.

The small island of Quadra offers plenty of opportunities for active travellers. Take a hike, head out kayaking at sunset and enjoy the views of purple-dipped mountains and the black water. Your home away from home is a timber lodge on the coast, nestled amongst the pine trees.

Just a few hours from Vancouver lies Whistler, arguably Canada’s finest outdoor adventure playground, surrounded by soaring mountains. Zip, hike, and bike your way around and don’t forget to take a ride on the Peak2Peak gondola with stunning 360-degree views of snow-capped peaks, lakes, glaciers and forests.

Go horse riding in the high mountains and deep valleys of the Cariboo Region to immerse yourself in the world of a Cowboy on a local ranch! We think that every part of a trip to Canada should include some countryside, campfires and horses and in this trip, you can do it all.

If you’re heading to West Canada from June-September and want a true adventure then this trip is for you. Taking in some of the most varied scenery in the area, Wells Gray Park offers ancient conifers, calm lakes and an abundance of wildlife.

Sun Peaks, located right in the heart of Canada is an alpine village packed full of outdoor activities. You’ll spend 3 days discovering this mountain playground and trying to keep your balance on a stand-up paddleboard.

In the heart of the Rocky Mountains, the Jasper National Park is about as Canadian as it gets. Huge snow-capped peaks soaring above lush green valleys, waterfalls, bright blue lakes, and well…..you get the picture!

Possibly the most breath-taking road in Western Canada, the Icefields Parkway links Jasper with Banff, and is one drive you’ll be more than happy to take your time over. The highway takes you through towering forests, past bright blue glacial lakes and thundering waterfalls – all with the rugged peaks of the Rocky Mountains as a backdrop.

The Banff National Park is a picture-perfect natural playground, high up in the Rocky Mountains, filled with jagged peaks, lush forests and impossibly blue lakes. You’ll stay in central Banff, where the atmosphere is bustling and you’ll have easy access to the highlights of this beautiful area.

Waterton is the smallest National Park in the Rockies and has its own particular charm which sets it apart from its more famous rivals. Situated on Canada’s southern border with Montana in the US, this is a place where lush grasslands roll into the imposing Rocky peaks, and bison, bears and mountain goats roam freely.

Between Vancouver and the Rocky Mountains is a fertile wine valley full of sun-drenched orchards and shimmering lakes with sandy beaches. Pick ripe peaches and strawberries and enjoy a picnic in the grass.

While in Canada, take the opportunity to cross over the border into the remote wilderness of Alaska. On a day trip to the tiny town of Hyder, you can visit the incredible Salmon Glacier to spot grizzly bears fishing for salmon in the river.

Journey through the iconic Inside Passage, heading north along Canada’s rugged coastline from Port Hardy to Prince Rupert, with ever-changing landscapes and excellent wildlife sightings along the way.

Follow the Totem Pole Route through northern British Colombia, from Smithers to Prince George and dive into First Nations history as you pass colourful totem roles and traditional villages.

For train enthusiasts and those who enjoy the journey as much as the destination, the route between Vancouver and Banff is blessed with breathtaking views of deep gorges, dense forestry, rocky outcrops, and fast flowing rivers.

For train enthusiasts and those who enjoy the journey as much as the destination, the Gold Rush route between Jasper and Vancouver is a smorgasbord of thrilling views of deep gorges, vast ranchland, rocky outcrops, and raging rapids.

For train enthusiasts and those who enjoy the journey as much as the destination, the route between Vancouver and Jasper is blessed with breathtaking views of deep gorges, dense forestry, rocky outcrops, and fast flowing rivers.