Western Canada is an area known for adventure and exploration. With what feels like an endless supply of great attractions, this part of Canada is definitely worth visiting. From rare animal sightings to endless outdoor activities, the fun never ends. Join us as we take a deeper look into some of the best the West has to offer.
Victoria, British Columbia
We start in the capital city of beautiful British Columbia, Victoria. Located on the southeast coast of Vancouver Island, Victoria owns the mildest median climate in the country, helping secure its reputation as the City of Gardens. The area has also garnered great international attention. The National Geographic and Jacque Cousteau Society have recognized Vancouver Island as top destinations for cold-water diving, diversity of marine life and water clarity.
If you’re looking for some exciting things to do while out here, there are plenty of options. Jump onboard and enjoy a whale watching like no other or strap yourself in and hop on some of the best zipline tours in the province!
Vancouver, British Columbia
After a short ferry ride to mainland B.C., we find ourselves in Vancouver. As the province’s largest city, Vancouver is rich with entertainment, recreation and culture. Vancouver is home to more parks that any other city in the world. It also celebrates the great influences of its multicultural history and has the second-largest Chinatown in North America.
With an abundance of nature as its surrounding, Vancouver is often referred to as the “Hollywood of the North” and is used regularly for famous film production. If you’re interested in viewing these amazing sightlines yourself, you can always hop on a bike or take a stroll along The Seaway Wall - a 9 km route that takes you around the renowned Stanley Park.
Once you’re finished your tour of Stanley Park, pay a visit to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. Just a short drive from downtown Vancouver, you can become immersed in this thriving rainforest and hike through a series of suspension bridges that give you panoramic views of this stunning land.
Whistler, British Columbia
About an hour and half away is Whistler – an area known for alpine sports. Given its proximity to the host city, Whistler held many events during the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics which only helped in drawing more international attention. With 4,757 acres of ski-able area, you can carve out a unique experience every time you hit the slopes.
If action sports aren’t your thing, the village is filled with plenty of options for entertainment. This includes paying a visit to one of the local bistros; finding keepsakes at one of the shops; taking a tour through stunning art galleries; or rejuvenating yourself with the perfect yoga and spa day.
Banff, Alberta
Now that we’ve crossed the border into Alberta, we can enjoy a visit to Canada’s oldest National Park in Banff. Similarly to Whistler, Banff is an outdoor lover’s paradise. With hiking, skiing, kayaking and golf available at your fingertips, you can easily keep busy anytime of the year. There is even the famous gondola ride that takes you to the summit of Sulphur Mountain and gives you incredible views of the Rocky Mountains that surround this tourist town.
Additionally, this park is one of the best places to spot wildlife. Iconic Canadian animals that are found here include Moose, Bighorn Sheep, Bison, Cougars and Bear. Make sure to have your camera ready as some of these sightings are hard to come by!
Calgary, Alberta
Giddy on up and pack your bags for our final stop out west. Known as a lively city, Calgary provides visitors with nonstop fun. One of its most notable landmarks is the Calgary Tower. When it opened in 1968, it was briefly the tallest structure in Canada and was even twice the size of the next tallest building in the downtown Calgary area. The tower even has a restaurant level that rotates – giving visitors access to amazing views with every bite.
A great time to visit the area is in early July during the 10-day Calgary Stampede. Dubbed the world’s largest outdoor rodeo, the Stampede celebrates the west with barrel racing, bull riding, First Nations traditions and agricultural events. An event for all ages, you can enjoy this visit with your family and hit up the Midway, dine on some amazing food or even take in one of the many musical performances.
Western Canada is calling you to come visit. When you’re ready to explore this part of the country further, be sure to contact a member of our Travel Team. Visit your local CAA Niagara branch, call 1-800-263-7272, or book an appointment online with a CAA Travel Agent to get started.
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