When we began planning our Canada Holidays adventure, we knew it would be special. What we didn’t realise was just how breathtaking, memorable and unforgettable it would be. From the snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies to the thundering power of Niagara Falls and the vibrant energy of Toronto, every day brought a new highlight.

We departed Ireland on 3rd May and returned home on 19th May after what can only be described as the trip of a lifetime.

First Stop: Banff

Our Canadian adventure began in Banff, and what an introduction it was. On our first morning, we stepped outside the hotel to find ourselves surrounded by magnificent snow-covered mountains. The scenery was simply breathtaking.

Banff itself has a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere. The streets were lively with visitors, yet the pace felt slower and more peaceful. There were plenty of shops to browse, restaurants and cafés to enjoy, and of course we couldn’t resist visiting the famous Cows ice cream parlour for dessert. We also paid a visit to St James Gate Irish Pub for food and drinks, although we discovered it was actually Canadian-owned!

One of our highlights was the Banff Gondola, which we had booked in advance. The journey to the top of Sulphur Mountain offered spectacular panoramic views, and the boardwalk at the summit was an easy and enjoyable walk.

The rest of our time in Banff was spent exploring the surrounding area. With Dean driving and Orlaith navigating, John and I could simply sit back and take in the scenery. We visited Surprise Corner, Two Jack Lake, Johnson Lake, Lake Minnewanka and Tunnel Mountain Drive. We also enjoyed walks along the Bow Falls River Trail and through the beautiful Cascade Gardens.

Lake Louise & Golden

Our next destination was Lake Louise. Along the way, we stopped at Vermilion Lakes and Johnston Canyon, where we walked to the Lower Falls. Sections of the trail were still covered in snow and ice, making the walk a little challenging, but absolutely worth it.

In Lake Louise, we completed the Bow River Loop trail, once again navigating snowy sections while keeping our bear spray close by after recent bear sightings in the area. Although Lake Louise itself was still frozen, its beauty was undeniable.

One of our most exciting days involved a trip to Golden, where we crossed both Golden Skybridge suspension bridges. Walking high above the canyon surrounded by mountain scenery was an incredible experience. We also tried axe throwing, while Orlaith took on the thrilling Canyon Swing, which she described as unforgettable.

We also visited Emerald Lake, still frozen at this time of year, and stopped at Natural Bridge, where the force of rushing water has carved a remarkable passage through the rock over thousands of years.

The Icefields Parkway to Jasper

The drive from Lake Louise to Jasper along the Icefields Parkway is often described as one of the most scenic drives in the world, and after experiencing it ourselves, we couldn’t agree more.

We stopped at Bow Lake and hiked the snowy trail to Peyto Lake. While both lakes remained frozen, the surrounding mountain views more than compensated.

We had pre-booked the Columbia Icefield Adventure, which included travelling onto the Athabasca Glacier and visiting the Glacier Skywalk. While enjoyable, it wasn’t quite the highlight we had anticipated.

That honour belonged to an unexpected roadside encounter — spotting two black bears. Like everyone else on the road, we quickly pulled over to safely admire and photograph these incredible animals from a distance. It was a truly special moment.

Exploring Jasper

Jasper offered endless opportunities for sightseeing. The mountains, lakes and scenic drives continued to amaze us.

Maligne Lake is perhaps Jasper’s most famous attraction. Although boat tours don’t operate in early May due to the frozen conditions, it was still well worth visiting for the spectacular scenery.

We also took a trip to nearby Hinton and enjoyed a peaceful walk along the Beaver Boardwalk.

One aspect of Jasper that was impossible to ignore was the visible impact of the recent wildfires. While it was heartbreaking to see the damage to the forests, it was encouraging to witness the resilience of the community. Shops, restaurants and businesses were operating, homes were being rebuilt and life was continuing.

Returning South

As we made our way back towards Canmore, we stopped at several more incredible viewpoints, including Athabasca Falls, Athabasca Viewpoint and Sunwapta Falls.

A quick return visit to Banff allowed us one final meal at the Irish pub and an essential laundry stop before continuing our journey. We also disposed of our bear spray at the designated collection point at Canmore Fire Station.

Leaving the Rockies was genuinely difficult. Throughout the trip, our most-used word was undoubtedly “wow”. Everywhere we looked, another postcard-perfect scene awaited us. The scale of the landscape was difficult to comprehend, and the warmth and friendliness of the people we met made the experience even more special.

Niagara Falls

Our next destination was Niagara Falls, and it certainly lived up to expectations.

We were fortunate to have a room overlooking the falls, allowing us to enjoy the spectacular views day and night. We experienced both the famous boat tour and the Journey Behind the Falls attraction. The sheer volume of water and the incredible roar of the falls are something that photographs simply cannot capture.

During our stay, we enjoyed a wonderful meal at the Hard Rock Café and took a bus excursion to the charming town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, where we spent a lovely afternoon strolling through the picturesque streets.

Toronto

Our final stop was Toronto, which provided a completely different atmosphere from the relaxed pace of the Rockies and Niagara Falls.

We explored the city via the hop-on hop-off bus, visited the CN Tower, wandered through the Distillery District and enjoyed a harbour cruise.

We had deliberately planned Toronto as the final part of our holiday, giving us the opportunity to slow down, catch up on rest and reflect on everything we had experienced. It proved to be the perfect ending to an incredible journey.

Final Thoughts on her Canada Holidays

Aside from a minor issue with our car hire company upon arrival, the trip ran smoothly from start to finish. Our flights were excellent, accommodation was perfectly suited to our itinerary and every destination exceeded expectations.

Most importantly, we created wonderful memories together. We returned home with hundreds of photographs, countless stories and experiences that will be talked about for many years to come.

Canada exceeded every expectation we had. The landscapes were extraordinary, the wildlife encounters unforgettable and the people welcoming wherever we went.

If there is one thing we learned from this trip, it is that no photograph can truly capture the scale and beauty of the Canadian Rockies. It is a destination that simply has to be experienced in person.

A heartfelt thank you to Lauren and the team for their guidance throughout the planning process. The itinerary we developed together turned out to be absolutely perfect, and the memories we made will stay with us forever.