Western Canada

Western Canada encompasses British Columbia and Alberta — two provinces of extraordinary natural beauty that together form one of the world’s premier outdoor travel destinations. Vancouver, BC’s Pacific coast metropolis, is consistently ranked among the world’s most liveable and most beautiful cities. Surrounded by sea, mountains and forest, it combines cosmopolitan sophistication — excellent restaurants, outstanding museums, vibrant neighbourhoods like Gastown and Yaletown — with unparalleled access to outdoor adventure. Stanley Park, the Capilano Suspension Bridge, Granville Island Market and whale watching in the nearby Gulf Islands are all highlights.

Whistler, two hours north of Vancouver along the stunning Sea-to-Sky Highway, is North America’s premier ski resort in winter — two mountains, 200+ runs, a vibrant village atmosphere and excellent accommodation making it world-class by any measure. In summer, Whistler transforms into a mountain bike and hiking destination of the highest order.

In Alberta, the Canadian Rockies deliver scenery that borders on the surreal. Banff National Park — Canada’s oldest — centres on the elegant mountain town of Banff, with Lake Louise and Moraine Lake just minutes away. The colours of these glacial lakes — an impossibly vivid turquoise fed by glacial flour — have to be seen to be believed. The Icefields Parkway north to Jasper is a 232-kilometre ribbon of mountain scenery past glaciers, wildlife and dramatic viewpoints. Jasper itself is a darker, wilder alternative to Banff, with excellent bear and wolf sightings in the park.

The Great Bear Rainforest along BC’s mid-coast is one of the last intact temperate rainforests on earth and home to the rare white ‘Spirit Bear’. Western Canada is superb year-round, with each season offering distinct pleasures.