Are the any Canadians out there that can offer some advice on MUST SEE things in Canada for tourists? My family are planning a holiday (6weeks) in Canada in 2018 and at this stage we are going to spend most of that time exploring between Vancouver and Calgary through the Rockies. We will be travelling September-October as we prefer to avoid big summer/winter crowds and we've heard this is the best time to do so. Our plan is to fly into Vancouver, hire a motorhome and spend 6 weeks canoodling around SW Canada and maybe slip down into Washington. I'm probably going to get some hate from Eastern Canadians because their side of the country is "better" but rest assured, we'll get to that side of the country eventually. We just don't want to cram too much into one holiday. So, if you're in/from SW Canada or Washington, what should we put on our To Do List?
The east has absolutely nothing on the west. Nothing. It's the most beautiful place in the world, imo. Hop over to Vancouver island and go to the west coast; Tonfino, Uclulet and whatnot. It'll change you. As for the mainland I'd suggest driving the Fraser canyon for some more great sightseeing (it's a freaky in a good way) and to see the route they blasted thru the train track way back when. Penticton is a lesser known vacation spot in the summer. A smallish town bordered by two separate lakes, in the middle of wine country, it turns into a paradise when the sun comes out. Water sports,golf, casino, and lots of awesome wine tours in the area . Agreed on anything in the Rockies. Stunning. Vancouver itself sucks and the outlying attractions are so busy I'd pick one or two if you have to and be on my way! Also I might suggest sticking with September and not October, as often that time of the year is filled with grey skies and torrential rain, not to mention snow storms anywhere in the mountains. I'm sure I'll think of more great things right after I post this. Don't hesitate to ask if you have any questions
I am not Canadian but I did have one of the best three weeks of my life on holiday in Vancouver and Fairmont Hot Springs. A highlights in Vancouver were the Museum of Anthropology in the University of BC grounds. It explains the history of the First Nation culture brilliantly with a mixture of historical artefacts and modern sculptures. There were some amazing places to sit and eat as well. We went kayaking in Deep Cove, North Vancouver, which was a great experience. The mad thing about Vancouver was the shocking amount of homeless people and drug addicts hanging around certain parts of the city. We were warned that there were definitely areas to avoid, but that was in 2010. I have no idea if it is better or worse now. We drove from Vancouver to Fairmont Hot Springs through Kamloops and came back through Kelowna. They are remarkable in how different they are. The most amazing thing we did in Fairmont was drive around the National Parks, including Banff and Jasper. You will probably end up with mountain fatigue! At first they are amazing to someone like me who comes from a relatively flat country but after a while, when you have been driving through them for eight hours, they can become oppressive. They make the view stunning, but limited. When you come around one and all of a sudden the vista opens up in front of you it is so much better! Lake Louise is worth a visit and white water rafting in the Kootenays is great. The locals joke that BC stands for Bring Cash, as it isn't the cheapest of places to live. Have fun and, if you can afford it, definitely buy one of these new camera drones, the videos you will get will be absolutely stunning.
Yeah Banff is definitely on our list. We want to motorhome through the Rockies so all the little towns through there will be visited. I hadn't heard about Vancouver Island. Will have to look into that. We want to go in October to experience some of the weather. We live in the dryest, windiest town in Australia so are pretty keen to see trees and hills and rain and snow and see how the other half live
Nothing is more beautiful than the road between Banff and Jasper. You have the Rockies on both sides of you as you travel through the valley. Be sure and take the Bow Valley Parkway out of Banff heading toward Jasper instead of the highway. Also stop at Lake Louise and the Columbia Ice Fields. Spent 3 weeks there this summer. Be sure to bring a warm coat.
I'm in Vancouver , should anyone be traveling to the area and be wanting/needing any insight from a local