I started my first visit to Canada in the wonderful city of Vancouver. Staying in the Pinnacle Harbourfront, with fantastic views of the Seaplanes departing the harbour. First morning I went on the Vancouver City Highlights tour, picking us up outside our hotel. We visited the main areas of Vancouver, such as the Lions Gate Bridge, Totem Poles and Stanley Park. We ended our tour at Granville Island, one of my highlights of Vancouver. You can find an abundance of eateries and places to drink. A visit to the indoor market selling fascinating assortment of colourful food, produce stores and farmers stalls, all fresh from the ocean, the oven or the field. Market Artisans showcase locally made, handcrafted products and the very finest in unique goods.
Banff
Fairmont Banff Springs
Victoria Harbour
Butchart Gardens
Bow Falls, Banff
Floatplane from Victoria to Vancouver
Vancouver Stanley Park Totem Poles
Banff
Lake Louise
Top of Banff Gondola
Bow River, Banff
My last full day in Vancouver, we travelled to Vancouver Island to the charming city of Victoria, on route stopping at the awe-inspiring Butchart Gardens. Highly recommend incorporating this to your holiday. I managed to get a good few hours around Victoria, make sure to visit Government Street, with an array of shops, bars, cafes and restaurants to explore. Highlight of the day was my Seaplane back to Vancouver, albeit was raining, still a fantastic experience.
Next day I flew from Vancouver to Calgary, to transfer to the town of Banff. The transfer from the airport acted like a tour, with commentary from the driver about the area. Driving into the Rockies with some of the best views I have ever seen.
Arrival into Banff I stay at the newly opened Hotel Canoe & Suites in a Mountain View Room. Lovely hotel and great restaurant. About a 20-minute walk to the centre of town or you can get the Roam Bus, with frequent departures during the summer months. If staying at a Banff Lodging Company hotel you get access to a free Roam Bus Pass for the duration of your stay.
Next morning I went on the Discover Banff & Its Wildlife tour, fantastic tour with great knowledge from the guide about the history and area of Banff. Visiting place like the Fairmont Banff Springs, Bow Falls, Hoodoos Viewpoint and Lake Minniewanka. Getting a good bit of time at each area to get postcard worthy photographs. The tour ends at the bottom of Sulphur Mountain, the base for the Banff Gondola. Travelling up the Gondola takes about 12 minutes; with over 40 cable cars you won’t be waiting long in the queue. At the top you get some breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains. Descending back down, you can either walk back into town, roughly 20 minutes or utilise the Roam Bus.
The following day I travelled out to Lake Louise and the Fairmont Chateau. We had plenty of time to explore the area, although it was very icy and the lake still frozen, it was still amazing to see.
My overall experience of Banff was fantastic, it’s a very rustic and charming town and a great place to explore the surrounding areas. I could have easily spent a week year and still find loads to do. There are many trails for walking or hiking, Banff Avenue is the main street with all the restaurants, bars, cafés and shops. Take you time to explore the town itself before you leave.
Inspired from Scott's adventures below is a selection of our favourite itineraries which feature where Scott visited.
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