Vancouver, Victoria and the Rockies Experience

Vibrant Vancouver: Sampling the sights, sounds and flavours of the city 

I started my first visit to Canada in the wonderful city of Vancouver and stayed in the Pinnacle Harbourfront, which has fantastic views of the seaplanes departing the harbour. On my first morning I went on the Vancouver City Highlights tour, which picked me up outside the hotel. I visited the main areas of Vancouver, such as the Lions Gate Bridge, Totem Poles and Stanley Park. The tour ended at Granville Island, one of my highlights of Vancouver. Here you can find an abundance of eateries and places to drink. The indoor market sells a fascinating assortment of colourful food, and has produce stores and farmers stalls, with everything fresh from the ocean, the oven or the field. Market Artisans showcase locally made and handcrafted products as well as the very finest unique goods. 

Vancouver Island: Awe-inspiring Butchart Gardens and charming Victoria 

During my last full day in Vancouver, I travelled to Vancouver Island to the charming city of Victoria. En route, I stopped at the awe-inspiring Butchart Gardens – and I highly recommend incorporating this into your holiday. I managed to spend a good few hours around Victoria. Make sure to visit Government Street, with an array of shops, bars, cafes, and restaurants to explore. The highlight of the day was my seaplane back to Vancouver. It was raining, but it was still a fantastic experience. 

Beautiful Banff: A warm welcome with breathtaking views 

The 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 presented some of the best views I have ever seen. 

When I arrived in Banff, I stayed at the newly opened Hotel Canoe & Suites in a Mountain View Room. It is a lovely hotel and has a great restaurant. It is approximately a 20-minute walk to the centre of town or you can get the Roam Bus, with frequent departures during the summer months. If you are staying at a Banff Lodging Company hotel, you get access to a free Roam Bus Pass for the duration of your stay. 

Exploring Banff: Scaling new heights and stunning scenery  

The following morning, I enjoyed the Discover Banff & Its Wildlife tour. I was treated to great knowledge from the guide about the history and area of Banff. During the tour I visited places like the Fairmont Banff Springs, Bow Falls, Hoodoos Viewpoint and Lake Minnewanka. I was able to stop and spend time at each area to get postcard worthy photographs. The tour ended 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 can see 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.   

On my final day I travelled out to Lake Louise and the Fairmont Chateau. I had plenty of time to explore the area. Despite the lake still being frozen, it was 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 here and still found 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 your time to explore the town itself before you leave.