Paddle emerald-green glacial lakes, track dinosaurs among hoodoos, try the 100-mile diet, go snowboarding at night.
Nature nudges up to the cities’ edges in this region, which encompasses British Columbia and Alberta. In Vancouver, sail and ski within minutes of downtown; be back in time for a hot-stone massage at a day spa and dinner at one of the city’s many five-star eateries. After, go clubbing in upscale Yaletown or mingle at a pub in the gay-friendly West End. Victoria, with the country’s most comfortable climate, begins its annual flower count in early March. You can golf almost 365 days a year here and visit renowned Butchart Gardens in all four seasons. Anytime, you can sip martinis in colonial splendour next to the capital’s politicos at the Fairmont Empress Hotel.
If you want to take in all of Mountains West, from Vancouver’s coast to Calgary’s foothills, the sleek blue-and-white Rocky Mountaineer train will rocket you through five vast, unspoiled Canadian national parks. Ride past foaming waterfalls, ancient glaciers and towering snowcapped peaks. This is nature enjoyed from a glass-roofed dome car with gourmet service, white linen tablecloths and luxury cuisine.
Ski, hike, rock climb or go caving through alpine landscapes in the Rocky Mountain playgrounds of Banff, Jasper and Lake Louise. Dine on prime Alberta beef accompanied by a fine BC Okanagan red wine in arty, affluent, oil-rich Calgary. Find hoodoos and prehistoric fossils in the Badlands around Dinosaur Provincial Park, or take in one of 30 festivals in Edmonton. Out West, you’ll find just about anything you want.
Source: Canadian Tourism Commission