A mention of the Canadian Rockies invariably invokes spectacular images of vast mountainous terrains and high jagged peaks. If you are planning a Canadian holiday, this is exactly where you should aim to explore. Read on to find out about the various ways in which you can experience the Rockies.
Banff from Above
Viewed from the ground, the Banff National Park is a stunning combination of tall rocky peaks, pine forests and picturesque cold-water lakes. The view from the sky is even more breathtaking, but it is time we stopped envying birds and took to the skies ourselves. Visitor to the Park have the opportunity to enjoy a helicopter flightseeing adventure that leaves them breathless with delight.
The Athabasca Glacier
After air, another force of nature to experience on your Canadian holiday is ice. The Athabasca Glacier with its 6km² expanse of sheer ice is going to indulge your craving for adventure to the full. You will take in a variety of stunning landscapes on board a massive futuristic-looking ice treading vehicle called the “Ice Explorerâ€. The feeling of getting off the Explorer for a brief walk and treading the same ice which has stood the test of time for millennia can be described as an awe-inspiring awareness of connection with a long-gone past and a future stretching farther ahead than life itself.
Whistler
Another unmissable stop is the resort of Whistler. Whether you visit in winter or in summer, it has a lot to delight you with. You may enjoy dazzling snowy vistas from a snow cat on a mountain top or have a nonchalant walk through the luscious greens of the summer. Taking a 4×4 ride is a great way to take in the plethora of flora and fauna that call the mountains their home.
The Rocky Mountaineer Rail Experience
The Rockies offer so much to see that however long your Canadian holiday, you may still feel like you are pressed for time. An excellent way to explore a sound proportion of it is boarding the Rocky Mountaineer: the world-famous train that follows a winding path among the Rockies’ highest and most spectacular peaks. The journey takes you from Jasper to Vancouver along stunning vistas of the Fraser Canyon and is one of the most popular railways in the world.
Get a Feel of Vancouver
Speaking of Vancouver, this is another place no Canadian holiday should overlook. The elegant feel of the city and the architectural variety it offers makes for the perfect window shopping destination. Getting a romantic escape out of the city is just as easy as exploring its delights. Simply board the Skyride up Grouse Mountain and enjoy spectacular cityscape views from above. Further beyond you can rest your eyes on the vast uninterrupted expanse of the Pacific Ocean.
Anybody who wants to have the ultimate Canadian experience will be well advised to contact a local tour operator. Their expertise on local nature, culture and society will provide you with what you need to enjoy your holiday to the full.
John Dixon is the Chairman and Managing Director of Prestige Holidays. For almost a decade his award-winning team has been crafting bespoke Canadian holiday packages for their clients. John is an experienced world traveller and tries to visit each of the destinations regularly in order to ensure the quality of the properties he recommends, and stay up-to-date about the latest local news and events. He has a taste for the finer things in life and has an interest in arts, history and culture.
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