We’ve probably all had the feeling from time to time that we’d like to ‘get away from it all’, but for those who really want to follow through and discover one of the world’s most beautiful wildernesses, a Canada tour of the Rockies is a great place to start.
From unspoilt lakes and forests to glaciers and National Parks, there is so much untamed beauty to see that you’ll want to spend at least a week in Western Canada. Tour the wilderness from Vancouver in the west all the way to Calgary in the heart of the Rockies, and you’ll discover a world largely untouched by modern living. A true wilderness getaway awaits!
Take a Train Into the Heart of British Columbia
To really drink in the stunning scenery of British Columbia, I recommend taking the famous Rocky Mountaineer, a luxury train that will sweep you into the heart of this beautiful land. Leaving Vancouver, you’ll travel through dense forest and mountain landscapes, passing breathtaking waterfalls and lakes, before arriving in the picturesque Kamloops.
Explore a UNESCO-Listed National Park
This much beauty needs to be protected, which is why the Canadian government and UNESCO work together to ensure that the stunning landscape of Jasper National Park remains as wild and untamed as nature intended. Home to a variety of indigenous wildlife, this is the largest national park in this part of Canada. Tour through this region by foot, bike or car and you’ll never forget the splendour that you’ll encounter here. Come back to earth with a trip to the town of Jasper itself, where you’ll meet some of the friendly locals who are lucky enough to live in this idyllic location.
Eye in the Sky
Of course, one of the best ways to take in the enormity of this vast wilderness is from the sky, so if you’ve got any time spare on your tour, I would recommend using it to take a helicopter trip over the Rockies. From the air, you’ll see the mountain landscape stretching out in all directions beneath you, an awe-inspiring sight that helps to put most things in life into perspective.
Venture Inside a Glacier
As you travel up into the Rockies, you’ll discover a land of snow and ice where, even in the summer months, the ice never fully melts. On the road from Jasper to Banff, you’ll travel through Icefields Parkway, a permanent glacier that’s home to the Athabasca Falls. If the splendour of the route makes you want to see more, I strongly recommend taking a detour to discover the Athabasca Glacier. You can actually take a guided tour inside the glacier itself, a fascinating experience for anyone who admires the forces of nature.
So next time you’re sat at your desk or surrounded by the chaos of the morning commute, start planning your Canada tour of the Rockies instead of dreaming! A trip to the glaciers, mountains and the wilderness of Western Canada gives the idea of ‘getting away from it all’ a whole new meaning.
John Dixon is an experienced world traveller and the Managing Director of Prestige Holidays for or over 30 years. Recently his recommended Canada tour itineraries have been included in Prestige’s luxury holiday portfolio. John tries to visit each of the destinations regularly in order to ensure the quality of his properties, 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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