Canadian Rockies & national parks

Vamping up the vibe in Vancouver, there’s scenic and cultural delights aplenty that frequently earn its title as Canada’s ‘food capital’ and one of the most liveable cities in the world. And in celebrating its diversity from the indigenous histories of Stanley Park to some of the best banh mi in China Town, there’s a sense that visitors here will also find plenty of reasons to call it home. 

Hailed as ‘the most spectacular train trip in the world’, this exhilarating two-day journey allows you to experience the dramatic beauty of the Rocky Mountains from the comfort of a luxury carriage.

If there’s a digital detox that everybody needs, it’s most likely found in the rugged landscapes of Jasper’s National Parks. But if we had to choose the explorers that’re getting their biggest fill, we’d save it all for the audacious types. With incredible wildlife viewing from caribou to bears, and the magnetising appeal of adrenaline-filled activities that span the watery depths of white water rafting to the serene scenes best experienced by its world-class climbing.

The mountain playground that put Canada’s hiking capital on the map, Lake Louise rewards scenic strolls and energetic hikes with the sublime view of the turquoise-tinted lake at almost every turn. Turning into a canoeing paradise come summertime, there are few spots that can compare to an afternoon spent splashing around with a glacier hugging you on all sides.

From flip-flop forays, to a chosen picnicking spot, to hard-core mountaineering adventures, Banff National Park creates a carousel of outdoor adventures for all the family to jump onto. Including everything from horse riding to the bucket list heli-hiking experiences, the sun shines bright come summertime, waking up the hibernating grizzly bears who go plodding down the hillsides on a luckier day.     

Home to the famous western-style extravaganza, Calgary Stampede (sometimes known as Cowtown), this city is wonderfully unafraid to celebrate its Wild West roots. But with its top-notch coffee and bar scene, boutique shops and plentiful running routes, it’s not just the spectacles that’re worth celebrating.