The perfect holiday in Canada

Canada's vast and stunningly diverse landscape can be overwhelming to grasp. Spanning 7,560 kilometers from east to west and covering six time zones, this second-largest country in the world features steep peaks, sparkling icefields, dense forests, and sprawling prairies with expansive skies. A largely uninhabited wilderness, it stirs emotions and ignites the imagination like no other place.

Given the impossibility of seeing all of Canada in one trip, a two-week itinerary focusing on the western provinces of British Columbia and Alberta is ideal. These regions are celebrated for their wildlife, mountain scenery, and exceptional national parks. Encounter bears fishing for salmon in streams beneath towering cedars, listen to waterfalls thunder into deep gorges, and hike along the shores of glacial lakes.

This trip can begin or end in either Vancouver or Calgary, both well-connected by international flights. The option to extend your stay or customize activities is always available. Despite the long distances, traveling by road is one of the best ways to appreciate the changing landscapes. The Sea-to-Sky Highway (between Vancouver and Lillooet) and the Icefields Parkway (linking Jasper with Lake Louise) are world-renowned routes.

1. Vancouver

Surrounded by mountains, forest, and ocean, Vancouver offers a gentle introduction to Canada's outdoor lifestyle. Direct flights from London are available via several airlines. To combat jet lag, take a stroll along the Seawall, the world’s longest uninterrupted waterfront path. In Stanley Park, discover a 100-year-old lighthouse and several totem poles at Brockton Point, and admire the engineering marvel of the Lions Gate suspension bridge. Stay at the centrally located Rosewood Hotel Georgia, a luxurious reimagining of a historic building.

Begin the day exploring Gastown, Vancouver’s oldest neighborhood, with Victorian buildings, cobblestone streets, and an antique steam clock. Visit First Nations art galleries, souvenir shops, and trendy boutiques. Climb the Vancouver Lookout for a view of the skyline and make note of restaurants to revisit later. Granville Island Public Market is perfect for sampling local delicacies, while Salmon n’ Bannock offers a celebration of indigenous cuisine.

2. Vancouver Island

Collect a rental car for the journey to Calgary. British Columbia’s best wildlife can be observed on Vancouver Island, where grizzlies fish in temperate rainforests, orcas swim along deserted shores, and bald eagles soar. Take the car ferry from Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo, then enjoy a scenic drive to Tofino. Stay at the rock-edge Wickaninnish Inn for ocean views and fine dining.

Rise early for a cruise along the rocky shorelines of Clayoquot Sound to find black bears foraging. Continue driving to Ucluelet, where a hike on the Wild Pacific Trail offers views of the rugged coastline. For the afternoon, book a customized kayak tour with Hello Nature Adventure Tours.

3. Whistler

Leaving the mainland, head along the Sea-to-Sky Highway to Whistler, making sure to take in scenic spots like Britannia Beach and Shannon Falls. Upon arrival, unwind at the Nita Lake Lodge, complete with its spa and rooftop hot tubs. Without winter snow, Whistler’s mountains remain impressive, offering opportunities to hike, cycle, rollerblade, or run along various routes. Rent a bike from Gateway Bikes for a leisurely ride on the 40km Valley Trail. For a more thrilling experience, strap into zip lines, including the 2km Sasquatch, the longest in North America, offered by Ziptrek Ecotours. For a unique adventure, join a guided heli-hiking tour with Mountain Skills Academy and Adventures to access glacial ice caves. In Whistler village, explore a vibrant arts scene with galleries and theaters, and visit the Audain Art Museum to see The Dance Screen, a red cedar carving by Haida Chief 7idansuu.

4. Kamloops

Journey through fertile lands and sunny days to Kamloops, a 4.5-hour drive packed with scenic parks and wineries. Make a stop at Joffre Lakes, where glaciers overlook blue pools of water. Recognizing First Nations stewardship, the park limits visitors to 500 per day between mid-May and October, and an advance day pass is required. Along the road to wine region Lillooet, known as Duffey Lake Road, marvel at teal lakes like Seton Lake and spot mountain goats, marmots, and black bears. Have lunch and tastings at the award-winning Forts Berens Estate Winery before completing the drive to Kamloops and checking into the Delta Hotels by Marriott.

5. Jasper

Today’s five-hour drive to Jasper includes scenic stops. Visit the clay hoodoos above Kamloops Lake and the Secwepemc Museum & Heritage Park, which features a 2,000-year-old village site. A 90-minute drive away, take a short detour to Wells Gray Provincial Park to see the Spahats Creek Falls. Another hour along the road, grab a bite at Grizzly Food Shack or Rocky Mountain Deli in Blue River. Continue through old-growth cedar and hemlock forests, past the gleaming white pyramid of Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Rockies, before reaching Glacier View Lodge in Jasper, nestled in the Columbia Icefield.

6. Lake Louise

Drive the Icefields Parkway, a 232km stretch renowned as one of the world’s best drives, winding through icefields, valleys, and peaks. Stop at the Athabasca Glacier for a 30-minute hike from the car park, or book a half-day guided hike with Ice Walks to explore crevasses up close. Next, visit the turquoise Lake Louise, backed by Mount Victoria, for a 40-minute stroll around the shores. If time allows, hire a canoe from one of the docks. Continue to the mountain town of Field, the gateway to Yoho National Park.

7. Field

Spend the night at Emerald Lake Lodge, known for its cozy 1890s themed bar. In the morning, explore Yoho National Park’s steep rock walls and waterfalls. Join a guided tour to see the Burgess Shale fossils, dating back 500 million years, with details of eyes and brains preserved. The challenging, steep 7.5-hour hike to Mount Stephen departs at 8.45am. Alternatively, visit Takakkaw Falls, Canada’s second-highest waterfall, plummeting 373 meters.

8. Banff

Head back past Lake Louise to Banff, only 90 minutes away, for a full day in Canada’s first national park. Take the gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain for panoramic views of the Rockies, then descend to soak in the Banff Upper Hot Springs. Arrive early during high season as tickets can’t be booked in advance. Nearby, the Cave and Basin historic site offers a glimpse into the 10,000-year history of indigenous communities. Stay at the Fairmont Banff Springs, a grand hotel resembling a castle.

9. Calgary

More than just an international departure and arrival point, Calgary deserves a couple of days. If you only have 24 hours, ease back into city life with a few museum visits: explore First Nations heritage at the Tsuu T’ina Culture Museum or delve into music memorabilia at the Studio Bell Music Centre. Discover dozens of farmer’s markets throughout the city, and take a self-guided tour with Alberta Food Finder to explore the Kensington neighborhood. Stay at Hotel Arts, featuring an outdoor pool and bar with a retractable roof. Return your rental car to the airport the following day for an afternoon or evening flight home.