“From the moment I stepped onto my Air Canada flight, I knew this trip was going to be special. With generous legroom, a great selection of films, and a friendly inflight service team regularly bringing water, the journey was smooth and comfortable. Arriving in Calgary was a breeze—immigration was fully automated, provided you had completed your ETA and ArriveCAN forms correctly. 

At Calgary Airport, we were warmly greeted by Ian, our driver, guide, and all-around entertainer for the trip. He whisked us away in his comfy minibus on a scenic 1.5-hour drive to Banff, where we checked into the charming Caribou Lodge. Many of the hotels in Banff have a Swiss chalet style, adding to the alpine charm of the town. After a quick refresh, we headed straight for the Banff Gondola, soaring to the top for breathtaking views and scenic trails. Dinner at 3Bears Craft Beer Diner was the perfect way to end the day—casual yet delicious, serving burgers, pizza, and poke bowls. After such a long journey, I had no trouble drifting off in my incredibly comfy bed.

The next morning, after a hearty buffet breakfast, we set off for a cruise on the stunning Lake Minnewanka. Surrounded by pine-clad mountains, the lake can be notoriously windy, creating waves up to five meters high, but thankfully, the waters were calm that day. Our boat was small and cozy, with an outdoor viewing area offering incredible views of the autumn colors reflecting on the water. Later, we enjoyed a hosted dinner at Suden Sally in the Canoe Hotel—an interesting mix of hotel rooms and apartments. They’re also opening the Otter Hotel soon, a new 5-star property with an impressive granite-featured reception.

The following day, we explored the breathtaking Johnston Canyon. The hike to the lower falls took about 30 minutes, while the upper falls required an hour, but both were easy strolls with stunning photo opportunities along the way. Lunch was at the Lake Louise Gondola, where we took another cable car ride up to admire Lake Louise from a distance. A ski resort in winter, the gondolas will soon have heated, domed pods for a more luxurious ride. In the afternoon, we joined the Open Top Touring experience, cruising around Banff in a 1930s-style open-top bus before stopping for hot chocolate at a scenic hilltop viewpoint.

No visit to Canada would be complete without seeing Lake Louise in all its glory. Its striking aqua-blue waters and glacier backdrop were mesmerizing, especially in the sunlight, though the crowds made it a bit overwhelming. Moraine Lake was slightly quieter but just as stunning, with beautiful walking trails and a scenic viewpoint climb. That night, we stayed at the Lake Louise Inn, a surprisingly large hotel with various accommodations. While it was comfortable, dining options were limited, and if budget allows, I’d recommend staying at the Fairmont Château Lake Louise for an unbeatable lakeside experience.

The next morning brought a mix of snow and rain as we traveled to Golden, where we visited a tourist park featuring sky bridges, axe throwing, a thrilling mountain coaster, and ziplining across a canyon. Despite the rain, it was an exhilarating experience! Lunch was hosted by Golden Tourism, followed by a stroll along the river, where we admired the charming Kicking Horse Pedestrian Bridge. That evening, we arrived in Revelstoke and checked into The Hillcrest Hotel, a cozy retreat with a lounge balcony hot tub—perfect after a long day of exploring. We wrapped up the evening with a hosted dinner and a fascinating walking tour of Revelstoke, a town filled with incredible street art, a railway museum, and even a ghost town museum.

The next leg of our journey took us to Kelowna, with a stop at D Dutchman Dairy for some delicious ice cream. Lunch was at The Edge, a restaurant perched high above Kelowna Lake, offering fine dining with panoramic views. Kelowna itself was a picturesque lakeside town, though we did notice a few safety concerns due to a visible homeless population, which is reportedly more common in milder-climate areas. That evening, we participated in a cooking class at Lakehouse Kitchens, where we learned to make Pad Thai—a fun, interactive experience that ended in a delicious meal.

One of the trip’s highlights was the vineyard e-bike tour, cycling 27 km along a non-motorized path overlooking Okanagan Lake and its surrounding vineyards. The route was peaceful and stretched over 60 km in total, making it an ideal way to take in the scenery. Midway, we stopped for a fabulous wine tasting at Moraine Winery before heading to the NK’MIP Desert Cultural Centre. It was fascinating to learn that Canada has its own desert, complete with rattlesnakes and cacti! Just 4 km from the U.S. border, this region is rich in First Nations history, and our visit offered deep insight into their way of life.

Our stay in Osoyoos, a lakeside town with Canada’s warmest swimming waters, was brief but memorable. We dined at “The Bear, The Fish, The Root & The Berry,” a restaurant focused on local, seasonal ingredients. The following day, we embarked on an eight-hour drive to Vancouver, making a few quirky stops along the way—including the bizarre Klilx Spotted Lake and the Sasquatch Museum in Harrison.

Arriving in Vancouver, we checked into the Sheraton Wall Centre, a centrally located high-rise hotel. A city tour took us to the famous “Laughing Chinese Men” sculptures and the stunning Bloedel Conservatory, home to a variety of exotic birds. Granville Island was a foodie paradise, with a bustling covered market offering artisanal cheeses, meats, pastries, and chocolates. A walking food tour was the perfect way to experience it all!

On our final morning, we took an e-bike tour through Stanley Park, cycling along scenic waterfront pathways. We ended the trip at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, where we explored treetop walkways and cliffside paths, making for a thrilling farewell to Canada. Before I knew it, we were back at the airport, saying goodbye to Ian and reflecting on an unforgettable adventure.

This journey through Canada was an incredible mix of adventure, natural beauty, and cultural discoveries. From the snow-capped peaks of Banff to the vineyards of Kelowna and the vibrant streets of Vancouver, every moment was filled with wonder. If you’re looking for a trip that blends breathtaking landscapes with unique experiences, Canada should be at the top of your list!” ~ Lesley