Places We Go

Real People Real Travel

  • Destinations
    • Africa
    • Arctic
    • Asia
    • Australia
      • New South Wales
      • Queensland
      • Northern Territory
      • ACT
      • Tasmania
        • Spirit of Tasmania
        • Tasmania’s Western Wilds
      • South Australia
      • Victoria
      • Western Australia
    • Europe
      • Scotland and the Highlands
    • Latin America
    • North America
    • New Zealand
    • Middle East
    • Oceania
    • Antarctica
  • Travel
    • Travel Styles
      • Camping & Caravanning
      • Driving Adventures
      • Family Travel
      • Long Weekends
      • Touring & Cruising
      • Backpacking
      • Luxury
    • Activities
      • Adventure
      • Food & Drink
      • Outback
      • Historic sites and landmarks
      • Walks & Hikes
      • Events & Festivals
      • Wildlife & Nature
      • Island Hopping
      • Snow & Skiing
      • Photography
    • Planning
      • Travel with Kids
      • Packing
      • Travel Tips
      • Accommodation
      • Booking
      • Gear
      • Tech
      • Transport
      • Health
  • PWG TV
    • Episodes & Video
    • PWG Behind the Scenes
    • Recipes
      • Camping & Caravanning
      • Australian Inspiration
      • Global Tastes
    • Interview series
    • People We Meet
  • The Australian Bucket List
  • About Us
    • About Us
    • Contact Us

Five things to pack on a tour of Western Canada

Clint Bizzell | October 11, 2017 | 2:11 pm | 18 Comments

Our adventure earlier this year in Canada with Travelmarvel is still firmly at the forefront of our memories. We have had such a wonderful response to our journey, both on TV and online, and are so thrilled everyone is enjoying it so much!

tour of western canada

We have been asked many times ‘what was it like?’. Answering this has very quickly shaped in our minds the expectations that people should have when planning a trip like this around Western Canada.

So we have put together our ‘packing list for Western Canada’. On it are not the obvious items such as a camera and warm jacket. Instead, this list covers the things we think you need to bring in your heart and mind when visiting this bucket list country….

An appetite for the awe-inspiring

From the moment you journey out of cosmopolitan Vancouver and into the regional provinces of British Columbia and Alberta, prepare to be awed. Whether you are looking out of the panoramic windows of Rocky Mountaineer or your tour coach, Western Canada unfolds around you in a series of landscapes and wonders that never cease to amaze you.

tour of western canada
Scenery unfolds around every corner

From the Fraser Valley, a farming region nestled between the Cascade Mountains and the coast, full of agricultural and gold rush history (and the dramatic Fraser Canyon) to the Rocky Mountains themselves – a seemingly never-ending landscape of snowy peaks – it’s hard to tear your eyes away from the scenery – it seems to never stop changing.

tour of western canada

Blink and you might miss a stunning glacial lake, or towering rock walls framing an enormous rushing river. As you climb higher into the Rocky Mountains, stop to wonder at the adventurers who scale the peaks around you. Or how the First Nations people traversed the land on foot or by dugout canoe.

tour of western canada
Banff Avenue

In Banff, find yourself gazing at Cascade Mountain, proudly oriented at the end of Banff Avenue and imagine what it would be like to see that view every single day. After arriving by gondola to the top of nearby Sulphur Mountain, look down upon the Bow Valley and Banff National Park (Canada’s first National Park), all surrounded by towering mountains, the peaks of which are now at eye level.

tour of western canada
Marvel at the beauty of Lake Louise

Arrive at Lake Louise and try to keep your mouth from falling open as you set your sights on the emerald water, framed by majestic mountains and the iconic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise perched at its shoreline. It may be frozen when you are there, in which case, imagine the ice skaters that take to the ice in the winter.

tour of western canada
Gasp at the colour and scenery of Moraine Lake

If Lake Louise isn’t enough, a stop at Moraine Lake will definitely astonish you. This lake, of a particular shade of blue, will feel like déjà vu due to its popularity in iconic images around the world.

tour of western canada
Medicine Lake, Jasper NP

Drive along the Icefields Parkway to Jasper, and fill your eyes with views of glaciers, stunning blue lakes, valleys and gorges. Step onto the Athabasca Glacier and marvel at the natural wonder beneath your feet.

Try and get your head around the sheer scale of Jasper National Park and the beauty and wildlife it is so revered for.

tour of western canada

And make sure when you get out into the pristine forest Canada is blessed with, such as the old-growth fir forest near Whistler, you soak up the beauty of giant trees that are up to 1200 years old.

Your sense of humour

There is no doubt that the scenery that will surround you in Western Canada will be seriously incredible. But the people you meet are almost guaranteed to be a laugh!

tour of western canada
Hosts on board Rocky Mountaineer

From the laid-back Canadians with a sense of humour akin to ours, to your fellow tour passengers who not only will share our Aussie wit, but will become your friends; there will be many, many laughs in the time spent on the tour coach, the Rocky Mountaineer, during group excursions and dinners, and those times you all group together for a drink in the hotel or a local bar.

tour of western canada
Cheers on board the Rocky Mountaineer

On our recent Travelmarvel tour, it wasn’t long before our tour group were up out of their seats in the SilverLeaf Service coach on board the Rocky Mountaineer to dance along to “Sweet Caroline”. Following our tour director’s choreography, the fun had us in stitches and was one of the first great ice-breakers of the tour.

tour of western canada
Tour passengers now friends at Lake Louise

The hosts on the Rocky Mountaineer were not only full of incredible information on our journey but also had a great sense of humour. You start out as passengers and leave as friends. They had us laughing the whole way with countless stories of what happens outside your window and also what has happened inside on previous journeys.

tour of western canada
Great mates on tour

Our travelling group was made up of great people including four couples who travel around the world together every year. As soon as the tour started there was always fun in numbers… it was infectious to be around.

tour of western canada
Our Travelmarvel tour group in Blue River
tour of western canada
Getting our cowboy on in Banff

There were plenty of laughs when two of our group managed to lasso the target during our cowboy experience in Banff, when our local guide (an actual cowboy!) missed it! And of course, because there was still snow when we were travelling, there was the obligatory snowball fight along the Icefields Parkway, which we are sure the girls started!

Keen eyesight

Western Canada is all about the wild – those rugged mountains, pristine forests, glacial lakes… but what we keep our eyes peeled for the entire journey, is the wildlife!

The minute you leave the city behind, there are possibilities to spy Canada’s famous wild animals – from bears, to moose, elk, mule deer, bison, badgers, beavers, porcupines and more. Travelling by Rocky Mountaineer train, or on the tour coach, everyone keeps one eye on the side of the road hoping to catch a glimpse of an animal or two, and Canada generally doesn’t disappoint!

tour of western canada
First roadside bear near Jasper
tour of western canada
Time for a back scratch

We spotted our first bear roadside in Jasper National Park on our evening wildlife tour. He casually wandered to a nearby tree and stood up against it to scratch his back, not caring that we were about 100 metres away watching.

tour of western canada
Strolling along Blue River

Our Blue River safari rewarded us with yet more bear sightings as they casually wandered along the banks of the river.

tour of western canada
A friendly moose

And as we ventured out in the early morning to Vermillion Lakes, near Banff, a moose casually trotted out of the bushes in front of us and wandered down the road.

Keeping your eye out for moments like these becomes almost a game (if not a preoccupation) when on tour in Canada, and the triumphant moments when something is spotted live long in your memory afterwards.

Sense of adventure

You do not need to be a mountain climber, skier or kayaker to get the most out of Western Canada – you just need a sense of adventure!

tour of western canada

Take it along when you watch for wildlife on a Bow River float trip in Banff, or when you are following in the footsteps of the original pioneers in a wagon ride to a cowboy cookout.

tour of western canada
Have a glacial adventure on the famous Ice Explorer at Columbia Icefields

You’ll need it on the exciting gondola journey to the summit of Sulphur Mountain for breathtaking views over Banff and the Bow Valley, and when you step onto the ice of the Athabasca Glacier after a thrilling journey on the famous Ice Explorer.

reasons to go to western canada
Whales in Victoria
tour of western canada
Ride the gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain

Adventure is everywhere in Canada, including on the Capilano Suspension Bridge in Vancouver, the whale watching cruise in Victoria, and the Tree Trek experience in Whistler.

tour of western canada
Go on a Harley Davidson Ride through Jasper National Park

The Harley Davidson sidecar tour through Jasper National Park will definitely up the thrill factor, and you can even take to the skies in Whistler, Victoria and Banff for scenic floatplane and helicopter experiences.

Your appetite

Western Canada’s scenic highlights seem to get much of the glory however we promise you that your stomach will not feel left out on tour here!

tour of western canada
Eat bison, venison and elk in the heart of the Rockies

From Canadian specialities such as maple syrup and wild salmon, to more exotic local dishes such as bison and venison, the Canadian’s are hot on the food circuit and you will appreciate the walking that is done during the day to keep the kilos at bay.

tour of western canada
Justifiably proud of their salmon at the Granville Markets

In Vancouver, we highly recommend a visit to the Granville Markets – a public market offering the best local produce to be found. From speciality salmon and fish mongers to dedicated maple syrup stands that sell everything from the syrup itself to cookies and candy, this is the perfect place to discover Canada’s gourmet goodies and buy some to take home.

tour of western canada
Cowboy Cookout, Banff
tour of western canada
Feasting in Canada on the Rocky Mountaineer

In Banff National Park, you can find yourself transported by wagon to Three-Mile Cabin for a traditional cowboy cookout complete with hearty local steak and beans, and on board the 2-day Rocky Mountaineer, the five-star meals and snacks (and drinks!) are so incredible you will simply roll off the train at the end.

What would you pack on a tour of Western Canada? Tell us in the comments!

 

Offering the perfect balance of comprehensive inclusions and more free time, Travelmarvel provides premium cruising and touring experiences at exceptional value. Fun, exciting and hassle-free, Travelmarvel holidays are designed for those who seek organised  travel on their own terms. From river cruising to land and rail journeys, Travelmarvel offers memorable  experiences worldwide – from Europe to the Americas, Asia to the Outback.

About Clint Bizzell

From climbing mountains, to finding himself in bronco-branding competitions in the Outback, Clint is always up for a good time and willing to give anything a go. Clint enjoyed 12 years as an AFL footballer, but these days he shares his love for the world and it's people through Places We Go.

You’ve come this far

(you must have liked what you’ve seen?)

Subscribe to receive regular email updates with competitions and news.

LEAVE A REPLY Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Comments

  1. Jan Vincent says

    October 14, 2017 at 4:47 pm

    I would certainly pack my glasses and my spirit of adventure.

    Reply
    • Clint Bizzell says

      October 26, 2017 at 11:50 am

      And you will definitely need both Jan…seeing bear’s from your car next to the highway was an unbelievable highlight!

      Reply
  2. Sharon wiles says

    October 14, 2017 at 4:53 pm

    Sensational

    Reply
    • Clint Bizzell says

      October 26, 2017 at 11:52 am

      Yes, an incredible place to visit!

      Reply
  3. Dianne says

    October 14, 2017 at 5:01 pm

    After watching the Canadian Rockies Show I was blown away with the country and I knew it was a place I had to go

    Reply
    • Clint Bizzell says

      October 26, 2017 at 11:53 am

      What parts of Canada did you experience Dianne?

      Reply
  4. Warwick Dorrough says

    October 15, 2017 at 11:07 am

    Firstly I would take a sense of adventure and intrigue, followed by a certainty that friendships and camaraderie will develop with fellow travelers.
    Having recently returned from a Travelmarvel cruise on the Rhine/ Main from Amsterdam, we have a high regard, respect and admiration for our tour director, cruise staff and local guides for their level of passion, dedication and enthusiasm in providing all levels of service delivery of a great holiday package.
    We are booking with Travelmarvel Cambodia/ Vietnam package and envisage Canada trip will be on the cards after that.

    Reply
    • Clint Bizzell says

      October 26, 2017 at 11:56 am

      I completely agree with you, Warwick. I have met some wonderful people on the tours both passengers and staff that made the trip much more enjoyable. Some I can now call friends. Enjoy Canada when you get there and dont forget to tell us about Vietnam/Cambodia trip. Enjoy.

      Reply
  5. Gail says

    October 19, 2017 at 11:49 pm

    Canada looks a beautiful place to visit – British Columbia awe inspiring. I have a dream!!!☺

    Reply
    • Clint Bizzell says

      October 26, 2017 at 11:47 am

      Yes, it’s incredible and hopefully, you get there one day.

      Reply
  6. Katrina Stanton says

    October 31, 2017 at 7:52 pm

    Camera and band aids for the Rocks of the Rockies.

    Reply
  7. AntoniA says

    November 9, 2017 at 8:39 pm

    Wish I was there, (in many layers!), right now*

    Reply
  8. Patricia says

    November 10, 2017 at 8:40 am

    Has the winner of the recent competition to win a Canadian Experience been announced yet? Thanks.

    Reply
  9. Ms Maureen Forster says

    November 12, 2017 at 9:11 pm

    To pack light weight weather proofs to save space to bring home many unique souvenirs.
    Next, pack my enthusiastic attitude to relish every moment of a Travel Marvel tour for once in a lifetime adventure.
    Finally, my healthy appetite to savior the flavours of local cuisine and beverages.
    The people, animals, scenery and foods
    would be memories of a wonderful holiday.

    Reply
  10. John Turner says

    November 13, 2017 at 3:57 pm

    Hi Guys,
    Have to agree Canada is unbelievable, The mountains & glaciers blew my mind but two things stood out. The squirrels I
    couldn’t get enough of. But the best memory was when I hiked up a ravine in the mountains out of Canmor and came
    across a community of Pikas’. Spent a good 30 minutes just watching them.

    Reply
  11. Judie Baxter says

    December 5, 2017 at 6:53 pm

    I would pack my sense my adventure and my insatiable appetite for knowledge for this inspiring area . I would pack my ability to sleep little to take in all the experiences I could possibly take in. I would take a good camera to try and capture some magical movements and at least four pairs of comfortable boots as my feet will be carrying me places!

    Reply
  12. Wendy says

    December 10, 2017 at 9:37 am

    I would pack me and a camera canada is my bucket list ..so i would want to capture every moment!

    Reply
  13. Glenda says

    December 10, 2017 at 6:51 pm

    I’d take my sister (who recently lost her husband) to experience the joy of Mother Nature in Canada to bring healing to the spirit and to make new life long friends with memories of fun.

    Reply
Watch Us NEW EPISODE ONLINE NOW

Join our tribe

Subscribe to receive regular email updates with competitions and news.

RECENT AND POPULAR POSTS

Our Armidale Adventure

outback towns

Places We Go, People We Meet – Gary Weir

An Arctic Adventure Diary – Part 2

arctic adventure

An Arctic Adventure Diary – Part 1

scotland by rail

Why you should see Scotland by rail

Quick Links

  • Video
  • Driving Adventures
  • Competitions
  • Travel With Kids
  • About Us
  • Australian Travel
  • Contact Us
  • Food and Drink
  •  
  • Luxury Travel
  •  
  • Caravanning & Camping
  •  
I was lucky enough explore regional Victoria earli I was lucky enough explore regional Victoria earlier in the year (between lockdowns!), and tour the Goldfields with @big4holidayparks – Sure, I got my much-needed fix of the outdoors and was able to feed my insatiable curiosity as I explored the regions utterly fascinating history & culture, but it was sitting up at the old bar of family run Munari wines, just outside of Heathcote that got me.
.
 Chatting to the chief winemaker Adrian Munari, and his daughter India (over a lovely red, of course) I heard all about the historic sheep station that was established in 1871, and life on the property today. (I wonder how the farmers endured the pandemic in 1919?)  
 .
Here’s to a happy summer holiday for us all, of enjoying those ‘moments’, wherever we are. 
.
 I based myself at the @BIG4BendigoAscotHolidayPark 
.
 See link in bio if want to plan your own getaway 😍
 .
#holidayhearthisyear #ExploreBIG4 #BIG4HolidayParks #VisitVictoria @visitmelbourne
WHO WANTS TO **WIN** A LUXURIOUS 2-NIGHT GETAWAY? WHO WANTS TO **WIN** A LUXURIOUS 2-NIGHT GETAWAY?
.
How would you (and a friend!) like to escape to NSW’s New England Tablelands on a 2-night LUXURIOUS getaway, experiencing the best of Armidale’s premium accom, stunning food, wine & beer, an immersion in the local arts AND a World-Heritage Listed backyard to cap it off? 
.
Your weekend will include: 
.
- 2 night premium suite package at the historic Tattersalls Hotel (including food & drink from their award-winning restaurant & breakfast included) 
.
- A special "Private Directors Tour" at the New England Regional Art Museum of HINTON: Treasures of Australian Art, plus some goodies to take home! 
.
- Grabbing a beer at Great Hops Brewing Company PLUS some special gifts delivered to your home
. 
- A special Hema Australian Atlas & Guide plus a NSW State Map 
.
Take it from me, this is worth entering, and if you do in fact WIN, set your alarm and get up for sunrise in the New England National Park, followed by a trip to Wollomombi Falls (the second highest falls in the county!) - it was sincerely exceptional.
.
Oh and say hello to John at the Tattersalls Hotel, Rachael from the Art Gallery, and Sam from Great Hops Brewery. 
.
 **TAG A FRIEND YOU'D  LOVE TO TAKE, and increase your chances of winning by both entering.. I know I would 😉❤
.
 **LINK IN BIO **
Good luck, 
Jen xx
WE HAVE LIFT OFF!!! ON TV TODAY 😎🕺 . Would WE HAVE LIFT OFF!!! ON TV TODAY 😎🕺
 .
Would love you to join me as we celebrate the locals of #armidale on TV today
.
Tune in (or set your record buttons) @ 1.30pm, ON TEN **TODAY**
.
A special thanks to all those that not only shared their magnificent backyard with us, but who opened their hearts and let our TV cameras in.
.
Armidale, you can no longer use the term “hidden treasure” 😉
 . 
Ps did I say “today” enough times? 😆🤪🙏 Jen xx
ARMIDALE IN THE SPOTLIGHT Ready for another cele ARMIDALE IN THE SPOTLIGHT
 
Ready for another celebration of a brilliant person and travel experience for us all?
.
Meet James Rainger from @fleetadventures 
.
He not only spends his life taking us travellers on scenic chopper tours over his World-Heritage Listed backyard of the #newengland region – he’s one of the many brilliant pilots who you’ll find hovering above the blazing heat helping fight our Australian Bushfires.
.
When I shared my nerves about flying, he settled me with in seconds. Super grounded, in safe hands kind-a-feeling, with the biggest sparkle in his eye.
.
“To be part of the firefighting team is being in the #armidale  community - we all live here, our kids go to school here, so we love it. Armidale is a community where we all band together, we’re very passionate about our backyard, and we hope it shows.. and we certainly hope people come and see what it’s like. We’ve got a unique view of part of the world that not many people get to see. And there are not hordes of people here, so it’s very personal, we like to bring people into our world and our life – and share it – thank you for taking the time to come and visit us… “
.
As for the flight? Put it on your @theaustralianbucketlist
 .
Jen xx

Social

© 2023 · Places We Go. All rights reserved. | Privacy | Terms & Conditions

Copyright © 2023 · Places We Go on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in