Exploring British Columbia
No trip to Western Canada can be complete without visiting the magnificence of British Columbia.
The Rockies
An eight hour drive east of the city will land you at the epicentre of the Canadian Rockies, whilst the journey in-between will yield some of the most staggering landscapes on the planet as you explore the numerous National Parks that lie in wait.
When heading for the Rockies, make a stop at Kamloops, east of the Fraser River. The area offers many great fishing lakes and also has a museum, an art gallery, pretty beaches and the Kamloops Wildlife Park, home to wild buffalo and cougars.
The Banff National Park is somewhere everybody should visit at some point in their lives. Consisting of a huge 6,641 square kilometres; it ranks as one of the world’s largest parks with a landscape awash with dense forestry, the immense Lake Louise and some of the most incredible views you are ever likely to see.
Slightly further afield, the Jasper National Park is equally impressive and covers a mighty 10,878 square kilometres. The park is home to many fascinating creatures including grizzly bears, elks, caribou, moose, deer, wolves and even mountain lions. Visitors to Jasper are continually mesmerised by the sweeping valleys, glaciers, rugged mountains, alpine meadows and dense forests. Again, you are offered some truly magnificent scenic drives.
Vancouver Island
Vancouver Island should also be visited when hiring a car to explore British Columbia. Just a short drive from Vancouver itself is the port town of Tsawwassen where you are able to take a ferry across to the land many refer to as Canada’s ‘Paradise on the Pacific’. On the island you will find thick rainforests, breathtaking coastlines, spectacular mountain ranges, sparkling glaciers and astounding lakes and rivers.
All the way along the rugged west coast you will be charmed by the pretty bays and small inlets as well as the sprawling fields and diverse landscape found within the confines of the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. Hiking, fishing and kayaking are all popular activities but the biggest attraction for tourists is without doubt whale watching (especially during the Spring months when approximately 20,000 gray whales migrate).
With so much territory to discover, try to make time to take in Kennedy Lake and Strathcona Park, where you will find the island’s immense glaciers including the huge Comox formation.
The island’s main town is Victoria. Found on the southern side, Victoria is awash with several tourist friendly amenities such as shops and restaurants as well as the simply beautiful Butchart Gardens.
The Queen Charlotte Islands
The Queen Charlotte Islands on the northwest coast of British Columbia also makes for a captivating expedition after visiting Vancouver. Although the ferry that meets you at the town of St. Rupert takes six hours to cross to the islands, you will know on arrival it was worth every minute.
Here you will be left to explore untouched natural beauty in the form of serene mountains, endless fjords and dense rainforests. The islands consist of more than 1500 smaller islands and are populated by the Native American Haida People. Many who head for Queen Charlotte go straight for its main attraction – the Gwaii Haanas (Place of Wonder) National Park Reserve. This veritable wilderness is the ultimate getaway and is only accessible by water plane or boat. Here you are able to simply camp in the great outdoors, indulge in a spot of kayaking or perhaps use your camera to take some great shots of the local wildlife.
Graham Island, on the other hand, offers more man-made attractions for sightseeing tourists. Here you will find many ancient Haida settlements and also a good selection of small art galleries containing works created by the islanders dating back hundreds of years.
Your comments and questions
Elizabeth asks about Canada...
"I've always wanted to visit Western Canada but want to see as much as I can whilst I'm there. If I fly into Vancouver (so I can spend a few days there) and then hire a car, how long will it take me to reach the Rockies (particularly Banff National Park)? I only have a fortnight so, if I particularly want to explore Banff and Jasper, am I best flying into Calgary and abandoning the idea of visiting Vancouver in the same trip?"
Robert W answers Elizabeth...
"The quickest way is to take the A92 - it's about 130km and takes around 2.5 hours. If you want to check traffic flow then try this link"
Alison answers Elizabeth...
"Vancouver is a great city. Why not fly into Vancouver get a flight with West Jet to Calgary and then fly out of Calgary once you have finished your sightseeing. Canadian Affair will allow you to do this."
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Ask question or have your say about Vancouver
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Caroline comments about Canada...
"Don't miss Cheesecake Etc. just by the Granville Street Bridge... a wonderful bohemian little cafe with the greatest cheesecake in the WORLD!"
Robert W comments about the Rockies...
"One of the best ways to see the Rockies is to go on the Rockie Mountaineer - and make sue you travel Gold Leaf class - the views through the glass roof train is amazing!"
Gordon Stewart comments about Vancouver...
"Seaplanes, standing stones and totem poles make for a great walk in Stanley Park. Lovely City great desitnation."
TJ Jeffrey comments about Vancouver...
"No trip to Vancouver is complete without a walk around the sea wall of Stanley Park, or you can hire a bike from one of the many rental stores on Denman street. From Sunset beach on English Bay, round to Swoosh Rock on the tip of the Park. Onward around and under Lion's Gate Bridge, past the famous Totem Poles to the wall along Coal Harbour dotted with sculpture and arts down to the Ferry terminal and sea planes. It's a wonderful walk with lots to see.
And why not check out some of the fantastic theatre in Vancouver, full of familiar faces from American TV, Vancouver is nicknamed Hollywood North for a reason. The small the venue the better, the Havana Cafe Theatre is one of my favourites. You can enjoy a great meal, check out the art gallery then head into the 60 seat theatre for an intimate performance.
And of course, shopping galore on Robson street as well as some fantastic restaurants. 'The Keg' on Robson and Burrard streets is one of my favourite steak houses. As well as 'Tapastree', a charming little tapas themed restaurant tucked away on the very western end of Robson, just passed the intersection with Denman Street. For upmarket dining, check out Lumiere on Broadway or Fuel on 4th Ave for some truly divine dining. "
Alison comments about Vancouver...
"Don't forget North Vancouver if you visit the area. There is the Capilano Suspension Bridge and Grouse Mountain. Bothhave entrance fees. If you want to do a smaller but just as beautiful suspension bridge go to Lynn Valley Suspension Bridge, its free. You may even see a film being shot!"
Graham comments about Vancouver...
"Spectacular breath taking views and panoramic vistas."
Hazel comments about Vancouver...
"Our visit to Canada started in Toronto and then by train to Jasper. We travelled by coach to Vancover, what an amazing journey right across Canada and then the joy of Vancover, you must visit Vancover Island what a beautiful place. If I did not live in England thats where I would love to be. Western Canada is a wonderful fresh,bright, healthy, clean beautiful place to be!!
Well worth a visit to all!"