Top Five Places to Visit in Western Canada

Canada is celebrating its 150th birthday, and we welcome the world to celebrate with us. Visitors from distant global locations are vacationing in our beloved land and they want to take in as much of Canada as they can. There’s so much to see, so I’ll try to narrow down the top five places to visit in Western Canada.

Canada is a land of outstanding beauty with breathtaking landscapes, mountains, lakes, clean air, vast space, stillness, and unlimited adventures. It’s also a land of vibrant cities, innovative visions, and proud values. To me, Canada’s splendor spans across all provinces, but here are some places in Western Canada you may want to include in your itinerary.

Banff, Lake Louise & Lake Moraine

Open for exploration is Banff National Park’s 6,641 square kilometers of unsurpassed mountain scenery. It’s the home to grizzly bears, Bighorn sheep, mountain goats, wolves, moose, and more. Rent a canoe and glide through the iridescent blue waters of Lake Louise and Lake Moraine and enjoy the solitude. Stay in the Banff Springs Hotel and enjoy fine dining and spectacular views.

Jasper National Park

Resting in the Canadian Rockies is Jasper National Park which comprises a vast wilderness area of Alberta. It’s defined by glaciers, lakes, soaring peaks like 11,033-ft.-high Mt. Edith Cavell, and reflective solitude. Outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and canoeing are popular. Or you can take in the Columbia Icefields. Native wildlife includes elk, moose, bighorn sheep, and bears. Bring your camera.

Waterton Lakes National Park

Waterton Lakes National Park borders the southwest corner of Alberta and Glacier National Park in Montana. It’s bursting with lofty mountains, peaceful prairies, rare wildflowers, and indigenous wildlife, making it the panoramic jewel of southwest Alberta. Enjoy the surroundings on one of the many hiking trails or tour on one of the 5 bike trails. Canoes, paddleboats, and kayaks are a fantastic way to experience the crystal clear, spring-fed mountain lakes.

Lynn Canyon Park

Lynn Canyon Park is a gorge-ous city park in North Vancouver, British Columbia, encompassing a spacious 617 acres. The Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge is one of the park’s best-kept secrets. The 50-meter high bridge stretches across a beautiful canyon boasting rumbling waters, thundering waterfalls, and deep pools below. There are also several beautiful hiking trails for all levels of stamina. There are a variety of trails to choose from depending on your skill levels. You can stroll leisurely or take a brisk walk, either way, there is a trail waiting for you.

Tofino, British Columbia

If you like ocean spray and long walks on the beach, then you’ll want to visit scenic Tofino. Tofino is a small district on Vancouver Island that rests peacefully on the peninsula’s tip, off the west coast. It’s characterized by the best Mother Nature offers with wild natural scenery, panoramic lakes, inlets, and ancient rainforest. Surf year around on one of the Sandy beach facilities like Cox Bay, Chesterman Beach, and infamous Long Beach.

The harbor front offers kayaking and boat cruises to see humpback whales, sea lions, and the black bears that roam the peninsula’s rocky shoreline. Or visit the nearby forested Meares Island with its huge ancient trees and steep hiking trails up Lone Cone Mountain.

There are so many more reasons to love Western Canada and I hope these suggested places will encourage you to explore the wild west of Canada.