Canadian Rockies & Seattle, part 3

So we have already figured out that Canada is amazing, but bet you think it can't get any better?  Well I am back to tell you that, yes, IT REALLY CAN!!!!

If reading part 1 and part 2 have made you think I would really like to do this trip, then read on as by the end of it, I will be sure that you will be calling me to price and check availability!

Read on for more adventures!

So leaving Banff National Park behind, we travelled North to Jasper National Park.  So far we had seen very no wildlife and was starting to get a little bit disheartened. Fear not my lovelies as up here is where they all seem to be!

Jasper
Jasper National Park is the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies, spanning 10,878 km². It is located in the province of Alberta, north of Banff National Park and west of Edmonton. The park includes the glaciers of the Columbia Icefield, hot springs, lakes, waterfalls and mountains.









Peyto Lake lookout is more of a walk than a hike but for those who want to explore further and escape the crowds you can hike to a higher viewpoint. You can also hike down to the lake itself and then towards the Peyto Glacier. 



Peyto Lake Lookout




This was a perfect pit-stop en-route to Jasper.

Although make sure you have suitable footwear and a warm coat....yes that is snow!












The drive up to Jasper was pretty awe-inspiring

Until you land straight into Jasper National Park and come face to face with this beast.....

Top tip: If you are a beer fan, or craft beer to be exact, try out this place:



Some pretty amazing beers to try!

No trip to Jasper National Park, or the Canadian Rockies, for that matter, would be complete without a side trip to Maligne Lake.  Simply stunning!




Top tip: Spaces on the boat trips are limited, so book well in advance!


So quite a few hours driving and an overnight in Kamloops, lead us to the most amazing, chilled out place of all......


Whistler
This is quite possibly the place that if I were to ever move abroad, would be my first choice!
Such amazingly friendly people, fantastic atmosphere and so laid back!

Top tip: Ensure you check out the dates for start or end of season.  We were here at the end of September and the lifts were closed, meaning we couldn't hike between the two mountains. 

We stayed at the Summit Lodge Boutique Hotel for 1 night, and I wish we had stayed longer - I really did love Whistler! 


Vancouver 
Leaving Whistler, we drove for approx. 2 hours and headed to Vancouver.  As we no longer needed the car, we dropped our rental car off in downtown on the way in and then walked to our hotel as it was not far.  



Arriving into Vancouver was mad.  We had forgotten about crazy city driving and were glad to have left the car at this point.  



We stayed in Vancouver for 3 nights at the Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Downtown.  

It was in a fantastic area and right next to the hip area of Yaletown.  Here you can find many restaurants and bars all with a brilliant atmosphere.  Head to the Distillery Bar & kitchen for some great food & drink!






Top tip: If you are looking to try some amazing craft beers, check out these: 


TAPshack - Coal Harbour





Granville Island - Market & Granville Island Brewing




Granville Island is a short hop away on one of the foot ferries.  here you will find a market place selling gifts, food & drink. Lunch sat outside listening to buskers, a great afternoon well spent.  






If you would like help planning your trip to the Canadian Rockies,


call me on 0121 314 6650

or email charlotte.mitchell@travelcounsellors.com

Check back later for part 4, the final part of our journey to Seattle. 





IMPORTANT NOTICE:
British passport holders require an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) for Canada. 
The cost is CAN$ 7 per person, including Children & are valid for 5 years. 
If your passport expires before this time, you will be required to purchase a new ETA.

*** Other passport holders are required to check with the Canadian Embassy to

gain the correct information before travel ***  

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

New York

New York - the first time!

Fear of Flying