CANADIAN ROCKIES
A Summer Trip to the Mountains
Why the Canadian Rockies in Summer?
Outdoor Adventure!
It’s no secret that the Canadian Rockies are a popular winter destination known for its world-class ski resorts and one of the longest ski seasons on the planet. It’s also the perfect summer vacation spot for outdoor adventure. Our involvement with the Calgary Stampede Grandstand Show has taken us to Calgary over the years, and we’ve used the opportunity to explore Western Canada. Here are some of the highlights of our post-Stampede travels.
Calgary Stampede Grandstand Show
Calgary, Alberta
Every year, more than a million people from around the world visit Calgary to experience “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth”. The Calgary Stampede is a ten-day event that transforms the city into a celebration of Western culture teeming with community spirit. It’s the world’s largest outdoor rodeo and one of Canada’s largest music festivals. The festivities also feature midway rides and endless entertainment. Each night ends with a spectacular Grandstand Show and fireworks that light up the sky!
Another beloved summer pastime for many Calgarians is floating leisurely down the Bow River in a raft amongst friends. While we like to rent a raft and captain our own boat, you could also join a guided float tour with an outfitting company. The Bow River originates in the Canadian Rockies at Bow Lake in Banff National Park. It travels south through the town of Banff and east through Canmore and the foothills, through the City of Calgary and on through the prairies, feeding into other rivers and bodies of water, eventually flowing into Hudson Bay. As we floated down the river, we spotted fly fishermen and river surfers at a popular standing wave. Along the river pathways, cyclists, runners and families walking their dogs give us a wave. As the downtown skyline and the iconic Peace Bridge comes into view, the journey comes to an end. On a warm summer afternoon, this relaxing trip is an ideal way to spend a few hours.
Calgary is well situated for day trips with the open prairies to the east and the majestic Rocky Mountains to the west. In just over an hour, you can be in Banff or the less-crowded city, Kananaskis. While in Calgary, I get together with my cousins and join them on day trips. One year, we checked out Drumheller in the Canadian Badlands. Everything from unforgettable rock formations, “Hoodoos”, to ancient dinosaur fossils make this an incredibly interesting area, and one of the best day trips for families, because what kid doesn’t like dinosaurs? Its big draw is the Royal Tyrrell Museum, which houses one of the world’s largest collections of dinosaur skeletons, including a giant T-Rex! If you’re ever in the area, be sure to check out the historic Last Chance Saloon for some great comfort food and western hospitality. It’s a busy little restaurant that feels like a museum jam-packed with eclectic western paraphernalia.
Peyto Lake
Athabasca Glacier Tour
A must-do experience in Alberta is a visit to the Columbia Icefields, one of the largest non-polar icefields in the world. From Calgary, I took a full-day bus tour through the mountains to the Icefields. Part of the colossal ice field, located about 100 kilometers south of Jasper, is the Athabasca Glacier. Travelling in massive Ice Explorer vehicles, guided tours take you right onto the glacier where you can walk around and even drink the water from the glacial run-off. The glacier has been receding for the last 125 years, but it still covers an area of approximately six square kilometers and, at its thickest, measures about 980 feet. Because of the warming climate, it now recedes by about 16 feet each year. The tour also included visits to some of the spectacular lakes in the area, including Lake Peyto, and took us for a heart-stopping walk along the glass-floored Skywalk at the cliff’s edge 918 feet above the Sunwapta Valley.
Lake Louise
Lake Louise, Alberta
Lake Louise is world famous for its turquoise lakes, Victoria Glacier, soaring mountain backdrop, and its iconic grand hotel. Surrounded by a lifetime’s worth of jaw-dropping sights and adventures, Lake Louise is a rare place that must be experienced to be believed. If I were to recall my most cherished travel memories, top of the list would be the day we canoed and hiked at Lake Louise, followed by dinner that evening at the Chateau. We arrived early in the morning, rented a canoe and set out on our paddling adventure, stopping to have our packed breakfast sandwiches while taking in the extraordinary views. Not only does being on the water offer a unique perspective, it’s also an idyllic way to enjoy the serenity of the lake away from the crowds of tourists.
Following our paddle, we hiked up to Lake Agnes to find the Tea House, a small log cabin hidden in a hanging valley high above Lake Louise. The history of the tea house dates back to the last century when the Canadian Railway began building huts and tea houses in the backcountry of Banff National Park. The Lake Agnes Tea House was the first of these and opened in 1904. These days, the Tea House is open throughout the summer and is operated by local families adding a friendly touch to its already historic charm. After a brief stop to snack and relish the scenery, we continued our hike to the top of Big Beehive, a mountain that resembles, you might guess, a beehive. There’s also a smaller beehive-shaped mountain nearby called Little Beehive. The trail starts at the far end of Lake Agnes and climbs a steep series of switchbacks making it challenging at times, but the spectacular bird’s-eye view of Lake Louise from the top will stay with you forever.
There are several other remarkable trails worth exploring here, like Devil’s Thumb and the Plain of Six Glaciers, so I surely hope we visit this area again. When planning your visit to Lake Louise, be sure to arrive as early as possible since parking can be a challenge or, better yet, you can take a bus from Banff that will take you right to the Chateau.
Lake Okanagan - Kelowna
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
Kelowna is located in the Okanogan Valley in the interior of British Columbia and is known for its many wineries and perfect summer weather. For us, it’s an ideal place to stop for a few days on our way from Calgary to Whistler.
There are 40 wineries in Kelowna and over 120 wineries in the entire Okanagan Valley Region, many that offer exceptional dining experiences with fantastic views, local ingredients, and award-winning wines.
While you could spend days touring the beautiful wineries in the area, there are other things to explore. We once rented a small motorboat and spent the day on the lake, which was a ton of fun and allowed us to see the gorgeous sights of Kelowna from the viewpoint of Lake Okanagan. We also rented bikes at Myra Canyon and cycled the 24-kilometer trail, part of the historic Kettle Valley Railway. This section of the railway was completed in 1914 and used until 1972. There are 16 wood trestles, two steel bridges, and two tunnels. The trail is well maintained, quite wide, and relatively flat, so it’s an easy, family-friendly ride. At 4100 feet up, you can enjoy the fantastic views of the valley and Lake Okanagan without having to work too hard. Also, given the increased elevation, the temperatures are usually slightly cooler than Kelowna. A word of advice: Don’t feed the chipmunks!
Another fun activity for the whole family is a visit to Carmelis Goat Farm where you can sample a variety of goat cheese and delicious ice cream while wandering around the property visiting the goats. Of course, I’m always thrilled when I find a place that serves lactose free options.
If you’re looking for a little pampering, head to Sparkling Hill Resort, located atop a granite bluff overlooking Okanagan Lake. Built by the Chief Crystal Architect at Swarovski in Austria, there are over 3.5 million Swarovski crystal elements integrated into the resort’s architecture. They offer a range of spa services, wellness amenities, and luxury hotel rooms.
When searching for accommodations in Kelowna, we wanted a B&B with a lake view. We found a gorgeous boutique B&B called Lakeview Memories that has a pool and breathtaking views of Lake Okanagan. It had the feel of a secluded spa resort, and our gracious host, Uta, made the most magnificent creations for breakfast.
Whistler Peak Suspension Bridge
Whistler, British Columbia
Home to Whistler Blackcomb, North America’s largest ski resort, Whistler is a year-round mountain playground surrounded by nature. Located in the Coast Mountains of British Columbia, 125 kilometers north of Vancouver, this mountain sports mecca is a popular vacation destination.
The hub of Whistler is a pedestrian-only chalet-style village at the base of Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. The surrounding area is full of parks, forests, golf courses, glacier-fed lakes, beaches, and waterfalls, all linked together by the Valley Trail. Year-round, the place offers non-stop activities and is teeming with life.
Whistler is a terrific day-trip from Vancouver and a perfect vacation destination for families, couples, and singles. Douglas and I have spent week-long vacations there, and I always feel like I could stay longer. The smell of the evergreen trees, the natural environment, and the down-to-earth atmosphere soothe the soul.
Since we have access to bikes, we drop off the rental car in Vancouver and take a shuttle bus up to Whistler. There is also public transit and taxi service available, making it easy to get around town. The ride to Whistler provides spectacular ocean and mountain views on one of the most scenic highways in the world, the Sea to Sky Highway. Shuttle buses are comfortable and offer Wi-Fi so you could sleep or read on the way, but I'm sure you'll want to check out the view, especially during sunset.
The Sea to Sky Highway is one of Whistler’s legacies left after hosting the Olympic Games in 2010. The Winter Games may be over, but the magic and memories they left will last for generations. These days, Whistler has about 12,000 permanent residents and sees more than three million visitors each year.
Olympic Plaza is now a lively hub in the heart of the Village where you'll find the Olympic rings and Whistler and Blackcomb mountains towering in the background. Where the world's best athletes stepped up on the podium at medal ceremonies each night, has now become a gathering place for visitors and residents with live music and performances throughout the summer. Surrounded by green-space and comfy Muskoka chairs, it’s also an ideal spot to sit and enjoy a coffee and people-watch during the day.
In the Village, there are shops, restaurants, and patios, including great bakeries and coffee shops. You will also find cultural museums, local galleries, and interactive sculptures. Throughout the valley, there are 55 public and private art pieces. Arts Whistler created a series of Culture Maps that you can use to find them all, as well as historical sites. There is also a Kid’s Zone and a weekly Farmer’s Market. To host the Games in 2010, Whistler enhanced accessibility for people with disabilities, making it one of the most accessible resorts in the world. Whistler is indeed a destination for everyone!
If relaxation and tranquility are what you're looking for, head to Scandinave Spa for some hydro-therapy, and enjoy the steam room, hammocks, sauna, yoga room, and plunge pools, all nestled on the edge of Lost Lake Park and surrounded by spruce and cedar forests.
At the lower end of the Village, you will find Skiers Plaza and Whistler’s infamous bike park, which is always bustling with people. Without a doubt, Whistler Mountain Bike Park is the most popular bike park in the world and has 70 bike trails that span 80 kilometers and almost 5,000 vertical feet. There are trails for every skill level, including beginners. Ever since my first visit to Whistler years ago, I wanted to try downhill mountain biking. On one of our trips, we rented the equipment and signed up for a half-day with an instructor. All those kids, some of whom only came up to my waist, made it look so easy and fun. I soon felt, however, that I should have tried downhill mountain biking during my younger days. Gravity was not my friend that day. On our first run, I fell a few times. A few bruises were not so bad, but a broken bone while on vacation would have been awful, so that was the end of my downhill biking adventure. I would still recommend it to anyone who wants to try it because it was a fun day, despite the bruises.
From Skiers Plaza, you can also take a Gondola up the mountain for some alpine sightseeing and hiking. Whistler and Blackcomb mountains are spanned by the world-record-breaking PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola. Glass-bottomed gondolas travel a mile above Fitzsimmons Creek on the longest continuous lift system in the world. At the top of Whistler Mountain, a chair lift takes you to the summit to find more majestic views and Whistler’s newest attraction, the Cloudraker Skybridge. At 7,200 feet above sea level, Skybridge is North America’s highest suspension bridge. If you have the time, rather than taking the chair lift back down to the Gondola, I would recommend walking on the service road that takes you around the opposite side of the mountain. The hike takes about 45 minutes and the views are spectacular!
The 46-kilometer Valley Trail is wide and paved, making it easy to get around Whistler by foot or bike. The trail is also a fantastic way to explore the natural environment – we encountered black bears crossing in front of us a couple of times, which was pretty unnerving, but when we ignored them, they just carried on through the forest. The trail is also a means for lake-hopping by bike. You can make your way up to Lost Lake for a swim, where you can soak up the sun while being surrounded by snow-peaked mountains. The lake has a family-friendly beach, but if you prefer something a little more quiet, check out the (clothing optional) dock nearby. On the way back to the Village, be sure to stop at the most scenic patio in Whistler, Table Nineteen. The restaurant is part of Nicklaus North Golf Course, and the terrace offers views of the 18th hole, glacier-fed Green Lake, and the Coast Mountain range. The food is delicious and made with local ethically-sourced ingredients. The patio is the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail while listening to music, watching kids playing on the putting green, and checking out the seaplanes on Green Lake.
After visiting the patio and watching the seaplanes take off and land on Green Lake a few times, we decided to take a seaplane tour. Lifting off from Green Lake with a bird’s-eye view of the snowy mountains, glaciers, valleys, lakes, and rivers was an unbelievable experience. It's amazing how close to the mountain tops the planes can fly.
Another new installation at Whistler is Moment Factory’s Vallea Lumina, which is an immersive multimedia night-walk set in the forest at Cougar Mountain. While walking through the woods, you follow the story of two missing hikers and experience the interactive light show. The experience is truly magical and suitable for all ages.
Our stay in Whistler wraps up our Canadian Rockies Tour. As much as I love to travel and explore new countries, I welcome opportunities to travel within my own country. Western Canada has some of the most spectacular scenery on the planet, and I look forward to our next visit to the mountains!
