South West Canada

[Cruiser Elite]

Have never been to Canada but contemplating ~2 weeks there Sept 2016 - thinking major tourist spots like Vancouver, Banff, Lake Louise, Calgary etc - thinking of including Rocky Mountainerr train - how is my thinking?

Am I missing major / significant locations / attractions that should not be missed? Would love some input from the AFF Canada experts. TIA.

 

[RooFlyer]

Ahem.

A good start. September will be OK for weather, but not perfect. Shouldn't get any roads closed by snow, unless there is an early arctic blast. Road conditions in BC here (including road cams) and for Alberta here,

I would drive, not use the Rocky Mountaineer train (too inflexible, unless you drive in one direction and train back the other way). BUT research any holiday dates at that time and try to avoid - the places get crowed and expensive!

Additional suggestions:

* Vancouver Island and the capital, Victoria is very pretty and reachable by (car) ferry or a short (20 min) flight. The San Juan islands (in USA territory) between Vancouver and Victoria is great for cruising, whale and orca watching.

* Okanagan valley <that trip had a detour > (Kelowna) for great wine country

* Highway 93 between Radium Hot Springs and highway 1 is a nice drive - you often see bears by the side of the road; highly recommended.

* Highway 93 continuing from Lake Louise on Highway 1 to Jasper is spectacular ... eg Peyto Lake <same detour>. Ditto! Walk on the Athabasca Glacier.

* Cranbrook area in BC is known for its golf courses (ie many); but Cranbrook itself is nothing to write home about. St Eugene Mission is now a pretty good hotel just outside town with its own course

* Drumheller (Alberta) and the Royal Tyrrell Museum for dinosaurs

* Glacier National Park in Montana, south of Calgary (but its quite a long drive south over pretty boring country for the most part)

* Calgary isn't so much a tourist destination, except during the Calgary Stampede (held in July), but I posted a bunch of picks in this Trip Report . The Bass Pro shop is worth a look :shock: . Accommodation is impossible to get within an hour of the city if there are any major oil and gas conferences in town.

That should keep you occupied researching . Most of it is just along highways which are great to cruise along.. Highway 1 is often just 1 lane each way in BC, but pretty much double lane now from the BC border to Calgary.

 

[JohnM]

I agree with everything RF has said.

I've taken the trans-Canadian from Toronto to Vancouver, which was great, but once in Vancouver I rented a car for a month of travelling around BC, Vancouver Island and a bit of W Alberta.

My opinion, based on a friend's description and just reading between the lines, is that the Rocky Mountaineer is a tourist trap - but YMMV.

Renting a car is the way to go IMO.

I think two weeks would be too little time to get down to Glacier NP (although it's fabulous) and out to Drumheller (very interesting.)

Vancouver, Banff, Lake Louise, the Icefield Parkway are all 'must-do' and Victoria is great. Tofino on the mid west coast of Vancouver Island is also sensational but I think you'd be too time-limited to do it.

I note you say ~ 2 weeks in Sept. Try to make it 4 weeks - ending in early Sept (as RF says, you could dice with the weather in Sept) if you really want to really do justice to a sensational part of the world .

 

[Cruiser Elite]

Thanks so much for your responses guys - I will need to be in LAS for a trade show mid Sept and will be in ZRH Aug 26 to Sept 1 - so 2nd half Sept would be timing I am thinking.

I was thinking Rocky Mountaineer one way Vancouver to Banff then drive from there - too touristy - well ..... um ..... er ...... we are tourists and kinda want to do the touristy things - but certainly appreciate the advice.

Any AFFer actually done the Gold Service on the Rocky Mountaineer?

 

[RooFlyer]

I think that the 'touristy' description for the Rocky Mountaineer is that its a 'tour group' rather superficial visit and one can better. Yes, it goes through some spectacular country but there are also long sections at the bottom of valleys or canyons and you miss the vista (I've driven the highway between Banff and Golden and beyond dozens of times; the rail and highway follow much the same route; the highway goes high, the railway is low).

But if you do catch the train to Banff and 'drive from there' do spend a day or two backtracking along highway 93 (but maybe that's what you meant). IMHO the best part of the Canadian Rockies, no doubt. And if you rail, you will go through the Spiral Tunnels which are a neat bit of engineering (OTOH there is a lookout on the highway next to them where you can watch the train go in and out of different tunnels at the same time, the trains being so long )

 

[equus]

Any AFFer actually done the Gold Service on the Rocky Mountaineer?

I have done it - but about 15 years ago, so might be a bit out of date.

Yes, it is "tourist", but as you say, that is what you are there for. I did a couple of legs - both ways, and it was too much. Your idea of one way, and then drive would be the way to go.

There is a lot to be said for just sitting on the train, and seeing things without having to worry about the driving. Much better than a bus.

Take the train out, get shown a bit of everything, then take your own way back and see more of what takes your fancy.

Don't know if it has changed at all, but the evening in Kamloops is missable.

 

[Cruiser Elite]

I have done it - but about 15 years ago, so might be a bit out of date.

Yes, it is "tourist", but as you say, that is what you are there for. I did a couple of legs - both ways, and it was too much. Your idea of one way, and then drive would be the way to go.

There is a lot to be said for just sitting on the train, and seeing things without having to worry about the driving. Much better than a bus.

Take the train out, get shown a bit of everything, then take your own way back and see more of what takes your fancy.

Don't know if it has changed at all, but the evening in Kamloops is missable.

Tks equus - definitely only interested in one way - and maybe a day or so between legs - no idea if this is possible but will research fully when I return from Europe mid July - just thought I would open the thread and start copllecting info.

 

[irv]

We drove from Calgary back to Vancouver, then Victoria Island in 2011. Took 2 weeks to do it, bit rushed and you can't see everything, but what we did see was spectacular. The drive through the Rockies is spectacular, not to be missed.

 

[DaveB]

Have just about finished our planning for this neck of the woods going next May.
We end up in Vancouver after 7 nights on Silver Shadow from Seward down to Vancouver where we are picking up a car going across to Vancouver island and ferry back from Victoria to Port Angeles to visit Seattle and hopefully a baseball game before heading back to Vancouver to visit and then board the Rocky Mountaineer. Would love to have more time to visit Portland again but have been told by the better half to not exceed three weeks for this trip excluding flight time.
Looked at driving the whole way but distances and time was the deciding factor. Decided on a 5 night Rocky Mountaineer tour code DBEE involving self drive for the last 2 days ending up in Calgary. Chose gold so we can stay at the two Fairmont hotels at Lake Louise and Banff. Flying then direct from Calgary for 4 nights in Hawaii on way home.

 

[irv]

If you do drive Calgary to Banff must go by the kananaskis trail via Canmore. You should be ok early September, in my opinion so much more to see than sitting on the highway.

 

[JohnM]

Have just about finished our planning for this neck of the woods going next May.
We end up in Vancouver after 7 nights on Silver Shadow from Seward down to Vancouver where we are picking up a car going across to Vancouver island and ferry back from Victoria to Port Angeles to visit Seattle and hopefully a baseball game before heading back to Vancouver to visit and then board the Rocky Mountaineer. Would love to have more time to visit Portland again but have been told by the better half to not exceed three weeks for this trip excluding flight time.
Looked at driving the whole way but distances and time was the deciding factor. Decided on a 5 night Rocky Mountaineer tour code DBEE involving self drive for the last 2 days ending up in Calgary. Chose gold so we can stay at the two Fairmont hotels at Lake Louise and Banff. Flying then direct from Calgary for 4 nights in Hawaii on way home.

That sounds great. It's not the style of thing that I would do as a predominantly single traveller but having been in all those places I can see it being a great itinerary - enjoy! .

That said, my friend (aka PartnerJohnM) and I are having our first (and I suspect last ) white Xmas at the Fairmont LL this year. Flying in to YVR, two nights there, driving to LL over two days, 4 nights 24-28 Dec at Fairmont LL, then driving through to YYC before heading back xYVR-SYD for NYE crackers and back to PER on 1 Jan.

 

[Cool Cat Phil]

Have never been to Canada but contemplating ~2 weeks there Sept 2016 - thinking major tourist spots like Vancouver, Banff, Lake Louise, Calgary etc - thinking of including Rocky Mountainerr train - how is my thinking?

Am I missing major / significant locations / attractions that should not be missed? Would love some input from the AFF Canada experts. TIA.

In 2010/2011 I lived in Canada & I would say you are choosing a great time to visit.

In particular, the peak tourist season has died off in the Rockies, which means better value for money can be scored in the hotels, particularly my old stomping ground of Banff/Lake Louise.

I agree that with many other observations that Calgary offers very little in terms of tourism value except as a gateway to the Rockies ( unless travelling in July for the legendary Calgary Stampede, which is an excuse for anyone to become a cowboy or cowgirl & have a blast)

In September I would highly recommend making a trip out to the East for the spectacular fall colours that may be visable around Ontario & Quebec.

Algonquin Provincial Park a few hours out of Toronto was absolutely spectacular for this, although I'm sure a number of other recommendations may come your way if you looking for this.

+1 for Vancouver Island & the cool city of Victoria..... It's so under-rated!

Personally I never did the Rocky Mountaineer Train journey from Vancouver to Calgary...... & have heard by many overseas tourists that they were in fact disappointed in the Rocky Mountaineer as being overly touristy, over-hyped & overpriced.

Although I did the Legendary " Canadian" train journey from Toronto to Vancouver operated by the Canadian Governments ,VIA rail & managed to score a great deal on the " Express Deals" link on VIA rail's web-page, ( the deal I scored was all inclusive meals 3 times per day, for the entire journey of 3 nights/4 days plus top bunk sleeper) for something like $180 CAD.... Absolute bargain & loved every minute of the journey.

This is one of those magical train journeys like Australia's Indian Pacific that is legendary for its ever changing scenery , which includes the Priaries over Manitoba & Saskatchewan along with the spectacular mountain scenery through Alberta & British Columbia.

Canada is one country that won't disappoint for its wonderful hospitable people & it's spectacular scenery..... It's a nation dear to my heart!

 

[Cool Cat Phil]

That sounds great. It's not the style of thing that I would do as a predominantly single traveller but having been in all those places I can see it being a great itinerary - enjoy! .

That said, my friend (aka PartnerJohnM) and I are having our first (and I suspect last ) white Xmas at the Fairmont LL this year. Flying in to YVR, two nights there, driving to LL over two days, 4 nights 24-28 Dec at Fairmont LL, then driving through to YYC before heading back xYVR-SYD for NYE crackers and back to PER on 1 Jan.

Sounds like an amazing Trip !

As I'm sure you've worked out Lake Louise will actually be iced over when your there & that in itself is pretty spectacular.

I once did Dog sledding from Lake Louise along the Kicking Horse Pass to the Continental divide for a couple of hours ..... This should be offered whilst your there & I could not recommend this enough.... So much fun!

You'll have a blast for sure!

 

[JohnM]

Sounds like an amazing Trip !

As I'm sure you've worked out Lake Louise will actually be iced over when your there & that in itself is pretty spectacular.

I once did Dog sledding from Lake Louise along the Kicking Horse Pass to the Continental divide for a couple of hours ..... This should be offered whilst your there & I could not recommend this enough.... So much fun!

You'll have a blast for sure!

I've been in June, so I am aware that there will be a slight contrast . The dog-mushing sounds cool... er, so to speak .

 

[RooFlyer]

For anyone going over there:

* Wild Flour Café in Bison St, Banff for great coffee and pastries (lots of Aussies there);
* deVille coffee shop downtown 1st St SW between 8th and 9th Aves SW also great espresso (and posted prices include tax! :shock: )
* Lake Louise - the little shopping centre just off the Highway, the bottom RH corner (SW corner) - great bakery / restaurant serves Aussie style meat pies and decent coffee.
* Canmore - OK, I admit it. Its Tim Hortons! Awful coffee but they do a nice toasted BLT and, ummm, a Maple Glaze donut thingy.

 

[Cool Cat Phil]

For anyone going over there:

* Wild Flour Café in Bison St, Banff for great coffee and pastries (lots of Aussies there);
* deVille coffee shop downtown 1st St SW between 8th and 9th Aves SW also great espresso (and posted prices include tax! :shock: )
* Lake Louise - the little shopping centre just off the Highway, the bottom RH corner (SW corner) - great bakery / restaurant serves Aussie style meat pies and decent coffee.
* Canmore - OK, I admit it. Its Tim Hortons! Awful coffee but they do a nice toasted BLT and, ummm, a Maple Glaze donut thingy.

I second all these suggestions myself as a I must confess I frequented all of them at least once.

BTW.... not sure if you know but Banff scored a Timmy's a few years ago ( they had to fight hard for approval I'm told) ..... Located inside the Brewster Bus Terminal.

 

[Cruiser Elite]

Thanks so everybody for their contributions so far - we are planning 3 nts or so in Vancouver - anybody stayed at Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre or have knowledge of same? Any clues as to best way access decent rates here? (Now this is exactly where I need Alanslegal to help me out).

General thoughts on the location or other suggestions greatly appreciated.

 

[defurax]

Thanks so everybody for their contributions so far - we are planning 3 nts or so in Vancouver - anybody stayed at Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre or have knowledge of same? Any clues as to best way access decent rates here? (Now this is exactly where I need Alanslegal to help me out).

General thoughts on the location or other suggestions greatly appreciated.

I stayed there twice. Nothing special, your standard Sheraton hotel. The location is great though. If you can find a good price I would suggest one of the Fairmont properties.

 

[RooFlyer]

My own suggestion for hotel in Vancouver would be the Loden. High quality boutique-ish place, well located nearer the waterfront than the Sheraton.

 

[Cruiser Elite]

So planning almost done - arr YVR from LAS - spend 3nts Vancouver in Fairmont Waterfront - board Rocky Mountaineer - train to Kamloops than Lake Lousie then Banff then Calgary - Gold Leaf on RM gives Fairmont hotel accom except Kamloops.

Then flt VVC-LAX then 3nts Los Angeles b4 head back to Oz

SO

Must dos / must sees in Vancouver? Must eat restaurants? Must drink bars?

Similar Intel for Banff, Lake Louise and Calgary greatly appreciated.