Canada has long been on my travel wish list, and this year I finally had the chance to explore some of its most iconic experiences. It was everything I imagined and more. From snow-dusted peaks and turquoise lakes to coastal charm and luxury rail journeys, every part of the trip brought something completely unique. I wanted to share some of the highlights in case you’re thinking about Canada too. This was a series of incredible moments that I’ll never forget.
The Rocky Mountaineer: A Journey Worth the Hype
I’ve sent many people on the Rocky Mountaineer over the years and have now experienced firsthand why so many list it as the highlight of their trip. Travelling in GoldLeaf Service gave me the chance to see Western Canada’s landscapes in complete comfort. The glass-domed train carriages meant I could sit back with a drink in hand while watching waterfalls, mountain ranges and rushing rivers pass by. The food was exceptional, the service felt seamless, and the storytelling from the onboard hosts added so much context to the places we were passing through. This isn’t a fast way to get from Vancouver to Banff, and that’s exactly the point. It’s about slowing down and really soaking it all in. For anyone who appreciates the journey just as much as the destination, this is a must.
Lake Louise: A Place That Stays With You
I’ve seen so many photos of Lake Louise that I half-expected it to feel familiar. But nothing quite prepares you for standing there in person. The lake looks like it’s been coloured in with a highlighter from some angles and is a complete mirror from others. The surrounding mountains make you feel so small in the best way. I stayed at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, one of those rare hotels that feels just as grand as the view it overlooks. I had a lake-facing room and spent a lot of time just watching the light change across the water. I did a couple of gentle walks around the lake, which are easy to access from the hotel, and all enjoy that incredible view. Lake Louise lived up to every expectation I had and then some.
Tofino Sightseeing by Seaplane: A Different Perspective
One of the highlights (there were so many) of the trip was a scenic flight by seaplane over the west coast of Vancouver Island, from Tofino. Tofino has this laid-back, coastal energy that’s hard to describe but easy to enjoy. It’s known for its surf beaches, old-growth forests and local food scene, and I could have happily spent a few more days there. The scenic flight gave me a real sense of the scale of British Columbia’s wild beauty and an opportunity to whale watch from the sky!
Grouse Mountain: City Meets Wilderness
One morning I took the gondola up Grouse Mountain, just a short distance from downtown Vancouver. It felt like stepping into another world. The city disappears beneath you as you ride to the top, and suddenly you’re surrounded by alpine air and panoramic views. Despite the weather being anything but clear when I visited, I knew that behind the clouds was a great look back over Vancouver, the ocean, and all the way to Vancouver Island. The whiteout has given me an excuse to come back and see it again another time! It was a good reminder that even when you’re staying in the heart of a city, nature is never far away in this part of the world.
Driving the Sea to Sky Highway: One of the World’s Great Road Trips
I hired a car in Vancouver for a few days and made the drive along the Sea to Sky Highway to Whistler. It’s hard to overstate how beautiful this stretch of road is. You’ve got the ocean on one side, mountains on the other, and plenty of spots to stop along the way. I stopped along the way to visit the Britannia Mine Museum and learn about the history of this incredible mine and the community who relied on it, before taking the Sea to Sky Gondola to take in the incredible views. The road itself is easy to drive and well signposted, but I found myself taking it slow just to appreciate the views. Arriving in Whistler, I explored the pedestrian village, browsed the shops, and treated myself to a fantastic dinner. Whether you’re into skiing, hiking or just scenic road trips, Whistler has year-round appeal, and the journey to get there is half the fun.
Reflections on a Canadian Classic
This trip gave me a true appreciation for how diverse Canada is. Each place I visited offered something completely different. There were moments of stillness, like sitting by Lake Louise early in the morning, and moments of exhilaration, like flying over Tofino with the ocean stretching out below me. I loved the ease of travel between destinations and how much thought goes into making these experiences accessible without losing their sense of authenticity.
Whether you’re a train lover, a nature enthusiast, a fan of iconic hotels or someone who simply wants to experience landscapes on a grand scale, Canada ticks so many boxes. I’m already thinking about what to explore next time I go back.
If you’re dreaming of Canada and not sure where to begin, reach out to the team at Back Track. We can pull together a seamless experience to ensure you maximise the best of your time. These moments weren’t just about checking off bucket list items. They were about finding connection in unexpected places and seeing the world from a whole new perspective.
