Canada Destinations

Our travels through Canada

Alan had been saying for years that he wanted to visit his buddy Murph in Vancouver. So I figured, why not turn this into the perfect excuse to step outside the U.S. and see how wild the Canadian Northwest really is? Spoiler: it was rugged, remote, and ridiculously beautiful — equal parts awe and adrenaline.

We kicked things off at Waterton Lakes National Park, the Canadian partner to Montana’s Glacier. Picture a sparkling alpine lake, mountain views, and the storybook Prince of Wales Hotel perched on the bluff — yes, we stopped in for teatime. From there, it was on to the crown jewel: Banff National Park. I had no idea how crowded a park could be until Banff — buses, gondolas, selfie sticks everywhere. Pro tip: book early, buy gondola tickets online, and scout the quieter corners for those postcard views.

Then came the legendary Icefields Parkway. Even the name sounds dramatic, and with rain pelting our windshield it felt downright cinematic. Glaciers, turquoise lakes, and miles of untamed wilderness — you just know the backcountry is crawling with wildlife. I didn’t spot a grizzly this time, but trust me, I’ll be back with a longer lens.

The road delivered us to Jasper, a laid-back, dog-friendly lake town that stole my heart. We checked into the Forest Park Hotel (bonus: their Hearthstone Restaurant hits the spot), and grabbed a friendly pub lunch at the Mad Grizzly Bistro Bar. Small town vibes, big hospitality.

Finally, Vancouver — where Murph played tour guide extraordinaire. Lunch on Granville Island was a highlight, with waterfront energy and fresh market eats. Next time? We’re hopping the ferry to Vancouver Island (and yes, you definitely want to book those tickets in advance).

Where We Stayed

• Waterton: Prince of Wales Hotel (iconic with a view to match)

• Banff: Fairmont Banff Springs or the Best Western (options for both luxe and budget)

• Jasper: Forest Park Hotel (dog-friendly, with on-site dining)

• Vancouver: Accent Hotel (simple, central, perfect for city exploring)

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