Canadian Rockies From Every Angle

When I came to California many years ago by ship I shared a cabin with a Canadian girl from Vancouver, British Columbia. On the 8 week journey from England, we became good friends and the plan was that if I didn’t like the job I was coming to in San Francisco, I would go up to Canada and live with her family. Fresh out of Graduate School, I was looking forward to a new adventure, visit Mexico, Canada, and Hawaii, then go back to Europe.

I had on my bucket list, to ski the Rockies, and hike in British Columbia. Thanks to my new friendship with Meg, I visited Vancouver many times and got to do both. She had a little Volkswagen car, and the two of us had many adventures around Western Canada. Two of the most outstanding holidays I have ever had, was a heli hiking trip in British Columbia, and heli skiing in Alberta. You stay in remote mountain lodges, and it was the trip of a lifetime. Considering I have been to over 120 countries, to give Canada two spots on my outstanding list tells you they must be very special.

If you have the time, it’s a great journey to go by train up the coast to Canada. You can also sail from San Francisco to Vancouver. The cruise line will give a discount to anyone who was in the military. A few days in Vancouver is a great idea before going on an Inland Passage cruise to Alaska, or taking the Rocky Mountaineer train to Banff. I’ve done these journeys many times, and highly recommend them. I like the Gold Leaf service the best. Many clients do both back to back, and no matter what cruise line you go on, the scenery is breathtaking. I love the train journey – Vancouver to Banff - since you stop at Kamloops and stay overnight in a hotel, so you are only doing the train journey during the day. You can visit Jasper, Lake Louise, Banff, on the trip. Vancouver is an ideal location for a four day weekend.

Vancouver is a great town for doing day trips. One I like is taking the train to Squamish, then going back by boat, this way you have the best of both worlds, magnificent scenery from every angle. Stanley Park occupies over 1,000 acres on the border of downtown and its worth going to. Granville Island has a lively public market, and a fun place to have lunch. Everything from fish and chips to Indian curry. You can go hiking, mountain biking very easily, also kayaking. I think the shopping is outstanding in this town. I always make a beeline for the Hudson Bay department store. Victoria, on Vancouver Island is another lovely place to visit, have afternoon tea at the Fairmont Empress Hotel, and visit Whistler which is a great resort especially for skiing.

I usually stay at the Fairmont Pacific Rim, or the Fairmont Waterfront because they are right on the harbor and a super location. Our clients get a free breakfast, upgrade, early check in or late check out, and a $100 spa credit plus other amenities. If you are going on a cruise, or a train trip, these hotels are very convenient.

One place I sent people to is the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Chinese Garden, a sanctuary of ponds and foliage hidden in the hub of the city. There are several excellent museums and art galleries if that is your cup of tea. One I have been to several times is the First Nations Museum. The collection of totem poles and all aspects of the Indian culture is worth seeing. Great restaurant and gift shop.

Go on our website www.allhorizonstvl.com and whet your appetite at the three offers.

Vancouver Getaway, Offer 1202478, British Columbia Combo, Vancouver and Whistler Offer 1202509, and Canadian Rockies Getaway, Offer 1173375.

Canada is worth visiting. I have done the journey at different times of the year and always enjoy myself.

Maureen Jones

Maureen Jones is president of All Horizons Travel at 160 Main Street. Members of her staff are experts in business travel, cruises, and all types of leisure.