NORTHERN EXPOSURE

The second largest country in the world should by no means stand in the shadow of its more boisterous southern neighbor. Canada’s 3,854,085 square miles of land, lakes and life brings its own signature flavor to the North American continent. When temperatures are soaring into desertlike conditions here in Georgia, many are longing for a cold-weather escape. To beat the heat, my family and I explored the best cities and villages in Western Canada, from the energy of British Columbia to Rocky Mountain escapes in Alberta, and everywhere in between.

by Lyndsey Epperly

We began our trip to Canada in British Columbia, starting with a long weekend in Vancouver, a bustling city with an array of dining options, luxury accommodations, and plenty of activities. We enjoyed a fantastic stay at the Fairmont Waterfront, where my hotel representative took the time to show me around the city. My favorite stop was Capilano Suspension Bridge, where a small admission fee allows travelers to enjoy several attractions, like a treetops adventure and, of course, the actual suspension bridge.

Instead of staying in Vancouver for the entire long weekend, we decided to check out the picturesque ski village of Whistler. One of the best ways to travel and sightsee in Canada is by rail, so we hopped on the Whistler Mountaineer for our day trip.

We were treated to a spectacular train ride (and the best scones I’ve ever eaten) with great staff and meals, all while witnessing beautiful views, like Brandywine Falls, Howe Sound, and Cheakamus Canyon. Once in Whistler, I fell in love with the atmosphere—despite the drizzling rain, the little village was alive with adventure.

However, I highly recommend seeing the Rockies by rail, just like I did between Vancouver and Whistler. Having never previously traveled by train, my eyes were opened to a new world of travel. The Rocky Mountaineer provides a comfortable, luxurious opportunity to experience nature like never before. There are multiple levels of service but GoldLeaf, the highest, is well worth the splurge.

GoldLeaf service grants passengers a 360 degree view from the second story dome car, as well as access to a full-service, all-inclusive restaurant on the floor below. Friendly, on-board hosts serve as tour guides, giving detailed accounts of the surrounding history and nature. The Rocky Mountaineer is not just a way to get from one place to another, it is truly an experience – open air train cars give access to the best views, so guests don’t miss any of the beauty when the train slows down for Kodak moments.

During our motor coach tour, we stopped at Jasper National Park for the once in a lifetime experience of walking on a glacier. We took an Ice Explorer, a massive, tank-like vehicle made specifically for traversing the icy surfaces, onto the 3-mile long Athabasca Glacier and had a blast sliding around on the frozen mass. In the same day, we spotted two black bears, a big horned sheep, and, upon arriving to my lodge in Jasper, a herd of elk grazing on the front lawn.

After a couple of nights in Jasper, a sleepy little town with the best wildlife viewing on the trip, we made our way down to Banff. During our drive down, we stopped at a mostly frozen Lake Louise. The sheets of ice made the iconic lake unrecognizable from its usual shade of emerald green. However, cracks in the ice revealed hints of color and made for spectacular photos.

Once in Banff, we checked out the beautiful Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. The world renowned “Castle in the Rockies” is an extraordinary property – no other accommodations in Banff compare. To be honest, most accommodations in Canada cannot compare to the Fairmont properties. The service, accommodations, and unique architecture leave travelers truly amazed