Canada: The Great Wild North
Most travelers think they know Canada. They equate Canada with its major cities: bustling Toronto, Canada's "NYC", Montréal and Québec City, steeped in French culture and extraordinary food, Vancouver, a beautiful harbor city on the Pacific Coast with very un-Canadian weather, and Ottawa, the capital, rounding out an incredible line-up of destinations in their own right. Four of those five sit right across the US border. But Canada is vast. It is the second largest country in the world, trailing only Russia, and beyond its urban centers lie some of the most spectacular, untouched wilderness on Earth. Glaciers. Aurora skies. Wildlife that roams free in numbers most people can't fathom.
World-class national parks, sub-arctic wilderness, and wildlife of American legend. Canada even expands into the High Arctic, an untouched frontier for the true adventurer, with touchpoints accessible via expedition cruise. This guide focuses on the wild interior and national parks, but Canada's opportunities are as vast as its landscapes.
In this guide: British Columbia (Vancouver · Whistler · Vancouver Island: Victoria & Tofino · Sonora Island) · Alberta (Calgary & Stampede, Banff, Lake Louise & Jasper) · Off the Beaten Path (Yellowknife & Churchill), with my picks for the best hotels, stays, and experiences at every stop.
BRITISH COLUMBIA
VANCOUVER
Vancouver is my personal favorite English-speaking city in Canada, and a close contender for my favorite Canadian city. It's hip, walkable, and has a great energy. With mountains, ocean, and Stanley Park surrounding you, nature is a shared presence against the more urban offerings. Be sure to spend 4-5 days in Vancouver, before moving onwards into its wilder neighboring parklands.
Explore Gastown, with its cobblestone streets, famous steam clock, converted brick warehouses and boutique shops. With plenty of great restaurants, it’s the perfect place to dine. Coal Harbour is gorgeous, with seaplanes landing, superyachts lining the marina, and the mountain backdrop across Burrard Inlet. Getting on the water is a big part of the Vancouver experience, even if you're not venturing onward to the islands, so consider a scenic boat ride or other activities. More on that below.
Known For
Coal Harbour & the Waterfront · Gastown · Stanley Park · Great Food Scene · Gateway to Whistler & Vancouver Island
Things To Do in Vancouver
Stanley Park: One of the great urban parks in North America. 400+ hectares of old-growth forest, seawall, beaches, and mountain views right at the edge of downtown. Spend a half day or more wandering, cycling the seawall, and grabbing a coffee.
Explore Gastown: Vancouver's oldest neighborhood, with its cobblestone streets, famous steam clock, converted brick warehouses and boutique shops. With plenty of great restaurants, it's the perfect place to dine, including L'Abattoir, one of the city's most celebrated restaurants, housed in a beautiful heritage building.
Get on the Water: A scenic harbour Zodiac cruise takes in Coal Harbour, Stanley Park, English Bay, and the North Shore. For something wilder, the Howe Sound Snorkeling & Kayak Eco Tour ventures into a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, where there's options to snorkel with seals, sea lions, and porpoises in a mountain fjord. One of Vancouver's best-kept secrets.
Granville Island Public Market: A working waterfront market under the Granville Bridge with local produce, fresh Pacific seafood, artisan food stalls, and crafts. One of the best food markets in Canada. Go hungry, leave happy.
Check Out the Highlights: Vancouver is a popular destination with sites and activities that appear on every must-do list: Capilano Suspension Bridge, Grouse Mountain (or a tour that visits both), FlyOver Canada, the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden in Chinatown, and the Museum of Anthropology at UBC, one of the finest collections of Northwest Coast Indigenous art in the world.
Eat Well: Vancouver has fourteen restaurants on Canada's 100 Best list in 2026, more than any other city in the country. Standouts include AnnaLena (Kitsilano, contemporary tasting menu, #12 in Canada), Kissa Tanto (Chinatown, Japanese-Italian, #15 in Canada), Blue Water Cafe (Yaletown, sustainable Pacific seafood), and Published on Main (Mount Pleasant, creative tasting menu, #2 in BC), Hawksworth (Downtown, contemporary Canadian), Botanist (Downtown, Pacific Northwest), and Bacchus (Downtown, European), and many more.
Take a Day Trip: This full-day guided tour from Vancouver covers a scenic BC Ferries crossing through the Gulf Islands, Butchart Gardens, and free time in Victoria's Inner Harbour. It's a long day, but a great introduction to Vancouver Island if you aren't able to schedule a dedicated stay. Or head to the mountains. This Sea to Sky tour covers Shannon Falls, the Sea to Sky Gondola, and Whistler village in a single comfortable day, a great introduction, though Whistler deserves far more than a day. Learn more about having the full Whistler and Victoria experiences below.
Where to Stay in Vancouver
All featured Vancouver properties can be booked here, and applicable perks (room upgrade, onsite credit, welcome gift+++) will automatically apply. To plan a full Vancouver trip, contact me directly.
$$$$ · Vancouver's most design-forward luxury hotel. Virtuoso Preferred. (Yaletown / Stadium District)
Connected to the Parq Vancouver entertainment complex, The Douglas is unlike anything else in the city. Rooms and suites feature floor-to-ceiling windows with city views, marble bathrooms, wood accents, and leather furniture — select suites have bi-level layouts with separate seating areas and fireplaces. The Victor restaurant serves fresh Pacific Northwest seafood and specialty steaks, with views overlooking Vancouver and the sixth-floor Rooftop Park. D/6 is a sophisticated rooftop lounge with artisanal cocktails and sweeping city views. Spa by JW on-site for massages, facials, and body treatments. Steps from BC Place, Rogers Arena, False Creek, and Granville Island. Part of Marriott's Autograph Collection, so Marriott Bonvoy members can earn and redeem points here.
$$$$ · 1927 Art Deco landmark, beautifully restored. Virtuoso Preferred. (Downtown,West Georgia St.)
Vancouver's oldest hotel and one of its most storied, built in 1927 and meticulously restored to its position as the city's social and business heart. 154 rooms and suites with spa-inspired bathrooms featuring heated floors, rainfall showers, soaking tubs, bathrobes, and slippers, plus cityscape views at the corner of Georgia and Howe. Hawksworth Restaurant is consistently ranked among Canada's best. Chef David Hawksworth's contemporary Canadian cuisine with Pacific influences. Reflections: The Garden Terrace for outdoor dining and cocktails. 1927 Lobby Lounge for breakfast and casual dining. Sense, A Rosewood Spa with five treatment rooms offering massages, facials, body wraps, and hydrotherapy. Indoor saltwater lap pool and fitness centre. Across from the Vancouver Art Gallery.
$$$ · Forbes Five-Star contemporary waterfront luxury hotel. Virtuoso Preferred. (Canada Place / Coal Harbour)
A sleek, contemporary landmark on Vancouver's waterfront with panoramic harbour and mountain views throughout. Botanist is one of the city's finest restaurants wtih menus inspired by organic farming and sustainable sourcing, with an award-winning cocktail bar alongside it. The Lobby Lounge and RawBar features nightly live music and handcrafted cocktails. Rooftop pool with fire pits and hot tub, full-service spa, 4,000 sq ft gym, and curated rotating art exhibitions. Rooms feature harbour and mountain views; select suites offer multiple stories, private patios with outdoor fireplaces, and whirlpool tubs. Walking distance to Stanley Park, Canada Place, and Gastown.
$$$ · Family-owned Relais & Châteaux steps from Robson Square· Michelin Key. Virtuoso Preferred. (Downtown / Robson Square)
Family-owned for over four decades and one of the last great independent luxury hotels in Canada, the Wedgewood has 83 rooms and suites with private balconies overlooking Robson Square, furnished with antiques and original artwork that give the property its distinctly European character. The spa features an eucalyptus steam room, private treatment rooms, and couples massage suites, while the Michelin-recommended Bacchus Restaurant & Lounge, all Venetian décor and original art, is one of Vancouver's finest dining rooms in its own right. Steps from Pacific Centre, Holt Renfrew, and the Vancouver Art Gallery.
$$$ · Vancouver's only waterfront resort, where Coal Harbour meets Stanley Park. Departure Lounge Preferred. (Coal Harbour / West End)
The only hotel in Vancouver with direct waterfront access, the Westin Bayshore sits at the point where Coal Harbour dissolves into the entrance of Stanley Park. The 511-room property has a private marina, a heated outdoor pool with panoramic North Shore Mountain and harbour views, Vida Spa, and the H2 Kitchen + Bar, one of the city's most coveted waterfront patios. The 10-kilometre Stanley Park seawall begins just steps from the lobby.
$$$ · Sleek, contemporary luxury at the edge of Yaletown and False Creek. Departure Lounge Preferred. (Downtown / Yaletown)
Anchoring the Parq Vancouver entertainment complex where downtown meets Yaletown, the JW Marriott delivers floor-to-ceiling glass, mountain and skyline views, and 329 polished rooms and suites with a design sensibility that feels more like a boutique than a brand hotel. BC Place and the Queen Elizabeth Theatre are steps away; Yaletown's restaurant row is a short walk; a water taxi puts Granville Island within minutes.
$$ · The castle on the hill, opened by royalty in 1939. Virtuoso Preferred. (Downtown / West Georgia & Burrard)
The most iconic building on the Vancouver skyline, its copper-green château roofline has watched over the city for nearly nine decades, and it still earns its keep: Condé Nast Traveler Gold List in 2024, Forbes four-star in 2025. Opened by King George VI and Queen Elizabeth on their Royal Tour of Canada, the hotel pairs art deco grandeur with a location that puts Robson Street shopping, the seawall, and Stanley Park all within easy reach. The most historically significant address in the city.
All featured Vancouver properties can be booked here, and applicable perks (room upgrade, onsite credit, welcome gift+++) will automatically apply. To plan a full Vancouver trip, contact me directly.
WHISTLER
Whistler is many things: a world-class ski resort, a summer mountain biking mecca, a wildlife corridor, a charming alpine village, and one of the most spectacular mountain destinations in the world. It sits at the base of two mountains, Whistler and Blackcomb, in the Coast Mountains of British Columbia, roughly two hours north of Vancouver. The mountains here are not the jagged Rocky Mountain peaks of Alberta. They are massive, ancient, glacier-capped, and genuinely awe-inspiring in scale. Whistler Village and the
incredible peaks are straight out of a quintessential holiday-themed Hallmark movie.
Known For
World-Class Skiing · PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola · Mountain Biking · Wildlife · Alpine Village
Things To Do in Whistler
Ski Whistler Blackcomb: One of the largest ski resorts in North America, with over 8,000 acres of skiable terrain across two mountains, 200+ marked trails, and a season that typically runs November through May. Options for both beginner and experienced skiers, but remember to book early. This place fills up fast.
PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola: At three kilometers long, Peak 2 Peak holds the Guinness World Record for the longest unsupported gondola span in the world, connecting the summits of Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains, 436 metres above the valley floor. In winter, use it to switch between the two ski mountains; in summer, it opens to hikers and sightseers with one of North America's most spectacular alpine views. A Whistler must-do.
25-Minute Helicopter Tour: The mountains are truly epic, and the only way to fully grasp their scale is from the air. This 25-minute helicopter flight over the peaks and glaciers of the Coast Mountains is one of those experiences that stays with you. Sweeping, unforgettable, and surprisingly accessible.
ATV Bushwhacker Tour: A two-hour small-group ATV ride deep into Whistler's backcountry. Journey along mountain trails, forest tracks, and stop at vistas that are off-the-beaten-track and offer unique local perspectives.
Black Bear Viewing Land Rover Tour: A guided afternoon/evening safari through the Coastal Mountain Range in a luxury Land Rover, searching for Whistler's resident black bears as they emerge to feed. The tour also passes glacial lakes, old-growth forest, waterfalls, and alpine meadows, with osprey, deer, and coyotes often spotted along the way. Wheelchair accessible and suitable for all ages.
Whistler Village: Car-free, picturesque, and architecturally stunning, with a Bavarian mountain-town feel. Dozens of restaurants, après-ski bars, boutiques, and galleries. The Audain Art Museum is genuinely world-class, with an extraordinary collection of BC Indigenous and contemporary art.
Golf (Summer): Whistler boasts two world-class golf resorts, locking in its place as a year-round relax & play destination. Whistler Golf Club is a Robert Trent Jones Jr. design, set right in the Village with 400 feet of elevation change, mountain ledges, rushing streams, and views of the surrounding peaks at every turn, bringing the mountains into the game. Nicklaus North is a Jack Nicklaus Signature Design winding along the glacier-fed Green Lake, with the snow-capped mountains as a permanent backdrop. The par-3 17th, where Green Lake sets the left boundary and the mountains rise behind the green, is one of the most photogenic holes in Canada. Both courses are open May through October.
Where to Stay in Whistler
All featured Whistler properties can be booked here, and applicable perks (room upgrade, onsite credit, welcome gift+++) will automatically apply. To plan a full Whistler trip, contact me directly.
$$$$ · Whistler's most awarded address · Two MICHELIN Keys · #1 Resort in Canada. Virtuoso Preferred. (Whistler Village)
Two MICHELIN Keys. #1 Resort in Canada, Travel + Leisure 2025. T+L 500 World's Best Hotels 2026. The accolades stack up because the property earns them. Slope-side and steps from the Village, the Four Seasons delivers its hallmark of impeccable, unobtrusive service in a setting that genuinely matches the brand's ambition. Sidecut Modern Steak + Bar is outstanding: dry-aged Canadian beef, an exceptional whisky list, and a room that feels like it belongs in a much bigger city. The full-service spa (named Canada's Best Resort Spa 2025), heated outdoor pool, and hot tubs with mountain views round out one of the most complete resort experiences in the country. The best stay in Whistler.
$$$$ · The grand mountain château at the base of Blackcomb · Ski-in/Ski-out. Virtuoso Preferred. (Base of Blackcomb Mountain)
The undisputed grande dame of Whistler, and one of the great mountain resort hotels in North America. The Chateau sits ski-in/ski-out at the base of Blackcomb Mountain. You can be on the slopes in minutes and back at the bar by après. The castle-like architecture, warm stone interiors, and roaring fireplaces set the tone from the moment you arrive. Portobello Restaurant delivers elevated mountain cuisine with an outstanding wine program; Vida Wellness Spa is one of the finest resort spas in BC. The heated outdoor pool and hot tubs overlooking the mountains are genuinely not something you forget. Year-round programming means this property works as well in July as it does in January. Virtuoso perks for my clients include daily breakfast for two, a resort credit, and a room upgrade on arrival.
$$$ · Creekside luxury at the best value in Whistler · Ski-in/Ski-out. Departure Lounge Preferred. (Whistler Creekside)
Excellent value in a destination where value is hard to find. Ski-in/ski-out from Creekside, a quieter, more local alternative to the main Village, with a full spa, indoor and outdoor pools, and FireRock Lounge, the hotel's casual après spot with artisanal cocktails and tapas. Rooms are generous by resort standards, many with full kitchens and separate living areas, making this a strong choice for families or longer stays. Whistler Golf Club is a five-minute walk away for summer visitors. A smart, well-located property at a price point that leaves room in the budget for experiences.
All featured Whistler properties can be booked here, and applicable perks (room upgrade, onsite credit, welcome gift+++) will automatically apply. To plan a full Whistler trip, contact me directly.
VANCOUVER ISLAND
Vancouver Island doesn't look like the rest of Canada. It's lush, coastal, and surprisingly warm, with wide Pacific beaches, ancient forests on the wild west coast, and some of the best whale watching in North America. It stretches from Victoria, with its charming European architecture, to the raw wilderness of Tofino, two distinct destinations on the same island. To get there, cross the Strait of Georgia by 90-minute ferry ride from Vancouver or, for a far more dramatic arrival, by seaplane from Coal Harbour), touching down in Victoria's Inner Harbour in 35 minutes.
Known For
Whale Watching · Old-Growth Forests · Pacific Beaches · Victoria · Tofino
Victoria
Vancouver Island's charming harbour capital, with European architecture, British traditions, and some of the best whale watching in Canada.
Known For
Whale Watching · Inner Harbour · Afternoon Tea · Butchart Gardens
Things To Do in Victoria
Explore Inner Harbour: The heart of Victoria: View BC Parliament Buildings, the Fairmont Empress, float planes landing and departing, buskers, and the ferry terminal all converging in one compact, walkable waterfront. A perfect starting point to orient yourself to the city's charm.
Afternoon Tea at the Empress: A Victoria institution since 1908. The Fairmont Empress has been serving its legendary afternoon tea overlooking the Inner Harbour for over a century: finger sandwiches, fresh scones, pastries, and a selection of over 20 teas in one of the most beautiful rooms in Canada. Formal but not stuffy, a worthwhile experience. Reserve your table well in advance.
Whale Watching from the Inner Harbour: Victoria sits at one of the richest marine ecosystems on the Pacific coast. Orcas, humpbacks, minke whales, harbour seals, sea lions, and bald eagles are regular sightings. Half-day tours depart directly from the Inner Harbour.
Craigdarroch Castle: A 39-room Victorian mansion built in the 1890s for a coal baron, now a National Historic Site with original period furnishings and city views from the tower. One of Victoria's most distinctive landmarks.
The Butchart Gardens: Located just north of Victoria, a former limestone quarry transformed over 100 years into one of the most extraordinary private gardens on Earth. 55 acres of manicured displays, including the jaw-dropping Sunken Garden. Illuminated on Saturday evenings in summer. A complete experience, with unexpected flora and immense garden design. Travel independently, book the shuttle, or join a combination Victoria city & Burchart Garden tour.
The Best Stay in Victoria
$$$$ ·Victoria's grand harbour castle, open since 1908. Afternoon Tea is a rite of passage. There is no other address in the city. · Virtuoso Preferred.
-
Five celebrated restaurant/dining experiences onsite, including Q at the Empress (contemporary Pacific Northwest cuisine with Inner Harbour views) and Afternoon Tea at The Empress, a Victoria institution since 1908 (freshly baked scones, finger sandwiches, and pastries with the hotel's signature tea blends. The single most iconic thing you can do in Victoria.) Book well in advance.
-
Willow Stream Spa: signature treatments drawing on Pacific Northwest botanicals, steam room, and relaxation lounges
-
Indoor pool and fitness centre
-
Steps from the Inner Harbour, BC Parliament Buildings, and the departure point for whale watching tours
The Fairmont Empress can be booked here, and applicable perks (room upgrade, onsite credit, welcome gift+++) will automatically apply. To plan a full trip to Victoria, contact me directly.
A Few More Fabulous Victoria Hotels
Magnolia Hotel & Spa: $$$ | Victoria's most elegant boutique hotel, half a block from the Inner Harbour. Intimate, beautifully designed, and genuinely luxurious, a strong choice for visitors who prefer a quieter, more personal experience over a grand historic property. (Inner Harbour, Downtown Victoria)
Delta Hotels Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort: $$$ | Full-service Marriott resort on the harbour with a pool, spa, and water views throughout. Reliable, well-located, and a good fit for families or brand loyalists. (Songhees Waterfront, Downtown Victoria)
Pendray Inn & Tea House: $$$ |A lovingly restored 1895 Victorian mansion steps from the Inner Harbour and one of the most charming small stays in the city, for visitors who want to lean into Victoria's romantic aura. (Inner Harbour, Downtown Victoria)
Oak Bay Beach Hotel: $$$$ | Ten minutes from downtown in the residential enclave of Oak Bay, right on the ocean. Mineral pools fed by the Pacific, a celebrated restaurant, and a pace that's noticeably calmer than the Inner Harbour. Best for clients who want Victoria without the tourist bustle. (Oak Bay)
The Fairmont Empress is the only featured Victoria property offering VIP perks, but all of these stays can be booked here. Update your "Search" parameters to "Show Non-Preferred Hotels". To plan a full trip to Victoria, contact me directly.
Tofino
There is one corner of British Columbia that delivers thrilling wildlife encounters worth crossing the earth to experience: Clayoquot Sound. This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve on the wild west coast of Vancouver Island is where ancient temperate rainforest meets the open Pacific, with bald eagles, black bears, and the pièce de résistance: marine mammals including orca and grey whales, and also sea lions, breaching and playing just offshore.
Known For
Whale Watching · Wildlife · Clayoquot Sound UNESCO Biosphere Reserve · Pacific Rim National Park · Wild Luxury · Surfing · Storm Watching
The Best Stay in Tofino
$$$$ ·Arrival by seaplane. Greeted by a horse-drawn wagon. 600 acres of pristine Clayoquot Sound wilderness. Three MICHELIN Keys. One of the great wilderness lodges on Earth. · Virtuoso Preferred. · Open May–September.
-
25 luxury canvas tents strung along the sound and through old-growth rainforest, with waterfront and rainforest options, and wilderness right outside the door.
-
The Cookhouse serves as the warm heart of the lodge, with an open kitchen and a daily-changing menu of locally foraged and sustainably sourced Pacific Northwest ingredients; The Ivanhoe Bar, named for the lodge's vintage tugboat, offers handcrafted cocktails in suede armchairs behind floor-to-ceiling glass overlooking the sound.
-
Healing Grounds Spa, over-water cedar hot tubs, and a sauna
-
Sights of the Sound is the signature half-day marine excursion through Clayoquot Sound in search of grey whales, black bears, sea otters, orcas, and bald eagles.
-
Activities include Heli Hiking, Sip to Sky, Canyoning, horseback riding, West Coast fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding,
The Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge can be booked here, and applicable perks (room upgrade, onsite credit, welcome gift+++) will automatically apply. To plan a full trip to Tofino, contact me directly.
A Few More Fabulous Tofino Stays
Wickaninnish Inn: $$$$ | Perched on a rocky headland above Chesterman Beach, the Wick is Tofino's most iconic address and the definitive storm-watching hotel, essentially built for the October–March season when the Pacific delivers 10-metre swells. The Pointe Restaurant, Ancient Cedars Spa, heated floors, and the sound of waves just outside the window. Book well in advance. (Chesterman Beach)
Tofino Resort + Marina: $$$ | Harbour-front rather than open Pacific, with whale watching and bear watching charters departing from the dock below. Wolf in the Fog restaurant is one of the finest on Vancouver Island. (Tofino Harbour)
Canadian Princess Lodge & Marina: $$$ | A converted 1932 hydrographic survey vessel in Ucluelet Harbour, with lodge rooms ashore and staterooms aboard the ship. Historic, quirky, and genuinely charming — one of the most distinctive stays on the island, 40 minutes from Tofino at the southern edge of Pacific Rim National Park. (Ucluelet)
Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge is the only featured Tofino available to book online. To plan a stay at one of these Tofino properties, contact me directly.
Bonus Destination: Sonora Island & Sonora Resort
A remote wilderness island in the Discovery Islands archipelago, accessible only by floatplane. One resort. Total immersion.
$$$$+ ·The only accommodation on Sonora Island, and it's spectacular. · Virtuoso Partner.
Isolated and untouched, accessible only by floatplane or helicopter from Vancouver or northern Vancouver Island, this immersive resort sits on a remote island in the Discovery Islands archipelago, north of Vancouver Island, where the tidal rapids of the Inside Passage pour through narrow channels between mountains. It is one of the most remote luxury resorts in Canada.
Grizzly bear watching by boat and Zodiac. Sea paddling through glaciers. Helicopter flightseeing (with or without heli-hiking) over glaciers. World-class fishing for chinook salmon and halibut. Spa treatments in a rainforest setting. Gourmet dining with Pacific seafood caught that morning. Every detail handled, from the moment you step onto the floatplane to the moment you leave. Sonora is for those who want wilderness without compromise.
The Sonora Resort can be booked here, and applicable perks (room upgrade, onsite credit, welcome gift+++) will automatically apply. To plan a full trip to Tofino, contact me directly.
ALBERTA
CALGARY & STAMPEDE
Most visitors treat Calgary as a gateway to the Rockies, and it absolutely is. But give it a day or two of its own. The Inglewood neighborhood, once named "Canada's greatest", is home to the Music Mile: craft breweries, live music venues, and architecturally striking Studio Bell, a world-class museum dedicated to Canadian music, with artifacts that include Elton John's piano and the Rolling Stones' recording bus. The western heritage runs deeper than the Stampede. Think Nashville meets Wyoming, with a Canadian passport.
Known For
Calgary Stampede · Inglewood & the Music Mile · Country Western Heritage · Food Scene · Gateway to the Rockies
Things To Do in Calgary
Book a Walking Tour: This tip-based private walking tour packs all the must-sees, including Calgary Tower, and more, into a 3-hour walking tour. A great way to orient yourself and tick off the highlights.
Music Mile & Inglewood: Explore the independent boutiques, live music venues (event schedule), and dining scene of Calgary's hippest neighborhood, including neighborhood staple, The Nash, and Canadian heavy-hitter, Eight (reservations suggested). Purchase a cowboy hat at Smithbilt, and bird watch at Inglewood Bird Sanctuary. You'll be pleasantly surprised by Calgary's eclectic scene.
Eat Well: Six Calgary restaurants on Canada's 100 Best list in 2026, including aforementioned Eight (#9 in Canada, theatrical and exclusive), Dopo (Marda Loop, Italian) and River Café (Prince's Island Park, seasonal Canadian menu) ranking in the top 50. With dozens of restaurants, eclectic in both style and cuisine, Calgary offers plenty of options for the foodie.
Bow River Pathway: Signature walking & running trail alongside gorgeous Bow River, this connects numerous other trails and local parks.
Check out Drumheller & the Alberta Badlands: Alberta is home to the Canadian Rockies and corresponding world famous national parks, but they have a few surprises as well. Take a day tour to take in hoodoos and Alberta's prehistoric history, in a day tour to nearby town of Drumheller.
Calgary Stampede: Canada's Greatest Outdoor Show
For 10 days every July, over 1.4 million visitors descend on Calgary for its most spectacular annual event. Centered around the "world's richest rodeo", the Stampede brings together chuckwagon races, nightly headline concerts, Indigenous cultural programming, a full carnival midway, and free pancake pop-ups. It's rowdy, it's festive, and it's the citywide takeover that mustn't be missed.
This is not the time to wing it. Book your hotel and Stampede tickets months in advance.
Stampede in Style
Nashville North: Every night of the Stampede, Nashville North transforms into Calgary's biggest country music party. This massive indoor venue within Stampede Park draws serious talent; past headliners include Chris Young, Ashley McBryde, Cole Swindell, and Chase Rice. It's included with general Stampede admission, which makes it one of the best deals in live music. For prime stage views, table service, private suites, and priority entry, upgrade to Nashville North VIP.
The Bootleggin' Breakfast: Chef-prepared breakfast with open bar, CCMA award-winning live entertainment, and entry to the official after-parties. A full morning event, not just pancakes.
Premium Seating & Party Access at The Corona Skydeck: Reserved seating for the rodeo and chuckwagon races with elevated dining packages are available with premium ticketing, or enjoy rooftop views (and added parties) with the Corona Skydeck in GMC Stadium, featuring chef-crafted Western bites and full park admission. Book early, these sell fast.
BANFF NATIONAL PARK
Banff National Park, widely called the Crown Jewel of the Canadian Rockies, embodies peak nature. The lakes alone, Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, in vivid turquoise colors, are among the most breathtakingly beautiful in the world. Come in summer for hiking, canoeing, and wildlife. In winter, the park transforms entirely: world-class ski resorts draw skiers from around the world. Add glaciers, wildlife, and a charming mountain town, and it's a no-brainer why people come back year after year. The Icefields Parkway, connecting Banff to Jasper, is widely considered one of the most scenic drives on Earth.
Known For
Mountain Scenery · Glacial Lakes · World-Class Skiing · Wildlife
Things to Do in Banff
Moraine Lake Sunrise & Full-Day Park Highlights Tour: Beat the crowds to two of Canada's most iconic lakes: Moraine Lake at sunrise, then Lake Louise as the morning light hits the glacier. Warm drinks and photography guidance included.
Covered Wagon Ride & Steak Dinner: Ride a covered wagon along the Bow River to a Rocky Mountain cookout: AAA steak (or veggie option!), horseshoe games, and the Canadian Rockies as your backdrop. A Banff classic.
Bathe in the Upper Hot Springs: Visit on your own time (admission is walk-up only) or join a tour that includes a dip.
Downhill Ski: In winter, three ski resorts (Lake Louise, Sunshine Village, and Mt. Norquay) offer everything from bunny slopes to demanding black diamonds, with the Canadian Rockies as the backdrop.
Icefields Parkway (and all the detours): The Icefields Parkway doesn't just connect Banff to Jasper. It's one of the most extraordinary drives on Earth. If you are staying in Banff, take a tour that visits Peyto Lake, Mistaya Canyon, and the Columbia Icefield. If you are headed to Jasper, stop often, and arrive in Jasper having already seen glaciers, turquoise lakes, and mountain wildlife. The road is an experience in itself.
And on the other end of Icefields Parkway, another incredible park awaits...
JASPER NATIONAL PARK
Jasper National Park is full of surprises. Turn a curve on any given road and you may find yourself face to face with a herd of elk, a bighorn sheep, or a bear going about its day. The wildlife here is prolific and unhurried, and the park itself is wilder and more remote than its famous neighbor to the south. Jasper is also home to the world's largest accessible dark sky preserve, making it one of the finest places on Earth for stargazing. The Columbia Icefield and Athabasca Glacier, accessible via the Icefields Parkway, are among the most extraordinary natural features in North America.
Known For
Dark Skies · Wildlife · Columbia Icefield · Wilderness
Things to Do in Jasper
Columbia Icefield & Glacier Skywalk: Ride an Ice Explorer onto the Athabasca Glacier, then walk the glass-floored Skywalk above the Sunwapta Valley. One of the most extraordinary natural experiences in North America.
Maligne Valley, Medicine Lake & Spirit Island Tour: A full day through Jasper's most spectacular valley: mysterious Medicine Lake, wildlife spotting along the way, and a boat cruise to the iconic Spirit Island on Maligne Lake. Choose between the cruise or a guided hike.
Miette Hot Springs: Soak in the hottest natural springs in the Canadian Rockies, surrounded by mountain scenery.
Wildlife Drive at Dusk: Jasper's roads at dusk are practically a safari. Bears, elk, wolves, and moose are regular sightings. Join a guided wildlife drive or head out on your own.
Stargaze: Designated a Dark Sky Preserve by the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, Jasper is one of the finest stargazing destinations on Earth. Every October, the Jasper Dark Sky Festival draws astronomers and curious travelers alike. The Jasper Planetarium offers guided stargazing tours year-round.
THE FAIRMONT HOTEL CIRCUIT: ALBERTA'S BEST STAYS
Fairmont has quietly built one of the finest hotel circuits on Earth right through the Canadian Rockies: four unparalleled properties: four completely distinct personalities, one legendary trip. A grand railway hotel in Calgary. A castle above the Bow Valley. A chalet perched directly on the world's most photographed lake. A lakeside wilderness lodge where elk wander the grounds. Each one iconic. Each one irreplaceable. Together, they are the definitive way to experience Alberta.
A perfect two week trip. Four properties, all with built-in perks for my clients. One spectacular circuit. Contact me to make it happen.
All featured Fairmont Circuit properties can be booked here, and applicable perks (room upgrade, onsite credit, welcome gift+++) will automatically apply. To plan a full trip to the Alberta national parks, contact me directly.
FAIRMONT PALLISER - CALGARY
Grand railway hotel, opened 1914. The most storied address in Calgary. Departure Lounge Preferred.
-
Hawthorn Dining Room & Bar: breakfast through dinner, live music performances, celebrated weekend brunch
-
RNR Wellness Spa (massages, body wraps, full salon services)
-
Fairmont Gold: hotel-within-a-hotel for a more exclusive, luxury, tailored experience
-
Heated indoor pool, steam room, whirlpool, fitness center
-
Steps from Calgary Tower, premium shopping, and Stampede grounds
FAIRMONT BANFF SPRINGS
The Castle in the Rockies. A National Historic Site. There is nothing else quite like it. Virtuoso Preferred.
-
12 restaurants and bars (Alberta beef, French and Italian classics, Bavarian gourmet)
-
Fairmont Spa: mineral pools, three plunge pools, outdoor hot tub, sauna, steam room, private relaxation lounges
-
Golf course consistently ranked among Canada's top ten, with fairways along the Bow River
-
Outdoor ice rink, tennis courts, 5-pin bowling alley
-
Indoor/outdoor pools, yoga and fitness classes, snowshoeing
FAIRMONT CHATEAU LAKE LOUISE
Directly on the lake. That terrace view is not exaggerated, and it's exclusive to hotel guests. Virtuoso Preferred.
-
Louiza: Mediterranean-inspired fine dining (seasonal local ingredients)
-
Lakeview Lounge: iconic bar & restaurant with lake views
-
Fairview Bar & Restaurant: Infamous Afternoon Tea, with the Rockies as your backdrop
-
BASIN Glacial Waters: exclusive thermal self-guided experience unique to this property
-
Canoeing, guided hikes, e-bike tours, snowshoeing
-
Guest shuttle to Moraine Lake
-
Access to three top ski resorts within 45 minutes
FAIRMONT JASPER PARK LODGE
700 acres on Lac Beauvert. Elk on the grounds. The Rockies at every turn. Virtuoso Preferred.
-
Multiple restaurants onsite, including Orso Trattoria: casual Italian, Lac Beauvert views
-
Great Hall Gastropub: gourmet pub fare
-
Fairmont Spa: locally inspired treatments, body wraps, facials
-
Golf, skiing, canoeing, horseback riding, biking, fishing, sledding
-
24-hour health club, yoga and fitness classes
-
MICHELIN Guide listed
All featured Fairmont Circuit properties can be booked here, and applicable perks (room upgrade, onsite credit, welcome gift+++) will automatically apply. To plan a full trip to the Alberta national parks, contact me directly.
A Few More Fabulous Alberta Hotels
The Dorian, Autograph Collection: Departure Lounge preferred | $$$ | Calgary's most design-forward boutique hotel and only Michelin Key hotel, with The Wilde Rooftop Resto & Lounge, Prologue Café & Cocktails, and a sleek fitness center with Peloton bikes. Steps from the Calgary Tower and Stampede grounds. A stylish alternative to the grand heritage of the Palliser. (Downtown Calgary)
Hyatt Regency Calgary: Departure Lounge partner | $$ | The only full-service spa in downtown Calgary, plus an indoor pool, Regency Club Lounge, and 355 generously sized rooms. Solid, reliable, and well-located. A strong choice for brand loyalists. (Downtown Calgary)
Rimrock Banff, Emblems Collection: Departure Lounge preferred | $$$ | Rimrock has just relaunched in Summer 2026 as the first Emblems Collection hotel in North America: Accor's ultra-luxury brand. Infinity pool facing the Rockies, mountain-view sauna, four new restaurants including signature Parker's Table. No longer the budget alternative it once was, this is now a genuine luxury contender. (Above Banff townsite)
All featured Alberta properties can be booked here, and applicable perks (room upgrade, onsite credit, welcome gift+++) will automatically apply. To plan a full trip to Calgary the Alberta national parks, contact me directly.
VIA EDMONTON
After exploring Alberta's beautiful landscapes, you have two options for your flight home: return south to Calgary, or head east to Edmonton. Edmonton is home to the largest mall in North America, West Edmonton Mall, complete with an indoor ice rink (so Canadian), amusement park, mini golf, exotic animal encounters, and more. Seasonally, check out an Edmonton Oilers game or explore River Valley, the largest urban park system in North America. Edmonton International Airport is also the hub for flights north to Yellowknife...
Best Stays in Edmonton
JW Marriott Edmonton ICE District: Departure Lounge preferred | $$$ | Edmonton's premier luxury hotel, sitting at the heart of ICE District and steps from Rogers Place, home of the Oilers. Braven Restaurant for dry-aged steaks, Kindred Food + Drink for wood-fired Italian, Spa by JW, and an infinity pool. The address if you're making a night of it in Edmonton. (Downtown Edmonton)
Fairmont Hotel Macdonald: $$$ | Edmonton's grand dame, opened 1915, perched above the North Saskatchewan River Valley, this is the final Fairmont of the Alberta circuit. Edmonton's only Michelin Key hotel. The Harvest Room offers elevated dining, Confederation Lounge offers local ingredients, a saltwater pool, and Fairmont Gold room options, for a more exclusive experience. Notable past guests include Queen Elizabeth II, Oprah Winfrey, Bill Clinton and more. (Downtown Edmonton)
The JW Marriott is the only featured Edmonton property offering VIP perks, but all of these stays can be booked here. Update your "Search" parameters to "Show Non-Preferred Hotels". To plan a full trip to Edmonton, contact me directly.
OFF-THE-BEATEN PATH
CHASING AURORA IN YELLOWKNIFE, NWT
Yellowknife is the Northern Lights capital of North America, with visible aurora up to 240 nights a year, unfurling over Great Slave Lake (named for the Indigenous Slavey, or Dene, people) from late August through April. The capital of Canada's Northwest Territories sits at the edge of true wilderness. Step outside the town center, and untouched boreal forest begins immediately. In winter, the aurora mesmerizes. In summer, the midnight sun plays smoke and mirrors. You'll constantly swear it's early afternoon, only to glance at the clock and find it's late into the night.
Known For
Northern Lights · Indigenous Culture · Great Slave Lake · Midnight Sun · Wilderness
Things to Do in Yellowknife
Old Town Yellowknife: Wander through the city's historic quarter, where float planes still dock and houseboats line the bay. Grab a meal at Bullock's Bistro, one of the North's most beloved fish shacks, check out Down to Earth Gallery, a funky local art gallery in a converted log cabin, and take in beautiful lake views.
Cameron Falls Hiking Tour: Hike through ancient Canadian Shield rock and boreal forest to scenic Cameron Falls, with a guide who shares Indigenous plant knowledge and Yellowknife history along the way. A great option for summer and fall visits.
Bison Highway Road Tour: The NWT is home to North America's largest free-roaming herd of wood bison, and from Yellowknife you can go find them. Wood bison bulls stand up to 6 feet at the shoulder and weigh over a tonne — and they roam wild here. This half-day guided tour around Great Slave Lake takes you in search of the herd, with additional potential for black bear, eagles, and fox. Picnic lunch included.
Ice Fishing on Great Slave Lake: Drop a line through the ice on one of Canada's deepest lakes, with lunch included. A quintessential northern experience.
Alaskan Husky Dog Sledding at Enodah Kennel: Traverse frozen lakes and forested portages behind a team of Alaskan huskies, with professional mushers guiding you through the experience from harnessing the team to thanking the dogs afterward. Warm up with hot drinks at the Aurora Station after your run. Operates on traditional Indigenous land.
Snowmobile Adventure: One of Yellowknife's most popular winter activities. Ride across frozen lakes and through boreal forest on a guided tour suited for beginners.
Aurora Village: The signature Yellowknife aurora experience, and an Indigenous-owned one. Twenty-one heated teepees ring a private lake, with aurora dinners of bison stew and bannock (flatbread), and custom heated outdoor viewing chairs that swivel 360 degrees, designed in consultation with Dene elders to resemble traditional sleighs. An evening experience rather than overnight lodging, but an unforgettable one.
Experiential Stays in Yellowknife
2-Night Aurora Quest with Glass Tipi Experience: Two nights of guided aurora viewing at Arctic Aurora Camp, including a bus hunt to Prelude Lake Territorial Park and a second evening in heated glass tipis under the open sky. Snacks, hot drinks, and airport transfers included.
Blachford Lake Lodge: Twenty minutes by bush plane from Yellowknife, Blachford sits on a rock knoll above its namesake lake, deep in the boreal wilderness. Five guest rooms and five historic cabins with wood-burning stoves, a hot tub, a sauna, and an overnight aurora wake-up service. (Expect a knock, followed by a spectacle). Northern-inspired cuisine, ice fishing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing round out the days. Open late August through April for aurora season, June through August for fishing.
Virtuoso-Preferred Overland in NWT
Entrée Destinations: Condé Nast Traveler's top-ranked Canada and Alaska specialist, Entrée designs fully curated NWT itineraries (and more), from 5-day aurora trips in Yellowknife to 9-day expeditions that include a fly-in wilderness lodge and a drive to the Arctic Ocean. Virtuoso Partner. ($$$-$$$$)
SPOTTING POLAR BEARS IN CHURCHILL, MB
Africa has its Big Five. Manitoba has its own: polar bears, beluga whales, black bears, moose, and wood bison. And while polar bears exist across the Arctic and subarctic, Churchill is the one place on Earth where polar bear sightings are a guarantee. In other Arctic regions, you can cross your fingers to glimpse one. Here, you will encounter dozens. Few destinations on Earth offer wildlife encounters at this scale. Sitting on the western shore of Hudson Bay, where boreal forest dissolves into open subarctic tundra, it is one of the most extraordinary wildlife destinations in the world, and one of the most remote. There are no roads in or out. You can fly in or take the epic train journey, but either way, the polar bears are waiting, along with a true luxury stay.
Each season brings peak experiences with it: during summers, thousands of beluga whales pour into the Churchill River estuary. By autumn, polar bear counts swell to the hundreds, all gathered along the Hudson Bay coast, waiting for the water to freeze. From September through March, the aurora burns overhead. Churchill offers jaw-dropping spectacles year-round, but there will always be polar bears.
Known For
Polar Bears · Beluga Whales · Northern Lights · Subarctic Tundra · Hudson Bay
How to Get to Churchill
Churchill is accessible by air via Winnipeg, or by VIA Rail, one of Canada's great scenic train rides. (Atlas Ocean Voyages and Scenic Eclipse both also offer arrival by sea, on select Arctic expedition itineraries . For the ultimate pan-Canada experience, Abercrombie & Kent includes Churchill on their ultra-luxe, pan-Canada private jet journey.) The Winnipeg to Churchill rail journey, or reverse, spans over 1,000 miles, winding through boreal forest, Canadian Shield, and subarctic tundra, with wildlife sighting potential from your window as you whiz by. My partners at Travel Manitoba recommend taking the train one way, fly the other, for the full experience (though round-trip flights are quickest). VIA Rail's Sleeper Plus class includes a private cabin and access to a dome observation car.
Things to Do in Churchill
Itsanitaq Museum: Churchill's free community museum, housed in a former Hudson's Bay Company building, with one of the finest collections of Inuit art and artifacts in Canada. One of the few local activities a visitor can take on independently.
Interested travelers have several great options for this particularly niche destination. By sea, by air, but also with multiple fantastic, boots-on-the-ground expert tour operators. Most activities require a professional guide, so here are your options.
$$–$$$ Churchill's original and only fully local operator. Tundra Buggy safaris since 1987. Virtuoso Partner.
The Tundra Buggy is the signature Churchill experience: a purpose-built vehicle that rolls across the frozen tundra for face-to-face polar bear encounters at close range. Frontiers North, who pioneered the concept in 1987, offers both day tours and multi-day packages, making them one of the most flexible options for a range of itineraries. Their Northern Lights and Winter Nights By Train package pairs the VIA Rail journey with a full Churchill experience from the moment you board.
$$-$$$$ The World Wildlife Fund's official travel partner. Polar bears and belugas, expert-led. Virtuoso Partner.
Natural Habitat Adventures, the World Wildlife Fund's official travel partner, brings expert naturalist guides to both polar bear season and beluga season: Zodiac rides and snorkeling among an estimated 3,000 to 5,000 belugas in the Churchill River estuary in summer, and guided polar bear viewing in fall. A strong entry point relative to the private lodges.
$$$$ Condé Nast Traveler's top-ranked Canada and Alaska specialist. Fully curated, multi-lodge. Virtuoso Partner.
Condé Nast Traveler's top-ranked Canada and Alaska specialist, offering fully curated Churchill packages built around the premier wilderness lodges, including Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge, with fly-in access directly from Winnipeg. Every detail is handled: guides, gear, meals, transfers, and photography opportunities at every turn. For travelers who want Churchill done properly, at the highest level, Entrée is the gold standard.
Canada by Design (a Discover Holidays company)
$$-$$$$ Canada specialist with a robust Churchill line-up. Multiple packages, multiple seasons, multiple lodges. Virtuoso Partner.
A Canada-dedicated tour operator with one of the most comprehensive Churchill offerings available, from summer beluga season to fall polar bear viewing to aurora chasing in between. Packages range from lodge-based wilderness experiences at Seal River Heritage Lodge and Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge to more accessible options at Lazy Bear Lodge in town. A strong option across a range of budgets and travel styles.
Where to Stay in Churchill
Churchill is remote. The Four Seasons hasn't set up shop in Churchill, but these boutique wilderness lodges more than compensate. Three are operated by Churchill Wild: all-inclusive, with expert guides on staff, ensure your stay is as much a part of the experience as the wildlife outside. Churchill Wild runs their own on-location wildlife safaris, either independently or in tandem with tour operators. For a more accessible option, Lazy Bear Lodge delivers serious character and their own adventure program, right in town.
$$$$+ Polar bear tours on foot. Fly-in only to Churchill's most luxurious stay, at this far-flung Hudson Bay coastline lodge.
One of the most celebrated wilderness lodges in Canada, on a remote stretch of Hudson Bay coastline accessible only by air. Polar bear encounters on foot (not just from a vehicle), beluga whale watching, and aurora viewing depending on season. All-inclusive and minimum multi-night stay.
$$$$+ Where boreal forest meets the Hudson Bay, polar bears and black bears roam wild. Prime denning territory. Fly-in only.
Nanuk sits deep in polar bear denning territory, where the boreal forest meets the Hudson Bay coast. The lodge runs dedicated polar bear season packages in fall and beluga season packages in summer: fly-in, all-inclusive, with expert guides on staff. A minimum multi-night stay is required.
$$$$ Intimate lodge in subarctic wilderness. Great views of polar bears, arctic fox, snowy owls, and aurora. Fly-in only.
The most intimate of the Churchill Wild lodges, Dymond Lake sits deep in the subarctic tundra with a smaller guest count and a quieter, more personal atmosphere. Polar bears, arctic fox, snowy owls, and aurora viewing depending on season. Fly-in, all-inclusive, multi-night.
$$-$$$ Right in town. Time Magazine's "World's Greatest Places." Home of popular cafe.
Built from reclaimed timber, including windows salvaged from an 1800s Hudson Bay Trading Post, Lazy Bear Lodge sits in the heart of Churchill, accessible directly from the airport. Thirty-three guest rooms, a fireplace lounge, and the acclaimed Lazy Bear Café (Lonely Planet's top restaurant in Churchill, and rated one of Canada's best coffees) make this the most accessible base in town, and one with serious character. Polar bear viewing is by Arctic Crawler, beluga whale tours by Zodiac, with dog mushing, helicopter experiences, and northern lights packages rounding out the program.
Ready to get up close and personal with the wildest wildlife and some of the most breathtaking natural wonders on the planet? Contact me today to start planning your trip to Canada.
Virtuoso-affiliated · Departure Lounge advisor · 60+ countries traveled