What are the Top Things to Do in Western Canada?
Western Canada is home to two of the country’s most spectacular provinces, British Columbia and Alberta, both of which offer a wealth of things to do, from world-famous events to outdoor adventures and cultural attractions. With such a long list of options, it can be hard to figure out which to squeeze in during a short vacation, which is why you might want to consider searching through some of the Calgary homes for sale. Of course, if that’s not an option, this list of top things to do will help you narrow it down a bit.
Attend the Calgary Stampede
Every July the 10-day Calgary Stampede takes place in Calgary, drawing visitors from across the globe to experience the “Greatest Outdoor Show On Earth.” It’s the ideal opportunity to discover the Wild West through cowboy culture, complete with concerts, rodeos, chuckwagon races and much more.
Hike Banff National Park
Banff National Park is not only Canada’s very first national park, but it’s also the most popular, with the latest statistics revealing nearly 4.2 visitors arriving in 2017-2018. It’s renowned for its stunning mountain, lake and waterfall scenery and one of the best ways to experience it is to get out and hike the trails. There are miles and miles of options here, from easy treks on designated trails to big challenges in the backcountry.
Whale Watching
British Columbia’s west coast and islands offer opportunities for some of the world’s best whale watching. One of the very top spots is Vancouver Island, from the beautiful B.C. capital of Victoria to remote Telegraph Cove near the north end. Between March and October every year there are thousands of whales migrating through the waters that surround the island, and during the peak of the season, many outfitters guarantee sightings. Southern resident and transient orca whales, humpbacks, gray and minke whales can all be spotted along with a wealth of other wildlife from bears to bald eagles.
Ski Whistler
Whistler is famous for its skiing and boarding, hosting many events during the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. Its two mountains, Blackcomb and Whistler, are linked together by the Peak 2 Peak gondola and attract snow sports lovers from around the world. Blackcomb is the preferred pick for strong intermediates and experts, providing an extreme skier’s paradise, but there’s something for everyone here. Whistler Blackcomb spans more than 8,100 acres featuring long mountain trails, terrain parks and other activities like dog sledding and tubing. After a day out in the snow, relax in Whistler Village, which hosts a wealth of restaurants and bars.
Experience Stanley Park in Vancouver
British Columbia’s largest city is one of the world’s most beautiful, tucked between the Coast Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. It’s also home to one of the best city parks – Stanley Park covers a thousand acres and is encircled by a 5.5-mile-long seawall. By walking, biking or running it, you can take in spectacular views of downtown, Lions Gate Bridge and the North Shore Mountains. There are a number of interesting landmarks along the way like a mermaid sculpture called the “Girl in a Wetsuit.” It’s also home to an aquarium, outdoor water park, a heated outdoor pool and a miniature train that will bring you through more than a mile of scenic forest.
Have you visited Western Canada or have other top activities to share? Let us know in a comment below.
Don’t forget to subscribe to the blog and follow us on social media. If you liked this article, please share it!
Looks like amazing places to travel
I hope you and your family get to visit soon!
We enjoy hiking. The Banff hike is one we would do.
There’s excellent hiking trails in Banff for sure.
Western Canada is so beautiful! I wish it weren’t so far away from me here in Florida!
Agreed! So many gorgeous places to see and fabulous things to do.
This looks like a great trip! Thanks for letting us know!
You’re welcome Pam!
I APPROVE OF ALL THESE THINGS!!!! Banff is pretty spectacular as is Stanely Park and Vancouver …for entirely different reasons LOL nice list!!
Thanks Jen!!
These are all wonderful things to do in Western Canada! You should add “find a hotspring to relax in” to the list too 🙂
Agreed! Relaxing in a hot spring would be divine!
Great photos ❤️
Thank you!!
I really love Canada. I would love to explore both Calgary and Vancouver.
Oh, yes! Great choices in vacation destinations.
Iv’e been to Stanley Park, and its great! Banff, we are trying to get that in this summer, I’ve always wanted to go !
Banff is such an awesome destination. I hope you and your family make it there this summer.
We’ve skied Whistler and been to Stanley Park in Vancouver but Banff is one of those places I’m longing to visit.
You and me both Leeanne!
Banff National Park is on my bucket list. Your pictures are amazing!
Thanks Cindy!!!
I’ve never visited Canada before, but am trying to narrow down my first visit. Of course, I’d love to visit Banff, but Vancouver itself looks pretty great. Also, I didn’t realize there was so much whale watching!
Vancouver is definitely on my own must-visit wish list.
I really need to do a Canada road trip, everywhere looks so nice!
Yes! A road trip to western Canada would be a grand family vacation!
Such great ideas. The only one I’ve tried so far is skiing in Whistler which was breathtaking. These are great ideas and sound like so much fun. I think my kids would love the stampede!
The stampede would be so fun!
Wow! How beautiful is Canada?!?! I wish I could take a year off and explore Canada.
Canada is definitely a gorgeous part of the world.
All these Canada posts I’m reading are convincing me I gotta go!
Yes! You simply must try to get to Canada soon.
I am definitely ready to go. It is stunning country!
I’m ready to go too!
I’ve never been to these two provinces (been to Quebec, Ontario and Saskatchewan)…Banff is definitely on my bucket list…and B.C.’s coastal islands look amazing! And have heard great things about Vancouver.
Agreed! The entire area is a great vacation destination.
Canada looks so beautiful! I have it on my “places to visit” list. I’d also love to do the whale watching.
Whale watching is at the top of my travel wish list too.
Banff is on my to do list! It looks fantastic!
Banff is a fabulous, fun-filled destination for sure.
We are headed to the Canadian Rockies this summer and can’t wait! We have been to Vancouver and loved it. We have also explored the Yukon and loved that. Such a beautiful part of the world.
I hope you have a fabulous time! The Canadian Rockies are gorgeous and offer so much adventure.
Vancouver is on our list because it’s a movie/tv show making town. Our youngest wants to go there because they shoot The Flash series there.
How awesome is that! Perhaps a family trip is in order for you. 🙂
This is a great list of things to do in Western Canada! We hope to make it out that way later this year. Thanks for sharing.
Always been wanting to go to the Stampede!
Whale watching is something I tried to do in Japan with no luck. This looks awesome!
I have been to all these places! However we could see whale only in Washington state. Great article!