West Canada: from Vancouver to Calgary with Vancouver Island

Vancouver is a bustling metropolis located on Canada's west coast, in the province of British Columbia, notable for its spectacular geographical location, surrounded by towering mountains and the Pacific Ocean. This unique combination offers panoramic views and a wide range of outdoor activities. One of the jewels of the city is Stanley Park, a vast urban park offering forests, trails, beaches and breathtaking views of the city and ocean. It is a great place for walking, jogging, cycling and simply enjoying nature. Vancouver is one of Canada's most culturally diverse cities, with a cosmopolitan population reflecting a variety of traditions, languages and cuisines. Neighbourhoods such as Chinatown and Little Italy are testimony to this rich diversity. The city is also an important economic and financial centre and a focal point for innovation and technology. It is home to numerous technology companies and offers opportunities in sectors such as film and television production. The city is often ranked as one of the cities with the best quality of life in the world. This is due to its clean environment, rich cultural offerings, accessible outdoor activities and its lively, welcoming atmosphere. Sports enthusiasts will find many options in Vancouver, from skiing in the surrounding mountains in winter to water activities in the ocean in summer. The city is also home to professional sports teams such as the Canucks (ice hockey) and the Whitecaps (football). In summary, Vancouver is a city that combines urban modernity with natural beauty, offering a wide range of experiences and activities for residents and visitors alike.

arrival at Horseshoe Bay on the Pacific Coast. Boarding the ferry to Vancouver Island, through the Strait of Georgia. The cruise is an enthralling experience – between sailboats, seabirds and all sorts of marine fauna peeping through the waves. a former outpost of the Empire, the capital of British Columbia is a halfway between sheer Britishness and the harshness of the settlers. Thanks to the shielding offered by the Olympic Mountains, its mild climate turned Vancouver into a real garden.

Kamloops, known as the "Tournament Capital of Canada," is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Situated at the confluence of two rivers, the city boasts stunning natural surroundings. Visitors can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, or golfing on one of the many courses. Highlights include Riverside Park and the Kamloops Wildlife Park, where you can get up close with local wildlife. In winter, the area transforms into a paradise for skiers and snowboarders. With its cultural events, cozy cafés, and a historic downtown, Kamloops offers the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.

Blue River, nestled in the Monashee Mountains, is a dream destination for adventurers. Known for its wilderness safaris, the area offers unparalleled opportunities to observe bears, moose, and eagles in their natural habitat. In winter, powder snow and heli-skiing attract visitors. The picturesque setting between lakes and mountains makes Blue River an unforgettable nature paradise.

Jasper National Park is the largest park in the Canadian Rockies, famous for its spectacular landscapes made up of turquoise lakes, towering glaciers, wild forests, and abundant wildlife. Iconic sites such as Maligne Lake, Mount Robson, and Maligne Canyon make it an ideal destination for those seeking unspoiled nature, adventure, and breathtaking scenery.

the trip from Jasper to Lake Louise/Banff is one of the most breathtaking moments of the journey: a wild land, crossed by the Icefield Parkway (one of the best panoramic roads in North America), amidst majestic mountains, vast forests and colossal glaciers. Lake Louise (1731 m) is arguably the most photographed lake in Canada. Set in a glacial dale, shadowed by the peaks of the Continental Divided, it waters mirror the majestic Victoria glacier. It is also a prominent ski area, as well as one well-known stage of the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup.

Breathtaking scenery through the heart of the Canadian Rockies. The road meanders between towering peaks, crystal clear lakes and lush forests, offering unforgettable views along the way. Banff, surrounded by mountains, forests, waterfalls, and hot springs, is not just a simple resort town, it is the ultimate Canadian resort town, both in summer and winter.

Cross the land of the cowboys, passing through the Rocky Mountains and leaving Banff National Park, towards the plains surrounding the vibrant city of Calgary. set between the foot of the Rockies and the great Canadian prairies, Calgary has developed from an oil-boom, former frontier town to a rich, wealthy city. It owes its celebrity to the Calgary Stampede, a huge cowboy festival that is held annually in July. Calgary hosted the XV Winter Olympic Games in 1988.