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Calgary - Vancouver Tour

Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 04/22/2009 - 09:11

Hello, we are a couple from Germany and are planning a trip to Canada this August/September. We have 3 weeks available to travel and would like to start our trip in Calgary as we have friends living there. In Calgary we would like to rent a car for the 3 weeks and make our way through the Rocky Mountains to Vancouver and finally Vancouver Island. From what we have read and heard so far, this is a very popular and beautiful route to take. We are planning to drop off our car in Vancouver and book our flights so that we can leave from Vancouver back to Germany, instead of having to go all the way back to Calgary. Do you have any suggestions which places we definitely have to visit along the way? Also, we are not into camping and are looking for some nice hotels or B&Bs to stay in. Would you recommend to make reservations in advance? Any other tips? We have never been to Canada so we would be happy to hear about other peoples' experiences. Thank you. Margaret from Essen, Germany

Vancouver - East ›

Hi Margaret, That sounds like

Submitted by majicmancam on Wed, 01/27/2010 - 21:22.

Hi Margaret,

That sounds like an exciting trip to be sure. I've never personally done the trip for fun, it has always been in a hurry to get to the other end of the road, knowing all the while that one day I'd love to take the time to properly explore all the sights along the Trans-Canada Highway.

You must stop in Banff National Park and do some sightseeing, enjoy the natural hot pools and view the wildlife. The Banff Springs Hotel is world renowned and set in the most beautiful location. After Banff, Lake Louise is equally impressive, with the Chateau Lake Louise a fine match to the Banff Springs Hotel. Heading west, through Golden to Revelstoke is another memorable piece of highway, but here my expertise ends, and I hope another will pick up where I've left off. Cheers, and safe travels!

majicmancam

Hi Margaret - the tips

Submitted by Jesse - 48North on Wed, 01/27/2010 - 22:49.

Hi Margaret - the tips mentioned above are great. To answer your other question - YES - book your accommodation well in advance as many of these areas will fill-up quickly. Other points of interest may include Okanagan (wine tours), Whistler (mountain exploration), Vancouver Island (beaches, fishing, whale-watching). Please let us know your proposed travel dates and we can provide you with a sample itinerary. Thanks