Take the Family holiday rating 
| Flying Time | 9.00 hours  |
|---|---|
| Carbon Footprint | 4.74 tonnes CO2 |
| Timezone | GMT -7 |
| Local Currency | Canadian Dollar |
Canada, one of the largest countries in the world, has much to offer the adventure seeker: pristine mountains covered in pine-forests, huge glaciers and snowfields, turquoise glacial lakes, raging rivers and a wild, wooded coast. Consider an escorted adventure holiday for your family:
From Calgary, you would head to the picturesque mountain areas of Lake Louise, Jasper and Banff, set in breathtaking scenery amid glacial lakes and sheer mountains, with opportunities for walking, boating and mountain biking. After exploring these fine National Parks, you head to a ranch in Wells Gray Provincial Park. You spend two days and a night exploring the untamed wilderness of Clearwater Lake by canoe and then have several days to walk and ride from your guest ranch. Finally, you enjoy two days choosing from an amazing array of activities in North America’s premier mountain resort of Whistler before reaching the vibrant west coast city of Vancouver.
The west of Canada enjoys a pleasant summer climate, with temperatures averaging in the low to mid 20’s °C. However, while in the mountains, you should be prepared for substantial fluctuations in temperature, particularly in the evenings when it can drop as low as 5°C. Rainfall can be expected at any time.
take the plane
Fly to Calgary direct and non-stop with Air Canada or BMI in around 9 hours. There are numerous other indirect options. Time in Calgary is 7 hours behind GMT. Come back from Vancouver (some trips begin in Vancouver and end in Calgary).
On a 'typical' adventure holiday your family will stay in comfortable hotels for three nights and camp for ten nights.There are of course numerous alternatives available for families wishing to travel independently.
An adventure trip to the Canadian Rockies would provide the following experience:
Lake Louise & National Parks
Arriving in Calgary, Stampede City, you’ll drive to Banff National Park in the Rockies. As well as walking in this pristine wilderness, you can soak in hot springs or ride a cable car for stupendous views (both optional). A spectacular drive takes you past the turquoise waters of Lake Louise where you’ll enjoy an exciting ‘sno-coach’ ride on the glistening Columbia ice field. The clear, cool air of Jasper National Park provides a further chance to experience Canada’s best – with short treks in Maligne Canyon and the Bald Hills.
Canoe Safari, Whistler & Vancouver
Mount Robson offers some of the most breathtaking views in the Rockies. In Wells Gray Provincial Park you’ll paddle canoes along a tree-lined lakeshore where you can walk, watch wildlife or simply relax and swim. A long but rewarding drive brings you to Whistler, which has plenty of active options on offer, before a final journey to Vancouver. Here you’ll soak up the atmosphere of this vibrant West Coast city.
In Whistler and Vancouver you'll find every kind of restaurant. Otherwise the kind of food you will be offered depends on the type of holiday you have chosen. Like in the States you can expect large portions of everything.
Although you can fly to Canada for around £300 and up, the distance and jet lag means that you would want to spend at least 10 to 14 days there. Adults should therefore budget in excess of a £1,000 for a holiday.
by Dorling Kindersley
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This guide provides practical advice and pictures revealing the large and cosmopolitan cities and the beautiful terrain stretching west from the Pacific to the arctic realms of the north.
A 15 day escorted family adventure trip to the Canadian Rockies. More
* per adult per 15 day trip including flights, accommodation and transport
