Canadian Rockies Family Explorer

Vancouver locals love the outdoors. It’s not surprising when you consider that the city backs onto expansive lush forest and there are world-class skiing destinations just down the road. Embracing the wildness is a big part of being here and the number one place to do it in style is at the Capilano Suspension Bridge. Are your family brave enough to tread the 137-metre-long pedestrian overpass that hangs 70 metres above the Capilano River? Once you take in that view and admire the 1,300-year-old fir trees that surround it, you’ll understand why it’s one of the city’s top attractions.

Collect your family size hire car from Downtown Vancouver and hit the road to one of the world’s best known year-round alpine resorts. Welcome to Whistler. Resting at the foot of the Whistler and Blackcomb mountains, Whistler village is built around a pedestrian-only walkway that links a wealth of restaurants and boutique shops. Travel between these two epic mountains aboard the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola – the longest and highest lift in the world.

A winding scenic track leads you deeper into the Clearwater pine forest until it opens out onto your peaceful lodge, Alpine Meadows Resort. Located on the edge of Hallamore Lake, Alpine Meadows Resort offers free use of kayaks and row boats so that you can get out and explore the natural world around you. Or, sit back and relax on the lakeside patio at the Boathouse Restaurant and enjoy the view, while sipping on the very best of British Columbia’s wine.

Head on to Jasper, where an easy-going rafting trip on the Athabasca River is a great way to explore this stunning national park. With your experienced guide, you’ll follow a route used by the fur traders from a bygone era, taking you over easy sets of rapids and calm waters, and giving you a safe and comfortable ride. Keep your eyes peeled though, there’s always a chance of spotting wildlife including elk, deer, moose, coyotes, wolves, eagles, ospreys, mountain sheep and bears.

Your last stop is Banff where you’ll come face to face with a grizzly bear named Boo, who you’ll meet as part of your guided sightseeing tour. Boo, a rescue bear, lives in the largest enclosed grizzly bear habitat in the world. You’ll hear his story and watch as he saunters through his 20-acre territory. Other stops along the tour route include the stunning Emerald Lake and Takakkaw Falls, Canada’s second highest waterfall. At Kicking Horse Mountain a gondola ride takes you to the top of the Purcell Mountains where you’ll be treated to a delicious mountain top lunch at Canada’s highest restaurant. What a view!