Tour #8: Beautiful Places...A Season Finale

Packed into a mere two weeks, see 4 spectacular regions of Western Canada, a kaleidoscope of jaw dropping views! It is a beautiful time of year to journey in and around the wilds of the Rocky Mountains.

The tour begins where the expansive prairie eventually unites with rugged peaks of limestone. It continues on through mountain valleys dense with pines, firs and cedars, climbs high over mountain passes, across sparkling lakes, past crystal clear rivers, by , wheat-colored “grasslands” and on to the austere beauty of a shrinking desert pocket.

Whether hiking in the mountains, cycling rail trestles over deep river canyons, exploring intriguing caves or basking in rejuvenating hot springs, the scenery is splendid. Bring your camera!!

Day 1 Calgary to Fernie

Welcome to a slice of paradise. No traffic jams or tour trams, as you travel the undulating highways to the Rocky Mountains. Tread softly, as you hike to Window Mountain Lake. Peer through the ‘looking glass’, at the wondrous beauty that surrounds you.

Traveling on the road again, more of nature’s wonders dance before your eyes. Pass by deep kettle lakes brimming with foamy white caps whipped up by the wind, a regular visitor here.

Entering the valley, it is now obvious that you’re in the heart of the Rockies. As shadows lengthen, you’ll come to a remote Tamarack Lodge. Nestled at the base of the magnificent Lizard Range, Island Lake Lodge will host you for the next couple of nights.

After an extraordinary dinner and vistas to match, soak in the hot tub or wander down to the lake. In the soft quiet of the evening, only the breeze in the trees and the gurgling of a nearby stream, break the silence. Savour this idyllic moment.

Day 2 Fernie

Glorious, awesome and uplifting are some of the ways to describe your surroundings today. Make sure your camera is ready!!

Today, your guide will meet you at the lodge to show you around this wild alpine environment. Hiking in these exceptional surroundings will refresh your spirit. As the sun slowly disappears behind jagged fingers of limestone, there’s still more time to indulge. Enjoy a massage, paddle mirror-like waters on Island Lake or just kick back and revel in the calm.

Day 3 Fernie to Nelson

An interpretive walk through an old growth cedar forest will take you to crystalline streams rushing by tiered gardens of soft, multi-green mosses. Your guide will uncover some of the hidden treasures amongst the shadows of these ancient giants.

Lunch, and then you are on your way to Nelson. A lovely drive is in store! Leaving the Elk Valley, you’ll drive along the Elk River, through Tunnel Mountain and into the Rocky Mountain Trench. The climate is noticeably drier here. The bunch grasses have been browned beneath the searing summer sun. Ponderosa pine and Douglas fir groves stand tall here, on the open grasslands.

On past colourful rocky outcrops, peacock-blue waters, more winding roads, and then you’ll come upon a curious site, a 250 ton cloverleaf! After an intriguing tour inside, you’ll want to explore the grounds. Three hundred and twenty dozen flowers border the pathways that overlook the lake. It’s magical – you’ll see!

On your way to catch the Ferry, you’ll stop to observe many wonderworks created at an artisan’s village. ‘Breathless’ blown glass, colourful items woven from cotton, wool or silk, distinctive forged home accessories, unusual sweepers and brooms, eye-catching jewelry made of copper and glass, are just some of the showcased “Objets D’Arts”. It will be a feat to leave empty-handed.

Then, enjoy a picturesque float across Kootenay Lake and continue on to the ‘Best Small Arts Town in Canada’. Here, you’ll dine and retire by the Lake.

Day 4 Nelson

The view from your window this morning is inspiring. You are looking forward to a day of hiking in the Selkirk Mountain Range. One trail takes you to a glistening, archaic spectacle, the other, to a jewel-like alpine lake. Which one will it be?

Day 5 Nelson to Kelowna

Travel through the ‘Valley of the Ghosts’ on your way to the Okanagan Valley. Gaze out at the shimmering lakes, like many sheets of sequins set beneath a backdrop of towering glacier-cloaked peaks. Making the transition from the West Kootenays to the Okanagan, the road ends and Lower Arrow Lake, lies before you. Loading onto a ‘raft-like’ ferry, a cable guides you safely across to the opposite shore.

Tree lined corridors eventually open on to the agricultural lands of the North Okanagan Valley. Just south of Vernon, a guided tour of the Allen Brooks Nature Centre will introduce you to the area’s great beauty and natural diversity.

Dine tonight with a bird’s eye view of Kelowna. Here, at a resort set atop the bluffs overlooking Okanagan Lake, sleep comes easily.

Day 6 Kelowna

Today, in the Myra Canyon, you will cycle an old life line of the region. Come discover how tenacious men engineered and constructed the train trestles and tunnels that span the abyss. As you are pedaling the long defunct Kettle Valley Railway, enjoy the panoramic views of the gorge below.

Your ride ends at a pyramid! You may be incredulous, but you certainly are not delirious. Here, you can quench your thirst with ‘fruit of the vine’ and indulge more than your appetite. Partake in a fun and informative taste tour of the winery before making tracks back to the bluffs.

Day 7 Kelowna

As the old saying goes “An apple a day keeps the doctor away”. Jump aboard the wagon to explore this 140 acre working orchard. Learn about ingenious environmental technologies and production techniques. More exceptional views are served with fresh local cuisine.

Following the highway south past lush orchards and vineyards you’re headed to one of the most endangered ecological regions in North America! Experience ‘Canada’s only “arid” desert environment’, home to prickly pear cactus, scorpions, rattlesnakes and hundreds more rare plants and invertebrates.

Day 8 Kelowna to Nelson

It’s time to bid good-bye to the Okanagan Valley, and to journey back to another slice of paradise. Thick tapestries of green and gold line the highway and signal the change of seasons. Heading east, past little towns that time seems to have forgotten, the colour of the landscape takes on velvet softness, with a subdued lustre. You're in Boundary Country.

Down the road a little ways, you’ll come to the warmest tree-lined lake in Canada. You might want to stop and ‘test the waters’.

By suppertime, you will have returned to the ‘Rockies’ and the mountainside town of Nelson, on the shores of beautiful Kootenay Lake.

Day 9 Nelson

Rising with the elevation, a gravel road will take you to an adventure under the Selkirks. Leading you through galleries and tunnels hung with delicate calcium carbonate icicles, your guide will explain the wonders before your eyes. In another dark environment, at the foot of the mountain, thermal springs gush forth. Long ago, healing powers were attributed to these mineral rich waters. Rinse your cares away and soak up the captivating panorama before your eyes. Try an invigorating splash in the glacier-fed plunge-pool, nearby!

On your return to Nelson, a local guide will show you the highlights of this charming town, a town rich in history and bustling with activity. See some of the 350 heritage buildings, including the granite-hewn, chateau-style courthouse and civic hall designed by noted architect Francis Rattenbury. If you want to know about great places to shop, ask your guide. She just might oblige your fancy and in a short time – you’re there!

Day 10 Nelson to Fernie

The sweet aroma of fall is in the air. It’s the time of year for birds and ducks to migrate. On your way to the Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area you’ll climb over Kootenay Pass Summit, the highest paved road in Canada.

Descending into the fertile Creston Valley, 17,000 acres (7,000 hectares) of lush wetland provides seasonal ‘homes’ or stop-overs to 265 species of birds and ducks. This special nature reserve is a designated RAMSAR site, a world class wetland of international status.

Walking through this marshy environment with your guide, you’ll discover some of the local and migrating inhabitants. No hip waders required here as you marvel at the diverse treasures among the rushes.

Continuing to the Elk Valley, you’ll have a chance to examine the natural beauty of the grasslands. Spacious wheat-colored fields melt into rusty-red steeples just beyond. See lovely little painted turtles sunbathing motionless on deadfall resting close to shore … and the frenzy of kokanee salmon making their way against the current of rushing, transparent streams to spawn. A heritage interpreter will acquaint you with this fragile place.

Entering Fernie, enormous silver peaks cast cobalt shadows on the valley. Nestle-in for another couple of nights with excellent views of the ski runs at Fernie Alpine Resort. Snow will blanket the slopes soon enough. There might even be a sugary coating on the peaks already!

Day 11 Fernie

You’re ready for another ‘Western Adventure’ today. Saddle-up because you’re hittin’ the mountain trail. Your trusty steed will transport you along forest pathways to more camera ready moments. Swing your lariat and lasso another picture perfect day!

Day 12 Fernie to Waterton

Driving towards the Prairie, the Rockies shrink to a slate gray spine in the distance. Suddenly, steep walls of ancient limestone rise dramatically out of the landscape. Here, at this UNESCO World Heritage Site, experience the majesty of nature unrestrained. Once in the park, you’ll follow the Akamina Parkway to Cameron Lake where you’ll meet with your guide. Hike the Continental Divide, where the beauty will stir your imagination.

Later, while exploring the village, you’ll want to wander up to a famous landmark, the stately Prince of Wales Hotel. Perched high above the north end of Waterton Lake, it affords a spectacular lookout. You might want to visit the lounge, just to imbibe the view, a little bit longer.

Day 13 Waterton Lakes National Park

The golden morning sun greets you in your cozy domicile that charm has imbued with the passage of time. The lake laps gently, at your doorstep.

Surrounded by immense jagged pillars, you’ll cruise the frigid waters of the deepest lake in the Canadian Rockies. Heading south on the lake, you’ll travel from Canada to the U.S.A. Only a narrow swath inscribed in the vegetation indicates the division between the two countries.

Off the water and back on shore, a guided hike will take you deeper into the breathtaking landscape and to more vistas for your photo album. Upon your return, treat yourself to an excellent meal at the enchanting Lamp Post.

Day 14 Waterton Park to Calgary

It’s time to roll on back to Calgary. Beneath an endless sky and amidst the muted grandeur of the prairie, the road will take you to an unexpected sight. Ingeniously camouflaged into the local environment is another UNESCO designated World Heritage Site. During an informative tour, you’ll see superb artifacts and exhibits that document the heritage of the Plains peoples, from ancient times to the arrival of the Europeans. Strolling along the outdoor trails at the centre, the power and significance of this region becomes more apparent. For lunch, enjoy a meal with a cultural flavor.

Slowly, telltale structures landmark your arrival in Calgary. Lounge about the hotel or take a walk in the park, before drifting down to the River Café. ‘Fine farewells’ are imminent. We hope your journey inspires vivid memories of beautiful places, friendly faces and a desire to return.