Diversions — Bellstar Hotels & Resorts

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7 Can't-miss music festivals in Alberta & B.C.

Canada has produced some seriously good musicians, including internationally acclaimed artists Joni Mitchell, Bryan Adams, Justin Bieber, Neil Young, Drake, Alanis Morissette, The Weeknd, and so many more. It's no secret that Canadian music is hot, and it's only getting hotter.

You can keep rocking all summer long with these seven music festivals across Alberta and British Columbia:

 

Vancouver Island Music Festival

Vancouver Island Music Fest is a 3-day event in Courtnay BC featuring Canada's top roots, folk, and global music artists. With 5-7 stages, this music festival includes workshops, jam sessions, song circles as well as traditional concerts. Vancouver Island Music Fest will take place from July 8–July 10, 2022.

Tickets available at Vancouver Island Music Festival

Sunfest Country Music Festival

Located in beautiful Lake Cowichan, B.C, Sunfest Country is a 4-day event featuring premiere country artists from around the world. Having been postponed in 2020 and 2021, Sunfest Country returns from July 28–July 31, 2022.

Tickets available at Sunfest Country Music Festival

Vancouver Folk Festival

Vancouver’s Folk Music Festival, running from July 15–17, 2022  features an eclectic lineup of artists around the world. The festival brings together traditional and contemporary folk music from around the world, featuring artists from Korea, Chile, Mexico, Taiwan, India, Finland, and more.

Tickets available at Vancouver Folk Music Festival

Rock The Lake Festival

Image Courtesy of Prospera Place

Are you ready to rock? Steps away from the stunning Okanagan Lake, Rock the Lake Festival features three days of epic rock performances. After being postponed in 2020 and 2021, this three-day festival will take place from August 5–7, 2022.

Tickets available at Rock The Lake Festival

Canmore Folk Festival

Canmore Folk Festival is Alberta's longest-running folk music festival! Set against the spectacular backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, the Canmore Folk Festival offers over 30 acts and performances over three days. Canmore Folk Festival takes place July 30–August 1, 2022.

Tickets available at Canmore Folk Festival

Country Thunder Music Festival

Country Thunder Music Fest is a three-day festival held in Fort Calgary, Calgary, Alberta. This event, which takes place from August 19–21, 2022, features some of the best artists in country music.

Tickets available at Country Thunder Music Festival

Calgary Folk Festival

Calgary Folk Festival celebrates its 43rd year in 2022! Hosted on Prince’s Island Park in Calgary, AB this epic festival features 70 artists from Alberta, Canada, and around the world. Calgary Folk Fest is a four-day event running from July 21–24, 2022.

Tickets available at Calgary Folk Festival

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Discover Indigenous Tourism Experiences in Alberta & British Columbia

June is National Indigenous History Month. As we recognize this month, let us remember the history, heritage, resilience, and diversity of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people across the country.

The practice of reconciliation is something we work towards engaging in on a daily basis, including while travelling. This month, we would like to highlight some of Alberta & British Columbia's Indigenous tourism experiences. 

Indigenous Tourism Experiences in British Columbia

Dancers perform at the Victoria Indigenous Cultural Festival, Victoria B.C.

 

Moccasin Trails

Moccasin Trails, located on the ancestral land of the Syilx people in West Kelowna, offers authentic Indigenous cultural experiences from spiritual journeys to guided canoe expeditions. You’ll listen to the history of the Shuswap peoples and traditional songs while learning about the area from an Indigenous knowledge keeper.

Ancestral Path Experience — a cultural plant, food and educational tour

This 6-hour tour in West Kelowna will guide guests on a spiritual journey walking the ancestral paths of the Syilx people. Discover the traditional and medicinal use of various local plants and explore the history and traditions of the Syilx culture from an Indigenous knowledge keeper. Afterwards, the tour continues to the Sncewips Heritage Museum, where art and artifact collections that reflect the heritage and natural history of the Syilx people are preserved and restored. 

Enjoy a provided lunch at the Kekuli Cafe, named for the kekuli (ke-koo-lee) a traditional Indigenous winter dwelling. The cafe is famous for its traditional and gourmet bannock, made fresh daily.

To learn more, visit Moccasin Trails.

West Coast Expeditions

Located on the coast of Kyuquot Sound, West Coast Expeditions operates in the territory of the Kyuquot (Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’)/Checleset (Che:k:tles7et’h’) First Nations. Offering everything from day trips to multi-day professionally guided expeditions, West Coast Expeditions has an adventure suited to all skill levels.

1-Day Kayaking Experience from Spring Island

Experience true wilderness on the east coast of Vancouver Island, as you kayak from the wilderness retreat base camp on Spring Island. Watch black bears foraging for food along the rocky coastline safely from your kayak, and spot tufted puffins, gregarious sea otters, and if you’re lucky, even whales. This professionally guided tour will explore spectacular seascapes and visit historic and current village sites of the local First Nations People, presenting a unique opportunity to meet the First Nations community and learn about the history of the local Indigenous people.

To learn more, visit West Coast Expeditions.

Homalco Wildlife & Cultural Tours

Homalco Wildlife & Cultural Tours offer an immersive experience into the wonders of the West Coast, including bear and whale watching as well as cultural tours focusing on the traditional way of life of the Homalco people. The Xwémalhkwu, or Homalco First Nation are known as the people of the fast-running waters, and Homalco Wildlife & Cultural Tours have been leading tours in the area for over twenty years.

People Water Land — a half-day cultural journey

People, Water, Land is an immersive half-day cultural tour into the Homalco peoples’ traditional territory. Explore Aupe, an important cultural and historical village site where knowledgeable guides will share about the Homalco peoples’ history, traditions, language and culture and the wildlife that share their home.

To learn more, visit Homalco Wildlife Tours.

Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre

The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre preserves and showcases the artifacts and history of the Sk̲wx̲wú7mesh (Squamish Nation) and L̓il̓wat7úl (Lil’wat Nation), whose history is tied to the rivers, lakes, and mountains of the Whistler area. 

Interpretive Forest Walk

Step inside the cultural centre and experience the colourful regalia, expressive movement and booming drums of their traditional welcome song. Explore the Interpretive Forest Trail guided by a knowledgeable Cultural Ambassador to understand the local flora and fauna that connects us to the land. Guests will learn how the Nations use local flora and fauna for food, as preventative medicine, and even transformed into useful tools. Glimpse into how the Squamish and Lil’wat ancestors lived and gain a deeper understanding of our connection to the land. Follow up the tour with a delicious meal at Thunderbird Cafe, featuring an Indigenous-inspired menu made with fresh local ingredients.

To learn more, visit Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre.

Indigenous Tourism Experiences in Alberta

 

A traditional Blackfoot dwelling, Rocky Mountain House, Alberta.

Métis Crossing

Métis Crossing overlooks the banks of the North Saskatchewan River and is a cultural heritage centre for Alberta Métis cultural interpretation, education and gatherings. Sitting on 512-acres of land comprised of river lot titles from the original Métis settlers in the late 1800s, here you will find hands-on experiences that share the distinct Indigenous story of the Métis people.

Paddle Into The Past

Discover two historic sites while you paddle along a historic fur trade route in an authentic Voyageur canoe. Travel into the past to learn about Canada’s fur trade from a knowledgeable guide, and get the chance to learn and practice traditional Métis knowledge and skills.

To learn more, visit Métis Crossing.

Kodiak Herbal Métis Culture

Kodiak Herbal Métis Culture offers immersive cultural experiences that explore the beauty of Métis culture and traditions. Owned and operated by Kalyn Kodiak, a Métis Herbalist and knowledge keeper, and a descendant of a Métis midwife & Herbalist who settled in Alberta in the late 1800s. Kodiak Herbal offers a wide variety of unique cultural experiences, including medicine making, finger weaving, traditional cooking and more.

Métis Medicines Guided Plant Walk

Discover the traditional food and medicine of the Métis people in Alberta's prairies and foothills. Guided by a Métis Herbalist and knowledge keeper, you’ll learn how to identify the many edible and medicinal plants local to Southern Alberta, and learn how the Métis make and use medicines, clothes and food from these seasonally available materials.

Buffalo stone woman guided tours

Heather Black, whose ancestral name is O'takii Tsowakii, is a natural-born adventurer from the Blood Tribe Nation who offers guided hikes in the Rocky Mountains near Canmore, Alberta.

Grotto Canyon Trail Guided Hike

Immerse yourself in the history of the rocky mountains on this guided hike along Grotto Canyon Trail. Learn about the culture and stories of the Indigenous people of the area and see pictographs depicting animals and humans on the cavern walls, which are between 500 and 1300 years old.

To learn more, visit Buffalo Stone Woman.

Mahikan Trails

Mahikan Trails, based in Canmore Alberta, offers immersive indigenous experiences from making plant-based medicine, salves and lotions, to practicing bushcraft skills. Owner and operator Brenda Holder is a Cree/Iroquois Métis guide from the Kwarakwante lineage of Jasper, Alberta with a passion for sharing her traditional knowledge and history of the area.

Cascade Ponds, Photo by Lisa Bourgeault

Banff Medicine Walk

See the world of the woods through an Indigenous lens as you are guided through the boreal forest around Cascade Ponds. Discover the Indigenous history of the area, gain a deeper understanding of the significance of the land, and practice traditional skills from identifying medicinal plants to learning bushcraft from an Indigenous Knowledge Keeper.

To learn more, visit Mahikan Trails.

Acknowledgements across our regions

In the spirit of reconciliation, we acknowledge that Bellstar Hotels & Resorts operates on many ancestral and traditional territories.

In Alberta, we acknowledge the Blackfoot Confederacy (Siksika, Kainai, Piikani), the Tsuut’ina, the Îyâxe Nakoda Nations, the Métis Nation (Region 3), and all people who make their homes in the Treaty 7 region of Southern Alberta.  

In British Columbia, we acknowledge the traditional and unceded territory of the Okanagan Sylix people, the Ktunaxa Nation, Secwepemc Suswap Nations and Métis Nation of BC, as well as Coast Salish Peoples including the territories of the Snaw-Na-Was First Nation and Qualicum First Nation.

We recognize, honour and respect the presence of Indigenous people, past, present and future.

The Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line is available 24-hours a day. For immediate support please contact 1-800-721-0066.

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5 Perfect Mother's Day Weekend Getaways That You Can Drive To From Vancouver

If you’re struggling to come up with a perfect Mother’s Day gift, we’ve got you covered. One of the greatest gifts we can give others is our time, and sometimes all Mom wants is to spend time with her loved ones. So this Mother’s Day, why not celebrate one of the most important women in your life with a weekend getaway?

Here are 5 perfect Mother’s Day weekend getaways that you can drive to from Vancouver.

 

Sip and Shavasana at Gray Monk Winery

Calling All Yoga Lovers! Gray Monk Winery is offering a special two-course brunch and a guided yoga session, featuring panoramic views of the winery.

 

Stop & Smell The Rosé at Mission Hill Family Estate

Rosé all day! Enjoy a 4-course dinner paired with a selection of blushing rosé wines at Mission Hill Family Estate.

 

Bubbles & Brunch at CRAFT Beer Market

For those who enjoy a craft beer over a signature wine, why not surprise them with a Mother's Day brunch at CRAFT Beer Market? Their special mother's day brunch includes a flight of fruity 'Mom'osas' that can't be missed!

 

Step Into Spring at Merridale Cidery & Distillery

It's blossom season on Vancouver Island, and there may be no better way to experience it than visiting Merridale Cidery & Distillery. Featuring a special Mother's Day buffet and a tour of their spectacular orchards.

 

Plant Your Roots With Love at Mount Arrowsmith Rhododendron Society

Peek into the finest private gardens in the Qualicum Beach area with this exclusive garden tour from Mount Arrowsmith Rhododendron Society. For those with a green thumb, there may be no better gift than drawing inspiration from these stunning gardens and getting to know the master gardeners that created them. For an extra treat, top off the trip with an oceanside dinner at Pacific Prime Restaurant in Parksville.

 

Bonus: Bee-loved Boxes from Beaumont Family Estate Winery

Can't make the trip but still want to celebrate? Pick up a Wine & Garden Mother's Day Box from Beaumont Family Estate Winery! Lovingly packaged, each box contains two bottles of wine, gardening gloves, and pollinator-friendly garden seeds.

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Western Canada Travel Planner

If you’re anything like us, you’ve been spending your time dreaming of places to explore in 2022. If you need some travel inspiration for your next trip, here are four Canadian destinations we can’t wait to visit!

CANMORE, AB

Nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, right on the edge of some of Canada’s most spectacular wilderness is Canmore. A small town with mountain charm, rich with historical significance and a robust arts and culture scene, Canmore has it all. There’s no better place to experience the majestic mountains, spectacular turquoise waters, ample wildlife spotting opportunities, or to relax with a craft beer or a visit to an artisanal bakery.

 

Stay

Solara Resort. For the perfect mountain retreat, why not treat yourself to a stay in one of Solara’s ultra-spacious condo suites, featuring full gourmet kitchens and spa-inspired bathrooms that will help you make the most of your getaway.

 

Eat

The Market Bistro. Enjoy traditional French and Italian cuisine right in the heart of the rocky mountains. Featuring comforting, flavourful European dishes and a fabulous wine list that will warm you up even on the coldest of days.

Shop

Cafe Books. Calling all book lovers! If you’re looking for your next read or want to expand your knowledge of the area you’ll find what you’re looking for at Cafe Books. Known as Canmore’s dreamiest bookstore, this quaint, locally-owned shop features an expansive inventory with a focus on local authors and artisans.

Image Courtesy of Tank310

  

Drink

Tank310. Enjoy a tank-to-table experience with craft beer fresh from the taps at Tank310. Sip a pint while you take in the panoramic views of the Three Sisters, Ha Ling Peak and Mount Rundle from their expansive patio. The Grizzly Paw Brewing Company has been brewing in the Bow Valley for over 25 years and is a must-taste experience for all beer lovers.

 

See

Policeman’s Creek Boardwalk. Take in the views from this stunning trail, accessible right from downtown Canmore. A 4-km stretch of boardwalk will lead you through a variety of terrain, set against the stunning backdrop of the mountains. Accessible for all skill levels, this trail will lead you to some unique photo spots and offers excellent wildlife spotting opportunities.

 

GOLDEN, B.C.

An adventurer’s dream, Golden is the perfect basecamp to explore six of Canada’s stunning national parks. Nestled between three mountain ranges, there is no limit to the amount of outdoor adventure Golden offers, from snowmobiling, skiing, ice climbing, and white-water rafting, to mountain biking and hiking.

  

Stay

Palliser Lodge by Kicking Horse Lodging. Steps away from the village area at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, Palliser Lodge offers ski-in/ski-out gondola access, pristine scenery, and rugged mountain views. These condo suites equipped with full kitchens, balconies and private hot tubs make the perfect place to launch your outdoor adventure.

 

Eat

Eleven22. Featuring modern comfort food made with fresh, local ingredients, you won’t want to miss Eleven22 during your visit to Golden. Upscale, yet cozy and unpretentious you’ll enjoy the inviting atmosphere of this remodelled house turned restaurant. 

Image Courtesy of Art Gallery of Golden

 

Shop

Art Gallery of Golden. You’ll be amazed at the amount of talent found in this quiet mountain town. Browse through a selection of hand-made work of over 100 artists from the Golden region and the Columbia River basin. Explore their solo or group artist exhibits, featuring painting, photography, ceramics, and jewelry for a true western mountain culture experience.

 

Drink

Whitetooth Brewing Company. Refresh after a long day of adventure with one of their Belgian and West Coast-inspired beers in a wide variety of flavours. Enjoy one of their small batch beers in their bustling tasting room, or sip a brew on their patio while you take in the snowy peaks of the Purcell range.

 

See

Boo the Bear, at the Grizzly Bear Refuge at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort. Safely get to know a grizzly bear up close and personal. Boo was born in the wild, but after being orphaned as a cub, now inhabits this 20-acre natural mountain refuge. Get to know Boo, with one of his ranger guides, as he hunts, plays, forages and explores in his habitat.

KELOWNA, B.C.

KELOWNA 

Known internationally for its award-winning vineyards and wines, Kelowna sits nestled in the heart of the Okanagan Valley surrounded by gently rolling hills and the beautiful Okanagan Lake. With long summers, and short, mild winters, Kelowna is a year-round destination for any traveller.

 

Stay

The Royal Kelowna. The Royal Kelowna is an all-suite hotel that backs directly onto Okanagan Lake, and features some of the largest luxury suites in Kelowna. Enjoy the sweeping views of the lake and valley from the rooftop infinity pool, or your private patio. Centrally located downtown, The Royal Kelowna is the perfect place to explore all the region has to offer.

Image courtesy of Krafty Kitchen + Bar

 

Eat

Krafty Kitchen + Bar. Known as Kelowna’s casual farm-to-table eatery, Krafty Kitchen + Bar features high-quality local and sustainable food. The open-concept kitchen and modern industrial interior allow you to observe the chefs at work.

 

Shop

Okanagan Lavender & Herb Farm. A true Parisian experience in the Okanagan valley, the Okanagan Lavender & Herb Farm is spectacular in spring and summer, with eight acres of rolling hills splashed with blue. Family-owned and operated since 1999, all of their products are small batch, handmade, and grown right on their farm. They grow, harvest, dry and distill over twenty aromatic plants to make their award-winning botanical products.

 

Drink

The Vibrant Vine. Winner of the 2013 ‘Best White Wine in the World’, The Vibrant Vine blends wine, art and music into a stunning 3D experience. Stop in for live music and a tasting of their varied wine selection. From crisp, dry whites to full-bodied reds, Vibrant Vine is an experience for any wine connoisseur.

 

See

Myra Canyon Park. Take a cycle ride through Myra Canyon Park, exploring the historical significance of the area as you roll along the abandoned rail line. This spectacular canyon trail will take you over 18 trestle bridges and through 2 tunnels for sweeping views of the valley and ample photo opportunities.

PARKSVILLE, B.C.

With wide ocean views set against the stunning backdrop of snow-capped mountains, the quiet island life of Parksville is the perfect place for you to slow down and relax.

 

Stay

The Beach Club. Right on the edge of the pacific ocean, The Beach Club Resort features the most luxurious hotel rooms in Parksville. Experience the sweeping ocean and mountain views from the hotel's seaside pool and hot tub, or explore the bay on a stand up paddle board, courtesy of the hotel's Stay | Well program.

 

Eat

Pacific Prime. Enjoy a locally-sourced meal at the Pacific Prime Restaurant on their famous beachfront patio on the Parksville Beach Boardwalk. Get cozy around one of their crackling patio fire pit tables, or experience their Beachside Dome Dining for a unique Vancouver Island dining experience.

 

Shop

Coombs Market. Opened in 1973 as a country market, Coombs is famously known for its grassy roofs inhabited by local goats. This little village, dotted with heritage buildings, gift and craft shops, and antique stores is not to be missed (just watch out above!)

 

Drink

Bespoke Spirits House. An artisan distillery located in the heart of Parksville, Bespoke Spirits House produces gin and vodka spirits that can be enjoyed in their private tasting room and lounge. Come in for a tasting or take in a gin workshop, where you can learn how to “nose” botanicals, explore flavour profiles, and create your own custom bottle of gin.

 

See

Englishman River. Enjoy a stroll through the island’s majestic old-growth forest, exploring 3 kilometres of gently rolling pathways that lead to the base of two waterfalls. Across a narrow gorge, the upper falls thunder down over 100 feet into a canyon below, whereas the lower falls are quieter and boast one of the most beautiful swimming holes around.

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10 Clutter-free gift ideas (for someone who has everything)

What do you get someone who has everything? We all have a friend or family member who has everything they could possibly need; the person who is impossible to shop for, who just doesn’t want any more stuff in their lives.

Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a list of 10 clutter-free gifts that you can give anyone on your list.

#1 Craft-Brewing Classes

A must for any beer enthusiast! Here’s a chance for your loved one to learn how to make beer and experience the entire brewing process from start to finish. Learn how to craft beer with the best with the help of professional brewmasters. 

Our pick: Big Rock Brewing Workshop, at Heritage Park - a must for any beer lover, you’ll learn how to make beer and see the brewing process from start to finish.

 

#2 Museum Tickets

Why not give the gift of exploration this holiday season? More than collections of objects, museums tell the story of our collective histories. Spend a snowy day exploring an exhibit, a collection or a piece of artwork that will broaden your horizons.

Our pick: Canmore Museum, to explore a collection of objects and archives outlining the history of life in Canmore and the rocky mountains.

 

#3 Theatre Tickets

Treat someone to an evening of spectacle and delight! Through the magic of the stage, we're transported to another world, where we discover perspectives and stories we'd never imagine.

Our pick: Kelowna Actors Studio, which produces the world’s best-loved Broadway productions in the Okanagan valley.

 

#4 Hotel Gift Card

Everyone loves a getaway - why not treat the person you love to the perfect gift for any occasion? Hotel and resort chains offer gift cards that can be redeemed at any of their locations, offering a wide selection of travel opportunities and adventures for those you love.

Our pick: Bellstar Hotels & Resorts, for upscale suite accommodations across Alberta and B.C.

 

#5 National Park Passes

Know someone who loves outdoor adventure? Why not a National Park pass? National parks are protected areas in which everyone can enjoy the beauty of nature, observe extraordinary wildlife and gain a better understanding of our natural heritage.

Our pick: If you’re staying local this year, why not a Canadian Discovery pass, which provides entry to over 80 destinations including our amazing National Historic sites and Marine Conservation areas!

 

#6 Massage Gift Certificate

What’s better than an opportunity to relax after the holidays? Give your loved ones the gift of self-care with a massage. As well as relieving any aches and pains, a massage is a natural way to reduce the stress of the holiday season.

Our pick: Stonewater Spa, in Parksville BC, which offers a variety of services sure to please anyone on your list.

 

#7 Babysitting

The perfect gift for any parent of young ones, especially in a day and age where parents spend more than 30 hours every week taking care of their kids. Give a loved one some much-needed time off with a babysitting certificate. 

Our Pick: Jetsitters, which offers child and pet sitting in top destinations across Alberta and B.C., so you can even enjoy some child-free time on holiday!

 

#8 Lawncare

Lawn care - more a chore than a treat, especially for someone with a busy family or work life. Why not give them the gift of landscaping or lawn maintenance for the summer? The real gift is the time they get to spend with loved ones on their days off.

Our pick: Lawn care is location-dependent, so we recommend using Houzz to find a reputable lawn care professional near you.

 

#9 Local Treats

Support a local business this year as you treat someone you love! Bring friends and family together around the table with locally made food, treats or wine - the perfect gift to send to loved ones!

Our pick: Swell Sweets located in Qualicum Beach, Vancouver Island, who have been making chocolates for over 30 years using the highest quality and locally sourced items.

 

#10 Wine or Food Tour

Why not treat yourself at the same time as someone else? Follow a guide to the top eateries in your city, or take a tour to a local winery to explore a vineyard and sample the season’s latest wines. Not only is this a great way to experience local cuisine and share an experience with a loved one, but you’ll satisfy your appetite along the way with delicious food and drink.

Our pick: West Kelowna Signature Sip, an intimate tour to four of West Kelownas award-winning wineries.

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Four Destinations Across Alberta & B.C. That Will Inspire Your Love For Fall

Words by Heather Hansler

There is nothing better than experiencing fall in Western Canada. The skies are clear, the temperatures still warm, the fall colours are spectacular, and summer insects have largely disappeared for the year.

vermillion-lakes-banff-alberta

#1 Canmore, Alberta

Vermillion Lakes, Alberta.

You should definitely put Canmore on your fall travel list if you're looking for breathtaking alpine scenery, outdoor adventures, and excellent wildlife spotting opportunities.

Nothing compares to a cool, crisp fall day for an outdoor adventure. Explore the Bow River Pathway by mountain bike, where you can admire this region’s spectacular fall colours set against the brilliant turquoise blue of the Bow River. 

Johnston Canyon - Photo by SGC

Johnston Canyon - Photo by SGC

If you're looking for something a little more adventurous, extend your trip to Johnston Canyon, one of the must-see natural wonders in Banff National Park. Explore the catwalks that follow the creek to the lower falls while surrounded by deep limestone cliffs, or venture to the upper falls through the forest.

 
wapta-falls-golden-british-columbia

#2 Golden, B.C.

Wapta Falls, B.C.

Golden is a wonderful fall destination for those looking for pristine scenery and rugged mountain views.

Experience the stunning beauty of Kicking Horse River, fed by the glacial waters of Wapta Lake. Recognized as a Canadian Heritage River, it flows wild and free through some of the most spectacular mountain scenery you'll ever see.

Spend an afternoon hiking through a forest that’s bursting with colour down to the base of Wapta Falls, where the sheer power of this waterfall will take your breath away.

Spanning the whole width of Kicking Horse River, Wapta Falls is the largest waterfall in Yoho National Park, by volume. At more than 30 metres high and over 150 metres wide, you’ll be deafened by the thunderous roar of the river crashing over the bluff, and chilled by the glacial-fed river mist on your skin. Renowned for its vivid colours, ranging from turquoise blue to emerald green, it’s obvious why Wapta Falls is known as Yoho National Park’s hidden jewel.

Wapta Falls - Photo by Ben den Engelsen

Wapta Falls - Photo by Ben den Engelsen

 
Quails Gate Old Vines.jpeg

#3 Kelowna, B.C.

Quails’ Gate Winery, B.C.

Photo courtesy of Quails’ Gate Winery

If you’re looking for big fall colour, look no further than a trip to sunny Kelowna. Nestled in interior B.C. among some of Canada’s finest wineries, you’ll be stunned by the Okanagan Valley’s rolling hills dotted with blazing red maples and yellow beech trees.

Home to over 40 wineries, Kelowna is a must-visit destination for any wine connoisseur. Take an afternoon drive to Quails’ Gate Winery, one of the top-ranked wineries in the Okanagan. Quails’ Gate has been family-owned and operated since 1956, and each of their wines is hand-harvested with the utmost care by three generations of vintners.

Enjoy the stunning scenery of their vineyards and a spectacular view of Okanagan Lake while you sample a selection of their award-winning wines. Experience some of their most recently released red wines and vintages, and stay for a farm-to-table meal at Old Vines Restaurant, prepared by a renowned culinary team.

 
 
 
 
parksville-beach-boardwalk-british-columbia

#4 Parksville, B.C.

The Beach Club Resort, B.C.

Vancouver Island's mild climate allows for clear skies and warm temperatures in autumn, making it the perfect season to walk the endless beaches, visit the old-growth forests, and, for those brave enough, perhaps even take a dip in the Pacific Ocean.

Spend the first few moments of your day strolling along the gorgeous coastline on the Parksville Beach boardwalk, enjoying the cool salt-tinged ocean breeze. Discover the Strait of Georgia on a stand-up paddleboard or kayak for a chance to see a humpback whale or an orca, or take a short trip to Englishman River Falls Provincial Park and enjoy a hike through the stunning old-growth forest to one of the park's two waterfalls.

The Beach Club Resort patio - Parksville, B.C.

The Beach Club Resort patio - Parksville, B.C.

Cap off your perfect day with dessert on the patio of the Pacific Prime Restaurant where you can cozy up around a crackling fire pit as you take in the spectacular ocean and mountain views.

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