13-Nights The Wild West

Abbotsford

Abbotsford is found in Fraser Valley, between the flatlands on the coast and the cascading mountain ranges. With an astonishing 70% of land committed to farming and agriculture, Abbotsford is known as a “City in the Country”.

Nelson, B.C.

Located 280 mi/450 km east of Vancouver, Nelson, British Columbia, has a lucrative past: It was a center for iron and silver mining in the 1800s. In addition to 350 Victorian buildings, local museums have exhibits that recount Nelson's history and mining glory days. Be sure to take the Heritage Walking Tour that goes by some of the finest examples of the local architecture. Today, Nelson is popular with New Age practitioners and artists.

Plan a picnic in Lakeside Park, or take a side trip to Cody Caves, a system of tunnels and galleries filled with stalactites, stalagmites, soda straws and other geologic formations. Several types of tours are available, suitable for everyone from the casually curious to the veteran subterranean explorer. Take along warm, rugged clothing for the cool underground temperatures (42 F/6 C).

Be alert while driving to the caves—access is via an active logging road that's used by a lot of big trucks.

You may also want to witness the dramatic, rugged mountain landscape of Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park, where lakes—more than 30 of them—and glaciers are the big draw.

Clearwater, B.C.

Clearwater is located in the heart of British Columbia surrounded by trophy mountains, wild raging rivers, calm lakes, panoramic peak views, and endless outdoor activities. Some 10,000 years ago, Aboriginals that migrated from Asia via the Bering Strait populated the area undisturbed until the arrival of the British in 1778 bringing with them illness that reduced the Aboriginal population. The Gold Rush of the 1860’s brought an influx of pioneers and traders that a century later rapidly expanded and shaped Clearwater’s landscapes with infrastructures, highways, bridges and railways. Clearwater is now a community with a peaceful lifestyle integrating their deep respect for the area’s natural surroundings preserving much of its rich aboriginal culture and history.

Kamloops

The popular interior city of Kamloops is in the heart of High Country. Visitors to the city can choose to learn more about the intriguing history of the area or take advantage of the abundance of recreational facilities and opportunities in the area. The city itself is located where the South and North Thompson Rivers meet, hence the name "Kahm-o-loops", the Shuswap Indian word for "meeting of the waters". The surrounding countryside is a combination of dry forests, grasslands and desert like hills. While forestry has now surpassed ranching as the primary industry, ranching is still an important component in the makeup of the area. Kamloops can be used as a headquarters for exploring nearby wilderness areas such as Wells Gray Park to the north and the grasslands of the Nicola Valley in the south or the numerous fishing and recreational lakes surrounding the entire area.

Banff

Situated in the heart of Banff National Park in Alberta's Rocky Mountains, Banff is a 1.5-hour drive from Calgary and just a short trip from mountain towns of Lake Louise, Kananaskis Country and Canmore. It's a unique place to visit. A train whistle blows in the distance as a reminder of the area's railway roots while designer shops dot the streetscapes. From a sleepy summer resort town with closed doors in winter months, Banff has grown into a year-round attraction. Lured by wilderness and the variety of outdoor activities, people from all over the world are drawn to Banff National Park each year. They venture into the area looking for their slice of the Banff experience, whether it's in restaurants, shops, museums, cultural activities, or adventures in the wilderness. On Banff's bustling main avenue, virtually every language from German and Japanese to French and Spanish can be heard. Yet only minutes away from all the action, a quiet walk along the banks of the Bow River is a reminder the town is located inside Canada's premier national park and a United Nations World Heritage Site!

Vancouver

Vancouver is a thriving metropolis surrounded by natural beauty. With parks, beaches, gardens, museums, art galleries and the second-largest Chinatown in North America, Vancouver lives up to its promise of offering something for everyone. With modern buildings set against green, rolling hillsides, this city is breathtaking; no location offers a more spectacular view than Stanley Park - with a zoo, aquarium, totem poles and honking geese. A short walk from the park leads to Robson Street, which offers the town's best window-shopping. Stores with European flavor share the avenue with delicatessens and tea rooms ready to serve. As architectural heart of the city, Robson Square features a central plaza with a food fair and an old provincial courthouse, which now houses Vancouver Art Gallery. Be sure to stop at 8 Pender St. - "the narrowest building in the world." Other points of interest include the Museum of Anthropology; Japanese-style Nitobe Memorial Garden; and VanDusen Botanical Garden. Capilano Canyon is site of the world's longest and highest suspension footbridge.

Jasper

Located in the heart of Jasper National Park in Alberta's Rocky Mountains, Jasper's friendly alpine hospitality and the promise of adventure will make your visit unforgettable. It is easy to get to Jasper by car from a number of nearby visitor destinations including Edmonton, Hinton and Banff.