Elevated Experience

Touring the Canadian Rockies in the serenity of the off-season

By Stéphanie Bishop

After months of closures and closed borders, Globus invited Canadian travellers to open their hearts and minds to travel and escape to the Canadian Rockies in October. It was the Globus family of brands’ very first tour (worldwide) since the start of the pandemic. Though I work as the company’s managing director, I was able to join the tour as a guest. I wanted to witness firsthand all the new health and safety standards being put to the test.

I didn’t want to miss this incredible opportunity to lift and restore my spirits in a place, where Indigenous peoples first discovered the otherworldly beauty of the Canadian Rockies. I felt fortunate to enjoy the wide-open spaces of great, big beautiful backyard accompanied by 19 like-minded travellers. There was a palpable enthusiasm in the group. We shared a common joy – being able to savour the luxury of travelling again.

OUR GROUP OF TRAVELLERS AT CASTLE MOUNTAIN

The five-day journey began in Calgary, and right away, I observed Globus’s new health and safety protocols at work. We enjoyed a touch-free hotel check-in and hands-free luggage handling (including luggage sanitation). Our tour director, Brad Noyes, also conducted temperature checks while guests completed health waivers and answered health-related questions. And, of course, we practiced social distancing and wore masks.

During our welcome reception at the Delta in Calgary, he reinforced the new safety protocols and expectations for the group, including hand sanitization before and after every stop, social distancing on the motorcoach, organized seat rotation, enhanced cleaning standards, and touch-free meals.

Throughout it all, I couldn’t help but notice a casual camaraderie and recognition that our small group was entering a travel bubble together and all of us were going to do our utmost to be safe, respectful and enjoy our journey together.

That togetherness is a signature part of a group tour experience. When travellers book an escorted tour, they’re choosing to explore destinations in a small group with people who stick together from start to finish. I realized on our tour of the Rockies that now, more than ever, there is great comfort and confidence in making that choice.

BANFF STREETSCAPE

As we embarked on the tour experience on day two, we enjoyed a guided visit of Calgary. I made sure to make a stop at Barcelona Tavern – a hip, airy spot known for its Mediterranean-style tapas, sangria, gin drinks and global, draft beers.

From Calgary, we headed to Banff National Park and soon found ourselves surrounded by incredible beauty as the first peaks began to appear. Our first stop was a surprise – Emerald Lake, BC. Since Johnston Canyon Park was closed, our tour director and driver offered us an opportunity to take a nature walk – a serene experience, especially during the less-crowded off-season. Our next stop was the Cave and Basin National Historic Site. As we experienced the natural ruggedness of the caves, rocks, and mineral springs, our luggage was seamlessly transported to the lovely Banff Caribou Lodge & Spa.

On sunny and brisk days three and four, we enjoyed free time, a walk to Banff’s historic downtown and a socially distanced gondola ride to experience sweeping views of the Rockies. The snowy, alpine landscape was magical. We also took in the spectacular sights of two stunning lakes – Lake Minnewanka and Lake Louise – with picturesque mountains towering above the deep-blue waters.

And, while masks were required throughout our trip (when social distancing wasn’t possible), it was easy to take in the awe-inspiring scenery, the views and the wonder that only travel brings.

Travelling back to Calgary, where our five-day adventure began, I breathed a little more deeply, grateful for the raw, natural paradise the Canadian Rockies witnessed on this remarkable tour—one that marked the return to travel for Globus family of brands here in Canada and beyond.

After our tour concluded, I decided to continue my travels and spend time in British Columbia. There, surrounded by the natural beauty of Canada’s backyard, I spent time at such hidden gems as Salt Spring Island and Tofino.

Our Experts Suggest...

From the rocky shores of the Pacific Ocean to the soaring peaks of the Rockies, from stunning national parks to bustling cosmopolitan cities, Western Canada has so much to offer! To enjoy this otherworldly beauty—with fewer crowds, and better deals—Globus is excited to introduce two new itineraries in western Canada, in early 2021 for CANADIANS ONLY!