Canada 150th Heritage Tour
Food at the Banff Ave Brewing Company Courtesy Travel Alberta / Jamie Walter @jwalter1337
Whitewater Rafting in Golden, BC Courtesy of Tourism Golden
Alberta and British Columbia are home to thousands of amazing places just waiting to be explored. The natural waters found in hot springs throughout the provinces have been used for therapeutic purposes for thousands of years. Today, soaking in the hot springs remains a popular experience for generations of travellers. Take a road trip through the Canadian Rockies to relax, soothe your muscles, and soak in the history of Canada’s legendary national parks. Day 1: Cave and Basin, Banff National Park • Beginning from Calgary, head northwest to the Cave and Basin National Historic Site and learn how two European railroad workers’ discovery led to the creation of Canada’s first national park. • Venture up Sulphur Mountain to experience the mineral waters for yourself at the Banff Upper Hot Springs. • Enjoy an evening stroll along Banff Avenue. Numerous restaurants and local breweries give you plenty of options for dinner or a drink.
Day 3: Golden • Head north on Hwy 95 and watch for eagles and osprey as you admire views of the Columbia Valley Wetlands. Stop for a snack or pick up some locally-baked goodies at one of the shops in Spillimacheen. • Enjoy a relaxing afternoon exploring Golden and its quaint and unique downtown riverside area. Test your skills on the local mountain biking trails, go para-sailing, or sign up for a thrilling, professionally-guided white-water rafting trip down the legendary Kicking Horse River.
Day 2: Radium Hot Springs • Pack a picnic and download the Explora Kootenay App before you leave Banff. Admire the incredible scenery and enjoy your personal guided trip through Kootenay National Park, narrated by Parks Canada staff. • Hop out and stretch your legs – there are several roadside attractions detailed on our Kootenay Park map on pg 47 • Treat yourself to dinner at one of the excellent restaurants in the village of Radium Hot Springs then end your day with a soak in the historic pools. The facility also features a cool pool with a diving board, ideal for the kids!
Day 4: Jasper • Pack a hearty lunch and some water for this breathtaking leg of the trip! • From Golden follow the Trans-Canada Highway 57 km east to Field. Consider a side trip to stunning Emerald Lake or Takakkaw Falls, one the most impressive waterfalls in Canada. • Continuing east on the Trans-Canada Highway, take the Icefields Parkway north to Jasper. The parkway, one of the most scenic highways in the world, features amazing sights and non-stop opportunities for adventure.
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