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 opentheir hearts and minds to travel and escapeto the Canadian Rockies in October.

It wasthe Globus family of brands’ very first tour(worldwide) since the start of the pandemic.Though I work as the company’s managingdirector, I was able to join the touras a guest. I wanted to witness firsthand allthe new health and safety standards beingput 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 ADAPTING TO THE NEW PROTOCOLS

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.

BANFF STREETSCAPE

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.

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.

POSING IN YOHO NATIONAL PARK

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.

THE EMERALD WATERS OF MORAINE LAKE

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,