Travelling from east to west allows you to explore some of Canada’s unique and extraordinary locations. From bustling city centres to dramatic mountain landscapes, as well as glistening lakes and the chance to spot iconic wildlife, there’s an extraordinary view everywhere you look.
My trip started in the heart of Toronto before I left this busy metropolis behind and ventured to the untamed beauty of the Rocky Mountains. Visiting Canmore, Banff and Jasper, while experiencing the famous Icefields Parkway, offered me the chance to see what makes Canada so special before I concluded my adventure in Calgary. Here’s every highlight of my unforgettable journey from east to west.
Toronto
Jasper
Canmore
My first stop on Canadian soil was Toronto, a metropolitan city full of life, familiar sights from TV and movies, and a cluster of sports fans (go Maple Leafs!). A one-night pit stop meant that I had to see as much as possible. This is where the hop-on hop-off bus became a lifeline through the city. The bus takes you to all the key highlights, from the Royal Ontario Museum to the CN Tower. The city is always on the go, with opportunities to see things at your own pace.
It was goodbye to the East Coast and onward to Calgary. After a four-hour and 30-minute flight, I was on my way to the gateway of the Rockies. Canmore is often overlooked for its more popular neighbour, Banff, but this small town is just as stunning. With the Three Sisters Peaks overlooking the town, the picturesque downtown has plenty of shops, bars, and restaurants to keep you going. The town gives a relaxed vibe whilst being lively – the Policeman’s Creek Boardwalk is nature in the heart of civilisation. It was a delightful town and a great hub to begin my journey into the Rocky Mountains.
From Canmore, I was taken to Banff – the heart of the Rockies. A lively town full of landmarks, I would absolutely recommend a sightseeing tour to really see it all. Take a trip up the gondola to Sulphur Mountain, with never-ending views, or head towards the Bow River for a water sport activity. This small town has a big attitude. There are numerous places to eat and drink, and the nightlife can be just as lively as in the daytime. Banff is iconic for a reason, so make sure to stop by for a couple of nights to really take it all in.
My next stop was Jasper, and to get there I had to go through the Icefields Parkway. Officially known as Highway 93, the Icefields Parkway is undoubtedly one of the most scenic roads in Canada. 232km long, Google Maps will say this takes 3 hours. But that’s without stopping, and why wouldn’t you stop on this Parkway? On the way to Jasper, you will pass the famous Lake Louise. But there are also multiple vantage points to see everything the Rockies have to offer, including (but not limited to) Castle Mountain, Bow Lake, and Crowfoot Glacier. Between Lake Louise and Jasper, I stopped at the Icefields Centre. Here I enjoyed a couple of unique moments – a quick stroll on a glacier and checking out the Skywalk. After that pit stop, it was onwards to Jasper, again stopping at beautiful locations. It’s a drive to remember, and definitely not just three hours long.
Arriving in Jasper, the immediate vibe was a true mountain town. The rustic hotels, the sun peeking behind the mountains, and the tight-knit community give a warm welcome to travellers. The distinct difference between Banff and Jasper is the pace of life. Jasper is a lot calmer and brings a slower-paced atmosphere to the town. That’s not to say there aren’t things to do. Jasper National Park is the main place to be for wildlife spotting. Upon arrival, I saw elk, mountain sheep and various birds of prey – and that’s not all there is. Coyotes, wolves, bears, and moose are some of the few, but iconic, wildlife sightings in Jasper. A wildlife tour is necessary here, as is a visit to the Jasper Tramway for mountain vistas. The next day, I headed up to Maligne Lake, seeing some of the town and surrounding areas before making my way up. It was stunning, albeit frozen, and serene.
My final stop on this adventure was Calgary. Away from the mountains, the prairie was an unexpected sight, and the city itself brings a community feel to a metropolitan backdrop. Known for the Stampede, I wasn’t sure what else Calgary had to offer. However, the pedestrianised Stephen Avenue offers various places to eat and loads of live entertainment for everyone. A bittersweet ending to my trip, I knew that Canada has so much more to offer, and I intend to see it all.
Angel is a member of the My Canada Trips team. To experience her trip for yourself, check out our East to West Canada holiday itineraries below.
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