Visiting the BEAR Country - CANADA

Its the second largest country and it has some of the worlds most scenic landscape. Not to mention, the famous Niagara Falls. Its also called BEAR country as they thrive here in large number, its also known for the Maple Syrup. Canada is a huge country and to do justice to the place, you need considerable amount of time at each place. Canada is a country filled with wonderfully friendly people, classy, diverse cities, and a diverse landscape that includes tundras, rainforest, deserts, and huge mountains.Since Canada is such a large country, climate and temperature change drastically from coast to coast. Canada has very defined seasons, and winter can be harsh and long in some places. Winter in the Canadian Rockies is epic, and people from all over the world flock to British Columbia and Alberta to hit the slopes around Whistler, Banff, and Revelstoke. Fall (September-December) is highly recommended, as temperatures are still warm and the autumn foliage is really something special. 

Having seen the Niagara from the US side, I decided to explore the western part of Canada, with Vancouver as hub.

VANCOUVER

Vancouver has popular filming location, it’s surrounded by mountains, and also has thriving art, theatre and music scenes. Its one of those cities thats not only buzzing with chaotic city life, but also close to nature where you can feel total wilderness. There are so many hiking trails nearby and during winter, one can do skiing at Whistler which is near.

Stay: I stayed in the downtown at Samesun Vancouver as it was convenient to explore everything by walk.

Check below posts to know more about my sightseeing,

Vancouver Day 1 {Downtown walk, Christmas Market}

Vancouver Day 2 {Lynn Canyon Park, Gastown, China Town}

Vancouver Day 3 {Stanley Park, Richmond}

ROCKY MOUNTAINS

The Canadian Rocky Mountains are located in Western Canada and Vancouver serves as a gateway to visit them. It spans across both British Columbia and Alberta. They are one of the wildest places in North America and the most visited National parks in our country. Its famous for their picturesque mountain towns, incredible lakes(Hello Louise!), glaciers, and diverse wildlife including the famous grizzly bears. The landscape differs significantly in summer and winter months. Some roads are closed during winter months and some activities are open only during winter months.

I visited Banff in the Rockies which is one of the most beautiful national parks in Canada. Check below posts to know more about my sightseeing,

Day 1 {Hope, First Nations Storytelling}

Day 2 {Rogers Pass, Lake Emerald, Lake Louise}

Day 3 {Banff, Johnston Ice walk}

Day 4 {Pacific Railway}

Epilogue:

• Canada is a big country. Its humanely not possible to cover entire country in one stretch
• Hostels and AirBnb's recommended for people not having deep pockets
• Tim Horton's coffee is less expensive than Starbucks
• Vancouver is bicycle friendly. 
• If interested in spotting some Orca, can book a whale watching tour to Victoria, one of the greatest places to see these amazing creatures
• A tour through Granville Market to be one of the most authentic ways to experience Vancouver who  love fresh, local, seasonal produce.
• I heard Whistler is beautiful all year round and worth it even if you aren’t skiing. Same about Grouse Mountain.
• Bowen Island is just a short ferry away and is a lovely day trip from Vancouver.
• If you’re interested in the British Columbia’s Aboriginal culture and history, then can visit Museum of Anthropology.
• You could either Self drive to Rockies or book guided tours from Discovercanada tours or west trek tours
• You could also fly to Calgary from Vancouver and self drive from there to rockies and reach Edmonton and fly out from there. Could do the opposite too
• Things are cheap in Alberta compared to BC as state tax is less in Alberta
• Some activities are better off with a guide like mountain tours
• Cannabis is legal in Canada. So for folks interested :)