Potential trip to Canada ideas

So my parents and I are trying to plan what will essentially be our last real trip together before I move on and they move apart. We considered an Alaskan cruise, but I preferred the idea of seeing the Canadian Rockies; preferably by train. (Our last train trip didn't end so well, what with someone jumping in front of it to commit suicide on my birthday). Basically, we are planning to fly into Calgary and stay there for X number of days (to be determined based on how much there is to do in the area), then take the train over to Vancouver and stay a night there before flying back.

Seeing as we have several Canadians here at SP, I thought I'd ask if anyone had any particular recommendations for someone who's only seen an eastern portion of the nation.


P.S. Personally paying near 2k for this myself, so I want it to be worth it.

I'm not from the East Coast but from what you said I think you prefer sightseeing over city life? Calgary is terrible this time of year - it's always snowing and the temperature is like 0F. Sightseeing is nice there so I hope you're not coming to Canada soon until the weather gets better.

Vancouver is awesome. We have nice weather, nice parks, some museums, and an aquarium though none of them are particularly impressive. Vancouver is very multicultural so you'll definitely get a culture blast here. You'll be pleasantly surprised if you're interested in Chinese (Richmond) or Korean (Burnaby/Coquitlam border aka K-Town) culture.

I'm not from the East Coast but from what you said I think you prefer sightseeing over city life? Calgary is terrible this time of year - it's always snowing and the temperature is like 0F. Sightseeing is nice there so I hope you're not coming to Canada soon until the weather gets better.

Oh, sorry, thought I had mentioned roughly the time we planned on going. Most likely some time in October. As for the east coast thing; well it wasn't exactly east coast either. I had lived in Minnesota for a couple of years and crossed the border there a couple of times. Plenty of Amethyst souvenirs.

Yeah, mostly into it for sightseeing. I'd like to think of myself as a mountain/woods kind of guy if I was in better shape, and I've been bound to beaches for the last large segment of my life, so I'd really like to see those picturesque areas. A nice valley with a morning fog would be a nice example of what I'd like to see. Seen quite a few national parks here in the states over the years, and while I've enjoyed each and every one (despite hindrances unrelated to the surroundings), I tend to want something new every 2-3 hours or so. Since we have up to a week to spend out there thanks to a time-share, I'm just trying to see if there is enough different places and things to see for that time, or if we should cut it down to 5 or 3 days excluding the 2 day train trip.

And you mentioned museums: anything in particular that'd be nice? I have seen the Smithsonian over in DC once, and we have some parks here as well. Any particular museum that stands out?

I heard that monkey bridge in Vancouver is an attraction. Just hope no one's gonna jump off from it this time.

EDIT: Capilano.

Mountains, woods, and pretty scenery you'll find in Alberta. Banff is particularly beautiful - especially the lake water.

The museums in Vancouver can't compare to anything you'd find in the USA. Unless you like shopping at Asian stores/supermarkets, or visiting mediocre Vancouver "landmarks", you will be disappointed here. The most notable museum would probably be Science World but it's nothing special at your age. It impresses smaller kids though.

The Aquarium is pretty neat, but Sea World and Marine Land (Eastern Canada) blow us out of the water.

There are two parks that pop up in my head which are Stanley Park and Queen Elizabeth Park. Stanley Park is a joke. There's so much clutter and garbage it'll make you sick. QEP has nice floral displays so if you enjoy looking at some decently good looking gardens I suggest this park or Butchart if you can spare an extra day or two to visit Vancouver Island.

I guess you can tell I'm from Vancouver, and I must admit that Vancouver is quite boring.

@Kalovale: I forgot about Capilano Suspension Bridge. You cross the bridge and there's like an imitation "town of olde" if memory serves. Went there once, and haven't given it a second thought until just now.

Chinatown is always good. Heard there's a dude that hand makes noodles around there.


troll answer: Justin beaver's house and egg it.

In Vancouver, Chinatown isn't really considered the Chinatown. It's a small area in Vancouver where all the druggies go. Our real Chinatown is Richmond. T&T and Daiso <3

West is boring: rocks, ice n water.

East is where it's at. Kthnxbye

Calgary is cool for skiing, only thing I know about that town =P

When are you guys planning to go? July is Stampede season in Calgary and there's always a bunch to do during that time period.

Specifically, July 8-17 this year. Look at the Stampede website if you want to check.

When are you guys planning to go?

Basically, we are planning to fly into Calgary and stay there for X number of days (to be determined based on how much there is to do in the area), then take the train over to Vancouver and stay a night there before flying back.

That's essentially all we got right now.

Don't take the train. So many horror stories of the train actually never showing up to places and no refunds were given out. If you want to visit the Rockies, go to Banff. The national park is very, very nice. I'm sure there is bus tours around there or you can rent a vehicle. If you skii or snowboard, your stay in Calgary will be better spent at the slopes around Canmore and the Kananaskis country.

Kevo paints kind of a grim view of Vancouver, but I'm sure you'll find something to do. I usually go downtown and walk along the paths down the boats. And if the Olympic flame is still up, you could check that out. Maybe take in a Canucks game if they're playing.