Canada - a land of breathtaking natural beauty and profound personal significance. From the awe-inspiring Rocky Mountains to the rugged shores of Vancouver Island, this country offers a diverse array of landscapes that invite us to reconnect with both nature and ourselves. In this blog, I’ll guide you through an ideal itinerary that combines wellness with the wonders of the Canadian wilderness.
Our route took us from Calgary to Canmore, Golden, Jasper, Clearwater, Whistler, Vancouver, Campbell River, Ucluelet, Tofino and Victoria.
Canmore, Alberta
Canmore, Alberta, is a charming mountain town offering a tranquil alternative to Banff. With its breathtaking alpine scenery and easy access to hiking trails, it’s a perfect spot for nature lovers.
Nature Immersion Experiences: The Canadian Rockies are a hiker’s paradise, with trails ranging from easy loops to challenging climbs. We used All Trails for our hikes, and I highly recommend it. Explore alpine meadows, fragrant pine forests and crystal-clear lakes, all framed by the dramatic peaks of the Rockies. My favourites include Boom Lake, Upper Kananaskis Lake and Rawson Lake.
Community Connection: The Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary, nestled in the Canadian Rockies, is dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating wolfdogs while educating the public about these unique animals. To my animal-loving delight they offer a guided tour, which really helped us understand the animals and their responsible ownership.
Eco-Psychologists Top Tip: For a more serene experience, explore the lesser-known lakes, which are even more stunning and much less crowded than the famous Lake Louise and Emerald Lake.
Golden, British Columbia
Golden is the hidden gem for outdoor enthusiasts, offering pristine rivers, abundant wildlife, and fantastic hiking trails, plus the world’s best breakfast sandwich. This slightly off-the-beaten-path mountain town is perfect for those seeking adventure and authentic local flavors.
Nature Immersion Experience: The serene sights and sounds of the Blaeberry River from this Airbnb were incredibly meditative. We also hiked along the banks up the Thompson Trail to reach a stunning waterfall.
Eco-Psychologist's Top Tip: The breakfast sandwich at Ethos Cafe is so mouth-wateringly delicious that we found ourselves returning every morning for three days straight.
Jasper, Alberta
Jasper is a charming, somewhat old-fashioned town nestled within Jasper National Park, famous for its breathtaking landscapes. Its traditional vibe adds to its appeal, and exploring the town reveals a range of hidden gems and cool spots to discover.
Psychological Benefits: Unspoilt views of lakes and mountains elicit a profound sense of awe.
At Maligne Lake in particular, time seemed to stand still, my mind completely captivated by the surroundings.
ADDITIONALLY, the dopamine hit at the summit of the Sulphur Skyline Trail made the strenuous final stretch of the hike totally worth it.
Environmental Considerations: We visited in September 2023, before Jasper became the most recent victim of the Canadian wildfires. The fires have left visible scars on the environment, disrupting local wildlife and altering the park’s natural beauty, while recovery efforts are underway to restore the area’s ecological balance.
Eco-Psychologist’s Top Tip: Kumama Bistro stands out for its fresh local produce and a setting that so beautifully harmonises with its natural surroundings. Enjoying dinner on the terrace, we watched elk grazing while savouring the most delicious brussels sprouts I’ve ever tasted.
Clearwater, Alberta
Clearwater is a quaint town that makes for a good place to stop on route to British Columbia. It’s known for its dramatic waterfalls and outdoor adventure opportunities.
Nature Immersion Experiences: Canoeing on Alpine Meadow Lake and white water rafting with Liquid Lifestyles gave us such a thrilling contrast, showing us both the tranquil beauty and powerful intensity of water.
Whistler, British Columbia
Whistler is of course known for its world-class ski slopes and vibrant winter scene. So it takes on a different vibe in the summer off-season with its quieter, laid-back atmosphere. While the lack of snow reveals a somewhat unconventional side of the town, it’s an ideal stop on route to Vancouver.
Wellness activities: The Dermalogica facial at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler left my me and my sensitive skin feeling calm and hydrated.
Eco-Psychologist’s Top Tip: Head to the Sea to Sky Gondola in Squamish for some of the most amazing views in BC.
Vancouver, British Columbia
Vancouver is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city with an array of fine dining, great shopping (hello lululemon), and a diverse, multicultural atmosphere. Amid its urban energy, we also found brilliant pockets of natural beauty on the city’s outskirts.
Nature Immersion Experience: Lynn Canyon in North Vancouver is a stunning natural retreat with its lush forests and serene ambiance, providing a refreshing escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. It’s a great example of finding beautiful nature right at your city’s doorstep.
Eco-Psychologist’s Top Tip: Embrace the rain while in Vancouver - it’s inevitable. We did just that and enjoyed a memorable visit to Granville Market, where we discovered the best donuts ever from Lee’s Donuts.
Campbell River, Vancouver Island
Nestled on the northeastern shores of breathtaking Vancouver Island, Campbell River is the gateway to the Pacific Ocean's stunning natural beauty and a prime destination for venturing out to spot bears, whales, and other wildlife.
Nature Immersion Experience: Campbell River Whale Watching and Adventure Tours gave us two of the most unforgettable days of our lives. Each day ticked every eco-psychology box possible: Positive emotions? Check. Engagement? Check. Relaxation? Check. Awe? Check. I highly recommend the Grizzly Bear Tour to Toba Inlet, where we spent three hours observing black and brown bears searching for salmon along the river with the Klahoose First Nation. And
Don’t miss the Full Day Whale Watching Tour. We spent nine magical hours searching for orcas and humpbacks among the Discovery Islands.
Psychological Benefits: Being surrounded by the vastness of the water and isolated islands whilst also trying to spot wildlife encourages a deep sense of mindfulness. You’re paying attention to the present moment, focusing on the sights and sounds of nature, which fosters a deep sense of inner peace. It leaves you with an incredible feeling of mental clarity and contentment.
Environmental Consideration: The Canadian Marine Mammal Regulations stipulates that boats keep a distance of 100m from whales. A good tour guide will give wildlife space to be wild and close encounters should be actively avoided. It means you probably won’t get good photos with your phone. But it encourages you to appreciate being in the moment. And you can always buy a print like we did when you get back home.
Eco-Psychologist’s Top Tip: Ask for Bex at Campbell River Whale Watching and Adventure Tours. She’s fantastic and captures incredible photos, one of which now proudly hangs in our bedroom.
images by bex dawkes
Ucluelet and Tofino, Vancouver Island
Vancouver Island’s rugged west coast blends the vibrant energy of the outdoors with a laid-back, relaxed culture, offering the perfect mix of adventure and tranquility. While Ucluelet has a more tranquil vibe, Tofino boasts amazing surf beaches and a lively, hipster scene—it's a place where I’ve never felt more at home.
Wellness Activities: Surfing is something I’ve always wanted to be good at - the vibe is right up my street - but my lack of upper body strength makes even pushing myself up a challenge. Despite that, taking a lesson with Surf Sister in Tofino pushed me out of my comfort zone and was incredibly fun, especially since it finally got me into the water I’d been gazing at longingly for days.
Nature Immersion Experiences: Chesterman Beach is the most beautiful beach I’ve ever seen, with its shoreline bordered by dense forest—something truly unique. I highly recommend walking its entire length and taking a moment to sit on the sand, watching the waves roll in. For another breathtaking experience, the Wild Pacific Trail offers a perfect blend of lush forests and stunning coastal views.
Community Connection: Roy Henry Vickers, a renowned artist from British Columbia, is deeply woven into the fabric of Canadian culture. His work, which blends traditional First Nations imagery with contemporary design, celebrates the rich heritage of the Tsimshian, Haida, and Heiltsuk nations. We loved visiting his gallery in Tofino and learning about Canada’s diverse artistic traditions.
Eco-Psychologist’s Top Tip: For the ultimate nature immersion experience, stay at Salt + Cedar in Ucluelet.
Victoria, Vancouver Island
Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, is a charming city on Vancouver Island known for its historic architecture, vibrant arts scene, and beautiful waterfront. Blending old-world charm with modern amenities, it's a hub for exploring the island's natural beauty and cultural richness. It’s also where I celebrated my 1st birthday.
Nature Immersion Experiences: A trip to Victoria wouldn’t be complete without visiting the Butchart Gardens. Wandering through its meticulously curated gardens with their vibrant colours and fragrances feels like stepping into a piece of living art.
Eco-Psychologist’s Top Tip: We spent 4 wonderful weeks in Canada, but a 2 week itinerary from Calgary to Vancouver is definitely possible with some longer drives.
Canada is more than just its vibrant urban cities. Its wild and rugged landscape offers a profound chance to reconnect with nature and rediscover our own sense of adventure. Embracing these experiences not only deepens our appreciation for the natural world, but also helps us reconnect with our true selves. When immersed in nature, we often find a renewed sense of purpose and inspiration. For me, this journey sparked a lasting love for the outdoors and a deeper understanding of what it means to truly be in tune with nature.
