An Australian travel guide to Banff, Jasper, Whistler and more!

Explore all of Canada's must-sees and dos with our hand-selected 'Aussie Favourites' list! We've got the ultimate travel itinerary chock-full of activities and attractions tailored for Aussies seeking year-round adventures!

From Koalas To Grizzlies

O Canada! The vast, rugged, maple-syrup-eating lumberjack, long-lost cousin of Australia. A camaraderie between countries as old as time, and some might say a combo as good as Vegemite and Vita-Weat.

From the turquoise waters of Moraine Lake to the snow-capped Rockies, Canada’s breathtaking landscapes offer untamed beauty with such easy access that you won’t find anywhere else. There’s no ride as comfortable and stunning as the journey through the Canadian Rockies.

Discover Canada’s cultural gems and get ready to LIVE THE ADVENTURE!

Aussie Favourites

If you’re wondering what the difference is between Banff and Jasper, think of it like Neighbours and Home and Away. Both absolute classics, and both offer exclusive experiences and features that you won’t find in the other!

While Banff is the dream destination for many with its 360-degree panoramic experiences, Jasper is the quieter, more laid-back sibling that offers awe-inspiring lake cruises to gems like Spirit Island. Both are stunning, with jaw-dropping views of the Rocky Mountains and the bluest lakes you’ll ever see. There’s no clear winner—it all depends on which style of travel you prefer!

Click on a destination below to find out which adventure is for YOU.

Banff: The heart of the Rockies

It’s the first word you should think of when you think of Canada. Is it worth it? If you came to Canada and the only place you visited was Banff, the answer is yes. You would have fulfilled your worldly dream of visiting Canada!

Banff is Canada’s first national park and home to some of the most picturesque glacial lakes, surrounded by endless mountain formations that have been around for over 55 million years. Banff boasts some of the world’s most famous lakes, including Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, with an even more star-studded lineup featuring Bow Lake, Emerald Lake, Peyto Lake, and more. It’s no wonder Banff National Park remains one of the most visited national parks in the world, drawing an average of 4 million visitors per year.

Jasper: Gateway to adventure

From kangaroo crossings to moose droppings, welcome to Jasper—Canada’s wild playground! With towering peaks and glacier-fed lakes, it’s the place where adventure meets tranquility. Think of it as Banff’s cooler, quieter cousin—soak in the scenery without the crowds. Ready to swap your surfboard for snowshoes?

Jasper is home to the world-famous Maligne Lake Cruise, a panoramic journey gliding across the bluest waters en route to Spirit Island. Further away from the crowds, Jasper is known for its abundance of wildlife and top-tier hiking trails. Part of Jasper’s natural wonder is the Athabasca Glacier, also known as the Columbia Icefield, a true testament to the surreal beauty of Jasper National Park and its diverse experiences for travelers from all over the world.

Whistler: Also known as "Whistralia"

Surfboards for snowboards—outdoor enthusiasts can’t skip Whistler. If you love catching waves, wait until you catch some air on Whistler Mountain! This is your year-round adrenaline rush, offering epic skiing in winter and biking trails in summer. Whether you’re sipping a craft brew après-ski or zipping through the forest on a mountain bike, Whistler’s got that laid-back, adventurous vibe Aussies crave. Ready to go from beach bum to mountain champ?

Vancouver Island: Untamed wilderness

Swap coral for coastline hikes, and instead of ‘roos, keep an eye out for orcas! From the Great Barrier Reef to whale-watching wonders, Vancouver Island is your next island escape, where the ocean meets the rainforest and wildlife is always on the horizon. You’ll also find some of our more “friendly” bears grazing along the shores.

Aussie Reviews

https://www.discovercanadatours.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Gerome-go-pro-2.jpg

Spotlight Experience

Meet Gerome – an employee at DCT who made the big move to Canada from Sydney! Even though he misses chicken salt (who knew it was only an Australian thing, right?), he’s graciously forgiven Canada for this loss, thanks to its abundance of beautiful nature.

Read more about Gerome’s first Canadian winter experience in the Rockies! From snowboarding down the steep runs of Lake Louise to sharing s’mores by the campfire with travelers from all over the world – it was an adventure he will never forget. The best part? The Canadian Rockies showcase their vast beauty through every season of the year. You could be the next Aussie to experience these incredible sights!

Local Favourites

Have you ever wondered where Canadians love to go for their next big trip, or family vacation plans.

VANCOUVER ISLAND

While it might fly under the radar for Aussies, the Island is Canada’s biggest hidden gem. Rainforests by endless shorelines, beach coves known as “Little Hawaii”, the best whale-watching on the planet, and even the beautiful quaint town of Tofino – a Canadian version of Byron Bay, where local hipsters are groovier than your Byron bogan. 

Why haven’t you heard of it? Well, it’s usually overshadowed by the Rockies, but ask any Canadian and they’ll tell you this is where they go to chill out, soak up the beauty, and avoid the crowds.

THE YUKON

Yukon is that little cousin you only see at  family reunions, but they’re a constant excellent achiever in school. They’re getting A+’s in every category, and just became the school captain while state championship in Oztag.

Canadians are in love with the Yukon because even with the vast awe-inspiring nature of the Rocky Mountains in Alberta. The Yukon is a true wilderness hotspot for witnessing the Northern Lights! The most dazzling display of lights on Earth can be found right here in Canada. Witness the aurora’s breathtaking dance over endless mountains and plains.

FAQs

Choosing a guided coach tour offers the ultimate stress-free way to experience Western Canada’s breathtaking landscapes. With our professional drivers handling the roads—including those tricky mountain passes—you can relax and fully enjoy the scenery.

Our tours are carefully curated to cover all the must-see spots without the hassle of planning or navigating on your own. You’ll also benefit from our guides’ deep local knowledge, ensuring you uncover the hidden gems you might miss otherwise.

By bundling transportation, accommodation, and guided tours into one package, our tours are more cost-effective than self-driving, and offer more comprehensive experiences to interact with nature than train packages. Plus, you will experience a memorable journey shared with like-minded travelers!

You can easily book your tours and Canadian experiences with us from Australia and anywhere in the world.

Browse through our website, where you’ll find detailed information on all our tours and packages, and if you are set on one, simply secure your seats on our online booking system.

If you prefer a more personalized experience, you can contact our agents directly via email or our toll-free number. They can assist you with every aspect of your trip, including payment plans, tour add-ons, flights, pre- and post-tour accommodations, and travel insurance through Uniglobe Specialty Travel.

Whether you book online or through our agents, we’re here to ensure your travel experience is smooth from start to finish.

Western Canada offers a different climate experience depending on the season.

Summers are mild and perfect for exploring the outdoors, while winters bring a magical snowy landscape ideal for activities like snowshoeing and spotting the Northern Lights.

Our tours are designed to help you make the most of Canada’s diverse weather, no matter when you visit.