Christy Bartlett

Here's the rundown of my incredible Western Canada journey I took with Globus! When I saw this itinerary, I just had to experience this trip for myself, and let me tell you, it exceeded all of my expectations. Our group of 30 merry travelers had such a lovely time. I'd do it again tomorrow! 

We started off in the vibrant city of Vancouver, where we checked into the cozy and charming Georgian Court Hotel. From my window, I could see the bustling city streets below, and I couldn't wait to explore. So I laced up my walking shoes and hit the pavement, wandering through the lively neighborhoods and taking in all the sights and sounds.

One of the first things on my list was the iconic Steam Clock in Gastown. I stood there mesmerized, watching the steam-powered clock chime the hour as crowds of tourists gathered around. It was the perfect introduction to the unique character of this coastal city.

After that, we made our way down to the waterfront, where we strolled along the harbor, breathing in the fresh ocean air. we found this incredible seafood restaurant right on the water, and let me tell you, that dinner was nothing short of spectacular. Great food, creative cocktails, and a view that was out of this world.

The next day, we headed to Stanley Park, one of Vancouver's crown jewels. This massive urban oasis is teeming with towering trees, meandering trails, and stunning vistas at every turn. We spent a while exploring, from the totem poles to the lovely rose garden. It was like stepping into a peaceful, verdant oasis, just minutes from the bustling downtown.

After soaking up the natural beauty of Vancouver, it was time to hit the road and head to our next destination: Kelowna, in the heart of the Okanagan Valley. I checked into the luxurious Delta Grand Okanagan Resort, this place was a dream. My room had the most incredible view of the sparkling lake, and the amenities were top-notch.

But I didn't come here just to lounge - I was ready for some adventure! So I laced up my hiking boots and headed out to explore the nearby trails. The hike along the Okanagan River was absolutely stunning, with towering cliffs and crystal-clear waters. And later, we hopped on bikes and cruised along the historic Kettle Valley Railway Trestle, taking in the breathtaking scenery.

All that outdoor exploration worked up quite the appetite. So we were thrilled to discover this hidden gem of a restaurant in downtown Kelowna. It was this cozy little rooftop spot with a menu that celebrated the region's amazing produce and wine. We indulged in a multi-course meal, with locals, that was nothing short of perfection. 

But the adventure wasn't over yet! The next stop on our itinerary was Kamloops, and oh my, this place had a few surprises in store. As I was strolling along the river, I caught a glimpse of something moving in the water - and lo and behold, it was a bear, fishing for his dinner! I stood there in awe, watching this incredible natural spectacle unfold before my eyes. It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime moment.

After that wildlife encounter, we had a quick overnight stop on the outskirts of Kamloops and then we continued on to Whistler, the iconic mountain town that has captured the hearts of adventurers from around the world, all while taking the in beauty of the area. 

We started our visit at the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre, where we immersed ourselves in the rich indigenous culture of the region. I even got to try my hand at making a traditional dream catcher. 

But of course, no trip to Whistler is complete without taking in the stunning mountain scenery. So we hopped on the Gondola and rode up to the top of Whistler Mountain, where I set off on a breathtaking hike. The views were simply awe-inspiring - towering peaks, pristine alpine lakes, and lush green forests as far as the eye could see. I kept stopping in my tracks, unable to believe the sheer beauty that surrounded me. We also explored the treetops in one of the last old growth forests via a Canopy Walk above the Whistler Sliding Centre used in the 2010 Olympics. My mornings were spent enjoying the quiet peacefulness of trails just moments away from the town. 

Sadly, it was time to head back to Vancouver for the final leg of our journey. Once there, we had one last day to explore so off we went on a afternoon boat ride to explore the coastline of Vancouver. Seals and skylines amazed us all. When we returned we headed over to Granville Island to explore. We wandered the bustling public market, browsed the local artisan shops, and then settled in at a waterfront restaurant for one last incredible meal. It was the perfect way to cap off this amazing Western Canada adventure.

I can't even begin to tell you how incredible this trip was from start to finish. The perfect blend of vibrant city life, outdoor exploration, cultural immersion, and culinary delights. I know our clients at Daydream Cruise and Travel are going to love exploring the area too!