In this blog I'll tell you about the most beautiful places to stay in West Canada, from backcountry campsites to cozy lodges - whether on Vancouver Island, the Rocky Mountains or the Yukon.
In these places to stay you can relax and put your head on the pillow after a day full of outdoor adventures in West Canada.
The campground at Takkakaw Falls is the nicest I've ever been to.
From my tent I look out over the roaring waterfall, the afternoon sun shimmers in the colors of the rainbow. At night the sound of the water is my lullaby. For me, Canada is like something out of a picture book!
Some of the pitches have a direct view of the waterfall. There are only simple pit toilets and bear boxes. It is a 10-minute walk from the car park. Handcarts make it easier to transport equipment. The campsite allocates pitches on a first-come, first-served basis.
Campsite 13,50
Do: From here you can do many hikes. For example the Iceline
https://www.wibkestravels.net/wanderung-iceline-kanada
2. Mount Engadine Lodge, Spray Valley Provincial Park, Alberta
If you want to treat yourself to a little luxury away from the campsites, the rustic Mount Engadine Lodge is the place to be. Named after the nearby peak of Mount Engadine, the lodge was built as part of the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary and offers a picturesque view of the mountains in the middle of a green valley with a river. It has cabins, yurts and cozy rooms.
Breakfast, packed lunch, afternoon tea and dinner are included in the overnight price.
Double room with full board from € 430
The afternoon tea is spectacular and guests without an overnight stay are also welcome to attend.
The access via the gravel road is a bit bumpy, so I recommend staying at least two nights.
Do: Some hikes, such as the Tentridge Trail, start right outside the door.
3. Grizzly Lake Campground, Tombstone Territorial Park Yukon
The campground at Grizzly Lake in Tombstone Territorial Park in the Yukon offers one of the most spectacular settings imaginable.
The evening sun bathes the rugged peak of Mount Monolith in golden light, and the surrounding mountains are picturesquely reflected in the lake.
It is not for nothing that Tombstone Territorial Park is also called the Patagonia of Canada. A dream setting that we had to work hard for: The Grizzly Lake Campground can only be reached from the trailhead on the Dempster Highway via a very demanding 12-kilometer hike, during which everything has to be lugged: tent, stove, food, sleeping bag, ISO mat and of course bear spray. The first night of our three-day tour with backcountry camping.
The campsites (13€) must be booked in advance here: https://yukon.goingtocamp.com
Do: Multi-day hike. From here we continue to the campsites of Thalus and Divide
4. The Inn on Stephens Bay, Coal Harbour Vancouver Island
The Inn on Stephens Bay is located right on the sea in the quiet fishing village of Coal Harbour in the north of Vancouver Island, about 15 minutes by car from Port Hardy and the BC Ferry Terminal to Bella Coola and Prince Rupert. San Josef Bay, which was recently voted Canada's most beautiful beach, is very close by. To my shame, I have to admit that I only spent a few hours in the beautifully situated guesthouse, as I arrived by ferry at night and had to/was allowed to go kayaking the next morning. I remember the spectacular breakfast.
The breakfast is more like a 5-star restaurant than a lodge.
All rooms have sea views.
Double room with breakfast from 135€
Do: Here you can also rent kayaks, watch whales from the balcony, go fishing, hike ...
5. Wanderer's Inn Backpacker and Hostel, Haines Junction, Yukon
The Wanderer's Inn Backpacker and Hostel can now once again boast luxury and a great view. But after our multi-day hike in Kluane National Park, from which we returned wet, cold and hungry, we felt like we were in paradise.
The people at the Wanderer's Inn are super nice, there is a cozy kitchen and seating area and we were just happy to have the luxury of a warm shower again.
There are double rooms, dormitories, tents, you can also set up your own tent or sleep in a motorhome.
Dormitory from 15 €
Do: Hiking in Kluane National Park, visiting the Da Ku Cultural Center
INFO
GETTING THERE
There are several scheduled flights from Germany to Vancouver or Calgary every day. An electronic travel document (eTa) is required to enter Canada.
The easiest way to continue your journey is by rental car, e.g. via www.billiger-mietwagen.de