Capture the Northern Lights in Canada

As you fly in and begin your descent over the water and downtown Vancouver, take in the stunning natural landscapes that surround the city. Upon your arrival at the Vancouver International Airport, which is actually located in a city called Richmond, you will be met by your local adventure guide who be showing you around throughout the week. 

From the airport, you will take the SkyTrain into downtown Vancouver to reach your accommodation in the historic neighborhood of Gastown. In the evening, take some time to wander around the cobblestone streets at your leisure and get ready for a week full of ecotourism in British Columbia!

On your first full day in Vancouver, rise early and enjoy a fresh breakfast. Afterward, you will be walking or biking around one of the city’s most beloved gems, Stanley Park. This park is encompassed by a waterfront boardwalk and is a great way to take in various perspectives of the city. While making your rounds, you will get views of Coal Harbor, the North Shore, West End and more. 

In the afternoon, you will be connected with one of the political members of the Green Party of Canada. The Green Party’s main objectives are protecting the environment and creating a more sustainable future for Canadians. During the meeting, you will learn about the stressors Canada faces in terms of the oil industry, water pollution and deforestation.

Depending on the time of year, you can either ski or hike at Cypress Mountain. Today, you will be doing one of the two! Cypress is the highest local mountain and offers great terrain for skiers and snowboarders in the winter. During the summer, there are several trails which you can hike and be rewarded with some stellar views of the surrounding inlets. 

Once you’ve returned to the city after a full day of mountain adventures, you will meet with members of the Musqueam First Nation tribe. As you talk to these native settlers, you will get a better understanding of their connection with the natural land as well as the changes it has endured due to unnatural causes over the years.

Today you will continue east and fly into the Kelowna International Airport. Following a one-hour flight from Vancouver, you will arrive bright and early. From the airport, you will visit a small mountain city called Revelstoke. Revelstoke boasts some excellent skiing and mountain biking terrain. While you’re here, you’ll get to relish it first-hand. 

No matter the time of year, you will spend the day on the mountain, either skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking or hiking. Afterward, take some time to connect with the locals or other travelers at a few of the bars and restaurants at the base. Aprés ski, anyone?

Today you will take a 3-hour ride from Revelstoke to Banff. Banff is a small town boasting plenty of natural beauty. From mountains to lakes, rivers and even the Northern Lights, this place should be on the list of any avid adventurer. 

As you have spent the last few days on the mountain, your body will be thankful for some relief. On that note, today you will spend the majority of the afternoon in a bathhouse first established in the 1930s and take in some pristine views of the Rocky Mountains. 

In the evening, once the sky has become dark enough, you will head to the iconic Lake Louise to experience the natural phenomenon of the Northern Lights, aka the Aurora Borealis. Watch as solar charged particles penetrate the earth’s magnetic shield and connect with atoms in the atmosphere to create a beautiful, moving canvas. This is a great opportunity to experiment with some long-exposure shots.

On your final full day in Banff, you will wake up early in order to hike up Tunnel Mountain. There are several trails to choose from here, all of them quite moderate and offering excellent views of the surrounding area. 

After you’ve returned from your hike, you will head up to the top of Sulphur Mountain via gondola. Once you reach the peak, you will be blessed with panoramic views of the area and some of the freshest air you’ve ever experienced. To top it all off, grab something to eat or drink at one of the several eateries located at the peak.

After a week full of new adventures in British Columbia, it’s time to start making your way back to the airport. Today you will wake up early and head back to the Kelowna International Airport and fly to the Vancouver International Airport. From there, you will be able to connect internationally or spend a few more days exploring the city.