NATS Canada

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EXPERIENCE & EXPLORE – WESTERN CANADA
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5. Bluewater Adventure Cruises
Departs: various British Columbia locations, from May to October
If you are looking for adventure, why not explore the wonderfully scenic
coastline of British Columbia and southeast Alaska aboard a 70 foot yacht?
These incredible cruises accommodate a maximum of 15 guests, ensuring that
you are an integral part of the journey. Discover ancient native villages,
primeval forests and amazing coastal wildlife, and all with like-minded
travellers who undoubtedly become friends. With over 40 years' experience
operating nature cruises, Bluewater Adventures offer a choice of itineraries,
ranging from four to ten nights. You may decide to visit the Canadian Gulf
Islands in late spring, where you can traverse the scenic channels among the
islands of the archipelago, or discover the immense Great Bear Rainforest in
autumn; offering an opportunity to view the elusive Kermode Spirit Bear as
well as grizzlies and black bears. Featuring unique and remote destinations,
whichever exciting eco-tour expedition you choose, you’ll be left with
memories that last a lifetime.
6. Banff Trail Riders
Departs: Banff, from April to October
Enjoy a truly western heritage experience in Banff National Park, by taking a trail
ride which follows one of the historic routes made in the 1920s by the original
Canadian Rockies explorers. With over 300 horses, Banff Trail Riders are able to
match the perfect horse to each rider, ensuring a safe and memorable experience.
Ranging from one to seven hours, there’s a myriad of trail options available, with
the two hour Sundance Loop being ideal for those with limited time. Saddle up
at the stables, before riding through the Cave & Basin; the original hot springs,
and along beautiful Bow River. Picture-perfect scenery surrounds your climb up
Sulphur Mountain and around the Windy Knoll viewpoint. An evening covered
wagon and trail ride, which offers the opportunity of trying your hand at calf
roping and includes a BBQ dinner, is also available.
7. Banff Adventures
Departs: Banff and Golden, from May to September
Take in the beauty of Banff National Park whilst encountering a complete river
experience on one of Banff Adventure’s incredible water-based tours. Offering
adventures though the upper, middle and lower canyons, where the water
conditions vary, allows everyone to take part whatever their fitness and
ability. Taking a little over two hours, Kicking Horse Classic begins calmly,
allowing rafters to familiarise themselves with the raft and paddles, before
venturing into the mighty rapids of the middle canyon. As Kicking Horse
Canyon narrows, the waves build, taking rafters on a journey through Class IV
rapids and finishing 20 kilometres downstream. There is also a mild rafting trip,
which lasts just one hour and is perfect for families seeking calmer waters.
For a more serene water adventure, try the Voyageur Canoe Tour. Float down
Bow River, marvelling at Mother Nature whilst your tour guide entertains with
stories of the history of canoeing as well as interesting local facts.
8. Wilderness River Safari
Departs: Blue River, from May to September
A Wilderness River Safari is an unmissable one hour adventure. Board a
specially-designed jet boat for an exciting river safari through Grizzly Bear
Valley, in the heart of the world's only inland temperate rainforest. The
eco-friendly boats voyage through mountain glaciers and jade-coloured
waters in search of bear, moose, eagle and osprey. Informative narrative
includes detail on the area’s flora and fauna, and the journey glides alongside
waterfalls formed by the toppling powder from snow-capped mountains.
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