Are you interested in a holiday to the iconic North American West Coast, but don’t know whether to visit the Canadian or American side?
Both the American and Canadian West Coast offer many spectacular sights you have to see in your lifetime. Have your choice in scenery, unique wildlife experiences and opportunities to emerse yourself in the local culture and history. Here is everything you need about the highlights benefits of each location in order to get your dream holiday.
Geographically, and as a result culturally, the West landscape is defined and bordered by the Rocky Mountains. The Rockies stretch over 3,000 miles from British Columbia all the way down to New Mexico. The Rocky Mountains are particularly striking as they are considered to be a relatively young mountain range, which makes for sharper rock formations and steeper cliff faces. Generally speaking, everything situated to the west of the Rockies (US and Canada) is referred to as the “West”.
Exploration of the West
When people think of the great and wild west, usually iconic explorers such as Lewis and Clark or the naturalist John Muir come to mind. The westward shift has had very long-lasting effects on the economy and the people that still live in the West today. But there are significant differences in the American Westward Expansion and that of Canada. European exploration of Western Canada happened in the 18th and 19th centuries, and was fuelled largely by companies looking for trade routes to cross the Rocky Mountains. George Vancouver, Vancouver Island’s namesake, provided coastal surveys and thus the first modern Canadian shoreline maps.
In the Western United States, exploration parties were sent by the government in the 19th century in order to map the land for future use. This resulted in major shifts in population as more people moved into the West for opportunities and the desire to leave the crowded areas in the East. The exploration of the West also eventually resulted in large expanses of nature have been officially protected for a long time, resulting in the famous National Park System.
Indigenous people have lived in this part of North America for thousands of years, and their history and culture have had a lasting impact still seen today. Those that want to learn the long history of Native Americans and First Nations can learn about their heritage first-hand from Indigenous guided tours that also support Indigenous communities.
Blackfeet Nation, West United States
See Montana on foot and by horseback with a member of the Blackfeet Tribe as your guide.
Telegraph Cove - Vancouver Island, Canada
This Indigenous-led wildlife tour gets you up close to grizzly bears, whales, and even orcas.
When thinking of the American West, images of otherworldly desert landscapes, dramatic mountains and surfing beaches come to mind. Visiting the American West Coast is the best way to experience the real West culture and iconic sights so often featured in Hollywood movies. While here you can visit natural wonders like the Yellowstone, Big Sur and the Colorado River that has carved out the “Wild West”.
Nature and National Parks
Despite popular cities like San Francisco and Portland, it is generally much more sparsely populated than the East Coast of the United States, and because of this it boasts a majority of the national parks. It is the ideal holiday destination for both nature lovers that want to get away from the hustle and bustle, and those that want to experience true American culture. This part of the United States boasts a huge variety in the spectacular nature, even within the same region. There is also a huge variety in the weather and available activities on the United States West Coast, with everything from sunny and warm sandy beaches in Southern California to misty northern rainforests in Washington.
Drive Highway 1
The easiest way to see a large sweep of the West Coast is to drive Highway 1 along the Pacific Ocean coastline. Driving this route from North to South has several advantages, namely that you are driving towards the South and to the Sun, providing great light for photography. Also, while you are driving South you are driving on the right side of the road and thus on the ocean side, giving you a constant view on the ocean side.
The northern section takes at least 1 week, and the same for the southern portion. In the northernmost point of the route, Washington, you will get spectacular views over the ocean and sounds. And as the route approaches the Canadian border, the terrain more closely resembles what you will find along British Columbia. As you drive into Oregon, the landscape is a lush green, with epic rock formations along the sea. This section of the route takes you past iconic points like Cannon Beach.
The final, southern portion of Highway 1 is California. California is perfect for beaches, tide pools, towering redwood trees and marine life watching. You can drive between larger cities like San Diego, to Los Angeles and its iconic Long Beach, all the way to the charming town of Santa Barbara.
Yellowstone
As America’s first national park, Yellowstone has long captured the hearts of both visitors and locals alike. With its geysers, pristine forests and bison herds, it stands as one of the true gems of the United States. Yellowstone National Park was founded in 1872 following the American Civil War, but the area has been inhabited, cared for and shaped by its Indigenous inhabitants for thousands of years prior to this.
Experience real American culture in the Southwest
The region now referred to as the Southwest was once colonized by Spain. This has left a lasting impact on the cuisine, culture and architecture of the region. Destinations like Sedona, Arizona, offer great insight into the American Southwest culture and provide visitors with a well located home base for nature like Monument Valley or Saguaro National Park.
The Canadian West Coast is home to many different parks and spectacular nature. You can explore everything from the Icefields Parkway to the Canadian Rocky Mountains and spot wildlife like bald eagles, wolves, black bears, moose, orca, whales and grizzly bears. And depending on the season, you can even spot grizzly bears hunting migrating salmon along the river inlets. The Canadian West Coast is the ideal holiday destination for those looking to escape to remote wilderness, experience wildlife watching tours, and take adventurous trails in the rugged nature.
The landscape and nature
Along the Canadian side of the border, the landscape and rugged terrain is defined by river inlets, stunning alpine lakes and islands. This also means that, unlike Highway 1 in the US, the Trans-Canadian Highway from Vancouver does not hug the coastline, and it is a much more remote region to travel. But with ferries going between the mainland and islands like Vancouver Island, there is better access to nature and remote wilderness.
Another one of the biggest differences between the two countries is weather and climate between the two countries. As you enter Canada, and the further north you go, the climate becomes cooler and experiences more rain.
Visit Vancouver Island
With its rugged coves, clear waters and charming towns, Vancouver Island is a place that will easily capture the hearts of adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts. It also offers many activities and outdoor recreation all around the Island. While here, you will have your choice from nearly endless activities. Set out more adventurous activities like a guided boat tour to the Great Bear Rainforest where you will also see whales, grizzly bears, and if you're lucky, orcas! For the more relaxed traveller, try indulging in the local seafood cuisine with a food tour around Victoria. And in addition to the vast nature around Vancouver Island, you should also make a stop in the city of Victoria, the capital of British Columbia. Victoria is a beautiful and historic city known for its Victorian Architecture and attractions like the Butchart Gardens. A great bonus is that there are frequent ferries out to Vancouver Island from the mainland coast.
Hike in the Canadian Rocky Mountains
In addition to the Pacific Coast area, the Canadian Rocky Mountains also define the landscape. With breathtaking and snow covered peaks, crystal clear lakes and an abundance of wildlife, the Rockies are a bucket-list worthy stop every traveller should see. All around the mountains, you can partake in hiking and mountain biking trails, canoeing and even horseback riding.
While in the Canadian Rockies, a visit to the world heritage site, Jasper National Park is also a must. Jasper is the largest national park in the Rockies, and is home to North America's largest population of both grizzly bears and moose. Discover the endless trails through the pristine wilderness, as well as the scenic drive Icefield Parkway that passes glaciers and stretches between Jasper National Park and Banff National Park in Alberta.
Here at Little America, we do things differently and make a positive difference through ethical and environmentally friendly tourism. We focus on small-scale accommodation, and driving with a rental car allows you to use your accommodation as a home base and exploring the area with your rental car. Stay in a cabin in the Mojave Desert and explore the area with your guide, stay at a typical log cabin in the Rocky Mountains with spectacular views, or even kick back and relax at a ranch in Arizona or in Montana
A holiday with us means slower and intentional travel where you can stay with locals to get the authentic American feeling and experience warm Canadian hospitality. Our list of locally-led activities mean that you can experience everything from a wildlife kayaking boat tour around Vancouver Island, to horseback riding with an Indigenous guide in Montana.
The options are so diverse that it may be difficult to make choices for your trip. We are happy to help you on your way. Contact one of our travel specialists who will put together a unique itinerary, free of obligation, that fits your needs exactly.
Tecopa, West United States
Spend a few nights in the Mojave Desert at a relaxing retreat surrounded by beautiful nature.
Glacier National Park, West United States
Explore the wild landscape of Montana at an authentic and deluxe lodge.
Questions? Speak to one of our specialists by phone Mon - Sat 0900 until 2100. You can discuss your travel plans in detail where and when it suits you, also in the evenings and on weekends on a no obligation basis.
020 36 08 35 57
