Banff, Alberta: Natural hot springs inspired a luxury spa culture in Banff but for me it's all about the Rocky Mountain high. On a recent visit I couldn' t bear to waste a moment out of sight of those craggy peaks forgoing sleep for sunrise hikes and late drinks alfresco. Even Marilyn Monroe who shot River of No Return here in 1953 could scarcely compete with its scenic splendor (in the words of critics of the day). The beauty here is panoramic whether from the banks of Bow Falls between downtown and the castle like Fairmont Banff Springs hotel or from the top of Tunnel Mountain the littlest summit in Banff with its trailhead just a few blocks from the town' s main drag ( a heart thumping 853 feet up 1.5 miles of switchbacks just don' t look for a tunnel the name is a misnomer). A day trip away is Lake Louise its deep emerald magic best taken in along a hike to the rustic teahouses of the surrounding mountains and old growth forest. Tip: After a day of soaking up Alberta's free beauty splurge on dinner at Eden inside Banff' s Rimrock Resort Hotel where eye filling window views rival the regional specialties and Canadian wine pairings of the chef' s tasting menu.
Khutzeymateen Grizzly Bear Sanctuary, British Columbia: I experienced my Canadian Place of a Lifetime just a few weeks ago when I traveled to the Khutzeymateen Grizzly Bear Sanctuary in northern British Columbia. This Valley of the Grizzly is home to approximately 50 bears one of the highest concentrations of coastal grizzlies in the province. Seeing grizzlies was certainly the highlight (we saw five) but the surroundings were the most beautiful I' ve ever experienced the towering Coast Mountains the dense old growth Sitka spruce rain forest the cool fresh air and big open sky the clear water and best of all the wildlife salmon sea lions humpback whales bald eagles and grizzlies. It was nature at its most spectacular I was in awe and I wasn' t alone.
New Year's Eve at Mont Tremblant, Quebec: After a day of skiing the scenic hills of the Laurentian Mountains head to this snowdusted pedestrian village reminiscent of a European hamlet. Warm up with hot wine while you sit around outdoor fireplaces stoked with maple logs dig into fondue at La Savoie and top off dinner with sweet Brittany style crepes or fried Beavertails sprinkled with cinnamon. New year' s festivities feature ski instructors performing acrotic tricks on Tremblant Mountain followed by a torch lit run and fireworks at midnight.