FOCUS - JUNE 2017 71 I am always amazed by the cleanli- ness and serenity of Victoria, Canada’s western most capital. Tea at the Em- press Hotel is a must and Miniature World in the lower level is well worth the visit. For those who enjoy walking, a visit to beautiful Butchart Gardens will easily take a day. Once you are on the mainland, Stan- ley Park, complete with its Teahouse restaurant, is a place not to be missed. Vancouver is a vibrant city, with many unique eateries found in Gastown and Granville Island. The weather is usually warmer than the east and the people have a joie de vivre way about them. Heading north to Whistler puts you on top of the world. Skiing, hiking, sled- ding and bear watching are some of the great possibilities that await you. For the true adventurer, continue north to Prince George, where remoteness doesn’t even begin to describe the area. When you arrive you are greeted by Mr. PG, a gigantic statue made from lumber and steel, two elements for which the region is known. Passing through the Okanagan val- ley you arrive in Alberta and the city of Banff, which is considered Canada’s mountain playground. Great outdoor activities await travellers. Less than an hour away is Lake Louise with all its splendour. Take a trek through Johnson Canyon, as it is well worth the stop. If you are driving, head north to Jasper. The scenery is breathtaking and the wildlife abundant. Jasper has white-water rafting, the Edith Cavell Glacier and dozens more sights to see. Edmonton, Alberta’s capital is only a few hours away, or head south to Calgary and catch the stampede (mid-July). Continue west to Canada’s Prairie Provinces. And if you want to catch the Northern lights, Prince Albert or North Battleford, Saskatchewan will give you some amazing visuals (the best time of year to see the lights is in winter). Head south to Saskatoon, a very modern, cosmopolitan city, with extremely wide streets and many restaurants (my favourite is John’s Steakhouse). Visiting the capital city of Regina with its parks and sophistication, is a must, and sets the mid-west apart from the rest of the country. Winnipeg, the capital of Manitoba, among its many attributes, has a great zoo. If you see people staring upward at the Parliament buildings, they are looking at Golden Boy, a statue perched A mountain sheep rests on the highway in Banff National Park. Toronto skyline. Quebec City’s Chateau Frontenac. ...................... Please turn to page 72