'Pretending I was royalty': What it was like staying at iconic Castle in the Rockies

- Brought to you by Scenic

Canada had always been one of those places I dreamed about travelling to. The kind of destination that promises big landscapes, bigger adventures, and a sense of pure, untouched wilderness.

So, when I had the chance to explore Canada with Scenic, I knew I was in for something special.

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City vibes and mountain highs

We began in Vancouver, a city that has that perfect west coast energy - mountains in the background, ocean in the foreground, and some of the friendliest locals I've ever met.

From there, we travelled inland, toward the majestic peaks of the Canadian Rockies.

Royalty in the Rockies

Now, if you've never seen Banff National Park in person, it is breathtaking. I've enjoyed my fair share of jaw-dropping landscapes, but Banff is on another level.

As part of Scenic's Special Stays, we spent two nights at the Fairmont Banff Springs, an iconic chateau-style hotel known as The Castle in the Rockies.

Yes, it's as grand as it sounds - and yes, I wandered the halls pretending I was royalty… until the resident ghost made an appearance!

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Choose your own path

The real magic of travelling with Scenic, though, is the choice.

Their Scenic Freechoice excursions meant I could decide what I wanted to experience each day - whether that was exploring Athabasca Glacier aboard a specially designed Ice Explorer vehicle, taking a Harley ride through Jasper National Park, or taking to the skies in a helicopter over the snowy peaks of Whistler.

A little tip when you're choosing - all three come highly recommended.

Driving through a Hollywood set

And let's not forget the Icefields Parkway - a stretch of highway so spectacular it feels like a Hollywood set from a nature documentary.

Often called one of the world's most scenic drives, it connects Lake Louise to Jasper, winding through the heart of the Canadian Rockies. But calling it a "drive" doesn't really do it justice.

It's more like an open-air picture gallery. Every twist in the road reveals another jaw-dropping scene: emerald glacier-fed lakes, towering snow-draped peaks, and the occasional bear or moose making a surprise appearance.

Luxury meets the wild

But what really stuck with me was the balance Scenic strikes between comfort and adventure.

One minute you're deep in the wilderness spotting wildlife, and the next you're enjoying fine dining with a glass of Canadian wine as part of your Scenic Freechoice Dining options.

Every element feels thoughtful, well-paced, and most importantly a truly authentic Canadian experience. I love that Scenic only travel in small groups so it makes the journey so much more personalised.

There's more to explore

If you're like me and you start planning your next trip while still on your current one, Scenic already planted the seed: an optional cruise from Vancouver up through the Inside Passage and into Glacier Bay.

It's an area known for its rugged coastline, calving glaciers, and igniting that feeling that you've just discovered something epic. Yep, I've already put it in the travel diary.

This wasn't just another trip - it was the kind of travel experience that changes how you see the world… Canada, you were spectacular.

David Whitehill travelled as a guest of Scenic. Check out more of David Whitehill in the video below.

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