Canada's West Coast is your oyster
By Malik Anderson
Western Canada has much to explore, from stunning scenery to eclectic food offerings. Of course, all this awaits while your group meets in the region’s hotels and meeting venues of all sizes and flavors. The FOMO is going to be off the charts.
Resources
Destination Canada
Mark Zanetti, client engagement manager
[email protected] | businessevents.destinationcanada.com
Visit Calgary
Mary-Frances Ryan, sales operations manager
[email protected] | tourismcalgary.com
Destination Vancouver
Michelle Taylor, manager, meeting & convention sales, Canada & international
[email protected] | destinationvancouver.com
Banff and Lake Louise
[email protected] | banfflakelouise.com
Tourism Victoria
[email protected] | tourismvictoria.com
Tourism Whistler
Alison Staley, manager, meeting & incentive sales
[email protected] | tourismwhistler.com

- Take to the waters in Victoria. The hundreds of lakes and rivers in Victoria make it a top kayaking destination. Along with hiking, diving, mountain biking and sportfishing, the Discovery Islands, between Victoria and mainland Canada, offer many opportunities to navigate the waves.
- Move your legs in Vancouver. Vancouver’s Seawall is the world’s longest uninterrupted waterfront path, at 17.4 miles. There are also numerous other hikes throughout the city, like the short but incredibly steep Grouse Grind, which ascends 2,800 feet in just 8 miles, and Lighthouse Park, which offers numerous easy hikes through some of the oldest Douglas firs in the area.
- Get well in Whistler. Whistler is an ideal destination for the wellness junkies in the group. The city’s mountainous terrain is awe-inspiring and enticing for attendees looking to get out and about in nature. It’s also home to several spas and wellness facilities.
- Hit the slopes in Banff. Though you can host an event any time of the year in Banff, winter—with the snow-capped Canadian Rockies and beautiful ski resorts—is a sight to Ski and snow- board lessons are available for first-timers.
- Take a culinary dive in Calgary. The food and drink selection in Calgary is crowd-pleasing and wide-ranging. You’d be remiss not to check out dining outlets like River Cafe in the middle of Prince’s Island Park or Major Tom, with its scenic city If you want to speedrun the culinary experience, Alberta Food Tours can give your group a quick (and delicious) overview.

Fairmont Chateau Whistler is set against Blackcomb Mountain, making for beautiful views from its guest rooms and several of its meeting venues. Given its location, attendees can look forward to breathtaking views.
More than 32,000 sq. ft. of meeting space; 519 guest rooms

The Westin Bayshore, Vancouver maintains the brand’s commitment to wellness, offering a 24/7 fitness center with six Peloton bikes, a Westin Wellness Studio and a range of classes, as well as paddleboarding and liquid yoga. Vida Spa offers another place to relax and rejuvenate.
68,586 sq. ft. of meeting space; 499 guest rooms

Calgary’s Hotel Arts is one of the trendier properties in the area, with stylish decor and modern art gracing the guest room walls. Additional amenities include two indoor dining outlets and a restaurant patio and pool, which is open-air in the summer.
12,000 sq. ft. of meeting space; 185 guest rooms

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise in Banff is tucked in Canada’s Rocky Mountains. Pair these mountain views with several of the property’s venues, such as Victoria Ballroom or Lefroy Room, or dining outlets like Lakeview Lounge & Summer Patio and Afternoon Tea.
36,000 sq. ft. of meeting space; 539 guest rooms and suites

Fairmont Empress in Victoria is right next to Government Street, the city’s well-renowned destination for shopping and dining. With its resemblance to a Victorian castle, your attendees will meet in class from your pick of its 15 venues.
18,000 sq. ft. of meeting space; 431 guest rooms and suites
This article appears in the September 2025 and September/October 2025 issues. You can subscribe to the magazine here.