Mietwagenrundreise: "Von Seattle in die Rocky Mountains"

About the destination: Seattle is a major coastal seaport and the seat of King County, in the state of Washington. Seattle lies on seven hills including Capitol Hill, First Hill, West Seattle, Beacon Hill, Magnolia, Denny Hill and Queen Anne. The Kitsap and the Olympic peninsulas along with the Olympic Mountains lie to the west of Puget Sound, while the Cascade Range and Lake Sammamish lie to the east of Lake Washington. An iconic feature of Seattle's skyline is the Space Needle. The view from the top is stunning with a revolving restaurant, undoubtedly Seattle's most famous landmark. Mount Rainier, towering over Seattle, is 50 miles from the city. There's a national park with camping and hiking activities. One of Seattle's most popular attractions is Pike Place Market. The farmer's market is over 100 years old and still maintains local flavour. The Seattle Aquarium showcases a wide variety of colourful marine species. To relive Seattle's history visit the city's oldest neighbourhood around Pioneer Square. Moreover, it's packed with exciting night clubs, restaurants and galleries. Seattle is one of the beautiful cities of the Pacific Northwest. Eclectic, urban, outdoorsy, artsy, gritty and down-to-earth, this vibrant city is well worth a visit.

About the destination: Vancouver is a coastal seaport city on the mainland of British Columbia, Canada. Vancouver is the eighth largest Canadian municipality and one of the most ethnically and linguistically diverse cities in Canada. Explore the cobbled streets, shopping, dining and unique architecture of Gastown, a national historic site. Vancouver houses the second largest Chinatown in North America after San Francisco. It has many unique, as well as traditional shops. Granville Island is a popular peninsula connected to Vancouver. With its colourful market, it's a draw amongst locals and visitors alike. Vancouver wouldn't be the same without Stanley Park, one of the great urban parks. It's a perfect city escape. Overlooking Vancouver city, Grouse Mountain has winter skiing and even an excellent wildlife refuge. Vancouver has grown into a cosmopolitan city nestled in the great outdoors. Enjoy the snow-capped mountains, waterfront forests, cityside beaches, Olympic history and the world’s highest suspension bridge.

About the destination: The absence of cars and abundance of cozy cafes, boutiques and gourmet restaurants give Whistler the look and feel of an idyllic European mountain village But the town's charms go far beyond its aesthetic appeal and walkability. Whistler is one of the leading areas in the world for winter leisure activities and is one of the top ski-resort towns in North America. Whistler has two great vertical-rise mountains: Blackcomb Mountain (5,280 ft/1,609 m), and Whistler Mountain (5,020 ft/1,530 m). The town was founded on these natural skiing attributes, but visitors can choose from an ever-growing selection of additional snow-related activities, including snowboarding.

About the destination: Clearwater is a district municipality in the North Thompson River valley in British Columbia, Canada, where the Clearwater River empties into the North Thompson River. It is located 124 km (77 mi) north of Kamloops. Prior to European settlement, the area that is now occupied by the village was occupied by the Okelhs First Nations. They were eventually superseded by the Chilcotins in the 1870s. The fur trade brought the earliest settlers to the area. The Overlanders expedition to the Cariboo goldfields rafted down the North Thompson River in 1862. When they first arrived at the mouth of the Clearwater River, they named it for its distinct clarity compared to the relatively muddy waters of the North Thompson. The Overlanders also named Raft Mountain, which rises northeast of Clearwater to a height of 2,450 m (8,038 ft).

About the destination: Jasper is a town in Jasper National Park in the Alberta Rockies region of Alberta, Canada. Jasper National Park is part of a Canada wide system of National Parks, national historic sites and national marine conservation areas. Jasper along with Banff, Kootenay, and Yoho national parks and Mount Robson, Hamber and Assiniboine provincial parks in B.C form the world-renowned Canadian Rockies World Heritage Site Jasper is known for its magnificent glaciers, including North America's most accessible glacier, the Athabasca. You will also come across smaller glaciers while hiking in the mountains. Jasper has over 1000kms of hiking trails and some are quite easily accessible from the town centre.

About the destination: Lake Louise is a beautiful mountain lake in the middle of Banff National Park in the Alberta Rockies region of Alberta, Canada. The lake is surrounded by snow-capped peaks, and at the far end is a large glacier. The lake is quite isolated, but provides a magnificent setting for a luxury resort, the Chateaux Lake Louise. There is a very small town of the same name at the base of the mountain. On the shores of Lake Louise is The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. During the summer you can canoe on the lake and in the winter months they offer ice skating around the ice castle or horse drawn sleigh rides. Every January there is an international ice carving competition held called Ice Magic. The main attractions at Lake Louise are the vibrantly coloured glacial lakes and Victoria Glacier at the head of Lake Louise.

About the destination: Banff is the gateway to the National Park of the same name, holding some of Canada's most beautiful natural jewels. The town itself is fairly small and touristy. There are a ton of places to eat and shop, similar to any resort town. The town is located in the Bow River valley and is the perfect base to explore the great outdoors. With spectacular mountains, glaciers and moraine lakes, you will have scenery like few other places. Banff National Park is Canada's oldest national park, established in 1885 in the Rocky Mountains. The park, located 110–180 km west of Calgary in the province of Alberta, encompasses 6,641 km2 of mountainous terrain, with numerous glaciers and ice fields, dense coniferous forest, and alpine landscapes. The Icefields Parkway extends from Lake Louise, connecting to Jasper National Park in the north. Provincial forests and Yoho National Park are neighbours to the west, while Kootenay National Park is located to the south and Kananaskis Country to the southeast. Come to Banff in winter to enjoy the skiing and at other times of the year to revel in the grandeur of its magnificent surroundings. The hiking around Banff is wonderful, but if you don't want to go hiking, you could also just sit in the hot springs and relax.

About the destination: Nestled in the southwestern corner of Alberta, Canada, Waterton Lakes National Park is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, part of the larger Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, offers visitors a stunning blend of rugged mountains, pristine lakes, and diverse wildlife. Whether you're an avid hiker, a wildlife enthusiast, or simply in search of tranquility, Waterton Lakes has something for everyone. One of the park's most iconic features is the Waterton Lakes themselves. The Upper, Middle, and Lower Waterton Lakes are surrounded by dramatic mountain peaks and offer a variety of recreational activities. Kayaking, canoeing, and boat tours are popular ways to experience the crystal-clear waters and take in the breathtaking scenery. For those who prefer to stay on land, the lakeshore trails provide stunning viewpoints and excellent opportunities for wildlife spotting, including bears, deer, and a variety of bird species. Hiking is a must-do activity in Waterton Lakes National Park. With over 200 kilometers of trails, there are options for all skill levels. The Crypt Lake Trail is perhaps the most famous, featuring a challenging yet rewarding hike that includes a boat ride, a waterfall, a ladder climb, and a tunnel. For a more leisurely experience, the Bear's Hump Trail offers a shorter hike with panoramic views of the Waterton Valley and the townsite below. No matter which trail you choose, the park's natural beauty will leave you in awe. The charming townsite of Waterton Park provides a perfect base for your adventures. With a variety of accommodations ranging from cozy inns to luxurious lodges, you'll find the perfect place to rest after a day of exploration. The town also offers a selection of restaurants, cafes, and shops, ensuring you have everything you need for a comfortable stay. Don't forget to visit the iconic Prince of Wales Hotel, a historic landmark offering stunning views of the Waterton Lakes and the surrounding mountains.

About the destination: St. Mary, a small gateway community on the eastern edge of Glacier National Park, is one of the best bases for exploring Montana’s “Crown of the Continent.” Nestled where the Great Plains slam into the towering Rocky Mountains, St. Mary offers instant access to some of the park’s most dramatic scenery. The turquoise waters of St. Mary Lake, framed by jagged peaks and dense conifer forests, provide an iconic Glacier backdrop—and some of the finest sunrise and sunset views you’ll find anywhere in the Rockies. From St. Mary, the legendary Going‑to‑the‑Sun Road begins its spectacular climb across the park. This engineering marvel twists past waterfalls, hanging valleys, and sheer cliffs on its way to Logan Pass, where you can often spot mountain goats and bighorn sheep grazing near the trails. Numerous pullouts and trailheads make it easy to combine a scenic drive with short walks or full‑day hikes. Popular options include the St. Mary Falls and Virginia Falls trail, with its series of powerful cascades, and the Hidden Lake Overlook from Logan Pass. The town itself is small but traveler‑friendly, with lodges, campgrounds, and a handful of cafes and general stores providing everything you need before heading into the backcountry. It’s a practical starting point for boat tours on St. Mary Lake, ranger‑led programs, and photography excursions, especially during the wildflower‑rich summer months. In shoulder seasons—late spring and early fall—St. Mary becomes quieter, offering a more contemplative experience as the larch trees turn golden and early snows dust the peaks. Weather in this region can change rapidly, so layering is essential, even in midsummer. Book accommodations and vehicle reservations for the Going‑to‑the‑Sun Road well in advance, as Glacier National Park has become increasingly popular and access is carefully managed to protect its fragile alpine environment. With a bit of planning, St. Mary and Glacier National Park reward visitors with classic Western landscapes, abundant wildlife, and a sense of wilderness that feels increasingly rare.

About the destination: Spokane is a city located in the American State of Washington, near the border with the State of Idaho. Apart from being the most ancient city of the whole State, it is the second biggest city. It is important to emphasize that the city possesses an average from 270 sunny days along the year, in addition his location and climate are perfect what it makes it an a very attractive city, touristically speaking. There is an infinity of activities that you can realize in this charming city, from doing tours in bicycle in the Centennial Trail, to walking along the Parque Manito Park, climbing or practicing skiing in winter in the Spokane's mount, going by ship and going fishing or doing rafting in the Spokane River Rafting-ROW Adventure Center. You can also practice and play golf in their wonderful facilities throughout the city such as in the Hangman Valley Golf. Lovers of art and culture will also be able to enjoy a concert by the Symphony Orchestra Spokane or enjoy shows at the Opera House. Finally you will be able to visit one of the best universities in the United States, the University of Gonzaga and enjoy all his facilities.It is certainly an ideal city to live as much as for sightseeing, come and see.

About the destination: Seattle is a major coastal seaport and the seat of King County, in the state of Washington. Seattle lies on seven hills including Capitol Hill, First Hill, West Seattle, Beacon Hill, Magnolia, Denny Hill and Queen Anne. The Kitsap and the Olympic peninsulas along with the Olympic Mountains lie to the west of Puget Sound, while the Cascade Range and Lake Sammamish lie to the east of Lake Washington. An iconic feature of Seattle's skyline is the Space Needle. The view from the top is stunning with a revolving restaurant, undoubtedly Seattle's most famous landmark. Mount Rainier, towering over Seattle, is 50 miles from the city. There's a national park with camping and hiking activities. One of Seattle's most popular attractions is Pike Place Market. The farmer's market is over 100 years old and still maintains local flavour. The Seattle Aquarium showcases a wide variety of colourful marine species. To relive Seattle's history visit the city's oldest neighbourhood around Pioneer Square. Moreover, it's packed with exciting night clubs, restaurants and galleries. Seattle is one of the beautiful cities of the Pacific Northwest. Eclectic, urban, outdoorsy, artsy, gritty and down-to-earth, this vibrant city is well worth a visit.