Picture this: a morning spent canoeing alongside colleagues on the brilliant turquoise waters of a glacier-fed lake. A therapeutic walk through an unspoiled old-growth forest with a local Indigenous guide. World-class dining boasting global flavours, in cities nestled within the wilderness. 

No matter what your top performers are interested in, the perfect reward is sure to be found in the dramatic landscapes of British Columbia and Alberta. Not sure where to begin? We’ve rounded up the top five incentive experiences in Western Canada.

Search for the elusive Spirit Bear

After taking a private float plane from the world-class city of Vancouver, followed by a scenic boat ride, your team will arrive at Spirit Bear Lodge. Nestled in the Great Bear Rainforest, the world’s largest coastal temperate rainforest, this magnificent resort is surrounded calm water, towering trees and diverse plant species.

Owned and operated by the Kitasoo/Xai'xais First Nation, your incentive group can choose from an array of enriching cultural activities during their stay. Days can be spent being immersed in the local culture through visits to cultural sites with ambassadors and hikes in the rainforest with local guides.

Those seeking adventure can enjoy an exclusive world-class wildlife tour, getting an intimate view of whales, eagles, porpoises and many other marine and land animals. The highlight, though, is catching a glimpse of one of the rarest animals in the world: the Kermode (spirit) bear. A subspecies of the black bear with a white coat, there are only a few hundred in existence — which are culturally significant for the local Indigenous community.

Seeing this majestic bear in the wild is a transformative experience that will stay with your team long after they return home.

The trip of a lifetime

A trip on the ultra-luxurious Rocky Mountaineer is a bucket list item for scores of people. The Rocky Mountaineer has three unique rail routes that wind their way through some of Western Canada’s most exceptional landscapes.

While your high achievers stare out at the expansive glass domed observation cars, they will marvel at the pristine alpine lakes, snow-capped mountain peaks and seemingly endless rolling forests — not to mention a diversity of wildlife.

The vistas aren’t the only remarkable aspect of the trip. While on board, incentive groups will enjoy impeccable service and gourmet dining that features fine wines and locally sourced ingredients like Fraser River salmon. The Rocky Mountaineer also offers exclusive buyout options for organizations.

Go wild for wilderness

Take your group off the grid and into the wild at a luxurious resort in the tranquil wilderness of British Columbia. Highly remote, these luxe coastal resorts are accessible only by helicopter, floatplane or by sea. Upon arriving in the stunning, tranquil wilderness, your top performers will instantly feel relaxed, as they inhale the truly fresh air, and are surrounded by the sounds of silence.

Incentive groups can fill their days trophy fishing for Pacific salmon with local guides. They can experience the myriad benefits of forest bathing with a guided hike through the coastal rainforest, seeking out hidden waterfalls and a diversity of flora and fauna. Or they may choose to embark on a wildlife eco safari, spying orcas, humpbacks and more. Evenings are filled with gourmet coastal cuisine beneath a dazzling star-filled sky, gathering around the community campfire.

Choose from Clayoquot Wilderness Resort near Tofino, a million-acres protected biosphere playground; Nimmo Bay Resort, located in the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest; or Klahoose Wilderness Resort, an Indigenous-owned resort in Desolation Sound.

Embrace your spirit of adventure

One of the most jaw-dropping places on the planet, Canada’s Rocky Mountains are the ultimate incentive reward. The beauty is exceptional: dramatic mountain vistas and glistening glacier-fed lakes. So too is the accommodation, like a stay at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, a fairytale-like property that offers rooms delivering unbelievable views of the turquoise waters of Lake Louise. There's no better way to start a day than having the lake to yourself with an invigorating sunrise canoe.

Canada’s Rocky Mountains offer a host of unique team-building activities. During a stay here, teams can feel rejuvenated and recharged by taking a scenic helicopter to a remote glacier, where they will enjoy a guided hike and yoga class with an instructor.

They can admire the views from the mountaintops with an assisted climbing experience involving ladders and suspension bridges at Banff’s Via Ferrata at Mount Norquay, that lies 2,450 metres above sea level. While wearing a harness secured to the rock, they’ll be in awe as they stare out at dense forests, towering mountains and glistening lakes. Another draw is the chance to learn how to ski or snowboard with an expert instructor at one of the world’s most famous mountain resorts. The options are endless.

A majestic sight

British Columbia is home to one of the world’s most dramatic landscapes — from glistening blue waters to rugged coastlines. A great way for your team to take in its beauty and experience the ultimate thrill is through a private whale watching excursion. Either head out for a few hours from Vancouver or Victoria, or incorporate it into the agenda at one of the province’s luxury wilderness resorts.

While sitting next to their colleagues in an open-aired Zodiac, your stars will inhale the fresh sea air and listen to the calming sound of waves lapping against the boat. They’ll be in awe as majestic whales breach and crash into the water, before swimming and playing around them. British Columbia is home to orcas, humpbacks and grey whales, as well as an array of other marine life, meaning there’s no shortage of wildlife encounters to inspire your team.

Home to legendary incentives

With its rugged natural beauty and exhilarating adventures, Western Canada is home to some of the most legendary incentives in the world. And these experiences are only the beginning of Canada‘s incentive possibilities. With over 200 legendary experiences from coast to coast to coast, Destination Canada’s Business Events team can help planners create personalized incentives that are tailored to the unique needs of their teams.

For impartial insights, inspiration and introductions, planners can contact Jennifer Attersall, Director of Incentive Travel, Destination Canada Business Events at attersall.jennifer@destinationcanada.com