Brennan Vacations - The Beginning
In April 1978 Brennan Vacations began with five, deluxe escorted motorcoach vacations of the Canadian Rockies. Through the early years Brennan remained focused in Western Canada, British Columbia and Vancouver Island. Then in 1983 it was time to expand into eastern Canada and two tours were added. These new vacations took passengers through the Eastern Cities of Ontario and Quebec, along with a journey through provinces of Atlantic Canada.

Brennan Vacations - The 1990's
In 1990, Brennan moved south into the United States and opened up two exciting vacations focusing on America Western History and National Parks. The highlights of these new adventures were centered around Yellowstone and Grand Canyon National Parks.

The expansion moved further south in 1993 by adding a vacation to Mexico's famous Copper Canyon. This vacation brought a new mode of integration for Brennan Vacations by adding a full two-day rail experience through the Copper Canyon for their valued clients. Which fostered more integration of inter-model experiences throughout the Brennan product line.

As we move forward to present time Brennan Vacations continues to listen to past travelers and what they have said about their experiences while on vacation. Always trying to create greater quality, service and value in the destinations they served. By 1999, Brennan Vacations now operated over 20 premier escorted motorcoach vacations throughout North America. In becoming a year round tour operator Brennan decided to create unique winter escorted vacations in both Yellowstone National Park, and Western Canada.

Brennan Vacations - 2000 and Beyond
As we move into the future so to does Brennan Vacations. In 2000, Brennan Vacations expanded its vacation offerings outside the borders of North America to include Ireland. There are six diverse itineraries highlighting the history and the people of this enchanting Island.

Our guests are demanding more leisure time, history, and experiences. Each year Robert Brennan brings new enhancements to Brennan’s escorted motorcoach vacations keeping in touch with where our guests dream about traveling or are planning there next vacation destination. On question always asked by our guests is, “Where would you like to spend more time?” In response, Brennan Vacations continues to develop exciting new itineraries and destinations to meet the desires of our guests.

Thus was born then next dream Canada à la Carte, Independent Vacations, “A new dimension in travel.” Three years in development and planning, this latest dream was born in January 2000. Brennan Vacations took their experiences from operating premier escorted motorcoach vacations over 23 years and created an independent vacation division covering all of Canada. The goal remains the same, provide greater quality, service, and value for our guests traveling with us on vacation, but now the opportunities are only limited by the guests and their dreams.

It is the perfect compliment to Brennan’s escorted motorcoach vacations, allowing both new and past guests to dream new dreams or go back and relive the dreams experienced on a past escorted vacation with Brennan. Through both independent and escorted vacations, Brennan Vacations along with its new division, Canada à la Carte, is ready to meet the needs of future traveler.

Brennan Vacations is proud to be family owned and operated going into its 25th year of operation. Our passion for providing greater quality, service and value for our guests drives us to carry forward our distinct escorted vacations along with our new independent vacations to future generations of Brennan Alumni.

John Brewster Arrives in 1886
John Brewster came to Siding 29 (later to be called Banff) in 1886 and established a dairy. His business prospered, with the Banff Springs Hotel (est. 1888) as a major customer. John had six sons and a daughter, all of whom became prominent citizens of Banff.

Brewster Sons - From Guides to Hotel Owners
In 1892, although Bill Brewster was only 12 and brother Jim two years younger, their back country experience convinced the Banff Springs' manager to recommend them as guides for the hotel's guests.

Eight years later the boys established their own outfitting company. Through the early 1900's, the company was busy and successful: guiding, contract packing, and livery services around the Banff area proved to be very lucrative. In quick succession they opened the Brewster Trading Store, started livery and outfitting services at Lake Louise and Field, B.C., and purchased the original Mount Royal Hotel in Banff. They then began promoting the Canadian Rockies at shows as far away as New York.

Early 1900s - Motorcoach Business Begins
In 1916 Jim Brewster decided to take a far­sighted course of action: he acquired five Overland motor coaches to replace the 70 horse drawn carriages which Brewster was using to conduct sightseeing tours.

The Expansion Era
The 1930's saw further expansion for the company: the first lodge at Sunshine ski area and construction of the Columbia Icefield Chalet, a starting point for tours onto the Athabasca Glacier.

During the postwar years, Brewster Transport continued to expand the number and diversity of their scenic tours and to upgrade their motor coaches. In 1969 the company started using snowmobiles to carry their Columbia Icefield tours. Improvements in design have resulted in today's specially­built "snocoaches" which carry passengers in safety and comfort on the surface of the Athabasca Glacier.

Brewster Sold to Corporate Ownership
Upon Jim Brewster's death in 1947 control of the business was delegated to a group of appointed directors. In 1965, the Brewster Transport Company was purchased by Greyhound Lines of Canada. In May 1996, the two companies were separated under a special plan of arrangement. Brewster is now wholly owned by VIAD Corp.