There’s no need to compromise on your next big trip – head to Canada, stretching grandly across North America and representing a holiday to suit every taste, age and style. Being the world’s second-largest country in terms of area, Canada’s geography gives rise to a host of unique experiences. You’ll find the people warm, willing and welcoming – as memorable as the nation itself. Plotting your course to take in the best and most diverse attractions is no easy challenge, so let us be your guide.
Vancouver
Touted as one of the most naturally beautiful cities in the world, and consistently voted as one of the top cities in the world in which to live, Vancouver boasts majestic mountains, sparkling Pacific Ocean waters, rainforests and beautiful foliage throughout all four seasons. A relaxed but bustling cosmopolitan city, Vancouver is known as a ‘city of neighbourhoods’, as each has its own distinctive character. The city also boasts one of North America’s largest urban parks, Stanley Park, and is the gateway to Canada and Alaska cruising. Visit the aquarium, take a seaplane tour, enjoy a sunset cruise, watch the whales, and hop on and off the Vancouver Trolley to discover all the sights downtown.
Victoria
Travel by ferry to Vancouver Island and experience the breathtaking beauty of the British Columbia coastline and the Georgia Strait. Pay a visit to British Columbia’s capital, Victoria, home to many British traditions such as double-decker buses, horse-drawn carriages, beautifully presented gardens and the tradition of formal afternoon teas. Well worth a visit are the beautiful Butchart Gardens, or, in summer, enjoy watching huge killer whales, dolphins and sea lions play in the waters off the southern coastline.
Whistler
The site of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, Whistler is a charming alpine village offering world-class skiing at both Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. The European-style village is also renowned for its restaurants, nightlife and annual festivals. The landscape around Whistler is the main attraction of the region, no matter what time of year. Once the snow melts, adventure seekers swarm to Whistler for walking and mountain biking on the endless numbers of tracks.
Calgary
Nestled in the picturesque foothills of Canada’s famous Rocky Mountains, Calgary is a cosmopolitan city, a fascinating history lesson and a launchpad for outdoor adventure all rolled into one. From the old west, directly into the new, Calgary is a prairie town that has truly come of age. The city is most famous for its annual Stampede, with rodeo action, ranch tours, chuckwagon races, innovative agricultural displays, live entertainment, terrific shopping, daily pancake breakfasts and even an urban beach. The Stampede is great fun for all the family.
Rocky Mountains
Sprawled along the Alberta–British Columbia border, the Canadian Rockies offer some of the most spectacular and untouched beauty in Canada, if not the world. The Rockies are dominated by towering peaks, luminous glaciers and sparkling lakes, and provide the perfect opportunity for activities such as wildlife walks, swimming, canoeing, camping and hiking. Some of the most spectacular sights and attractions in the Rockies are to be found in its national parks. Most notable are Banff National Park, famous for its therapeutic hot springs and the spectacular blue waters of Lake Louise, and Jasper National Park, which contains particularly remote areas of wilderness that have been calling nature lovers and adventure seekers for more than 150 years. Connecting these two national parks is the Columbia Icefield, a vast bowl of ice made up of about 30 glaciers. One of the best ways to see the spectacular landscape of the Rockies is on board the Rocky Mountaineer, built more than a century ago.
Edmonton
The capital city of Alberta, Edmonton is a cosmopolitan, cultural, government and educational centre built into the scenic valley of the North Saskatchewan River. Well-known as host to a year-round calendar of cultural events and festivals, such as the International Fringe Theatre Festival and the Doors Open Edmonton Festival, the city has rightfully earned itself the title of ‘The Festival City’.
Toronto & Niagara Falls
Toronto turns on enough year-round entertainment, festivals and fun that the rest of the world can’t help but take notice. Markets, cabarets, concerts and spectaculars are weekly fare in this cultural melting pot. As Canada’s biggest city, Toronto is an essentially busy metropolis, yet also refreshingly safe and accommodating, earning its ranking as one of the world’s most liveable cities. Renowned not only for their beauty, but also as a valuable source of hydroelectric power, stunning Niagara Falls sees more than 14 million tourists pay a visit from the Canadian side every year.
Toronto is a great place to base yourself for a visit to the falls, as day trips and cruises are readily available.
Montréal & Ottawa
The province of Québec offers a wonderful blend of culture, language, architecture and landscape, making this a thrilling and educational area to visit. Beautiful Montréal, the world’s second-largest French-speaking city, is the North American meeting point of English and French heritage.Offering the visitor a fantastic atmosphere and unique vibrancy that virtually oozes from the sidewalks, the city is a multicultural nirvana for food lovers: dine on an international menu as long as your arm at a multitude of cafes and restaurants that are full of vibrant character. An official bilingual city, there’s no better place to practice your Franglish!
The nation’s capital, Ottawa has been described as one of the world’s most beautiful capitals and has managed to retain the atmosphere, accessibility and charms of a small city. There are some excellent parks and wilderness areas located within and around the city, and it is also a major centre for visual and performing arts. For views of the parliament buildings, pay a visit to Parliament Hill.
Québec City
The predominantly French-speaking capital is webbed together by historic cobblestone streets and a distinctive and charming culture. UNESCO World Heritage listed, Vieux-Québec is the only walled city in North America, and its most famous landmark is the Château Frontenac, a beautiful and romantic castle-like hotel that overlooks the river and the historic Plains of Abraham. Québec is also home to the world’s largest Winter Carnival, complete with sports, snow sculptures, dog sled races and more.
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