Canada - Incredible Experiences

Canada’s wild northern frontier has etched itself into the national psyche, and its distinct patchwork of peoples has created a country that is decidedly different from its southern neighbour. It’s the sovereignty of Canada’s indigenous, French and British traditions that gives the nation its complex three-dimensional character. Add to this a constant infusion of US culture and a plethora of traditions brought by immigrants and you have a thriving multicultural society.

Best time to visit

March to November – spring, summer and autumn

Highlights

Gorging on a whopping big lobster supper on the delectable Prince Edward Island
Checking out fog-bound Halifax, one of the world’s largest natural harbours
Chilling out in the old town of Montréal – the streets are filled with musicians, restaurants, groovy shops and a general atmosphere of bonhomie
Spotting artic wildlife in Churchill – from polar bears and beluga whiles to caribou and arctic foxes
Hiking in Auyuittuq National Park, a pristine wilderness of mountains, valleys, fjords and meadows
Visiting the historic Viking settlement at L’Anse aux Meadows
Canoeing in Algonquin Park
Incredible rail journeys

Experiences at Niagara Falls

Helicopter flightseeing over the falls
Niagara falls tour
Skylon tower elevation
Niagara Falls Boat tour – Hornblower
Niagara Falls Adventure Pass
IMAX theatre
Journey behind the falls
Niagara’s fury
Butterfly Conservatory
Niagara Skywheel

Experiences in Toronto

CN Tower and the Lookout
Toronto city pass
Niagara falls from Toronto
Toronto Harbour and Island Boat Tour
Toronto city sightseeing tour
Toronto Hop on hop off tour
Ontario Science Centre
360 Restaurant dinner
Art Gallery of Ontario
Medieval times dinner and tournament
Casa Loma

Experiences in Vancouver

Deluxe Vancouver city tour
Whistler / Shannon Falls tour
Victoria / Butchart Gardens tour
Flightseeing Vancouver tour
Whale watching from Vancouver

Eat

Oka cheese from Quebec or maple syrup (best served on pancakes with ice cream)

Drink

VO (Very Own) rye whiskey, cherry cider or Ice Wine

Surprises

Halifax was the base of rescue operations for the Titanic tragedy. The plains people such as the Cree and Blackfoot, were forced into the Europeans’ world by the virtual extinction of the buffalo.

Vancouver

Located at Canada’s southwestern border, the city of Vancouver boasts majestic mountains, sparkling ocean, rainforests and beautiful foliage in all four seasons. A vast multicultural population, endless activities, and excellent infrastructure ensure Vancouver is welcoming to all. While the city has excellent public transportation, it is a great walking city – easily accessible, clean, green and safe. Vancouver caters to almost any interest throughout the year; visitors can enjoy world-class shopping, gourmet meals, outstanding live entertainment, sporting events, theatre, outdoor adventure, a huge array of watersports, and spectacular sights and attractions. The city is also known for its easy access to Whistler, the Canadian Rockies, Victoria, and Vancouver Island. Don’t miss the opportunity to traverse the thrilling, famous Capilano Suspension Bridge and its new related activities, including palpitation-inducing cliff walks and historical tribal sites.

Vancouver Island

Idyllically located just off Canada’s Pacific Coast in the British Columbia Province, the massive Vancouver Island is home to stunning natural scenery offering an abundance of adventure sports, and a wealth of historical and cultural wonders. The wave-whipped beaches and verdant forests of the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve provide the ultimate opportunities for surfing and hiking, and the chance to see cougars and other endangered animals. Turquoise natural pools are surrounded by gigantic peaks and lush greenery, constituting picturesque locations for swimming, kayaking and other watersports. Small, friendly communities rich in cultural history are scattered across the island and enjoy telling visitors ancient legends around the fire and showing off their range of tribal artefacts. In the capital, Victoria, a rich architectural heritage and variety of cultural museums provide further insight, and visitors can enjoy the many cosmopolitan and modern city delights.

Vancouver

Vancouver Island

Toronto

Toronto, the capital city of Ontario, is a vibrant, multi-cultural city that boasts an incredible range of attractions and events. Perhaps its best-known landmark is the world-famous CN Tower, a national icon and one of the world’s tallest buildings. Visitors rocket to the top at 15 mph in a dizzying, 58-second elevator ride then enjoy 360-degree city views from the fine dining restaurant at the pinnacle. Visitors to Toronto can enjoy discovering the artwork and all the action in the boutiques, galleries, theatres and cafés of the pedestrian-only Distillery District, or hit the high-end boutiques on Bloor Street or at the Eaton’s Centre. Later they can take in world-class theatre, opera, symphony and more in the booming theatre district or head for the Beaches, the city’s popular lakefront neighbourhood where sidewalk cafés, trendy restaurants and pubs welcome everyone from bohemian artists to financiers.

Victoria

Situated on the southern end of Vancouver Island in British Columbia, the charming town of Victoria serves as the provincial capital. It is known for its numerous outdoor activities, heritage architecture, and its colourful gardens. The surrounds feature ancient rainforests, majestic mountains and a wild Pacific coastline. Visitors can look forward to partaking in the tradition of afternoon tea, discovering the city’s world-class culinary delights, and enjoy a variety of adventure options with everything from kayaking to whale-watching. Other attractions include: the stately Craigdarroch Castle, a historic Victorian-era Scottish Baronial mansion; Butchart Garden, with its immaculately kept grounds; and the extensive network cycle paths, Victoria has more cycle routes than any other Canadian city.

Northwest Territories

An epic landscape of boreal forest, Arctic wilderness, lakes and wildlife awaits those who come out to play in Canada’s remote Northwest Territories. The call to adventure won’t disappoint as you kayak down the South Nahanni River (with the roar of Virginia Falls in the background), enjoy a night or two at a luxury lodge or prospector’s tent (transported by dogsled), or get a bird’s eye view of the lake-dotted landscape in a bush plane… Visit the capital Yellowknife for a game of night golf under the midnight sun; go wildlife spotting at Thelon Wildlife Sanctuary or Wood Buffalo National Park (the nesting site or the rare whooping crane). And that’s just the tip of the iceberg…

Lake Louise

Lake Louise town is situated in Alberta in Canada, within the extraordinary Banff National Park and Rocky Mountains. The lake’s hamlet was named after Princess Louise Caroline Alberta, the fourth daughter of Queen Victoria, and is famous for its turquoise appearance, the Victoria Glacier, the soaring mountain backdrop, and enormous surrounding ski resorts. Hikers can enjoy a trek up to Lake Agnes Tea House for stunning panoramic views, rent canoes, or skate on the lake’s icy surface in winter. Other highlights include the Lake Louise Gondola, a cable car which crawls up the Whitehorn Mountain via an open ski lift or enclosed gondola, providing a better chance of spotting the area’s local grizzly bears. Several other viewpoints offer more magnificent spots to take in the sights.

Niagara-on-the-Lake

Lying on the banks of the exquisite Lake Ontario, Niagara-on-the-Lake is a town in the Niagara Region of the southern part of the Canadian province of Ontario. Visitors can look forward to wandering around the charming flower-filled old town area, the streets of which are lined with quaint colonial-style buildings, boutique shops, tempting cafes, and cast-iron planters bursting with colorful flowers. Must-see attractions include: Fort George, which was the scene of several battles during the War of 1812; and the historical Mississauga Point Lighthouse dating back to 1804. Just beyond the town, lies Ontario’s picturesque wine region, which is home to some of Canada’s finest wineries and an array the region’s most renowned restaurants.

Halifax

Presided over by the spooky hilltop Halifax Citadel, Halifax Nova Scotia harbour town has long been a key trading port, but today is more popular for its fresh sea air and lively buzz. It is a mix of historical heritage and modern seaside chic, with quaint old buildings, arty boutiques and gourmet eateries. Encompassing four universities, it is also a vibrant student town with nightlife to match – there’s plenty of after-hours entertainment in the city’s profusion of bars, night clubs, live music venues and revamped waterfront area.

Whitehorse

Embraced by the banks of the Yukon River and surrounded by the peaks of the Grey and Golden Horn mountains, this buzzing city is complemented by more nature than you’ll know what to do with. Tour the S.S. Klondike sternwheeler for a touch of Gold Rush history, head off to Miles Canyon and walk the suspension bridge, and take your pick of more than 700km of trails that will connect you to rivers, lakes, valleys and mountains. Visit the Yukon Wildlife Preserve where the combination of lowland, wetlands and steep rock cliff make for great wildlife viewing. The city also boasts a vibrant visual arts community and its very own snow-sculpting team.

Thousand Islands

The Thousand Islands lie within the St. Lawrence River on the border between the United States and Canada. A highly scenic area popular with wealthy families in the 19th century, when it earned the nickname ‘the Venice of the New World’, these days the area is a prime destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Boat cruises around the majestic granite islands are widely available (depart from Gananoque, Brockville, Rockport, Wellesley Island or Alexandria Bay), and diving among shipwrecks in a popular activity for visitors to Kingston. Clayton features a lovely Antique Boat Museum, while Wolfe Island is home to fishing, popular horse and carriage rides and a vibrant summer music festival. Finally, be sure to check out the opulent mansions of Boldt Castle (on Heart Island) and Singer Castle (on Dark Island).

Winnipeg

A significant stop on the Trans-Canada trek, Winnipeg offers everything and more of a true destination city, so be sure to stay and enjoy a bit of the Manitoba capital’s culture, history, nature and renowned fringe-theatre productions. There’s something for everyone: gallery-hopping in the historic Exchange District, tours of the Canadian Mint, getting up-close and personal with Bison at FortWhyte Alive, star-gazing at the Manitoba Museum Planetarium, browsing St Norbert Farmers’ Market, walking the city’s signature trail ‘The Loop’, or enjoying ‘glow-in-the-dark mini-golf’ at U-Puttz Amusement Centre.

Yellowknife

Situated on the north shore of the Great Slave Lake, the capital of Canada’s Northwest Territories, Yellowknife beckons adventurers, nature lovers, history buffs, and anyone yearning for pure nature. (If you had to draw a line from Yellowknife to the Arctic Ocean no road would cross your path.) A visit to the Northern Frontier Visitors Centre will assist you in making the most of it, but must-do’s include the scenic Ingraham Trail, a visit to the colourful houseboats of Yellowknife’s Old Town, and the exhibits at the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre. And if you’re there in winter or autumn, the Northern Lights will put on a show.

Nanaimo

Edging the east coast of Vancouver Island in British Columbia, the Canadian city of Nanaimo is best known for its natural landscapes featuring long stretches of pristine shoreline, forested mountains and spectacular ocean vistas. Visitors can look forward to a wide selection of wonderful activities including visiting the tidal lagoon at Pipers Park; browsing the collection of unique shops and inviting cafes lining the heritage streets of the Old City Centre, and strolling along the Harbourfront Walkway to soak up the magnificent sea views. Don’t miss the opportunity to venture to Newcastle Island dotting the Nanaimo Harbour just north of the city and home to a number of ancient First Nation sites and a network of scenic trails. Other highlights inlcude: hiking to rainforest waterfalls, enjoying a local craft beer, and whale watching.

Squamish

Located north of Vancouver in British Columbia, Canada, the town of Squamish is set at the northern tip of Howe Sound. Set amidst stunning mountain scenery, the town serves as an excellent base from which to explore the scenic surrounds. Visitors can look forward to a variety of outdoor activities and attractions including climbing the Stawamus Chief, a huge granite monolith; soak up incredible views from the Sea to Sky Gondola, explore the islands that dot the Howe Sound, discover the vast network of mountain biking trails and view the incredible Shannon Falls. Don’t miss the opportunity to take an underground train tour at the Britannia Mine Museum.

Ontario

Bordering Hudson Bay to the north and the US to the south, Ontario Province presents as many contrasts as it does cultures (the Caribbean Carnival, Oktoberfest and the Canadian Aboriginal Festival are celebrated here). Home to around 250 000 lakes, endless forests, abundant wildlife, and areas of vast wilderness, Ontario offers the traveller an opportunity to settle into nature, enjoying its bounty, or soak up the vibe of its main cities. Toronto and Ottawa offer their share of a vibrant arts and entertainment scene and grand architecture.

Banff

Nestled high in the Canadian Rockies, Banff is a town that makes you feel at home and exhilarated with wonder all at the same time. There is no other place in the world where you can find a vibrant community of artists, athletes, families, outdoor enthusiasts, restaurateurs and hoteliers nestled in an enormous national park. This is a town that truly celebrates its heritage, lives and breathes mountain culture and never takes its backyard for granted.

Banff was intended to be a tourist town from its very inception – the park’s first superintendent even oriented the town’s first street in such way that it would offer the best possible views of Cascade Mountain.

Banff National Park

Established in 1885, Banff National Park is Canada’s oldest national park. Tucked amidst the Unesco-listed Rocky Mountains, this stunning national park is home to dramatic mountainous terrain, hot springs, rushing rivers, ancient glaciers, ice fields, and dense alpine forest. It is renowned for its abundant wildlife, turquoise glacial lakes, and its wide variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, biking, camping and more. Other highlights include the Cave and Basin National Historic Site, and the Banff Park Museum National Historic Site, featuring over 5 000 historic zoological and botanical specimens. Visitors can soak up some of the world’s most breathtaking mountain scenery, learn about the cultural heritage of the park and spot an array of free-roaming wildlife.

Quebec

If one were to describe Québec in just one word, it would have to be ‘grand’. From the World Heritage treasure of Old Québec and the triple peaks at the heart of cosmopolitan Montreal to the rich biodiversity of the St Lawrence River estuary and Wildlife Park (including beluga and blue whales, Harp seals and narwhals) and the entertainment phenomenon that is Cirque du Soleil… A seamless blend of North American and European heritage has evolved into a sophisticated culture that will satiate any traveller looking for the finer things in life, as well as myriad good old-fashioned nature-loving experiences offered by a contrasting landscape and host of wildlife, ranging from chipmunks to polar bears.

Quebec City

Immerse yourself in a place often compared to a European village, yet distinctly Canadian. Pretend to be royal when sleeping in a hotel that seems like a castle: the Fairmont Chateau Frontenac defines Québec City’s skyline. Try a wintery kind of sleep in a hotel made of ice. Locals celebrate winter, and so do you whether you stay snug inside your mittens and parka, or strip to a bathing suit for the annual snow swim, one of dozens of ways the Quebecois play during Winter Carnival. Spread melted maple sugar on snow, roll the cooled taffy onto a stick and pray your fillings hold.

Whistler

Resting at the foot of the twin Whistler and Blackcomb peaks amidst the Coast Mountains, the charming village of Whistler is located north of Vancouver in British Columbia, Canada. Whistler and Blackcomb are two side-by-side mountains that offer over 200 marked runs – it’s the largest skiable area in North America and a great year-round destination. Whistler is a vibrant base village, with epic skiing, snowboarding, skating, four championship golf courses, unbeatable shopping, restaurants and bars, accommodation to suit every budget, hiking trails, spas and arguably the best mountain bike park in the world. Other popular activities include snowshoeing, tobogganing and ski jumping at the Olympic Park.

Ottawa

Ottawa is Canada’s capital, a dynamic showcase city of more than one million people. Located in Ontario at the Quebec border, it’s a place where you’ll hear English and French spoken in the streets; where you can discover Canada’s proud heritage at impressive national sites and famous landmarks, including the Rideau Canal (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Parliament Hill and national attractions. It’s a city steeped in culture, with world-class museums and galleries displaying stunning national collections and special exhibitions from Canada and around the world.

Edmonton

Set on the banks of the North Saskatchewan River, the attractive town Edmonton is the capital of Alberta Province. For a good dose of culture, head to the downtown Arts District, where you’ll find theatres, concert halls and live music venues on almost every corner, or to find out more about the area’s heritage, head to Fort Edmonton Park – a ‘living history museum’ where the past has been artfully recreated in displays set in original old streets and buildings. Or if you’re a sports fan, check what’s on at the Commonwealth Stadium, where an array of major sporting events are hosted.

Kelowna

While the rolling vineyards, sunny weather, vast blue lake and gentle hills of Kelowna in the Okanagan Valley hold the promise of a tranquil and even romantic stay (think moonlight cruises, wine tasting, fine dining, coastal meanders), there are a host of adventure activities to choose from, incluing skiing, hiking, flyboarding, fishing and boating. For a touch of culture, factor in visits to the Waterfront Park, the Kelowna Community Theatre and the Kasugai Japanese Garden, and don’t miss a day trip to Myra Canyon Adventure Park, where you can walk or rent bikes. Alteratively, take a guided tour along the Kettle Valley Railway with its 18 trestle bridges and two tunnels.

Mont Tremblant

One of Canada’s principal ski destinations, Mont Tremblant is located just over an hour’s drive from Montreal. Highlights of the region include the award-winning Mont Tremblant Ski Resort, with its 960-peak and magnificent setting on the shores of Lake Tremblant; and Mont Tremblant National Park, with its scenic hiking trails and sparkling lakes. The small town of Mont Tremblant is located just a few minutes’ drive from the ski resort and offers an array of amenities, including shops, restaurants and cafes, as well as a beautiful lakeside hiking and skiing trail.

Canmore

Located close to Banff and west of Calgary, in Alberta’s magnificent Rocky Mountains the little town of Canmore is known for its spectacular surrounding scenery featuring rugged peaks, cascading waterfalls and glistening turquoise lakes fringed by alpine forests. Referred to as Canada’s ‘best-kept secret’, this old mining town is the first choice for visitors looking for a peaceful, relaxing holiday. Visitors can look forward to a variety of activities such as: visiting the nearby Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park where highlights include: climbing the Three Sisters and Ha Ling Peak, as well as hiking the incredibly scenic Grassi Lakes Trail. There are many other thrilling options for visitors: cross-country skiing, mountain biking, cave-exploring, and canyoning; to name a few.

Canada

Lumberjacks, beavers, hockey fanatics, Mounties and maple syrup spring immediately to mind. While Canada certainly provides all of these traditional associations in abundance, this awe-inspiring country has so much more to offer than a slew of cliches. With its unrivalled outdoor adventure facilities, its unforgettable natural landscapes and its exceptionally cosmopolitan and progressive cities, Canada has plenty to offer those seeking cutting-edge culture as well as adventure junkies looking for a serious adrenaline kick. Popular tourist destinations include: the magnificent Rocky Mountains around Banff and Lake Louise, high-end luxury ski resorts such as Whistler and Blackcomb, the French-speaking cities of Montreal or Quebec, or the uber-cool and perpetually bustling urban centres of Vancouver or Toronto. Whether visiting an Inuit lodge in Nunavut, taking a dog-sled ride through the Yukon to view the spectacular northern lights blaze across the night sky, or indulging in some lovely high tea on Vancouver Island, you are bound to find plenty of activities to keep you blissfully engaged in this exceptionally diverse and incomprehensibly vast nation.

Kamloops

Straddling the confluence of the North and South Thompson Rivers, the sunny city of Kamloops is a thriving cosmopolitan hub set in the heart of British Columbia’s Southern Interior. Rugged mountains, verdant valleys, sagebrush-covered hills and unspoilt lakes confine historic buildings, numerous shopping and dining facilities as well as ebullient festivities. Lovers of the outdoors can hike Sugarloaf Mountain, the Hoodoos, Dewdrop Range, Tranquille River, Gibraltar Rock and Kenna Cartwright Park. For a paddle on a kayak or a canoe, try the 100 lakes and streams within an hour’s drive of Kamloops. During the mild winter, traverse the snowy slopes on skis, snowshoes, ice skates, and snowmobiles. Other must-see sites include Riverside Park, Kamloops Museum and Archives, Kamloops Art Gallery, Kamloops Heritage Railway and the wineries and breweries at Thompson Valley.

Kingston

Idyllically located on the north shore of Lake Ontario and the mouth of the St Lawrence and Catarqui Rivers, Kingston is a small city which once served as the capital of Canada. This attractive historic city boasts an array of beautiful old buildings, churches and 19th-century fortifications, as well as a number of lively neighbourhoods known for their trendy restaurants, art galleries and vibrant nightlife. Must-see attractions include: the grand house and gardens of the Bellevue House National Historic Site, commemorating Canada’s first prime minister, Sir John A. Macdonald; and Fort Henry, which was built in the 1800s and holds regular military demonstrations.

Waterton Lakes National Park

Situated in the southwestern corner of of the Canadian Province of Alberta, the Waterton Lakes National Park is an impressive expansive of unspoiled wilderness. The park was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995 and, along with the neighbouring Montana’s Glacier National Park, forms the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park. Visitors can look forward to spotting an abundance of wildlife including, among others: bears, wolves, cougars, deer, coyotes, bobcats, wolverines, Canadian lynxes, river otters, beavers, and bald eagles. Must-see sights include the crystal-clear Waterton Lakes; the magnificent Red Rock Canyon; and Buffalo Paddock, a fenced-off area of prairie grassland providing the opportunity to witness buffalo in their natural environment.

Montreal

Set on an island in the Saint Lawrence River, Montreal, the largest city in Canada’s Quebec Province, is famous for its arts, design, and fantastic cuisine. Visitors can discover the country’s history along the cobbled streets of Old Montreal, with show-off buildings like the Basilique Notre-Dame stupefying its guests with its intricate domes. Gourmands delight in sensational Canadian food as well as everything from irresistible patisseries, to old Jewish delis, to hipster bars serving spectacular flavours all night. Art and design adorns the city, from sensational raw street art to chic, modern galleries. Featuring around 250 theatre and dance companies and more than 90 festivals, Montreal overflows with the arts. Explore the city by climbing or taking a bus up Mount Royal to scan the horizon, or cycling along the picturesque riverside pathways on a public bike.

Victoria

Calgary

Calgary is the natural hub for travel to Western Canada and the Canadian Rockies. But beyond the region’s famed western flair and spectacular natural beauty, Calgary is emerging as a popular urban destination – thanks in part to a young, educated population of over one million. Calgary is home to world-class attractions and festivals, and a culture of hospitality that welcomes visitors from all backgrounds. The Calgary Stampede, which draws a million visitors a year, is just one of many outstanding Calgary attractions. The region offers a striking variety of natural landscapes within easy day-tripping distance: Banff and Kananaskis are less than an hour and a half west by bus, while the famed badlands and dinosaur beds of Drumheller are less than two hours east.

Jasper

Jasper retains its timeless appeal as a peaceful, unpretentious and intimate former railway town that just happens to be set smack in the middle of some of the world’s most gorgeous protected wilderness. The town of Jasper is a year-round gateway for visitors to explore this pristine setting and world of adventure, whether paddling through crystal clear waters, hiking over 1200 km of trail, wildlife viewing, skiing, or just enjoying the serenity of an authentic Rocky Mountain destination that encourages guests to ‘unplug’. Jasper National Park is internationally-renowned for hiking, skiing and wildlife viewing.

Jasper National Park

Jasper national park was established in 1907 and is the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies. Jasper is the wildest of the mountain parks, and contains a superb backcountry trail system as well as the world famous Columbia Icefields, one of the only Icefields in the world accessible by road. It is internationally-renowned for hiking in the park, skiing at Marmot Basin and wildlife viewing, and is home to some of North America’s rarest animals, including healthy populations of grizzly bears, moose, caribou and wolves.

Prince Edward Island

With nicknames like the ‘Garden of the Gulf’ and ‘The Gentle Island’, the smallest and greenest of Canada’s provinces is a slow-paced haven of gentle beaches, red sandstone cliffs, rocky bluffs, lonely lighthouses and fertile farmlands. (Literary buffs would recognise it as the setting of the children’s classic Anne of Green Gables, and its story-book setting has lingered well into the present.) Take in the seaside views over a plate of the island’s renowned lobster or mussels, visit the capital Charlottetown (the thriving south-shore city is known as the Birthplace of the Confederation), where you can enjoy lobster tours, a number of galleries and theatres, markets, excellent golf, and boat and walking tours.

Tofino

Being famous for surfing and storm-watching may appear to be an odd mix of attractions, but they are the reasons why thousands of visitors descend on the tiny town of Tofino, Vancouver Island, each year. Affectionately known as the Tree Loving Capital of the World (by its own residents), Tofino also offers exceptional whale watching, and if your timing is right you can join the locals for the Pacific Rim Whale Festival, when thousands of grey whales pass by on their migration. Excellent camping, fishing, and waterside accommodation make this an all-round charming destination, with guided bear-watching tours, and the natural hot springs of nearby Maquinna Marine Provincial Park providing additional fun.

Yoho National Park

Straddling the Trans-Canada Highway, the Yoho National Park is a small park tucked away amidst the western slopes of the famous Canadian Rocky Mountains. Yoho National Park forms part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage Site. Set in southeastern British Columbia, this remarkably scenic park features sparkling lakes, cascading waterfalls, and majestic mountains. Neighbouring parks include the incredibly scenic Kootenay National Park to the south and Banff National Park to the east. The Cree word ‘Yoho’ means ‘awe and wonder’ and visitors can experience this and more at every single turn. Stop by the little settlement of Field; view the glacier-fed, ice-blue Kicking Horse River crowned by Wapta Falls and the magnificent Takakkaw Falls; discover the spectacular turquoise-coloured Emerald Lake, and soak up the endlessly captivating views of this dramatic landscape. Other popular activities include: hiking, camping, kayaking, whitewater rafting, cross-country skiing and hiking.

Saint John

Situated along the northern shore of the Bay of Fundy in New Brunswick, Canada, the port city of Saint John is the province’s largest city. It has recently undergone a revitalising transformation, evolving from a purely industrial port into a sophisticated urban tourist destination attracting many cruise ships, which dock at its rejuvenated waterfront. This Maritime city boasts a bustling downtown area, impressive Victorian architecture, and old steep, narrow side streets. Visitors can look forward to meandering through the heart of the city to explore restaurants, cafes, antique shops, boutiques, art galleries and wine bars that are housed in converted warehouses. Other attractions include: New Brunswick Museum and the Reversing Falls Rapids, a good spot to view the famous Fundy tides.

Algonquin Provincial Park

One of central Ontario’s prime attractions, Algonquin Park is a natural wonderland of maple-clad mountains, sparkling lakes and rivers, and rugged rocky cliffs. Favourite summer activities include hiking, biking, canoeing, fishing and whitewater rafting, while the winter months bring opportunities for skiing, snowmobiling and dog-sledding. Wildlife spotting is a year-round activity in Algonquin, with resident game including deer, moose, wolves, bear, beavers and more than 250 bird species. To find out more about the ecology and history of the park, visit Algonquin’s excellent Visitor Centre, or enrol in one of the Natural Heritage Education courses offered.

Charlottetown

Prince Edward Island’s largest and capital city, Charlottetown was named for the wife of King George III. With its beautifully preserved old architecture, tidy streets and gardens, and hospitable locals, it’s a welcoming town that still retains a strong sense of history and tradition. Wander its network of walking trails past cafes, art galleries, local markets and historical buildings, or take in a performance of the award-winning Anne of Green Gables musical at the Confederation Centre of the Arts. Charlottetown hosts festivals throughout the year, the most celebrated of which is the July 1st fireworks display – the largest pyrotechnic show east of Ottawa.

Revelstoke

Resting at the confluence of the Columbia and the Illecillewaet Rivers, in the province of British Columbia, Revelstoke city is renowned as a world-class winter sports destination. This old railway town serves as a base for visitors to explore the magnificent surrounding area. The city is idyllically sandwiched between the impressive Selkirk and Monashee mountains and sits along the famous Trans-Canada Highway, which makes it easily accessible to all visitors. This beautiful landscape features snow-capped peaks, alpine slopes, and steep gorges; which draws outdoor enthusiasts and extreme winter sports seekers from around the globe. Visitors can enjoy an array of activities in winter including: heli-skiing, snowmobiling, powder skiing and boarding. Summer activities include: whitewater rafting, hiking, stand up paddle boarding and horse riding.

Sunshine Coast

Stretching for over 180 kilometres along the southern mainland coast of British Columbia, Canada, the Sunshine Coast is a magnificent wilderness region where beautiful forests fringe sandy beaches and rugged mountains meet the wild waters of the Pacific Ocean. The area forms an ideal habitat for a diverse range of wildlife including, among others: cougars, black bears, wolves, orcas, seals, sea lions, and bald eagles. A number of charming little coastal communities are dotted along the coast, many of which feature an array of excellent restaurants, quirky artisan shops, farmers markets, welcoming local residents, and a wonderfully laidback lifestyle. The area also offers a variety of outdoor activities including hiking, kayaking, diving, snorkelling, fishing and mountain biking, with renting facilities available in almost every town.