Canada holidays

Which experiences is Canada best for?

Canada boasts nature in abundance, which you can explore in a multitude of different ways. Roam freely in summer, kayaking in remote rivers, fishing off the enchanting Prince Edward Island or, if you’re feeling intrepid, hiking Newfoundland’s epic Torngat Mountains and its bottle-green fjords. Winter Canada holidays are about thrilling snow-based adventure such as snowmobiling, skiing, snowshoeing and dog sledding. You could even go polar bear spotting in Churchill, known as the Polar Bear Capital of the World. Skiing is superlative in the Rockies, lauded for its reliable dumps of powder-white snow where you can wind past frozen waterfalls, rumbling glaciers and resident wildlife. In addition, you could dedicate a whole trip to Canada’s culinary culture, from farm-to-table grub in Quebec to aromatic ice wines in the Okanagan Valley.

Who is Canada best for?

Whether you’re a city slicker, adventurer, family, wildlife lover or foodie, Canada holidays offer a wealth of treasures that tick virtually every box. Outdoorsy types can rejoice in the host of finely tuned excursions from skiing and ziplining to hiking and kayaking. On top of that, there’s accommodation to suit all, from five-star resorts ideal for families to remote wooden lodges surrounded by pine. Or perhaps you’ll choose glamping in wilderness so remote it’s only accessible by seaplane.

What are the best ways to discover Canada?

Take two to three weeks on a self-drive exploration, punctuated with wild safaris, adrenaline-fuelled seaplanes, exploratory hikes and canoeing. Given the country’s vast size, we recommend focusing on selected areas chosen to suit your preferences. Exploring the Rockies is a trip in itself, from kayaking on the gorgeous Lake Louise and heli-touring over glaciers to white water rafting in the Athabasca Valley. Needless to say, you’ll be gobsmacked by the mountain vistas. Or there's British Columbia, where you can heli-ski in winter, and watch bears in the wilds of Vancouver Island which, to give some sense of scale, is the same size as Wales. Although Canada’s wilderness-filled national parks of Banff and Jasper are spectacular, the country’s bustling sky-scraping cities of Vancouver, Toronto, Niagara and Calgary are also not to be missed, and a few days in each is a great way to dive into Canadian culture.

Special things to do in Canada:

Island Living

Explore the Magdalen Islands, a small archipelago in the Gulf of Saint Lawrence where you can encounter colourful fishing houses, watch harp seals doze on the beach and tuck into the fresh seafood, like buttery lobster and fresh-from-the-sea mussels. Vancouver Island is also a firm favourite as it is brimming with history and colourful communities. Victoria, British Colombia’s capital, is laid back and low rise in comparison to Vancouver across the water. Wander along the Inner Harbour for a bit of boat spotting, before heading to the Royal BC Museum for an insight into the life and struggles of Canada’s First Nations people.

Bear Watching

The inlets off Vancouver Island are the ultimate spot to seek out some of the grizzliest bears in the world. Knight Inlet’s floating hotel is one of our absolute favourite spots for families or honeymooners, or just those who love a splash of adventure. After a seaplane journey into the inlet, and a refreshing cup of tea and fresh cookies, head out on a boat for a tour of the area, under waterfalls and around rocky outcrops, all the while keeping your eyes peeled for bears. Head into moss-covered bear hides where you may well catch a glimpse of a bear and her cubs trundling down the river, splashing as they go, in search of food. The wonderful wilderness and remoteness of these inlets make for the ultimate adventure.

Ranch Life

Make like a cowboy and stay in a frontier-style lodge surrounded by swaying grassland and magenta fireweed. Hop aboard your noble steed and take off through the undergrowth, over rolling hills, through babbling brooks and between the tangled limbs of ancient trees. Take part in activities such as fly fishing, canoeing and helicopter safaris, as well as outstanding equine adventures on endless nature trails. End the day with beautiful fresh food and drinks as the stars fill the dark night sky.

Take a Road Trip

Canada’s wide-open spaces make it easy to carve out the perfect road trip. Begin your travels in the bustling city of Toronto with dinner up the CN Tower overlooking Lake Ontario. Niagara is a must-stop-spot when in this neck of the woods and donning a fetching plastic poncho and hopping aboard the Maid of the Mist is the perfect way to explore the falls from the water. Fly to Calgary, pick up your car and traverse the famous Rockies that’ll take you through deep green pines and past intense turquoise lakes and soaring mountains. Venture onto Banff National Park and wind your way through fir tree forests and past icy-cold waterfalls, before reaching the ridiculously beautiful Lakes Louise and Moraine, their aquamarine waters calling out to be explored in canoes. Whistler is the ultimate stop for adventure lovers as zip lining, biking and skiing are just part of life here. Pass glaciers, cowboy ranches and skyscraper cities before ending your road trip on Vancouver Island for a spot of wine tasting and whale watching on the Campbell River. Of all the types of Canada holidays on offer, a Rockies road trip is easily the most memorable.