Canada
The vast country of Canada is a land of windswept prairies, towering mountains, fields of glaciers, pristine lakes, and rocky coastlines. Whether you’re a hardcore adrenaline junkie, a wildlife enthusiast or a city slicker, Canada ticks all the boxes.
Canada is primarily about the great outdoors and stunning scenery. It is the perfect destination for nature lovers and sports enthusiasts. Ice-capped mountains, mighty rivers, beautiful lakes, dense forests and wide open prairie are all found on Canada’s west coast.
A good starting point is Vancouver, home to the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. Surrounded by water on all sides, Vancouver is a cosmopolitan city that offers visitors great parks, panoramic views, virgin beaches and a bustling restaurant and nightlife. For a panoramic view over the city don’t miss out on a visit to Grouse Mountain.
Just off the coast of Vancouver is Vancouver Island. There are some fabulous places to stay and from here you can partake in grizzly bear tours, hiking, fly fishing and heli-hiking. The highlight for many is whale watching. If lucky you may see grey, humpback or killer (orca) whales. The west coast of Vancouver Island is home to the infamous Clayoquot Sound, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve where a huge array of wildlife can be viewed from killer whales to bald eagles. Here you can get up close and personal with seals, otters, martens, bears, eagles and puffins.
Alberta’s Rockies are an absolute haven for hikers, cyclists, canoeists and skiers. Within the Rockies, Banff National Park is the oldest and most famous of Canada’s natural icons and will inspire with its high peaks, ice blue rivers, huge glaciers and a large variety of wild animal including moose, elk, deer and bears. The Icefield Parkway is also one of the world’s greatest road trips, located between Banff and Jasper.
Jasper National Park, also in the Alberta Rockies, feels much closer to the wilderness than Banff and as such has a real back to nature flavour. For the scenic train journey of a lifetime, the Rocky Mountaineer Train is a must. Constructed over 100 years ago, the journey is as mesmerizing now as it was then.
Heading East, Canada is also home to the incredible Niagara Falls. Watching 170 metres of water cascade into the pools below is a majestic sight and can best be enjoyed from the Maid in the Mist boat. Head further east to Montreal, the old town of Quebec City and beyond to the Eastern Townships where you can visit the local vineyards, micro-breweries and boutique cheese makers of the region.
Canada’s wild allure is magnetic for nature lovers and sports enthusiasts, with ample opportunity for activities like hiking, canoeing, fishing, skiing, snowmobiling, and even dog sledding.
