IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Australian passport holders require a visa to enter Canada (eTA)and the United States of America (ESTA).
Canada (eTA)
Applications for Canadian Visa can be done online at http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/eta.asp
America (ESTA)
Applications for the United States of America can be done online at http://www.cbp.gov/travel/international-visitors/esta
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.
This is one of Canada’s ‘sunny sides’… the 180km long Okanagan Valley is a thriving and bountiful region in the south west of Canada’s British Columbia, dotted with lakes, vineyards, orchards, terraced hills, and humming with a friendly, festive atmosphere. Summer brings hot weather, and myriad watersport opportunities; while one of four major ski resorts could host your skiing, cross-country or snowboarding holiday in winter. Visit Kelowna for its lakeside cultural district, waterfront park, and more than 20 vineyards offering wine tours and tastings. Closer to the US border is Osoyoos, a more arid area but worth a visit for its rare plants and animals.
The city of Nelson is located in the province of British Columbia in southwest Canada, not far from the border with the United States. Attractively situated on the West Arm of the Kootenay Bay and surrounded by the Selkirk Mountains, Nelson makes a great base for exploring the area’s significant natural beauty. Don’t miss the Ainsworth Hot Springs or the sandy beach at Lakeside Park, while boat tours of Kootenay Lake are also popular. There are numerous hiking trails leaving from Nelson; rock climbers will find plenty of challenging crags in the surrounding region; and – in winter – there are plenty of cold-weather sports available, including skiing and snowboarding. Nelson itself is home to a good Museum of Art and History and the Nelson Mining Museum, which exhibits thousands of gemstones and fossils.
Situated in the southwestern corner of of the Canadian Province of Alberta, the Waterton Lakes National Park is an impressive expanse 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 spot 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.
Calgary is the natural base for those exploring 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 for its own sake – thanks in part to a young, educated population of over one million. The eco-friendly city 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 attractions. The region offers a striking variety of natural landscapes within easy day-tripping distance: Banff and Kananaskis are less than 90 minutes by bus, while the famed badlands and dinosaur beds of Drumheller are less than two hours away.
