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.
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 surroundings 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 enjoying a variety of adventure options with everything from kayaking to whale-watching and more. 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 of cycle paths; Victoria has more cycle routes than any other Canadian city.
Situated on Vancouver Island, Parksville is a destination city with enough to keep the whole family entertained. Best known for the sandy beaches of Parksville and Craig bays, it hosts an annual sand-castle building competition in the summer – the Parksville Beachfest has been going on since 1982 and is a World Championship Sand Sculpting qualifying event! Sites to see in the city include Craig Heritage Park and Rathtrevor Beach Community Park; or alternatively, enjoy bowling and mini-golf, and Pacific rainforest and river estuary tours. Near the city, browse the Coombs country market, visit the World Parrot Refuge or explore the Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park.
Dubbed the ‘Salmon Capital of the World’, Campbell River is a coastal city in British Columbia located on the eastern shore of Vancouver Island. This thriving adventure and eco-tourism hub is renowned for its breathtaking scenery, eco-adventures, and world-class salmon fishing. Campbell River is home to all five species of Pacific Salmon, which makes it a sought after fishing destination popular with sports fisherman and draws anglers from all corners of the globe. While Campbell River is a big city, it boasts a small town charm and offers visitors plenty to explore with a choice of museums, art galleries, boutique shopping, fine dining, and countless cultural and historical treasures. Popular activities include: fishing, boating, skiing, whale watching, diving, hiking, bear watching, camping, golfing and scenic flights.
A visit to Desolation Sound off British Columbia’s Sunshine Coast might have you believing you’ve stopped off in paradise. The deep-water sound, characterised by fjords dotted with islands and framed by cliffs, mountains, and a gently lapping shoreline, offers water adventurers, wildlife enthusiasts, and nature lovers the time of their lives. Boating, kayaking, scuba diving, snorkelling, fishing and wilderness camping are all on offer in pristine surroundings. Start or end your wilderness experience in the seaside village of Lund, or use it as your base – there are plenty of knowledgeable locals to advise on the best sightseeing options.
