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.
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.
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.
Located just off Canada’s Pacific Coast in the British Columbia Province, the massive Vancouver Island is home to stunning natural scenery and a wealth of 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 engaging with visitors about their ancient legends. In the capital, Victoria, impressive heritage architecture, a variety of fascinating museums, and plenty of modern galleries, restaurants, and shops complete the package.
Tofino is a picturesque holiday town, set on a peninsula of the Clayoquot Sound of Vancouver Island. 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 here each year. Affectionately known as the Tree Loving Capital of the World (by its own residents), Tofino also offers exceptional whale watching opportunities, 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. Visitors can look forward to excellent opportunities for camping and fishing, and can even take a bear watching tour. Make sure to visit the nearby Maquinna Marine Provincial Park, which boasts some incredibly idyllic hot springs.
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.
