Presided over by the spooky hilltop Halifax Citadel, Halifax Nova Scotia harbour town has long been a key trading port, but today is more popular for its fresh sea air and lively buzz. It is a mix of historical heritage and modern seaside chic, with quaint old buildings, arty boutiques and gourmet eateries. Encompassing four universities, it is also a vibrant student town with nightlife to match – there’s plenty of after-hours entertainment in the city’s profusion of bars, night clubs, live music venues and revamped waterfront area.
Situated in southeastern New Brunswick, in Canada, Moncton is the fastest-growing city in the Maritime provinces. This regional business hub is ideally situated at the crossing of several major highways in the region and serves as a gateway to the popular province of Nova Scotia. The stunning surroundings feature spectacular scenery including expansive forests, beautiful beaches and magnificent mountains. The undeniable highlight of the area is the Bay of Fundy, boasting unspoilt vast stretches of coastline, charming harbour villages, diverse marine life and the highest tides in the world. Other attractions include the interactive Transportation Discovery Centre; the Moncton Museum, which explores the city's history; Capitol Theatre, a restored 1920s theatre; Crystal Palace, an indoor amusement park; and last but not least, the mysterious magnetic hill where cars roll uphill.
Charlottetown is a flourishing area with a postcard-perfect setting on the south shore of Prince Edward Island. With its beautifully preserved old architecture, tidy streets and gardens, and hospitable locals, this welcoming town retains a strong sense of history and tradition. Wander its network of walking trails past cafes, art galleries, local markets and historic buildings, or watch an esteemed performance at the Confederation Centre of the Arts. Charlottetown hosts festivals throughout the year, the most celebrated of which is the July 1st fireworks display – the largest pyrotechnic show east of Ottawa.
Baddeck is an attractive shire town conveniently located just 80 kilometres west of Sydney, on Cape Breton Island in Victoria County. It’s claim to fame is the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site, a museum commemorating the work of this famous former resident. Explore the endless rolling hills, soak up the enchanting views, and stroll along the shoreline of this quaint Gaelic community. Travellers to this shire can look forward to an array of activities and wonderful sights to enjoy from 5-star accommodations, boutiques, galleries, spas, and fine dining; to sailing, camping, hiking, snowmobiling, golfing, and skiing. Don’t miss the world-renowned Cabot Trail, which starts and ends at this unique little town.
As previously described
Set on an island in the Saint Lawrence River, Montreal, the largest city in Canada’s Quebec Province, is famous for its arts, design, and fantastic cuisine. Visitors can discover the country’s history along the cobbled streets of Old Montreal, with show-off buildings like the Basilique Notre-Dame stupefying its guests with its intricate domes. Gourmands delight in sensational Canadian food as well as everything from irresistible patisseries, to old Jewish delis, to hipster bars serving spectacular flavours all night. Art and design adorn the city, from sensational raw street art to chic, modern galleries. Featuring around 250 theatre and dance companies and more than 90 festivals, Montreal overflows with the arts. Explore the city by climbing or taking a bus up Mount Royal to scan the horizon or cycling along the picturesque riverside pathways on a public bike.
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.
Lake Louise town is situated in Alberta in Canada, within the extraordinary Banff National Park and the Rocky Mountains. The lake's hamlet was named after Princess Louise Caroline Alberta, the fourth daughter of Queen Victoria, and is famous for its turquoise appearance, the Victoria Glacier, the soaring mountain backdrop, and enormous surrounding ski resorts. Hikers can enjoy a trek up to Lake Agnes Tea House for stunning panoramic views, rent canoes, or skate on the lake’s icy surface in winter. Other highlights include the Lake Louise Gondola, a cable car that crawls up the Whitehorn Mountain via an open ski lift or enclosed gondola, providing a better chance of spotting the area’s local grizzly bears. Several other viewpoints offer more magnificent spots to take in the sights.
Jasper, set at the heart of Canada’s Jasper National Park in the awe-inspiring Canadian Rockies, retains its timeless appeal as a peaceful, unpretentious, and friendly former railway town. The landscapes here are majestic; numerous mirror lakes, dense and varied forests, breathtaking snowy slopes. A year-round gateway to the park’s pristine setting, Jasper is the perfect place to enjoy skiing, nature photography, a paddle through crystal clear waters, hiking (over 1200 km of trails await), spotting wildlife (including grizzly bears, moose, and elk), or simply enjoying the serenity of the area. Top itinerary items include lake tours; a soak in the warm, idyllic Miette Hot Springs; and a meander along the adrenaline-inducing Glacier Skywalk, where visitors are separated from a 280-metre drop by a glass floor - among others.
Nestled high in the Canadian Rockies, the resort town of Banff is the largest in the Banff National Park and is known for its breathtaking scenery, artsy and cosmopolitan atmosphere, and opportunities for skiing and outdoor activities. Three sublime ski areas are easily accessible from here, and the area famously boasts ‘Canada’s Best Snow’ making skiing, snowboarding, and all other snowsports a dream. The awe-inspiring Lake Louise and forested hillsides make for wonderful exploration in summer, with a massive network of excellent trails well suited to hiking, biking, and horse riding. Delve into the area’s unique heritage by visiting sites such as the Cave and Basin National Historic Site and the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies, or visit purely for views and culinary pursuits by bar and restaurant hopping.
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.
