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.
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.
One of Canada’s principal ski destinations, Mont Tremblant is located just over an hour’s drive from Montreal. Must-sees at this mesmerising destination include the award-winning Mont Tremblant Ski Resort, with its 960-metre-high-peak and magnificent setting on the shores of Lake Tremblant; and Mont Tremblant National Park, boasting spectacular hiking trails and sparkling lakes. The small town of Mont Tremblant is located just a few minutes’ drive from the ski resort and offers an array of amenities, including shops, restaurants, and cafes, as well as a beautiful lakeside hiking and skiing trail.
The capital of the province by the same name, Quebec is an exciting, ever-growing city often compared to a European village, yet distinctly Canadian. The photogenic Old Town is the primary drawcard for many tourists - an incredible, UNESCO-listed living museum, filled with 17th- and 18th-century houses and decorated by pretty cobbled lanes and charming boutiques. A strong French-Canadian culture is well celebrated through a sublime culinary scene and wonderful festivals and carnivals. Architecture enthusiasts can visit extraordinary grand hotels (and an ice hotel), art lovers have a world to explore in the Le Quartier Petit-Champlain, filled with galleries, and hikers and photographers can head to stunning Montmorency Falls, or explore the breathtaking trails of the Jacques-Cartier National Park among glacial valleys.
As previously described
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.
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.
Located in the lush North Thompson River Valley, Clearwater is the name of both the district and the little town in the Canadian province of British Columbia. This ruggedly beautiful area features majestic mountains, wild rivers, abundant wildlife and a rich cultural history. It is known as a mecca for outdoor adventure enthusiasts and serves as the gateway to the spectacular Wells Gray Provincial Park, which is undoubtedly the main attraction in this area. This popular park boasts over 5250 square kilometres of untamed wilderness including deep canyons, ancient forests, serene lakes, and abounding waterfalls. Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of adventure activities in the area including: horse riding, fishing, hiking, golfing, kayaking, whitewater rafting, wildlife viewing, bird watching, camping and skiing.
Resting at the foot of the twin Whistler and Blackcomb peaks amidst the Coast Mountains, the charming village of Whistler is located north of Vancouver in British Columbia, Canada. Whistler and Blackcomb are two side-by-side mountains that offer over 200 marked runs - it’s the largest skiable area in North America and a great year-round destination. Whistler is a vibrant base village, with epic skiing, snowboarding, skating, four championship golf courses, unbeatable shopping, restaurants and bars, accommodation to suit every budget, hiking trails, spas and arguably the best mountain bike park in the world. Other popular activities include snowshoeing, tobogganing and ski jumping at the Olympic Park.
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.
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.
