A Guide to Canada

Banff National Park

Banff National Park was Canada’s first-ever national park and is only one hour and 30 minutes from Calgary. It is one of the country’s most famous parks and is unparalleled when it comes to mountain scenery as it is nestled in the Canadian Rockies.

Millions of visitors head to Banff to explore the emerald lakes of the area, like Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, and walk along the flower-filled heavens of Sunshine Meadows.

The spectacular Icefields Parkway cuts through the national park and is regarded by many as one of the best driving routes in the world thanks to its stunning lakes and glaciers.

Banff also offers some of the best winter and summer activities you can find, from rafting down Kicking Horse River and golfing to skiing and wildlife watching.

Lake Louise

Located in Banff National Park is Lake Louise, one of the most photographed places in the world and one of the most famous lakes in the world.

The turquoise lake is surrounded by chiselled mountains and visitors heading to the lake should jump out of their cars and explore these surrounding peaks. There are lots of hiking trails and famous tea houses that you can enjoy. You should also keep an eye out for grizzly bears!

But at the top of your bucket list should be to get some photographs of the lake that has captured the imagination of famous artists and mountaineers for centuries.

Athabasca Glacier

Columbia Icefield’s Athabasca Glacier is a world of snow, ice and rock that will make you look on in awe. The Columbia Icefield is the largest mass of ice in the Rocky Mountains and it spans the boundaries of Alberta and British Columbia.

The Athabasca Glacier is one of the most accessible glaciers in the world as it is just off the Icefields Parkway route, although what’s visible from the road is just a small portion of the icefield.

We’d highly recommend going beyond viewing the glacier from the road and trying the Brewster’s Ice Explorer Adventure as the all-terrain vehicle takes you right onto the Athabasca Glacier and allows you to step foot on it. Contact us and we will happily add this to your Canada experience.

Jasper National Park

As the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies, Jasper National Park is considered to be one of the wildest of the mountain parks.

It is an adventure playground as you can walk, hike, canoe, mountain bike and do so much more. The Marmot Basin resort is great for skiing and there is ample opportunity to see lots of wildlife during your visit.

Ride the Jasper SkyTram, the longest and highest guided aerial tramway in Canada, as there is no better way to see the mountain ranges and glacial fed lakes.

Whitewater rafting tours are also a great way to experience the national park in a different way as you test yourself down Grade 2 whitewater rapids and learn about the park’s human and natural history.

Calgary Stampede

Our Calgary Stampede holidays are a great way to attend what is regarded as one of the world’s best events.

Calgary comes alive every year when the “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth” comes to town in the form of the world’s biggest, brashest and best rodeo. The colours and energy really transform what is already a lively city.

The Calgary Stampede produces and hosts an array of events that you can enjoy such as concerts, the Stampede rodeo, chuckwagon races and lots more. Outside of the rodeo there are a whole host of attractions like theme park rides, parades, street food and agricultural shows.

Is Alberta sounding too good to miss? To find out which holidays you can choose from in the province, call our Canada Experts on 0207 616 9990.

Our favourite Alberta holidays include:
Roaming the Rockies - Motorhome Holiday
First Passage to the West Discovery Calgary II - Rail Tour

Great Bear Rainforest

The Great Bear Rainforest is one of the most pristine wilderness environments on earth that has previously attracted royalty!

The Great Bear Rainforest is the world’s largest intact temperate rainforest, covering 6.4 million hectares and stretching around 250 miles along the central and north coast of British Columbia.

The rainforest is historic and is the territory of 26 First Nations groups, with 85% of the forest completely, and permanently, protected from logging.

One of the stars of the forest is the Kermode bear, also known as the spirit bear, as it is only found in the Great Bear Rainforest. It is a white subspecies of the black bear and is very rare. The best way to get a glimpse of this fascinating animal is by going on a bear watching tour, with expert guides to find the bears’ regular spots.

Other animals that call the rainforest and the surrounding water home are grizzly and black bears, orcas and humpback whales, wolves, cougars and deer to name just a few.

Okanagan Valley

British Columbia is one of the most varied provinces, veering from the temperate rainforests of the coasts to the hot and arid climate of the Okanagan Valley in Interior BC.

Here, lush river valleys, fruit orchards and sun-soaked vineyards are the order of the day. You should head to Kelowna, the largest city in the Okanagan region on the shores of the valley’s namesake lake. With more than 40 wineries within a 20-minute drive of Kelowna, there is plenty of opportunity to sample the famous grapes and vintages – get ready to swirl, sip and savour! Our BC Spa and Winelands Circle Holiday is the perfect opportunity to do so.

Vernon is another great town to visit in the Okanagan Valley, as not only will you get stunning lake and mountain views, you can also walk the number of hiking trails in the area.

Canadian Rockies

The Canadian Rockies are one of the icons of Canada, drawing eager visitors to the country for over a century.

The mountain range features peaks reaching up to almost 4,000 metres and it’s this scenery, as well as the blue glacial lakes, hiking, cycling, elk, deer and bears that make it one of the most popular areas in Canada.

The Canadian Rockies are the perfect outdoor playground as they span the likes of Banff National Park, Jasper National Park, Kootenay National Park, Waterton Lakes National Park and Yoho National Park across both BC and Alberta. The BC Rockies are home to famous sights like Mount Robson (the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies) and Pyramid Falls.

Vancouver

This vibrant, coastal gem of a city is perfectly nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Coastal Mountain range.

In fact, in one day you could sail in the morning and ski in the afternoon, while in between visiting world-class shopping districts and indulging in a burgeoning food scene.

After hearing this you probably won’t be surprised to learn that Vancouver has been voted the best place in the world to live!

Vancouver really offers you the perfect city-break as glamorous city chic meets the outdoor adventure enthusiast, with top attractions like the enormous Stanley Park, vibrant Chinatown, the markets of Granville Island and skiing in the North Shore mountains.

Whistler

Whistler is one of the best mountain resorts in the world as there’s always something to do no matter when you’re visiting - winter or summer, snow or shine.

Whistler and Blackcomb offer over 8,100 acres of skiable terrain across their two peaks in the winter and some world famous mountain biking routes in the summer. In fact, it’s the largest ski resort in North America. We've got fantastic packages if you fancy a Whistler ski holiday.

The area is most famous for its winter offerings as there are over 200 marked ski and snowboard trails, 16 alpine bowls and 3 beautiful glaciers to explore. Whistler is also known for its great dining scene and its Peak2Peak gondola ride between the peaks of Whistler and Blackcomb mountains, which offers spectacular views of the surrounding area. Contact us and we will happily add this to your Canada experience.

Is British Columbia sounding too good to miss? To find out which holidays you can choose from in the province, call our Canada Experts on 0207 616 9990.

Our favourite British Columbia holidays include:
Driving the Pacific Coast & Cruising Alaska - Road Trip & Cruise
Whales, Bears & Vancouver Island - Road Trip
Best of Canada's West - Motorhome Holiday

Polar bears of Churchill

An adventure into the winter wilds of Churchill is one you will never forget as you explore the beautiful frozen tundra and look along the icy coastline for polar bears.

To see these majestic animals, you can board a Tundra Buggy, a specially constructed vehicle that travels across the frozen plains. You can view bears in the summer months as they lounge on the shores and wait for the sea ice to return in the Polar Bear Capital of the World.

Perched on the shores of Hudson Bay, Churchill is not accessible by road, only by air or by train and it is this remoteness that adds to its charm.

During your time in Churchill, you can see the Northern Lights and go whale watching to potentially see the sociable beluga whales. Take a look at our Churchill holiday packages to get started.

Grand Beach Provincial Park

Famed for its powdery white sand beaches and grass-topped dunes, this park is regarded as boasting some of the best beaches in North America.

Grand Beach Provincial Park sits along the shore of Lake Winnipeg and here you can try lots of different activities like swimming, wind surfing or hiking. The Spirit Rock Trail and the Ancient Beach Trail are two very popular walking routes you can try.

Inside the park and near the beaches are restaurants, an outdoor amphitheatre, picnic areas and a campground as well.

The Forks National Historic Site

The Forks National Historic Site is dedicated to preserving the 6,000-year history of human activity at the junction of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers.

Inside the nine-acre park, there are award-winning sculptures, lots of great walking trails, a dock, a native prairie garden, special exhibitions about the history of the area and even a riverside amphitheatre.

During your visit, you should head to the canoe beach or go on the Splash Dash Tour Boats that are informative half-hour tours of Winnipeg's downtown waterways, which depart from Forks.

FortWhyte Alive

More than just a nature centre, FortWhyte Alive offers incredible outdoor experiences across its 640-acres of urban greenspace.

There are so many unique attractions in the park. From its prairie complete with bison heard and 7km of trails, to its five lakes and floating boardwalks, there’s lots to see and do.

The Kiwanis Touch Museum and Interpretive Centre will give you an insight into the history of the region, while the Aquarium of the Prairies will allow you to get up-close to some of the marine life that lives in the park.

Canadian Museum for Human Rights

Whether it is Nelson Mandela, Viola Desmond or the journey of Canada’s indigenous communities, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights explores human rights in Canada and across the rest of the globe.

Its interactive displays offer inspiration and tools to make a difference in the lives of others. Some featured exhibitions you can see include Mandela: Struggle for Freedom, Canadian Doctors in the Field and One Woman’s Resistance.

Although the museum only opened just over 10 years ago, it is now one of the most popular museums in Canada.

Is Manitoba sounding too good to miss? To find out which holidays you can choose from in the province, call our Canada Experts on 0207 616 9990.

Our favourite Manitoba holidays include:
Manitoba 'Canada's Heart Beat' - Road Trip
Ultimate Arctic Summer Adventure - Wildlife Holiday

Bay of Fundy

Regarded as one of the 7 wonders of North America, the incredible Bay of Fundy has the highest tides in the world and welcomes some of the rarest whales to its waters.

It is this as well as the semi-precious minerals and dinosaur fossils that made an international panel of experts in 2014 to pick the area as one of the natural wonders of the world.

The 170-mile-long bay is also home to a number of eye-catching rock cliffs, sandstone formations, mudflats and marsh plateaus. You can join a guided tour of these landscapes or, if you want to learn more about the history of the area, you can visit the New Brunswick Museum.

Hopewell Rocks

Thousands of people every year head to Hopewell Rocks to walk on the ocean floor in the shadow of the flower-pot rocks, a unique formation that has been carved over thousands of years of erosion.

At low tide, you’ll be able to walk along the 2km beach and go inside the coves along the coast. As you walk along the beach you will see the different formations, which have their own names like Lover’s Arch, Dinosaur Rock, Mother-in-law and ET.

If it is high tide, there are still lots of activities you can do such as kayak among the formations. Here you can just relax and enjoy the beauty of nature.

Mount Carleton Provincial Park

The park is the epitome of pristine wilderness, with 42,000 acres of Acadian woods and mountain peaks.

If you love wildlife, then the 100 different species of birds and the 30 different types of mammals that live here will keep you enthralled, from beavers and moose to hawks and rare thrushes. There are also a number of rare plants living in the area, including alpine blueberry and Bigelow’s sedge.

There are lots of hiking routes in the park and there’s even a wheelchair-accessible trail at Williams Falls. What’s more, the park is a dedicated Dark Sky Preserve, meaning that it protects and preserves the night sky by reducing light pollution. Head out at night-time for unparalleled views of the Milky Way.

Whale Watching from St. Andrews-by-the-Sea

With the likes of Jolly Breeze St. Andrews providing cruises, you can go on exhilarating whale watching adventures from St. Andrews along the Bay of Fundy. Lots of Canadian Affair's tours include whale watching excursions and we can easily book an excursion on to a tailor-made tour for you.

You can see humpback, minke, finback or North Atlantic right whales breach the water during the whale season. This lasts from June to the end of October when the world’s highest tides bring a bounty of food.

Swallowtail Lighthouse

The Swallowtail Lighthouse will greet you as you approach Grand Manan Island by ferry and once you are at the lighthouse you’ll get panoramic views of the coastline.

The lighthouse is one of the most photographed lighthouses in New Brunswick, complete with an interpretive museum and a short tour. During the tour, you will learn all about the lighthouse and how it still has its original tower, one of only a handful of remaining wooden light towers in the country.

Is New Brunswick sounding too good to miss? To find out which holidays you can choose from in the province, call our Canada Experts on 0207 616 9990.

Our favourite New Brunswick holidays include:
Beaches, Islands, Lobster, Moose and More - Road Trip
Altantic Maritimes Tour - Escorted Tour
Scenic Splendour of Maritime Canada - Motorhome Holiday

Gros Morne National Park

The fjords, rocks and plateaus of Gros Morne National Park are great to visit any time of the year as there are lots of summer and winter activities you can enjoy.

The Newfoundland and Labrador tourist board says Gros Morne National Park is the perfect backdrop for hiking as there are both marked and unmarked trails to follow through beautiful landscapes.

If you prefer to sit back and relax, then try a boat tour through the fjord and get close-up views of the highest waterfalls in eastern North America and other landscapes that took Mother Nature 480 million years to create.

St. John’s

The province’s capital offers the perfect mix of big-city glamour and traditional small-town charm. The city is steeped in history as it is the oldest and most easterly city in North America – making it the closest point in Canada to the UK.

Stroll around St. John's and you will walk down some of the oldest streets in the New World. While you’re exploring you should visit the many shops, boutiques and restaurants here.

During your time in the city, head to Signal Hill National Historic Site as it offers stunning views over the Atlantic Ocean.

L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site

At the tip of Newfoundland is L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site where the remains of an 11th-century Viking settlement is located. It is evidence of the first European presence in North America, which is why it is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

During your visit, you can look at artefacts that were uncovered, try blacksmithing or weaving and talk to costumed characters about the history of the Vikings. The displays at the site also take you through Norse mythology and introduce you to characters such as Thor and Loki.

Twillingate

This might only be a small town, but it comes with a very big reputation. Located along Iceberg Alley, it is the gateway to viewing some of the most spectacular icebergs the eye can see from mid-May to mid-July.

Although, this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what you can do here. Boat tours don’t just go to Iceberg Alley. There are lots of wildlife tours you can go on and will be able to get a glimpse of whales, dolphins, seals and seabirds.

Twillingate is a walker’s paradise as there are lots of winding paths around the town. Two of the best are: - Lighthouse/lower head trail – a 6.5km hike that takes in the lighthouse, rugged coastlines, an old copper mine and Sea Breeze Park. - Spencer’s Park Trail – This 1 km walk leads to a rocky beach and has great views of Back Harbour and Crow Head.

Fogo Island

The largest offshore island of Newfoundland and Labrador is full of sea-cliff footpaths, lush forests and brightly coloured clapboard houses. It’s also famous for the iconic Fogo Island Inn which has featured on BBC’s Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond the Lobby.

During your visit here, you can learn about the island’s history by visiting museums such as the Brett House Museum, the Bleak House Museum and the Experience Fogo Museum.

This rugged island is a popular walking destination with more than 200km of trails. You can hike jagged cliffs to one of the four corners of the earth and during your walk, you might catch a glimpse of caribou and foxes.

Is Newfoundland and Labrador sounding too good to miss? To find out which holidays you can choose from in the province, call our Canada Experts on 0207 616 9990.

Our favourite Newfoundland and Labrador holidays include:
Circle Newfoundland & Labrador - Escorted Tour
St. John's City Break - City Break Holiday

Nahanni National Park Reserve

Nahanni National Park Reserve is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to many natural wonders.

The Cirque of the Unclimbables’ granite spires rise out from the alpine meadow, while Virginia Falls is twice the height of the Niagara Falls.

The national park is now a popular spot for canoeing, kayaking and rafting and the South Nahanni River is to paddlers what Everest is to mountaineers – remote and mystical.

Wood Buffalo National Park

Covering more than 4.5 million hectares, Canada’s largest national park is also the second largest protected area in the world.

If you visit Wood Buffalo National Park, you will realise everything here is on a grand scale as it is also home to the largest herd of free-roaming wood bison. It is believed there are more than 5,000 wood bison, making the population bigger than many towns and even countries across the world, including Vatican City.

The conservation success at the park doesn’t end there: you can find endangered whooping cranes, black bears, moose, and the world’s largest beaver dam all calling the park its home.

Yellowknife

Yellowknife is the closest city to the North Pole and is the capital of the Northwest Territories.

The city was built during the Gold Rush era but has since become the ‘Diamond Capital’ of North America. What really attracts many people is the fact the city is great for adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Being located on the shores of Great Slave Lake and close-by to lots of other lakes allows you to take part in a range of activities. During summer you can explore the area via boat or canoe or during winter the lakes freeze and you can go snowmobiling and snowshoeing.

Northern Lights

As our Where to see the Northern Lights in Canada article highlights, Yellowknife and the Northwest Territories are a great place to see the incredible Northern Lights during the winter.

As Yellowknife is so close to the North Pole it means you are directly under the auroral oval. With the area being flat and the city being located on the shores of the frozen Great Slave Lake means you can enjoy unobstructed views.

Northwest Passage

The Northwest Passage is the sea route connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans through the Canadian Arctic Archipelago.

In the past, this route has attracted legendary explorers who have tried to navigate the thick, year-round sea ice. Now the ice is not as thick as it once was, and the once impossible route is now easily passible.

During your Canadian holiday, you can relive the gripping history of the Passage and learn how Europeans longed to discover it.

Is Northwest Territories sounding too good to miss? To find out which holidays you can choose from in the province, call our Canada Experts on 0207 616 9990.

Our favourite Northwest Territories holiday is:
Canada over the Top - Rail Tour

Cabot Trail

The Cabot Trail is the most famous attraction on Cape Breton Island, on the northern tip of the island of Nova Scotia, and is perfect for people hiring a car in Canada as the 185-mile loop is famed for its beauty.

It is this beauty that has made it one of the most famous and iconic driving routes in the world. The different seaside towns and villages, as well as the unbelievable coastal views that pop up around every corner, make it even more desirable.

We’d certainly recommend setting a few days aside so that you are able to drive the route without needing to rush so you can stop-off at whatever towns you like along the way. Enjoy a leisurely drive interspersed with incredible fresh lobster and seafood restaurants, and of course, the friendliest locals.

Peggy’s Cove

Nova Scotia is a province famed for its lighthouses (there are more than 160 historic lighthouse in total!) but the most iconic one in the province is at Peggy’s Cove. The world-famous Peggy’s Point Lighthouse is considered to be the most photographed lighthouse in Canada because of its dramatic location on the shore.

The historic lighthouse was built in 1915 and has been safely navigating ships around this treacherous stretch of coastline ever since. If you’re heading here to take some photographs and to explore, we’d highly recommend looking out over the waves and exploring the surrounding rocks to get the best shots.

The wave-washed boulders that face out to the Atlantic, the lighthouse and the surrounding area are protected, but the area still serves as an important fishing community.

Lunenburg

Slightly over an hour’s drive from Halifax, this historic town is regarded as the best surviving example of a planned British colonial settlement in North America.

The UNESCO World Heritage site has retained its look and layout and due to its photogenic appearance, it is one of the most popular destinations to visit in the province.

The colourful wooden houses date back to the 18th century and today, visitors can explore Lunenburg’s idyllic town centre as well as heading out on the water to sail or kayak.

Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site

The historic site is located on Cape Breton’s rocky shoreline east of Sydney and if you visit the site you’ll be transported right back into one of North America’s busiest 18th-century seaports. Contact us and we will happily add this to your Canada experience.

The Fortress of Louisbourg was built by the French and today is the largest – and best – of its kind in North America. The fortress was built after the French found a sheltered, ice-free harbour to act as a base for its trading interests in the cod fishing industry.

During your visit to this incredible site you will learn how the British military managed to defeat the French, despite the fortress being protected by towering walls that almost made it impossible to be invaded from the sea.

Halifax Harbour

The most popular part of the historic port city of Halifax is its waterfront. You can get some incredible views of the harbour from the Citadel above, which is a National Historic Site.

You should visit the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21, which is located on the waterfront, to learn about how Halifax became a gateway into Canada for one million immigrants in the last century.

There are shops, galleries, the best restaurants in the city, ships and the famed Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market. This market happens to be the oldest continuously operating farmers’ market in North America.

Also located at the waterfront is the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic and this takes you through the links the city has with the Titanic disaster.

The walk along the waterfront is perfect if you’re looking for a romantic or gentle stroll while the sun sets over the beautiful harbour.

Is Nova Scotia sounding too good to miss? To find out which holidays you can choose from in the province, call our Canada Experts on 0207 616 9990.

Our favourite Nova Scotia holidays include:
Trails of Eastern Nova Scotia - Road Trip
Landscapes of the Canadian Maritimes - Escorted Tour
Nova Scotian Adventures - Road Trip

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Baffin Island

Located in the Arctic Ocean of Northern Canada, the extremely remote Baffin Island is a unique place for you to visit.

You can see polar bears, watch the Northern Lights, go on thrilling dog sled tours and kayak between ice floes to name a few of the most exciting activities.

Something you should be aware of before you travel here is that Baffin Island experiences midnight sun and polar nights. In late June and early July, the island has virtually 24 hours of sunshine, and during the shortest days in December just a few hours of light.

Auyuittuq National Park

Auyuittuq National Park (pronounced ‘ow-you-we-took’) can easily be reached by plane as there are direct flights from Montreal Airport. Once you are there, you’ll find plenty to make you want to stay.

During the summer there are endless hiking routes, climbing opportunities and boat trips, while during the winter months you can go dogsledding, ice skating and cross-country skiing.

The park is easily the most accessible in Nunavut and the most popular to visit. Many keen hikers will follow the Akshayuk Pass, a 97 kilometre (60 mile) traditional Inuit travel corridor that traverses the park.

Repulse Bay

Repulse Bay, also known as Naujaat by the Inuktitut, is directly on top of the Arctic Circle in the central area of Nunavut.

Repulse Bay is known for its plethora of artisans and here Inuit carvers work in bone, ivory and stone. Unsurprisingly as the bay’s nickname is "nesting place for seagulls", there are nesting grounds across Repulse Bay and in June the area is occupied by thousands of seagulls.

Sirmilik National Park

‘Sirmilik’ (pronounced ‘sir-mi-lik’) actually means the ‘place of glaciers’ in Inuktitut, but it could quite easily have been called the ‘place of many birds’ or the ‘place of abundant marine life’. Located at the northwest end of Baffin Island, it is one of the most diverse areas in the Arctic.

Sirmilik’s is made up of four rugged land areas: Bylot Island, Borden Peninsula, Oliver Sound and Baillarge Bay. These areas are teeming with large seabird colonies and as well as seeing the eye-catching glaciers that flow into nearby Eclipse Sound. Enjoy wildlife viewing trips and try hiking, skiing, climbing, sea kayaking and visiting archaeological sites.

Ellesmere Island

The island is the third-largest island in Canada, the 10th largest in the world and the most northerly island in the Arctic Archipelago. It is a true polar desert as there is on average only 70mm of rain a year in certain places on the island.

Ellesmere is home to a variety of landscapes such as fjords, a jagged chain of sedimentary rocks, the Hazen Plateau, Lake Hazen and has aprons of sea ice that are connected to the shore on its northern coast. Despite being a polar desert there is surprisingly a lot of diverse flora and this includes over 150 species of moss.

Is Nunavut sounding too good to miss? To find out which holidays you can choose from in the province, call our Canada Experts on 0207 616 9990.

Niagara Falls

The beauty of Niagara Falls has made it the world’s most popular honeymoon destination. Plus, at only 90 minutes from downtown Toronto, it’s really easy to get to.

Plenty of directors have been inspired to feature majestic Niagara Falls on the silver screen, and as a result, Niagara Falls is one of the most famous and best-known waterfalls in the world.

While the falls are the main attraction, the area’s allure doesn’t end there. There are plenty of other top things to do at Niagara Falls such as the Journey Behind The Falls experience, a Niagara Falls helicopter tour, the Skylon Tower, the Aquarium of Niagara and the Niagara Falls History Museum, all of which we can happily book for you.

CN Tower

The CN Tower is the crown jewel of Toronto’s skyline and is one of the world’s most recognisable buildings. It's a favourite attraction on a Toronto city break.

Although no longer the world’s tallest building, it still offers the best views over this magnificent city, which is why more than 1.5 million people visit it every single year.

During your trip to the tower you can enjoy a fine dining experience at the revolving 360 Restaurant and thrill-seekers can try the vertigo-inducing EdgeWalk experience.

To find out some quirky facts about the CN Tower, read our blog post here.

Parliament Hill

In downtown Ottawa, the capital city of Canada, you can explore the political heart of the city by visiting Parliament Hill. Admire the Gothic-inspired architecture of the parliament buildings and then sit at the top of the hill for a moment to enjoy unrivalled views of the Ottawa River.

As politicians debate within the building, you can join a free guided tour to see the architecture. Parliament Hill is also a hub for Canada’s biggest celebrations, so see if you can visit at a time when a huge event takes place. Events such as the Sound & Light Show and the Christmas Lights Across Canada are two of the biggest you can visit at Parliament Hill.

Rideau Canal

Staying in Canada’s capital city, the Rideau Canal is one of Ottawa’s most iconic attractions and it draws people from all over the world.

In the summer, the best way to see the canal is on a leisurely canal boat ride, enjoying the city’s sights along the way. During the winter the canal transforms into the “world’s longest ice rink” as it completely freezes over.

You’ll never forget the sight of commuters skating to work along the canal, which is over four miles long and stretches from Ottawa’s downtown core to Dows Lake. There are huts selling soup, hot chocolate and other food and drink pitched right up on the ice during the winter.

Algonquin Provincial Park

One of Canada’s most spectacular wilderness regions, Algonquin Provincial Park is a pristine backcountry filled with rocky ridges, fragrant maples and thousands of lakes.

In all, there are 2,000 lakes and over 600 miles of river to be explored. It goes without saying that one of the best ways to experience this stunning wilderness is to take to its waters. There are lots of places where you can hire canoes and the park offers easy paddling through calm waters.

The dense forests are packed with wildlife and if you hire a canoe, you can glide silently through the water to see moose, deer, beavers and birds up close without disturbing them. If you’re looking for more of an adrenaline rush, then the Madawaska River is the place to head to as it offers perfect conditions for white water rafting.

Is Ontario sounding too good to miss? To find out which holidays you can choose from in the province, call our Canada Experts on 0207 616 9990.

Our favourite Ontario holidays include:
Eastern Spirit Holiday - Road Trip
Discover Ontario - Motorhome Holiday
Toronto & Niagara Falls Holiday - City Break

Green Gables Heritage Place

The Green Gables Heritage Place is Canada’s most famous literary landmark and here you can relive Anne of Green Gables’ youthful escapades and mishaps.

The iconic farmhouse has been restored and its rooms are full of memorabilia from the 1908 novel as well as from author Lucy Maud Montgomery.

You can tour the house with guides who will be able to answer any questions you might have. Outside you can explore the woodland trails that surround the farmhouse. You can even learn to make ice cream and enjoy picnics at the house.

Confederation Trail

After Prince Edward Island's railway was abandoned in 1989, the idea for the Confederation Trail was born and today it’s used as a cycle and walking route.

The 435-kilometre trail offers up stunning views of the surrounding rolling hills and seascapes and it even goes through pretty villages that you can stop off at and explore. There are branch trails that head to Charlottetown and other waterside towns and villages like Souris, Georgetown and Montague.

Prince Edward Island National Park

Prince Edward Island National Park allows you to experience the stunning beauty of the Island's North Shore.

With seven supervised beaches and more than 50 km of hiking and cycling trails, there are plenty of attractions in the national park that will keep you entertained.

Inside the park, you can see dramatic sand dunes, which have been protected, as well as rare plant species and national historic sites like Skmaqn-Port-la-Joye -Fort Amherst National Historic Site and Province House National Historic Site.

Confederation Bridge

Confederation Bridge is the link between Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick.

The eight-mile bridge is the longest in the world to cross ice-covered water in winter and you should certainly drive over the scenic bridge during your trip.

This famous bridge was built following a vote with 59.4% of Islanders wanting the building of the bridge to go ahead. The bridge took four years to build and 5,000 workers before it was opened in May 1997.

Charlottetown

The capital of Prince Edward Island and the Birthplace of Confederation is a vibrant seaside city. It is historic and cultural with festivals and events taking place throughout the year.

Its water vistas and streetscapes make it a perfect escape away from the larger cities and towns of Canada.

During your visit, you should try to catch the Anne of Green Gables Musical, head to Charlottetown’s Farmers Market and explore the historic part of the city.

Is Prince Edward Island sounding too good to miss? To find out which holidays you can choose from in the province, call our Canada Experts on 0207 616 9990.

Our favourite Prince Edward Island holidays include:
Canada Maritime - Road Trip
Enchanting Maritime Coastal Holiday - Motorhome Holiday
Atlantic Maritimes Tour - Escorted Tour

Old Québec

Walking around beautiful Old Québec is the best way to get introduced to the city. Join a walking tour around the area and you’ll learn about the history of the city’s oldest quarter and hear stories not even the locals know.

The UNESCO World Heritage Site really is alive with history. Make sure you head to the Fortifications of Québec and the Citadel, the city's two main historical defences. There’s also the Notre-Dame-de-Québec Basilica-Cathedral and the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity that are certainly worth visiting because of their stunning architecture.

There are lots of museums in the old town if you want to learn more about the history of Québec or you could even go on a horse-drawn carriage ride to get a feel for the historic district. Round off your trip with some fine dining at the area’s world-class restaurants.

Old Montréal

Old Montréal boasts First Nations encampments and artefacts that date as far back as 1,000 years. The European aspect of the city is believed to have been founded in 1642.

Old Montréal is the closest resemblance you will get to Europe this side of the Atlantic and a great example of this is the Notre-Dame Basilica, arguably the most beautiful church in the whole of Canada.

If you’re looking for more things to do in the area, then you should visit the museums, catch a festival or eat at the luxurious restaurants. Other attractions you should try to visit include the Victorian warehouses of Cours Le Royer, the shops and restaurants of St-Paul Street, Place Jacques-Cartier Square, City Hall, Champ de Mars park, Bonsecours Street and its chapel, the Bonsecours Market, Place D`Armes Square and St-Jacques Street.

The Canadian Museum of History

The most visited museum in Canada with more than 1.2 million visitors every year, the Canadian Museum of History displays 20,000 years of human history.

It is one of Canada’s oldest public institutions and a respected centre of musicological excellence, sharing its expertise in history, archaeology, ethnology and cultural studies both within Canada and abroad.

Its permanent exhibitions like the Grand Hall and First Peoples Hall are accompanied every year with new displays that look at Canada’s, and the world’s, history. Inside the museum, you will be able to go to the Canadian Children’s Museum, a 500-seat theatre, and the CINÉ+, a 295-seat movie theatre equipped with a giant 3D screen.

This fascinating museum is home to four million artefacts, works of art, written documents and sound and visual recordings.

Mont-Tremblant

Mont Tremblant is a serial winner of the ‘Best Resort in Eastern North America’ by the Ski Magazine, and deservedly so. No other resort in the area rivals this famous ski area.

The ski-in, ski-out resort in the Laurentian mountains is pedestrian only and its reliable snowfall ensures you will have the opportunity to spend more time on the slopes. Its slopes are family-friendly but there are plenty of options for indulging in après too.

Put simply, Mont-Tremblant is Québec’s premier ski resort and its combination of great cuisine and superb skiing conditions make it a perfect destination for winter enthusiasts.

St. Lawrence River

Gateway to the Great Lakes and the North American heartland, the St. Lawrence River is one of the world’s longest rivers.

The Saguenay-St Lawrence Marine Park, at the eastern end of the St. Lawrence River where the Saguenay Fjord joins it, is recognised as one of the best places in the world to watch whales. In fact, around 13 species of whales and porpoises visit the nutrient-rich feeding grounds, including fin, minke, beluga and humpback whales.

At the western end of the St. Lawrence River, close to where it exits Lake Ontario, the 1000 Islands National Park is a yachter’s dream.

Pronounced “thousand islands” and home of the eponymous salad dressing, the region is characterised by stunning little islands and islets. Enjoy a cruise and keep an eye out for millionaires’ summer houses on the islands!

There’s plenty of activities you can do along the river such as taking photographs from the Québec-Lévis Ferry or trying windsurfing, sailing catamarans, kayaking, stand-up paddling and kite surfing at Baie de Beauport. There are also lots of cruises and river excursions you can go on.

Is Québec sounding too good to miss? To find out which holidays you can choose from in the province, call our Canada Experts on 0207 616 9990.

Our favourite Québec holidays include:
Route des Voyageurs - Road Trip
Canada = Rail & Cruise in Eastern Canada - Rail & Cruise Holiday
Eastern Canada Highlights - Motorhome Holiday

Prince Albert National Park

Prince Albert National Park is unique thanks to the contrast between adrenaline activities like water skiing and wakeboarding, and relaxing and chilling on the beach in Waskesiu.

The park is where vast prairies meet parkland and boreal forest, and free-roaming plains bison wander the plains.

If you love the outdoors you should definitely visit as there are spectacular backcountry trails you can walk or travel through on horseback.

The RCMP Heritage Centre

The RCMP Heritage Centre is the home of the Mounties and the museum, which is located in Regina, is dedicated to telling you the story of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

The interactive exhibitions include a musical ride virtual experience and there are displays covering the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and First Nations peoples.

Fort Walsh National Historic Site

You can step back in time to the 1870s and discover what life was like on a working fort in the lawless time of rotgut whiskey runners.

You’ll uncover stories of the many peoples who called the area home in the late 1800s and find out about how the fort was used by the North-West Mounted Police. You can also learn about the tragic Cypress Hills Massacre when traders and wolf hunters from Fort Benton killed 20 men, women and children.

Now this area is peaceful and is better-known for its amazing scenery and the different activities on offer in the local area such as Segway tours and horseback riding.

Saskatoon

The Paris of the Prairies offers the perfect insight into Saskatchewan's culture and welcoming spirit.

The city now boasts buzzing streets and there has been an influx of new restaurants, bars and breweries in recent years.

The city also boasts more sunlight per year than any other Canadian city and during the summer months, it welcomes a host of celebrations like jazz, theatre and folk festivals.

A popular pastime amongst locals is to head to Meewasin Park and bike or hike trails alongside the water. You can even rent a kayak to paddle under the seven bridges that connect the east and west sides of the city.

Trans-Canada Highway

Trans-Canada Highway is the world’s longest national highway at over 4,800 miles long. Driving part of this route should certainly be on your bucket list if you’re hiring a car in Canada.

The highway goes through eastern Saskatchewan and you can see some great views of the countryside as well as explore other attractions like Moose Mountain Provincial Park or the prairie city of Regina.

Is Saskatchewan sounding too good to miss? To find out which holidays you can choose from in the province, call our Canada Experts on 0207 616 9990.

Our favourite Saskatchewan holiday is:
Ranchlands & Prairies - Road Trip

S. S. Klondike

One of the most important discoveries in Yukon was gold in 1896. Today, one of the main attractions of the historic Gold Rush town of Whitehorse is the S.S. Klondike, one of the largest 1930s sternwheelers to travel the Yukon River.

Now a National Historic Site, the S.S. Klondike brought freight between Whitehorse and Dawson City. The ship has been meticulously restored and refurbished and is a great way to get an insight into an era before roads.

Miles Canyon

Originally known as the Grand Canyon, the area was renamed in 1883 and is one of the most dramatic natural features near Whitehorse.

The Yukon River cuts its way down through a flow of basaltic lava rock and during your visit you will get some great views of the surrounding area. The Robert Lowe Bridge crosses the fast rapids and if you follow the trails in the area you will also get to see Canyon City, a route created by the First Nations.

Emerald Lake

The lake is famed for its blue-green colour, which is created by sunlight reflecting off a white layer of “marl” on the lake bed.

While the lake is the main draw you will be amazed by the limestone hills around you as they were created 150-200 million years ago by reef-building corals.

The lake really is an unmissable sight in the Yukon and if you want a great view of the lake you should follow the network of trails around it.

Dawson City Museum

Dawson City Museum should be your first stop in the city as you can begin your exploration of Dawson, the Gold Rush and the Klondike region.

The museum’s collections cover topics such as the Klondike Gold Fields, Yukon’s First Peoples and the first explorers to visit the area. The museum has built up a collection of artefacts that is now the largest historical collection in the whole of the province.

Yukon Wildlife Preserve

The 700-acre preserve’s mission statement says, “To promote knowledge and foster appreciation of arctic and boreal ecology through the creation of a centre of northern education, conservation and research excellence at the Yukon Wildlife Preserve.”

The preserve is busy doing this and now people from all over the world come to see the breath-taking landscapes and the majestic animals that live here.

At the preserve you could be lucky enough to spot:
- Caribou
- Canada lynx
- Rocky Mountain elk
- Mountain goats
- Alaska Yukon moose
- Mule deer
- Muskoxen
- Wood bison
- Thinhorn sheep
- Red foxes
- Arctic foxes

Is Yukon sounding too good to miss? To find out which holidays you can choose from in the province, call our Canada Experts on 0207 616 9990.

Our favourite Yukon holidays include:
In the Footsteps of the Yukon Pioneers - Road Trip
Yukon Golden Circle Adventures - Motorhome Holiday
Glaciers & Gold Rush Bonanza - Escorted Tour

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