With its recent promotion in the latest traffic light review, Canada, now the world's second largest country, offers an excellent opportunity to plan a holiday getaway.
As adventure playgrounds go, there's none better than Canada
The old saying that good things come in small packages does not apply to Canada. Because Canada is, in all senses, a very big deal.
It is the world’s second-largest country (only Russia eclipses it); a geographical behemoth that faces three oceans (Atlantic, Pacific and Arctic); a titan whose terrain ebbs all the way from the US border and the leafy lanes of New England to the cold depths that lap at North Pole ice. It has mountains and rivers, tundra and prairie, small coves and huge harbours, shining cities on Great Lakes and Inuit villages in hidden bays.
Indeed, this is favorable, especially regarding vacation opportunities. Canada, in all its grandeur, offers an extensive travel mosaic consisting of 13 vast segments: ten provinces comprising the southern half and the three sprawling "territories" occupying the northern half. These regions house a myriad of experiences, ranging from a fine culinary treat in Toronto and Vancouver to breath-taking landscapes in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. It's a chance for thrilling high-altitude skiing in Alberta, exciting cowboy stints in Saskatchewan and an intimate encounter with polar bears in Nunavut.
Happily, it is now very possible to do any or all of this. The latest update (August 26) to Britain’s travel traffic-light system saw Canada promoted to the green list of countries that can be visited without the need to quarantine on return, even if you have not been fully vaccinated. Better still, Canada has turned the key in the lock, and replaced the welcome mat on the doorstep - announcing that, as of early next month (September 7), it will be open to doubly jabbed tourists from the other side of the Atlantic. This sets up the prospect of autumnal road trips as New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island turn gold, but also journeys in the seasons beyond: to a Yukon where the Northern Lights shimmer; to a Quebec where the French connection lends intrigue in summer and winter; to a British Columbia that thrills all year, whether you’re on the pistes of Whistler or whale watching off Vancouver Island.
For comprehensive information regarding entry prerequisites for those fully vaccinated, refer to canada.ca/en/public-health and gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/canada. For a myriad of intriguing options about what Canada as a vacation spot has to offer, visit canada.travel. The following 20 vacation ideas span across Canada's diverse 13 sectors, presenting a variety from the warmest east to the chilliest west, the brilliance of the sun to the serenity of the snow, and from the cool coastal areas to the towering mountaintops.
Toronto: The Vibrant Hub and Portal to Niagara Falls
The largest city in Canada, Toronto, often serves as the most straightforward and prominent entrance to the immense country. Although it often unfairly bears the label of being monotonous, Toronto is quite the opposite. It's an underappreciated vibrant city exuding a distinct charm in the lively pubs of West Queen West, the bargain shops of Kensington Market, and the illustrious Ontario Art Gallery, housing works ranging from Rubens to Warhol (ago.ca). In addition, Toronto can be a stepping stone for exciting road trips to Ottawa, the national capital lying 250 miles to the north-east, or to the breathtaking spectacle of Niagara Falls, situated approximately 80 miles away circling Lake Ontario.
Combine a Toronto city break with a trip to see the mighty Niagara Falls
Ontario: More than Meets the Eye
While some may limit their Canadian experience to the popular destinations of Toronto and Ottawa, the vast expanse of Ontario, covering a region of 415,000 square miles extending from the banks of Hudson Bay in the north to the doorsteps of Detroit in the south, offers much more. Beyond its iconic (CN) towers and parliamentary architecture, lies a world brimming with unique natural attractions.
Original Travel (+44 20 3958 6120; originaltravel.co.uk) offers you a journey through this majestic province with its 15-day "Comprehensive Ontario" adventure. Beginning in Toronto, the adventure takes travelers north into the untouched Algonquin Provincial Park, home to a variety of wildlife including moose and bears, and then proceeds towards the historically rich Manitoulin Island. Here, the Sheshegwaning First Nation community thrives, whilst being surrounded by the tranquil waves of Lake Huron. This package starts from £5,000 per individual, inclusive of airfare.
Embrace the Fusion of Cultures in Montreal
In the vast expanse of Canada's largest province lies an intriguing fusion of Francophone and North American cultures – a characteristic spectacle of its most renowned cities. Montreal stands prominent among them, housing the historic "Old Montreal" district, where the awe-inspiring Notre-Dame Basilica is a sight to behold. Likewise, Quebec City, known for its monumental Gothic Revival treasure – the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, reverberates the essence of the French influence.
New findings suggest that the population of Montreal is around about 4,220,566, making it the largest city in Canada’s Quebec province. Moreover, Quebec city, the second most populous city in the province, is sitting on cliffs overlooking the St. Lawrence River, thus offering the visitors some stunning views.
Luxury Gold (0800 206 1468; ) curates a wholesome eight-day "Indulgence in Eastern Canada" package, taking you through these cities. Prices begin at £2,995 per person, exclusive of flights.
Explore the Enchanting Gaspé Peninsula
Beyond the vibrant cities of Quebec lies the captivating Gaspé Peninsula, where the majestic St Lawrence River converges with the vastness of the Atlantic Ocean. This natural marvel offers a unique and unforgettable holiday experience.
Embark on the incredible 15-day "Splendid Nature of Quebec" road trip, offered by Discover North America. Ideal for September, this journey takes you to the easternmost part of Quebec, including must-visit destinations like Percé, a charming village nestled at Land's End. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Gaspésie National Park, where the mighty Appalachian Mountains reach their final destination on their voyage to the Atlantic. Experience this unforgettable adventure starting from just £825 per person, excluding flights.
During your visit to the Gaspé Peninsula, you will have the opportunity to marvel at stunning coastal landscapes, discover unique wildlife, and immerse yourself in the rich local history and culture. Explore the dramatic cliffs of Percé and witness the iconic Percé Rock, a geological marvel. Don't miss the chance to hike through Gaspésie National Park, where dense forests, cascading waterfalls, and diverse flora and fauna await. Take in the awe-inspiring views of the St Lawrence River as it meets the restless Atlantic Ocean.
Experience the warmth and hospitality of the locals, savor delicious regional cuisine, and indulge in authentic cultural experiences. Whether you are a nature enthusiast, adventure seeker, or history buff, the Gaspé Peninsula promises to leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.
Book your extraordinary journey today and unlock the wonders of the Gaspé Peninsula!
French and North American cultures come together on the cobbled streets of Old Montreal
Experience the Charm of Prince Edward Island
Even with its massive geographical coverage, don't underestimate Canada's ability to offer small and charming destinations. Prince Edward Island, the tinier fraction of its geographical puzzle, can practically fit within the largest territory, Nunavut, approximately 370 times over.
Despite its small size (153 miles from end to end), Prince Edward Island offers an expansive experience that is best enjoyed with a second province. Abercrombie & Kent (01242 386 474; abercrombiekent.co.uk) offers this dual experience in its “Discover Nova Scotia & Prince Edward Island” package. This two-week journey includes three nights in Charlottetown, the birthplace of the Canadian Confederation thanks to the historic Charlottetown Conference in 1864, and visits to the stunning dunes of Prince Edward Island National Park. Starting from £2,095 per person, the package includes flights.
Discovering Champagne Experiences in Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia, vastly expansive and thriving with culture, is capable of housing a distinct holiday adventure. Among its many wonders is its capital, Halifax, known as one of the largest cities of the Canadian coast aside from Vancouver. This bustling city is significant for landmarks such as the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 (pier21.ca), which stands as a testament to the country's history, and for its dynamic food scene, especially in the trendy North End. Travelling northward, you'll experience the raw beauty of Cape Breton Island, marked by thrilling wild landscapes and the presence of the infamous Cabot Trail. Woven into its terrain, this makes for one of North America’s most breathtaking road-trip courses.
A holiday to this unspoiled province becomes more accessible thanks to Canadian Sky. Known for its special offerings, it provides a meticulously planned 13-night “Nova Scotia & Maritime Treasures” road trip that takes you through the heart of the province. At a price of £2,249 per person, this package includes everything from flights to a wealth of unique local experiences. To learn more about this package, visit canadiansky.co.uk.
Discover the Charm of New Brunswick in Autumn
When engaging discussions about epic autumn getaways in North America rise, the spotlight often rests on the verdant forests that cloak the highways of North-East USA. But little do they know that New Brunswick, a province sharing a boundary with Maine, the northernmost state of New England, boasts an equal allure as it explodes in a riot of vivid autumn hues.
Your adventure awaits with Bon Voyage (0800 316 3012; bon-voyage.co.uk), offering a diverse 14-night itinerary named “Atlantic Canada: Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island” road trip. Stops in New Brunswick comprise charming destinations such as the quaint harbor of St. Andrews, and the mesmerizing Hopewell Rocks, where the ebbs and flows of the Bay of Fundy patiently carve the sandstone monoliths. Prices begin from £1,995 per person, inclusive of flights.
Skip the leaf-peeping autumn crowds in New England and head for New Brunswick instead
In Viking footsteps on Newfoundland
The final segment of “Atlantic Canada” is arguably the wildest. Together, Newfoundland and Labrador make up one province. But it is the first half of the equation – an island in the Gulf of St Lawrence – that is most prey to the ocean’s moods, jutting into the Atlantic as the easternmost part of both country and continent. So far east, in fact, that L’Anse aux Meadows, at the north tip of Newfoundland, is the near-certain site of the first European landing in North America – Viking navigators coming ashore 500 years before Columbus.
The 15-day “Authentic Newfoundland Fly-Drive” sold by Wexas (020 8125 4187; wexas.com) charts the province in detail – wandering north to L’Anse aux Meadows via the mountains of Gros Morne National Park. From £2,360 per person, including flights.
Saddle up in Saskatchewan
Few nations deliver an air of seemingly endless space quite like Canada. Saskatchewan is arguably the epitome of this feeling, reaching for the horizon in swathes of bare prairie, and it would be remiss to view the province as blankly uninteresting.
Trailfinders (020 7084 6500; trailfinders.com) canters out deep into the grass with “Mounties & Cowboys of Saskatchewan” – a 14-day road trip that enjoys mornings of riding out at La Reata Ranch on Lake Diefenbaker, and 6,000 years of indigenous Northern Plains culture at Wanuskewin Heritage Park. It also calls on the provincial capital Regina – the main training base for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. From £1,999 per person, including flights.
Discover the Majesty of Manitoba
While Manitoba's renowned attraction is undoubtedly its trove of untamed wildlands, including the sprawling ecosystems of Riding Mountain National Park and Grand Beach Provincial Park, the province's true gem lies in the isolated community of Churchill. Situated on the verge of Hudson Bay, this humble town takes pride in its esteemed title as the "Global Sanctuary for Polar Bears". Come fall, these awe-inspiring creatures, remarkable in their beauty and ferocity, congregate here. Adventurous visitors can seize the opportunity to observe these magnificent animals up close and personal from the fortification of specialized "tundra buggies", ensuring both excitement and safety.
Wildlife Worldwide (01962 302 086; wildlifeworldwide.com) provides an engaging eight-day group excursion titled "Exploring Polar Bears of Hudson Bay" to Churchill. Prices start from £8,995 per person, inclusive of flights. This special trip runs twice in late September.
Polar bears gather on the banks of Hudson Bay each autumn
Experience the Tranquility of Yukon
Tucked away in the northern extremes of the globe, the Yukon ranks as the “smallest” among Canada’s three territories. This place, with a scarce population just shy of 36,000, spans across an immense area of 186,000 square miles. The capital city Whitehorse is home to 25,000 of its inhabitants. The landscape is dominated by magnificent rivers, spectacular mountains and tranquil trails, providing an oasis for all those who love to walk, fish, or kayak amidst nature, far away from bustling crowds.
For all those seeking a truly unparalleled experience, Canada As You Like It (020 8742 8299; canadaasyoulikeit.com) curates the “Yukon Explored: Touring and Hiking” tour, a 14-night extravaganza. The highlight of this journey takes you through Kluane National Park, the location of Mount Logan Canada's highest peak, which stands tall at a staggering 19,551ft (5,959m). You can also explore the Tombstone Territorial Park, a picturesque spot where you might sight grizzlies, just a stone's throw away from the Alaska border. Prices, starting from £2,485 per person, inclusive of flights, promise a lifetime of unforgettable memories.
The Celestial Display over Yellowknife
Canada's vast geography really comes into play in the Northwest Territories, a sizeable region that would feature among the 20 largest nations if it ever became an independent entity, surpassing Peru but lagging behind Mongolia in terms of size. This part of the world, plunged in deep wintertime darkness with Yellowknife as its only significant settlement, offers an exceptional opportunity to witness the magical aurora borealis, unhindered by light pollution.
This phenomenon, commonly known as the Northern Lights, occurs when particles carried by the solar wind interact with the Earth's atmosphere, creating a light show that colors the night sky in hues of green, pink, and even red, making it a must-see for any enthusiastic traveler.
One of its sure advantages is the blissful isolation that guarantees an uninterrupted view of the spectacular lights, away from the disturbances of the city.
Discover The World (01737 214 250; discover-the-world.com) presents a five-day venture called "Aurora at Blachford Lake," accessible between the months of January and April. The trip includes staying at a distinctive lodge accessible only via seaplane, offering an even more unique experience. The package is priced from £2,260 per person, inclusive of flights.
Northern Wilderness and Its Inhabitants
Until 1999, the expanses of the Northwest Territories were even vaster. The partitioning off of its northernmost areas resulted in the inception of a new territory: Nunavut. This area swiftly asserted itself as the most considerable fragment of the Canadian tapestry, with a geographic reach approximating that of Mexico. Possessing an icy and remote beauty, Nunavut proudly projects itself into the heart of the Arctic Circle and the Arctic Ocean. Its proximity to Greenland and its harsh yet alluring landscape make it a thriving habitat for various wildlife species.
With Best Served Scandinavia (020 8125 3192; best-served.co.uk), embark on an "Arctic Haven Wilderness Lodge experience", an immersive encounter with the Caribou migration patterns. Over nine captivating days in September, witness these resilient creatures traversing the vast territories. The package is priced at £7,745 per person and includes airfare.
The Northwest Territories offer first-class views of the aurora borealis
Unleash your inner explorer in A Passage to Canada
Nunavut is true explorer territory – not least because its upper limits are defined by the Northwest Passage, which links the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans in (very) indirect fashion.
Exodus Travels will run a decidedly long-range trip next summer (August 1-17 2022). “Northwest Passage: In The Footsteps of Franklin” will trace the journey attempted by British navigator Sir John Franklin in 1845 – albeit without disaster. Franklin and his 128 men died as their ships became mired in ice. This new trip will take 17 days to forge from Kangerlussuaq on Greenland to the Inuit hamlet of Resolute in Nunavut, on Arctic vessel Ultramarine. From £12,100 per person, excluding flights.
The Rocky Mountains' Glacial Wonders
The province of Alberta secretly boasts one of the most visually striking regions in North America, despite what some may argue south of the Canadian border. Not for nothing is it famed: A scenic trip down the 140-mile-long "Icefields Parkway" that runs through Banff and Jasper National Parks offers unparalleled photography moments. Be it the imposing majesty of Castle Mountain, which bares an uncanny resemblance to a fortress, or the gradual, steadfast movement of the Athabasca Glacier in its millennia-old track - the sight is an undeniable spectacle.
The guided tour named "Alberta's Rocky Mountains and Glaciers: A Spectacular Journey" offered by Insight Vacations (+44 808 271 5293; insightvacations.com) is a perfect way to experience this magnificent drive along the Parkway. This tour spans nine days and is priced at £3,050 per head, airfare not included. For 2022, there are eight available slots for this mesmerizing tour.
Experiencing the Hillside Thrills in Banff
Not to be overlooked, Banff and Jasper beckon visitors for cool winter getaways, their slopes visibly crisscrossed with ski tracks. Banff, in particular, is a crowd favourite. It perches on the Continental Divide, where its Sunshine Village resort (skibanff.com) is celebrated for consistent snowfall. It boasts a ski season that potentially spills over from early November to the end of May.
The reputable travel agent, Inghams (01483 938 223; inghams.co.uk) offers an enticing package for the month of December. A seven day stay at the luxurious 4-star Caribou Lodge in Banff starts from £951 per person and includes airfare.
Discovering Canada with Children in Vancouver's Vicinity
No less appealing than California to the US, Canada welcomes its visitors with the equally attractive British Columbia on its western frontier. Your journey usually starts from the vibrant city of Vancouver. The city, known for its burgeoning bar and restaurant culture in areas like Yaletown and Gastown, offers a unique blend of style and sophistication. Beyond the city, lies the extensive province manifesting an abundance of wonders, truly reflecting its vast size comparable to Tanzania.
If you're planning a family excursion, British Columbia is an amiable choice that caters to all ages. Visit (01252 883 762; explore.co.uk) for a 14-day “Family Canadian Adventure”. This journey commences in the city, followed by an exhilarating treetop ropes course along the Capilano River, and a relaxing canoe ride on Clearwater Lake. The adventure is planned to be executed twice next summer. Packages start from £2,599, inclusive of the airfare.
Among other details about this journey, navigating through the treetops allows your family to appreciate the astounding forest canopies' biodiversity. Clearwater Lake, on the other hand, offers crystal clear water that further beautifies the overall canoeing experience, making the trip an unforgettable family adventure.
Any British Columbian adventure should start (or finish) with a city stay in Vancouver
Whales and wolves on an island paradise
Vancouver is not the British Columbian capital. That role falls to Victoria. Which, confusingly, is on next-door Vancouver Island – just a little larger than Belgium. It sprawls out in a north-westerly direction, with whales breaching in the Strait of Georgia, which divides it from the mainland; wolves howling in the trees swaddle its upper reaches.
Audley Travel (01993 662 542; audleytravel.com) offers a 19-day “Canada’s Western Wilderness & Wildlife Self-Drive” which spends six nights on the island, including at Tofino in the rainforested shadow of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. From £3,995 per person, including flights.
Retreat into the Wilderness of Canada's First Nations
Imagine a place so remote, it feels like it's at the edge of the Earth. This is precisely the wonder that characterizes the islands scattered 180 miles northwest of the northernmost tip of Vancouver Island - the Haida Gwaii archipelago. This unique area of Indigenous Canada is governed by the Haida people, who have proudly claimed it as their home for around 14,000 years. Compared to the bustling cityscape of Toronto, this place offers an entirely different Canadian experience, closer to nature, and imbued with centuries-old culture.
An immersive 12-day holiday touted as the “Culture & Wildlife in Haida Gwaii” has been curated by Steppes Travel (01285 880 980; steppestravel.com). This expedition provides explorers with an intimate and comprehensive look at these secluded islands, including a venture into the Gwaii Haanas Reserve, an intriguing forest populated by a variety of wildlife such as bears and deer. The package starts at a rate of £7,400 per person, exclusive of airfare.
Delve deeper: For a rundown on further accommodations, scan extenstive guide to the best hotels in Canada, where Tadoussac's unique offerings are sure to be highlighted. From charming boutique inns to well-appointed resorts, this guide unveils a spectrum of options tailored to varied preferences. Discovering exclusive hotel deals in Tadoussac on www.quebechotels.info becomes a seamless process when armed with comprehensive insights into the region's accommodation landscape. Whether you're drawn to waterfront views, proximity to local attractions, or a combination of both, this guide serves as a valuable resource to enhance your stay in this picturesque corner of Quebec.