• 11 min readYou might be feeling slightly overwhelmed when looking at the best things to do in Canada, after all it is a colossal country with bucket loads on offer from east to west and everything in between. Don’t fear though, our Travel Specialists and Canada boffins have put together 5 highlights to point you in the right direction while planning your Canada holiday!
1. Canada’s National Parks
A holiday to Canada wouldn’t be complete without some kind of visit to one of its breath-taking National Parks, and with so many to choose from, it might be challenging to know what to expect. From the crystal lakes of Jasper to the icefields in Parkway, here are our tips for different travellers!
Hikers: Icefield Parkway – Guided Glacier Walk
Take a walk on the giant Icefield Parkway Glacier, be prepared to feel dwarfed by this massive sheet of ice (as well as a little nippy).
Scenery & Photography: Jasper National Park
With stunning lakes, evergreens as far as the eye can see and rugged mountains all around, Jasper is perfect for those looking for scenery second-to-none and landscape perfect for photography.
Natural Wonder: Niagara Falls – Boat Cruise
Of course, this is on every list, but some things live up to the hype! Niagara Falls is one of the world’s natural wonders, and you can’t possibly miss it, especially when you’re on a boat right in the “mist” of it.
2. Wildlife Experiences – Whales & Bears
It’s no secret that Canada is a wildlife-lovers dream, especially for the big beasts such as whales and bears! Of course, that’s not all, you’ll have the chance see everything from bald eagles, chipmunks and maybe even a beaver’s log construction!
Whale Watching: Vancouver Island – Victoria
No trip to Canada is complete without a visit to Vancouver Island to go whale watching – it’s one of the best places for wildlife and you’ll find seeing Orcas or Humpback whales one of the highlights of your holiday.
Bear Watching: Vancouver Island – Tofino
Vancouver Island strikes again, this time to find our furry friends, bears! Tofino is part of the Pacific National Park and is a real rugged area, as well as being one of the best places in Canada (and the world) to see them!
Horse-Riding: Clinton (Cariboo Mountains)
For those looking to be a budding cowboy or cowgirl, you’ll find the Cariboo region the ideal spot to ride through the mountains, stopping at a countryside bar or having a barbeque in the sun.
3. Head Off the Beaten Track
One of the many beautiful benefits of Canada is its sheer size and vast wilderness. We think there’s no better way to spend your holiday than reconnecting with nature away from the modern world. Here are some of our highlights:
Sunset Kayaking: Quadra Island – Vancouver
Gentle waters, stunning mountain backdrops, warm weather and watching the sunset while on the waters: certainly one of the most tranquil things to do in Canada.
Cross Country Cycling or SUP (Stand Up Paddleboarding): Sun Peaks
Sun Peaks has some of the best biking tracks in Canada, as well as being a wonderland of forests, lakes and open mountain. Pure mountain-biking bliss.
Canoeing & Camping: Wells Gray National Park
Get back to mother nature and spend the day canoeing on silky, flat waters before heading back to basics for a night under the stars.
4. Rest & Relaxation
Rocky Mountaineer Train Tour
The famous Rocky Mountaineer Train will have you pampered from start to finish. Prepare to be waited on hand and foot whilst you whizz through the Canadian wilderness, seeing wildlife and mountains as you pass. Our tip? Go for the Glass Dome upgrade, you’ll have panoramic scenes while you have a top-class lunch and champagne.
Organic Wine Tasting in the Okanagan Valley
Take a look at how organic wine is made in the stunning Okanagan Valley, one of the most stunning areas in Canada. You’ll learn all about the art of wine-making while spending some quality… if slightly tipsy time in Okanagan.
Escape the Masses at Telegraph Cove
Head along the coast on a boat towards the tranquil community of Telegraph Cove. You’ll glide through this rugged coastline, past isolated fishing huts and with a chance to see whales before staying in an authentic lodge in the town.
5. Self-Drive
Canada is one of the easiest countries to self-drive in and provides a chance to take your time and have a meaningful road trip through this stunning country. You’ll be able to stop along the way, picnic by lakes, take photos of stunning views, and you may even spot a bear or other wildlife on the route.
