Canada is over 40 times the size of the UK with just over half the population!
That’s a lot of country to explore, and whether you’re a passionate fan of the great outdoors or strictly a culture lover, you’re sure to find one of our Canada holidays that’s right for you.
The comforts of Western civilisation and the challenges of natural, untamed wilderness coexist in unusual harmony in this vast, enticing country. Canada boasts a landmass over 40 times the size of the UK with just over half the population! That’s a lot of country to explore, and whether you’re a passionate passionate fan of the great outdoors or strictly a culture lover, you’ll find a place or activity with one of our Canada holidays that you’re bound to love.
Mountain drama
Canada is famed for its pristine natural beauty and breathtaking views, and there are plenty of exciting ways to take it all in. Scale snowy peaks, circle impossibly blue glacial lakes, tread the frosted surfaces of glaciers and explore plunging valleys in the Rockies, where hiking, mountain climbing, skiing and snowboarding are all popular activities. Try a day hike from Lake Moraine into the Valley of 10 Peaks – just one of hundreds of treks where every corner you turn reveals yet another impossibly beautiful view to leave you gasping in awe.
Winter sports abound throughout the country, from snowmobiling in New Brunswick to ice skating on the Rideau Canal in Ottawa; from dog-sledding in Ontario to snowshoeing in Yukon. Popular skiing resorts such as Lake Louise and Banff in Banff National Park and Whistler and Blackcomb in British Columbia offer excellent facilities, beautiful slopes and plenty of après-ski! Alternative experiences are aplenty – scaling the glistening, frozen surface of a waterfall in Thunder Bay is an experience indescribable in its beauty and truly unforgettable. But don’t worry if you’re not an active person – dramatic mountain views are available to everyone from the comfort of the ‘Rocky Mountaineer’ – VIP Rail’s train service that crosses the Rockies between British Columbia and Alberta.
A Land of Contrasts
Scenery vastly different in content but just as dramatic in scope is found in the rolling expanses of the Prairies, thick majestic forest cover of Vancouver Island and sub arctic tundra of the North West Territories. The West Coast Trail leads through a nature lover’s paradise on Vancouver Island, while the cliffs and fjords of Gros Morne National Park exemplify pure, unspoilt beauty that is typically Canadian. If you can ignore the crowds, Niagara Falls in British Columbia is one of the most beautiful and powerful waterfalls in the world. Horse riding offers a different perspective to the sweeping plains of Sasketchewan and a canoe trip across one of the Great Lakes of Ontario is the perfect way to appreciate a stunning sunset that swamps the sky in colour. The adventurous can try sea kayaking off remote sandy beaches on Prince Edward Island, whitewater rafting through Lara Canyon along the rollercoaster Chilko River or even rounding up cattle on an Alberta ranch!
Rich wildlife
Canada is rich in wildlife, many species of which are found in Toronto Zoo. Yet, many Canadians enjoy a more interactive relationship with wild creatures – and not just in the countryside. City parks house animals from squirrels to birds, while elk mingle with people in the streets of Jasper in the Rockies. Churchill in Manitoba is a small town on the edge of Hudson Bay known as the polar bear capital of the world, where tourists flock between mid October to mid November to photograph these lumbering creatures in the white wilderness of their natural environment. Summer sees an influx of belugas – white whales – into the bay, and many boats take to the water to greet these monsters of the ocean, illuminated by the twinkling lights of the Aurora Borealis. Other areas such as Windigo Game Reserve offer visitors the chance to hunt animals such as beaver, moose, fish, partridge, duck and wild boar. Ever wondered what a bear steak tastes like? Now’s your chance to find out!
Vibrant cultural life
While Canada boasts undoubtedly one of the most diverse and dramatic environments in the world, there is more to the country than the great outdoors. Bustling cities blend modern architecture and facilities with traditional heritage, each distinctive in its culture and history. Vibrant, colourful Montréal is the second largest French speaking city in the world, after Paris. The old walls of Québec city encompass a world of history and European charm, while Victoria has a distinctive British flavour in its flowered gardens, mild weather and lively port. Flanked by sea and mountains, Vancouver has a modern feel with its towering skyscrapers, high quality of life and culturally diverse population. Canada’s largest city, Toronto, is a hive of activity and entertainment, while capital city Ottawa houses a grand cultural heritage, with imposing parliament buildings and many interesting museums.
Festivals abound in all cities, especially in summer. Jazz festivals are popular in Toronto and Vancouver while Montréal offers the spectacular light shows of ‘Montréal en Lumière’ and the largest Iberian cultural event in North America – Montréal Festivalissimo. Elsewhere, the Calgary Stampede is a distinctively western celebration, featuring horses, stage shows, rides, agricultural displays, rodeos and of course maple syrup pancakes! Winter festivals include Quebec’s Winter Carnival, with the chance to stay in a unique ice hotel, while the capital Ottawa hosts the famous Winterlude Festival with entertainment for all ages.
Modern Canada has a healthy respect for its Native American heritage, whose peoples are known collectively as the First Nations. Visitors wanting to find out more about these cultures can go beyond visiting museums and stay in reconstructed native villages or traditional camps. Hike, view wildlife, visit native archaeological sites, camp in teepees and take part in various day to day family activities, learning about what it means to be Indian, Inuit, Metis or any other First Nation nationality through direct experience.
Whether you’re looking for peace and tranquillity, exciting physical challenges or a relaxing cultural experience, Canada really does offer it all. There are so many activities and various forms of entertainment on offer that if you wanted to you could forget all about the scenery. But my advice is, don’t.
Canada Holidays, Ontario
Remarkable Ontario!
Come to Ontario, the Land of Shining Waters. Escape to the beauty and splendour of a four-season destination where outdoor, city and touring experiences await you. Or enjoy a cosmopolitan getaway complete with great entertainment, stylish shopping and gourmet dining.
Try dogsledding through an untouched winter wonderland, or tour through vineyards and sample Ontario’s internationally award-winning wines. Come to Ontario, where you can discover all this and more.
With over 400,000 lakes and rivers, Ontario has the most canoe routes in the world; come and paddle!
Outdoor Experiences
Discover the countless outdoor activities to enjoy in Ontario in every season. Summer means exploring a myriad of lakes and rivers that are perfect for swimming, sailing, canoeing, kayaking, whitewater rafting, boating, fishing and other water sports. Ontario is a canoe and kayak paradise: explore its 400,000 lakes and rivers with Paddling Ontario, an association of experienced outfitters and guides. For land lovers, over 650 public and semi-private golf courses can be enjoyed throughout Ontario, while hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking are also spectacular.
In winter, a perfect blanket of snow covers most parts of Ontario, and wonderful opportunities exist for snowmobiling, snowshoeing and dogsledding. The world’s longest skating rink, the Rideau Canal (7.8 kilometres long) in Ottawa, is a favourite destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The longest integrated snowmobile network in the world is also in Ontario-try sledding this winter.
Fall and spring also offer outstanding outdoor experiences. Ride an ATV (all-terrain vehicle) along the many trails of rural and Northern Ontario, or hike the Bruce Trail along the UNESCO-recognized Niagara Escarpment. Engage in bird or butterfly watching, as Ontario is world renowned for its fall and spring bird and butterfly migrations. Point Pelee National Park, the southernmost point of Canada, is one of the finest locations for bird and butterfly watching, and during migration season a wide variety of species can be observed.
City Experiences
Urban pleasures are waiting to be experienced year round in Ontario’s safe city centres. The best of the cosmopolitan experience awaits you in Toronto, while Ottawa and Niagara Falls also offer bustling city centres. Ottawa, Canada’s capital, is a cosmopolitan centre with a difference. Besides its impressive architecture and Old World charm, Ottawa is also a lively city packed with culture, entertainment, dining and shopping. Galleries, theatres and museums showcase contemporary masterpieces while presenting the nation’s colourful past and offering a glimpse of the future.
Besides the impressive natural wonder of the Falls, Niagara Falls is also an exciting urban centre with a variety of attractions. Remarkable outlet shopping offers you the best in bargain hunting, or try your luck at the huge casino,. Regional cuisine and award-winning Niagara wines can also be enjoyed, as can scenic helicopter rides, a boat ride that takes you right up close to the Falls, or a visit to a magnificent falls-view spa.
Toronto’s stylish and hip city centre is full of cosmopolitan excitement. Experience gourmet food in fine establishments, ethnic cuisine in authentic restaurants, or any number of other options available to the discerning diner. Zip to the top of the world’s tallest building and free-standing structure, the CN Tower, or walk down Yonge Street and discover cafés, clothing boutiques and little shops. Visit a spa in the midst of the city and emerge rejuvenated and refreshed.
When night descends on Toronto, the streets come alive with dining, theatre, dancing and revelry. Experience world-class theatre, first-rate Broadway shows and action- packed professional sports teams, such as the National Hockey League’s Toronto Maple Leafs, the National Basketball Association’s Toronto Raptors, and the Canadian Football League’s Toronto Argonauts. And the shopping! Renowned designer stores line Toronto’s fashionable districts, such as Yorkville, while unique boutiques are just a few blocks away-try Kensington Market or Queen Street West. Diverse cultures make up Toronto, resulting in a vibrant international atmosphere.
Touring Experiences
Ontario is an ideal four-season touring destination: drive through the splendid fall colours, tour wineries, find antique treasures in scores of small towns, or delight in winter festivals throughout Ontario. Experience the spring blossoms in charming villages, or spend the lazy, hazy days of summer cruising through Ontario’s 400,000 lakes and rivers. Some of the touring experiences awaiting you include:
Fine Wine Destinations
Visit the Niagara region-a jewel in the heart of Ontario, where delicious wine and beautiful surroundings await you. Or come to the Pelee and Lake Erie areas, wine-growing regions of high calibre. Some of the finest wines in the world come from Ontario, and after visiting a winery and indulging your senses you will be delighted. Sample Icewine, a world-renowned Ontario export, and tour through a vineyard and experience the wine region at its best.
Fall Time Is Tour Time
Ontario is renowned for its splendid autumn season, with warm days and cool nights producing magnificent fall colours. When the leaves have changed colour and the province is a mosaic of red, yellow and orange, the ideal time has arrived for touring Ontario’s highways and byways, farmyards and vineyards. Ontario’s provincial parks and national parks are perfect for experiencing fall’s splendour. Algonquin or Killarney Provincial Parks and the National Parks of the St. Lawrence are some favourites for fall colour viewing. The Kingston and Ottawa areas are also renowned for their magnificent fall colours. Many fall fairs and festivals celebrating the best of the harvest season can also be experienced all over Ontario. A myriad of lakes and rivers, rolling hills and forests await you; winding roads make Ontario a lovely location for a tour of fall colours.
Discover Quebec!
Québec, just under 7 hours flight from the UK, is closer than you think! From nightlife to wildlife, Québec has it all! The historic cities of Montréal and Québec City, with their great shopping, fabulous cuisine and passion for life, are gateways to Québec’s great outdoor adventure. Skiing, golfing, luxurious spas, whalewatching, romantic country inns, and much more, can all be enjoyed in this diverse destination.
The birthplace of Canada, Québec is a surprising province of amazing contrasts. Discover 400 years of history, and a blend of French and British culture, plus many more in cosmopolitan Montréal. The Québeçois are welcoming and friendly with a real zest for life and they certainly know how to party with bars open until 3.00am. So chill out in a cool Jazz bar, dine in style or live it up until late in one of the Casinos or many clubs or discos.
Montréal and Québec City are rich in history, with many beautiful restored buildings (18th and 19th Century) and fascinating interactive museums and galleries. Shop ’til you drop in glitzy department stores, tiny boutiques specialising in local crafts, or Montréal’s Underground City which offers over 2000 outlets in over 30 kilometres of underground networks.
The French influence ensures fantastic food whatever your budget and taste, and the pavement bars and cafés are a perfect place to sit back and soak up the atmosphere.
Québec really is a four season destination. Summers are hot and sunny and from June to September, the cities and villages are alive with free festivals and music including the Montréal International Jazz Festival, the Just for Laughs Comedy Festival and there’s even a Chocolate Festival in the Eastern Townships! In autumn, Québec is breathtakingly beautiful – the spectacular landscape bursts into a startling variety of brilliant reds, pinks and golds. Following the hazy days of summer and the spectacular colours of the Fall, the Quebécois look forward to a season of funpacked carnivals and thrilling winter activities. Experience the action of night skiing at one of the many ski resorts within easy reach of both Montréal and Québec City, or for a faster pace, try your hand at snowmobiling – a Québec invention…or how about snowrafting?! In the cities, enjoy a spot of outdoor skating within the walls of Québec City or the Old Port of Montréal, followed by a shopping spree in the Underground City. Or why not take part in the many festivities at Québec City’s Winter Carnival, the largest in the world. And of course, winter in Québec is now complete with the Ice Hotel, one of two in the world, offering an amazing experience within easy reach of Québec City. 
No more than 40 minutes from town, you can start your great Québec outdoor adventure. Four season resorts can take care of your every sporting need! Experience whale watching from Tadoussac on the St-Lawrence, visit Omega Park in between Gatineau/Ottawa and Montréal to see moose, bison, and even wolf, close up in natural habitat covering 1500 acres. Spot black bears, beaver and seals in the numerous National Parks. Or try mountain biking, 4-wheel drive safaris, horse riding, canoeing, white water rafting, ice climbing!, hiking, fishing, tennis and golf – all easily available throughout Québec. After all the action, end the day relaxing by a log fire or indulge yourself with a spa treatment.
Québec is unspoilt and inviting – from the Laurentian mountains, home to world class ski resorts, to the Charlevoix regions, recognised by UNESCO as an area of outstanding natural beauty, which has inspired many painters and artists. Along the south shore of the St Lawrence River take a leisurely drive through the picturesque villages of the Eastern Townships. Perhaps stay in one of the comfortable lakeside country inns, visit vineyards and orchards, browse in one of the many antique shops, and enjoy a more relaxed pace of life. Cruise up the Saguenay Fjord in a catamaran or visit Lac-St-Jean. Out towards the ocean, take in the Québec Maritime regions, which extend eastwards to the Gaspé peninsula and the fascinating Percé rock. Its stunning coastline and islands are home to charming fishing villages, quiet and unspoilt. This region is a must for bird watchers, seafood lovers and for a true ‘get away from it all’ holiday.
Québec really does have it all and it’s closer than you think!
