Canada is a hugely popular destination for 2023, particularly for families and couples! We hosted an amazing Canada and Alaska evening back in September, and it was clear to see that there was a huge amount of interest.
Canada is a truly gargantuan country, and while its cities are just as frenetic and cosmopolitan as any in the world, its vast and unpopulated countryside, home to Inuit communities, striking blue glacial lakes and fresh mountain air, are the real draw.
Download our fabulous brochure in partnership with Audley Travel here.
Canada - mountains, lakes, cities and wildlife
It’s a country of magnificent mountain ranges, ice-blue glacial lakes, remote coastal settlements and diverse cities, Canada offers a wealth of things to see and do. Wildlife is abundant with a healthy population of grizzlies, black and polar bears and plenty of places you can observe them in their natural habitat.
Across the country you’ll find diverse experiences on offer from white-water rafting and heli-hiking to haunted hikes and whale watching tours, while the country’s buzzing metropolises can be explored in unusual ways from fine food tours in Québec to food cart tours of Vancouver.
The best time to visit Canada is during the summer months, when sunny days and pleasant temperatures are the norm, this makes adventure and wildlife holidays in demand from families travelling during the school summer holidays.
Despite Canada’s size, weather patterns are largely the same across the country, with defined seasons similar to those in Europe. Coastal regions are usually more temperate than prairie provinces, and mountain ranges attract higher rainfall and snow in some areas than others. However, it’s cold everywhere in winter and warm in most locations in summer.
Springtime, which starts in late April through to early June, can also be a delightful time of year to visit. Gradual snow melt reveals forests and wildflowers, while Canadian wildlife re-emerges from the long winter hibernation.
September is considered the peak of the salmon run, attracting large numbers of bears. It also marks the start of autumn, with spectacular fall foliage lasting into October.
My recommendations!
Canada is the perfect destination to do a ‘road-trip’ so a self-drive holiday by car, or even motor home would be an ideal way to travel.
Taking to the wheel, you can follow a well-traversed route through the Canadian Rockies to see some of the region’s most remarkable natural features, such as the Athabasca Glacier and Lake Louise. You’ll visit both with a drive along the Icefields Parkway.
This 232-km (144-mile) road cuts through sheer-sided, glacier-clad peaks between Jasper and Lake Louise, following the milky waters of the Athabasca River past aquamarine lakes and frothing waterfalls. You can pause to follow forested hiking trails or picnic at one of the viewpoints.
Coastal Scenery & Vancouver Island
If coastal scenery is more your thing, British Columbia’s Sunshine Coast Highway curls along the forested seaboard north of Vancouver. Pausing for a few nights at one of the waterside properties gives you a chance to kayak on the sheltered waters, stroll nearby walking trails and relax with a spa treatment.
Then, cross over to Vancouver Island, driving through the island’s wild interior to Tofino for a chance to see bears foraging along the shoreline. You can make another stop in Victoria — arguably the best place in Canada for seeing orcas.
The Rocky Mountaineer
You can also join the Rocky Mountaineer in Banff, Lake Louise or Jasper to continue your train to the fabulous city of Vancouver!
See the sights by day, sleep in a hotel at night. With Rocky Mountaineer, you get the best of both worlds: maximum views, and maximum comfort. No sleeper cars here: stay in beautiful hotels at each destination.
Treat yourself to the GoldLeaf Service, where you will indulge your senses with gourmet meals prepared by Executive Chefs, and get expansive views through the panoramic windows of a bi-level glass dome coach to the Canadian Rockies.
Whales and bears...
Spot beluga whales in Seal River
For the ultimate wildlife experience, visit Seal River Heritage Lodge, a remote wilderness setting where it is possible to see wild polar bears roaming the tundra and beluga whales.
View polar bears in Churchill
Seeing polar bears sparring or a mother and cub play from the safety of a Tundra Buggy is a truly unique wildlife experience. Travel during early November to see the bears when they are most active.
Download our fabulous brochure in partnership with Audley Travel here and get in touch to start planning your holiday in Canada.
