Canada, the second largest country on Earth, really has an astonishing array of experiences from coast to coast, and from peak to majestic peak. Spectacular doesn’t go close to describing its national parks, then there is the wildlife that can be spotted in lush rainforests, tranquil bays and on mountainsides. From its culinary delights to its famous Mounties, vibrant cities and wild landscapes, Canada will unlock myriad hidden gems right across its provinces and territories, here are just some of them.
See polar bears in Manitoba
Churchill, Manitoba is known as the polar bear capital of the world. They gather in October and November on the shores of Hudson Bay to fish for seals and wait for the ice to form. There is a range of polar bear experiences on offer, with one of the most popular being staying overnight in the Tundra Buggy Lodge, with daily excursions out to see these endangered and much-loved animals in their habitat.
Marvel at the Northern Lights
Canada is a wonderful place from which to view the celestial extravaganza known as the Aurora Borealis – the Northern Lights. Visit Aurora Village on the outskirts of Yellowknife to watch the sky show from a heated tipi. You can also see the lights in The Yukon, with one of the best spots being the Midnight Dome, a scenic lookout high above Dawson City with views of the Yukon River and Klondike Valley.
Go for an Ice Walk in Alberta
The Maligne Canyon Ice Walk is extraordinary. Take a fascinating three-hour tour through the deepest canyon in Jasper National Park while walking on the frozen floor of the canyon and stopping for photos of the Queen of Maligne and Angel Icefalls. The Johnson Canyon Ice Walk in Banff is another winter wonder. Trek across steel walkways built into the canyon walls and witness breathtaking views of the gorge below. The catwalks lead you into the frozen lower waterfalls and through a cave before your final stop at the upper falls, framed by gigantic ice pillars and frequented by athletic ice-climbers.
Stay at a First Nations-owned lodge in British Columbia
The Indigenous-owned Spirit Bear Lodge offers wildlife tours in the Great Bear Rainforest to see grizzly bears, black bears and the elusive spirit – or Kermode – bear, as well as visits to cultural sites in the Kitasoo Xai’xais territory. The Kitasoo have lived in the Great Bear Rainforest for thousands of years. Another excellent option is the award-winning off-grid, eco-friendly Klahoose Wilderness Resort, which offers indigenous cultural experiences on the lands of the Klahoose People in Desolation Sounds.
Go with the flow in new Brunswick
Big tides? Yes, the biggest in the world are right here in the Bay of Fundy, exactly midway between the north pole and the equator, where around 15 metres of water gushes in and out of the bay every day. Bear witness to this phenomenon at the Reversing Rapids in Saint John, abseil down the cliffs at Cape Enrage, kayak Hopewell Rocks at high tide and walk the ocean floor when low.
Make a splash at Niagara Falls in Ontario
In the summertime, Niagara Falls reveals its awe-inspiring beauty as millions of gallons of water cascade into a misty abyss. Boat tours take visitors up close to the thundering falls, embracing them in the refreshing mist, while a panoramic perspective is offered from the observation deck. Our advisors recommend venturing a little further out to the town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, a quaint gem that’s bursting with historic charm, picturesque streets and rolling hills neatly striped with rows of vineyards.
Hungry for Canada
When in Canada, there are several things you need to eat. Poutine is a must - a mix of fries and squeaky cheese curds topped with a rich gravy. It even gets its own National Day when the dish is celebrated across the country. Munch on a BeaverTail pastry, tuck into delicious lobster from a seaside shack in Nova Scotia or on Prince Edward Island, and treat yourself with maple syrup goodness. Sucre à la crème is a classic Canadian fudge from the Quebec Maple syrup – often called liquid gold, or if you are there in winter, try maple taffy – where hot maple syrup is poured over clean snow and scooped up with wooden sticks to make lolly pops. Even Martha Stewart has a recipe for this.
