Canada, a large, diverse and fascinating country with rich history, breath taking scenery, impressive natural wonders and home to world class adventure activities from coast to coast
Not only, Canada’s cities such as cosmopolitan Toronto, trendy Vancouver, stylish Montreal and enchanting Québec are rich with cultural and historical treasures, but above all, Canada is a land of breath taking beautiful landscapes, from the snow-capped Rocky mountains (known as Canadian Rockies), crystal clear alpine lakes, spectacular fjord-slashed coastlines of Newfoundland and the Maritimes.
Where to go in Canada
1. Vancouver
Known for its beauty, climate, a fun atmosphere, and plenty of things to do. You can’t go wrong planning a trip to Vancouver. Set on the shores of the Pacific Ocean and backed by snow-capped mountains, this is an active city that offers fine dining or a casual meal while watching the sunset, or fabulous shopping, from the markets of Granville Island to the high-end shops in the city center
If you are spending a couple of days in the city and looking for some interesting outings, Whistler and Victoria are some of the nearby hotspots than be taken as a day trip from Vancouver.
2. Niagara Falls
Just a short drive from Toronto, Niagara Falls is easy to reach, and the city is a fun place to spend a day or two. The most famous natural attraction with water pounding over the falls is an amazing sight. You can literally walk up to the edge of the falls, separated only by a cast iron railing, and see the water as it disappears over the crest.
Niagara is also one of the most acclaimed grape-growing and winemaking regions with countless vineyards and wineries.
3. Toronto
Canada’s largest and cosmopolitan city, Toronto is the country’s cultural hot spot, with ballet, opera, symphony, and Broadway shows. It’s also home to the landmark CN Tower. Add extraordinary shopping, fine dining, and fantastic museums, and there is no end to the entertainment.
4. Montreal
Montreal is a unique city, located in the French speaking province, it has it’s own cultural identity with a beautiful old historic district dating back to the 1600s and a modern city center with extensive underground shopping. Old Montreal is the main tourist hub, with cobbled streets and fantastic old buildings.
Montreal is also known as a stylish city with home to a large number of fashion designers, and high-end boutiques line the historic streets, along with quaint hotels and restaurants.
5. Canadian Rockies
The Canadian Rockies mountain range spans the provinces of British Columbia and Alberta. With jagged, ice-capped peaks, including towering Mt. Robson, it’s a region of alpine lakes, diverse wildlife and outdoor recreation sites. Yoho National Park is home to the massive Takakkaw Falls. Other national parks are Jasper, with the famously accessible Athabasca Glacier, and Banff, site of glacier-fed Lake Louise.
The charming beautiful village of Banff is in the stunning Banff National Park, a must-visit destination for anyone looking to explore the Rocky Mountains and see some of the most beautiful scenery in Canada. This is undeniably a tourist town, catering to international travelers from all over the globe.
Just a short distance from the town are Lake Louise. In summer, the nearby turquoise lakes, including Lake Louise, and glacier-capped mountains offer one of the most breath-taking scenery.
6. Ottawa
Ottawa, the capital of Canada is home to national museums and historic sites, as well as Parliament Hill, and it enjoys a beautiful setting along the Rideau Canal. In winter, when the weather is cold enough, the canal transforms into a 7.8-kilometer-long skating rink. Ottawa is only a few hours by car or train from Toronto.
7. Victoria
Set in southern tip of Vancouver Island is Victoria, the quaint town is capital city of British Columbia. Most of the tourist activity is focused around Victoria’s Inner Harbour, where the Parliament Buildings and the historic Empress Hotel are located. A stroll along the waterfront on a sunny day is gorgeous. Just outside the city center are beaches and lovely coastal areas, as well as parks and hiking trails
8. Québec City
Québec City is located in the French speaking province of Québec. The city has a history dating back to the early 1600s. The old buildings and curving cobbled streets make this one of Canada’s most charming capital cities. The historic heart of Quebec City has been on UNESCO’s prestigious world heritage list since 1985,
9. Halifax
Halifax, city by the sea is capital of Nova Scotia. One of Canada’s most visited national historic sites, the Halifax Citadel is a major attraction in the downtown core.
One of the best ways to experience the historic port city is strolling along the downtown waterfront. Admire the beautiful views of the harbour, complete with heritage vessels, small sailboats, tugs, and the oldest, continuous, salt-water passenger ferry service
Outside the city are a number of small coastal villages that offer a good glimpse of life in the Maritimes. One of the most famous villages is Peggy’s Cove, home to the most photographed lighthouse in the Maritimes.
Discover iconic lighthouses, urban gardens, stunning galleries and museums, a waterfront science centre, and many more world-class attractions, all right here in Halifax
10. Yukon
Drive through endless history, wilderness and wildlife along Yukon’s Alaska Highway—one of the world’s most beautifully iconic roads.
Whitehorse is the capital of northwest Canada’s Yukon territory also a gateway to areas farther north, including Alaska
The city’s history dates back to the Klondike gold-rush, when prospectors made their way through here on their route to Dawson City. Many of the city’s attractions offer insight into the gold-rush days, and beyond the city limits are some beautiful natural areas to explore. If you are lucky, the night sky will come to life with a display of northern lights.
Seeing the Aurora Borealis is probably included in every travelers’ bucket list. To make your Yukon experience truly spectacular, consider adding a Winter Adventure Activity Package to your Aurora Borealis Tour ( Northern Lights Tour ).
Facts –
Best Time to travel : May, June, July, August, September
Capital : Ottawa
Currency : Canadian Dollar (CAD) : Currency Converter
Although credit cards are widely accepted in Canada, we recommend our guests carry some cash (~$50) to use in circumstances when credit cards are not accepted or in destinations where ATMs are not readily available
Language : English & French
Time Zone : Canada uses six primary time zones. From east to west they are Newfoundland Time Zone, Atlantic Time Zone, Eastern Time, Central Time Zone, Mountain Time Zone, and the Pacific Time Zone
Weather : The Canadian climate is strongly influenced by the latitude of each area concerned. The further north you go the lower the temperatures will go too. The year is separated into four seasons, more or less defined according to the area. Along the coasts there is more humidity whereas the interior plains are much dryer.
July and August are the hottest months with temperatures reaching above 20°C.
Winter can be long and harsh with temperatures dropping to –20°C in January.
All the seasons have their charm so choosing the perfect time to visit is difficult. Winter is great for skiing, July and August for camping, spring and autumn for the spectacular foliage and views as well as the peace and quiet.
Electricity : In Canada the power plugs and sockets are of type A and B. The standard voltage is 120 V and the standard frequency is 60 Hz.
VISAS, PASSPORTS, AND OTHER ENTRY REQUIREMENTS : You are responsible for obtaining and paying for all entry documents (visas, etc.) and for meeting all health requirements (inoculations, etc.) as required by the laws, regulations, or orders of the countries you will visit. We cannot accept liability if you are refused entry onto any transport or into any country for failure to carry correct documentation.
A visa for your visit to Canada is necessary. If you hold a passport from another country, check with your local consulate about requirements for travel to Canada.
BUDGETING AND SHOPPING – When budgeting for your trip, keep in mind that the cost of goods, including food, drinks, and souvenirs, may differ significantly from what you are used to at home. In general, Canada is more expensive than destinations in the continental United States. Shopping Look for smoked salmon, maple syrup products, and First Nation crafts including jewelry, carvings, and paintings. You also might want to bring home a bottle of Icewine, some of the best in the world.
FOOD SPECIALTIES – Nanaimo bars, Poutine, fresh salmon and halibut, sweet corn pancakes, fresh berry preserves, Maple syrup.