Canada

Oh Canada

Extending from the Atlantic to the Pacific, the Arctic Ocean to the north and United States to the south, Canada is as diverse as it is spectacular.

Would it surprise you to know that with a landmass of 9.1 million square kilometres, Canada is the second-largest country in the world behind Russia?

It’s true, and so is how much fun travellers can have exploring its many highlights. From the charming cities of Quebec and Ottawa in the east, as well as iconic Niagara Falls. To the east, where you’ll find cosmopolitan Vancouver and the world-famous Rocky Mountains with beautiful Banff National Park.

Keep reading to find out why, like the “O Canada” national anthem, you’ll be saying “oh Canada” all the way!

Top experiences

Which destinations you decide to include on your trip to Canada will depend on personal interests, but there are a few spots that are high on our list. In a quick top 4 places to experience in Canada, we’ve picked two from the east and two from the west (but there are many more highlights that you’ll want to discover!).

Québec City:
The charming city is the French capital of the province and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Highlights include the Québec Provincial Parliament Building and the Citadelle.

A walking tour of the walled city leads you to the Chateau de Frontenac, the Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral and you can enjoy stunning views over the Saint Lawrence River. Rue du Tresor is a wonderful place to spend time with the local artists and admire their works in the open-air market from May to October.

Trying the celebrated French Canadian cuisine is a must and we can recommend making a beeline for Old Quebec to sneak in a delicious pastry, baguette or candy treat (or two!).

Niagara Falls:
Arguably the world’s most famous falls, Niagara actually straddles the United States and Canadian borders. If travelling from the Canadian side, leave behind Toronto’s modern skyscrapers and the CN Tower, one of the world’s tallest free-standing structures, to continue along Lake Ontario. Cross the Welland Canal, before arriving at amazing Niagara Falls.

Stroll along Table Rock, see the unique Floral Clock and view the thundering water of the Horseshoe Falls. While you’re there, we recommend the renowned Hornblower Niagara Cruise boat ride for a thrilling view from the base of the Falls.

Another thing we love about Niagara Falls is that it’s as beautiful in winter as it is in summer. So choose if you want a romantic winter wonderland experience or a dazzling day at the most powerful waterfall in the world.

Banff National Park:
As you approach Banff National Park, you’ll be wowed by the mountain scenery, but you won’t be the first to discover it’s a pretty magic place. Before being dubbed a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the first national park in Canada was established way back in 1885.

Banff National Park is famous for its coloured lakes, majestic mountains and endless outdoor adventures. Discover a world of frozen waterfalls and blue ice pillars during a hike or ice-walk through Johnston Canyon.

For that quintessentially Canadian mountain scene, head to Lake Louise. The glacial lake, known for its brilliant blue waters, is located at the base of glacier-clad peaks.

Other fun things to do include trying your hand at the historic game of Curling and enjoy a Nightrise gondola experience. Soar to the top of Sulphur Mountain via gondola to witness the wonders that emerge after dark.

In Lake Louise, you can go old-school with a sleigh ride. Admire the snowy landscape and settle in under warm blankets as a team of horses pulls the traditional style sleigh along.

Vancouver:
The ‘city by the bay’ on the west coast is a wonderful place to make sure you have plenty of time to explore. Vancouver boasts cultural districts, seaside points of interest and open spaces.

Some of the major attractions that you’ll want to see include Canada Palace, Coal Harbour (where harbour cruises depart), Stanley Park, Robson Street, the shopping district of Granville Island and Chinatown. Vancouver Aquarium has an impressive collection of sea creatures and Science World is where you can be wowed by jaw-dropping live demonstrations.