A vast, rugged and beautiful land
From wildlife-spotting on Arctic getaways to bustling big cities and laid-back coastal villages, Canada’s got it all, writes
Laura McQuillan.
Between its breathtaking landscapes, native animals and friendly people, Canada’s a holiday destination like none other. From the laid-back west coast to the arctic north and thriving eastern cities, there’s a lot of ground to cover to see everything that this vast land has to offer.
This year, as Canada marks 150 years as one big country, we celebrate some of its very best sights and activities.
Snow business
For skiing and snowboarding, you can’t beat the winter wonderland of Whistler in British Columbia.
The town, which hosted events during the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics, is a snow bunny’s dream getaway, but there’s more to it than just ski slopes. Here you can try your hand at snowshoeing, tobogganing and ziplining, then warm up with a wintery cocktail at one of Whistler’s many bars – or at the stunning Scandinave Spa.
Head northwest to Yukon Territory to get a taste of Canada’s wilderness. Rent a cabin, try your hand at dogsledding (be warned, it’s hard work for a human!), and stay up late to watch the magical Aurora Borealis aka the Northern Lights.
It’s also a great region to learn more about Canada’s First Nations peoples.
Be one with nature
If it’s wildlife you want, there’s plenty to find, right across the country. Head to Churchill in northern Manitoba to see polar bears and beluga whales in the wild, while British Columbia is the best place to see grizzly or black bears.
You can find moose right across the country in national parks, while smaller critters – squirrels, raccoons and beavers – are regularly spotted in parks and city areas just about everywhere.
The really great outdoors
The most beautiful part of the country lies across British Columbia and Alberta, from the Canadian Rocky Mountains down to Jasper and Banff, with lakes a vibrant turquoise.
In spring or summer, go kayaking or rafting on stunning Lake Louise, hike mountain trails or go bear-spotting.