GUIDE TO

GUIDE TO

Canada

INSIDER GUIDE TO CANADA

Canada

Picture Canada. Are you gazing at wildlife, cities and culture under the dazzling winter sunshine? Wide-eyed, holding your breath as you and your group spot a grizzly bear? Paddling across the bright blue waters of Lake Louise, overseeing the towering peaks and forests surrounding you... Wherever your mind wanders to when you picture Canada, welcome to our mini destination guide. From the rugged peaks of the Rocky Mountains to the vibrant cities, the jaw-droppingly beautiful turquoise lakes to the 46 national parks and national park reserves, there are so many places to explore in Canada. Here, we’re giving you a taste of Vancouver, British Columbia, and a few of the incredible provinces that make up this vast North American country. Read on to find inspiration for destinations to add to your Canadian adventure.

Population: approx. 35, 160, 000 Capital: Ottawa National Anthem: O Canada Currency: Canadian dollar Official Language: English and French

Climate Canada is a vast country and the weather varies across the 13 provinces and territories. You’ll find average summer temperatures in Vancouver of 25 degrees C, while in Banff temperatures in January can drop to -15 degrees C! This range of temperatures means that you can enjoy sunshine on the beaches in the summer and spectacular skiing in the winter, and landscapes from rainforest to desert!

Interesting facts... 71% of the world’s maple syrup is produced in Quebec

Canada produces its own wine! Nova Scotia has cultivated grapes since the 1600s, and there are eight wine regions to visit

You’ll find more than half of the world’s polar bear population in Canada

The $1 coin is called a ‘loonie’ and the $2 coin is called a ‘toonie’

The largest area of unspoiled temperate rainforest in the world is in British Columbia. And it’s home to three species of bears. In Great Bear Rainforest, on the north east coast, you might come across a Kermode (Spirit) bear, black bear or grizzly bear

The incredible Calgary Stampede attracts over 1.2 million visitors each July. This 10-day spectacle of western heritage and values is billed as ‘The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth’ and features cowboys, rodeos, music, and more!

Canada Provinces The second largest country in the world (Russia is larger), Canada offers an awe-inspiring number of experiences and landscapes across its 13 provinces and territories.

Yukon Territory Prince Edward Island Nunavut Northwest Territories

Labrador

Quebec

Newfoundland

Vancouver

Montreal

Alberta

Calgary

British Columbia

New Brunswick Ontario

Saskatchewan

Halifax

Toronto

Manitoba

Nova Scotia

Yukon Territory Wild and mountainous The Yukon is ideal for hikers, with the northwest Canadian territory containing the highest peak in the nation, Mount Logan. A host of trails and winding rivers make up several National Park’s as part of a nature lovers dream.

Ontario Home to both the provincial capital Toronto, as well as Canada’s capital city, Ontario is the nation’s most populous territory and includes widely recognised landmarks such as Niagara Falls and the 553m-high CN Tower.

British Columbia From the Pacific Ocean coast to cosmopolitan Vancouver, British Columbia is known for breathtaking scenery that ranges from snow-capped mountains to beaches to sweeping forests.

Quebec The predominantly French-speaking Quebec province evokes the sophisticated romance of the home of its mother tongue, yet still maintaining the staunch cultural identity of Canada in its provision of expansive wilderness and inviting cosmopolitan cityscapes such as Montreal.

Northwest Territories The beating natural heart of Northern Canada, Northwest Territories encompasses a diverse range of earthly spectacles in the form of mountains, arctic tundra, waterfalls and expansive lakes. Alberta Alberta is famous for the spectacular Rocky Mountains, dinosaurs in the Canadian Badlands, and the spectacle that is the Calgary Stampede. Hike the great outdoors, visit the vibrant cities of Edmonton and Calgary, and don’t forget a camera! Saskatchewan The only province in Canada without clearly defined borders and an abundance of freshwater lakes, rivers and reservoirs. Saskatchewan is perfect for travellers looking for a raft of outdoor adventures, including fishing, canoeing, hiking and horseback riding. Nunavut This sparsely populated region of Northern Canada is a unique destination brimming with untouched natural beauty, with seemingly endless tundra interspersed with remote villages and much of the territory only accessible by plane or boat. Manitoba Spot polar bears in the artic in winter, beluga whales in summer, and discover arts, culture and history in the province’s capital, Winnipeg. Manitoba offers wilderness alongside art galleries!

Newfoundland and Labrador Canada’s easternmost province was home to the oldest settlements in North America. Travellers today will be greeted by friendly locals, after which there is a vast natural paradise to explore alongside cultural vibrancy in the form of provincial and entertainment capital, St. John’s. New Brunswick Home to humpback whales, over 50 beaches, and the highest tides in the world (Bay of Fundy), New Brunswick is a perfect place for adventure seekers. Prince Edward Island Characterised by striking red sand beaches and lighthouses, it’s unsurprising that the island is well known for producing some of the finest seafood in North America. A trip to Charlottetown sees Victorian-period architecture and a host of theatre and art gallery options for the culturally astute. Nova Scotia A maritime province containing peninsula and offshore islands, Nova Scotia’s immediate proximity to the Atlantic ensures it’s a great spot for whale watching and popular water sports.

SCHEDULED FLYING AT ITS VERY BEST! Air Canada operates more daily non-stop flights from the UK to Canada than any other airline, with up to 70 per week to seven major Canadian cities from London Heathrow; this includes four daily flights to Toronto. On board, in addition to Economy Class, discover revamped International Business Class and newly introduced Premium Economy.

PREMIUM ECONOMY

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS CLASS

A little more can mean a lot! Available on transatlantic services from London Heathrow to Toronto, Montreal, Calgary and Vancouver:

Travel in style with Air Canada’s International Business Class:

• A larger seat and extra legroom • 38-inch seat pitch

• Relax in the privacy of the International Business Class pod with the added comfort of a fully flat-bed* *Not available on Heathrow to St. John’s service

• A larger seat 20-inches between armrests and 8-inch recline

• Priority airport services: check-in, boarding and baggage

• Increased baggage allowance

• Exclusive access to the Maple Leaf Lounge at Heathrow and across Canada

• Complimentary wines and spirits as well as premium cuisine • Priority airports services: check in, boarding and baggage

• Fine wines and gourmet cuisine • Noise cancelling headphones to enjoy hundreds of hours of entertainment

Exploring Eastern Canada Eastern Canadian provinces incorporate many of the nation’s must-visit cities and unforgettable scenic vistas. From wildlife havens in Newfoundland and Labrador national parks to Toronto as the most populous city in Canada, the Eastern provinces offer glorious diversity in many forms, seeing varied terrain and multi-cultural metropolitan hubs as part of a uniquely enthralling North American territory. Read on to discover some of the destinations to explore on your travels through Canada.

Nova Scotia

Newfoundland and Labrador

Best for: History and photography

Best for: Hiking and natural discovery

Activities to indulge in: Wine and food tours; historic coach tours; cruises; sailing and water tours

Activities to indulge in: National parks; nature trails, monuments, ecological areas, museums, whale spotting, live music

Sumptuous seafood and an enticing coastline has captivated visitors to this physical embodiment of a Gaelic collage, with sheltered caves and whitewashed cliffs backing a smattering of lighthouses surveying a picturesque Atlantic seascape.

Despite only officially joining Canada in 1949, Newfoundland and Labrador province has established itself as a region of natural and historical charm, with a healthy dose of unique eccentricity because of old Irish and English dialects from ancient fishing settlements and a varied interior terrain inclusive of snow topped mountains, rivers and fjords.

The 186-mile Cabot trail around Cape Breton Island is a photographer’s heaven, such is the regularity of roaming highlands and inviting beaches that you simply must take it all in. A visit to the provincial capital of Halifax sees a wealth of friendly pubs to wash away the cobwebs from a full day in the varied Nova Scotian expanse

The untouched expanse of Newfoundland makes this a perfect destination for travellers wishing to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. The region’s provision of museums, restaurants and bars complement a thriving folk music scene in St John’s, which travellers may wish to make their holiday base from before taking part in whale watching excursions to nearby Bay Bulls and the lighthouses along the picturesque Cape Spear.

Labrador has been unified with Newfoundland since the 1760’s, offering travellers an intriguing insight into ancient Inuit traditions and an opportunity to explore some of the highest peaks in Canada as part of a truly unrestrained adventure.

The ocean is equally as catering for water sports enthusiasts, with summer months seeing warm waters surrounding the island ready-made for fishing, kayaking, snorkeling, swimming and seal watching all possible in this land and ocean based destination of endless adventure.

Ontario

Quebec

Best for: Cosmopolitan cities and Niagara Falls

Best for: Cultural and gastro diversity

Activities to indulge in: Nightlife; shopping; landmarks; amusement parks; food and drink, waterfalls, lakes Ontario province contains many of Canada’s top landmarks and attractions, including the most visited of them all in the majestically soaring Niagara Falls. Early inhabitants to Canada’s second-largest province christened Ontario due to its literal translation as a land of ‘glittering waters’, stretching from St Lawrence River and the Great Lakes through to Hudson Bay and numbering almost half a million. Many will begin their adventure through Ontario from the iconic city of Toronto, representing a genuine melting-pot of cosmopolitan multiculturalism. Some of the world’s finest craft beer can be enjoyed from one of many historic pubs, while the undoubted highlight for many would be the chance to survey the city from the CN Tower and the daring full circle, hands-free EdgeWalk.

Prince Edward Island Best for: Cycling and outdoor adventures Activities to indulge in: Cycling; trekking; running; hiking; fishing; canoeing Rustic farming, undulated greenery and golden sanded shores combine to inviting effect on Prince Edward Island. This all-encompassing island playground blends a relaxed and friendly atmosphere with picture perfect rising and falling slopes, seemingly immaculately formed for a bike ride of a lifetime as you explore activities such as the Confederation Trail, inclusive of 270 miles of flattened out trails.

Activities to indulge in: Whale swimming, kayaking, nightlife, hiking, historic locations The fusion of French and North American cultural influence sees modern day Quebec serve up leading gastronomy and cosmopolitan delights, reflecting a region of distinct identity at every turn. Montréal and Québec City are the epicentre of this cultural variation, with chic urban cool emanating from the assortment of both sophisticated and quirky bars and restaurants, with the latter serving authentic produce from the pastoral Charlevoix region. Canada’s largest province naturally serves up much more than metropolitan delights however, with over 8,000 miles of coastline offering the chance to go whale watching, follow the vast network of cycle trails, or traverse the historic cobblestone quarters of various 17th century inspired districts.

Our 5 Favourite Sights Wondering what there is to see and do on Canada? Mountains, golden sand dunes, and a coffee plantation await!

See the totem poles in Stanley Park

craft studios, this island was originally filled

There’s over 1,000 acres to wander through in

1880s. Today, it blends old-world charm with

Stanley Park but one of the must-see sights is

culture and mouthwatering gourmet goodies

the incredible collection of totem poles.

to delight foodies!

Nestled at the edge of downtown Vancouver,

Conquer your fear of heights at the

the city’s largest park is a brilliant space to explore. Wander amongst the cedar trees.

with sawmills, iron works, and factories in the

Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

Dip a toe in the sea or read a book on the

At 70 metres above the Capilano River and

sandy beaches. Learn about nature at the

140 metres long, the epic suspension bridge

ecology centre, Stanley Park Nature House.

– originally built in 1889 - in this park isn’t for the faint-hearted. It does, however, offer

Sail away to Granville Island Hop onto the ferry in Vancouver and you’re transported across False Creek to the charming, arty community of Granville Island. Home to a bustling food market filled with local produce, theatres, artisan boutiques and

wonderful views of the great outdoors and the West Coast rainforest!

Discover flora and fauna in VanDusen Botanical Garden

With 255,000 plants from across the world and 55 acres to explore, the VanDusen Botanical Garden is a must-visit for anyone with green fingers. As well as plants, woodland and five lakes, there are 65 species of birds and other animals to spot amidst the foliage.

Marvel at art and culture in The

Museum of Anthropology at the University of British Columbia

This superb museum holds a worldfamous collection of Northwest Coast First Nations art and there are an incredible 40,000 ethnographic objects in the collection. As well as presenting the cultures and traditions of the First Nations, discover cultures from around the world, and don’t miss the fascinating temporary exhibitions. The museum’s collections are housed in a stunning piece of modern architecture, a blend of glass and concrete, and this award-winning building lies on ancestral Musqueam land, surrounded by sculptures and indigenous plants, and with breathtaking sea and mountain views.

Exploring British Columbia Located on the west coast of Canada, British Columbia offers visitors a mesmerising blend of dramatic scenery, arts and culture, and cosmopolitan cities and towns. Travelling through the province, you’ll find wineries in Fraser Valley, museums and fine dining in Vancouver, world-class skiing in Whistler, and outdoor adventures galore.

Whistler

Vancouver Island

Best for: Skiing

Best for: Wildlife and the great outdoors

Activities to indulge in: Skiing and snowboarding; heli-skiing; summer glacier skiing; mountain biking and hiking

Activities to indulge in: Arts and crafts; whale watching; salmon and trout fishing; birdwatching

Renowned as one of the best ski resorts in the world, Whistler is a paradise for anyone seeking knee-deep powder, immaculate slopes, and spectacular scenery. There are over 200 marked trails, skiing for all abilities, and après ski at the buzzing, car-free Whistler Village.

This incredibly diverse area covers the Gulf Islands and some of the mainland too, and a visit here will surprise you with an ecosystem that includes rainforests, beaches, mountains and lakes. With much of the island a protected parkland, naturelovers can wander through fir and cedar forests, and Garry oak groves. Keep your camera handy for birds, wildlife, and whales!

Travelling outside of snow season? There’s still a huge range of activities to keep you busy in Whistler, including glacier skiing and snowboarding on Horstman Glacier for advanced skiers and riders. Aside from skiing, indulge in everything from free outdoor music concerts to hiking on alpine trails to zipline tours.

Unsurprisingly, this beautiful location provides plenty of inspiration for artists, and you’ll find arts and crafts galore, especially on the Gulf Islands, with galleries, shops and studios to explore.

Thompson Okanagan Best for: Wineries and lakeside beaches Activities to indulge in: Arts and culture; history; skiing and snowboarding; hiking; mountain biking; food and wine; sandy lakeside beaches Nestled in Thompson Okanagan is the highest mountain in the Canadian Rockies, a desert, and a waterfall that’s twice the height of Niagara Falls! And, it’s a magnet for foodies thanks to the vineyards and orchards here.

Kootenay Rockies Best for: Outdoor adventures

As well as a huge amount of outdoor pursuits to keep active types busy from morning to night, you’ll find lots of museums and heritage sites to delight culture connoisseurs.

Activities to indulge in: Skiing and snowboarding; hiking; mountain biking; whitewater rafting; golf; fishing; arts and history

Cariboo Chilcotin Coast

Picture rivers, waterfalls, mineral hot springs, snow-capped mountains, and alpine meadows and you have the Kootenay Rockies!

Best for: The gold-rush highway and Canada’s largest provincial park, Tweedsmuir Provincial Park

Home to four of British Columbia’s seven national parks, there’s an abundance of wildlife here, and the Kootenay Rockies are known for the incredible array of outdoor activities on offer. In winter, strap on your skis for amazing powder at one of the seven varied resorts in the region. In summer, fish, hike, play a round of golf or visit quaint heritage towns, arts communities, and gold rush boomtowns.

Activities to indulge in: Fishing; canoeing and kayaking; art galleries; history; horse riding Settled by artists, cowboys, explorers, and lovers of the outdoors, this enchanting area stretches from the Pacific coast to the Cariboo Mountains. Amongst the forests, fjords, and volcanic mountains, you’ll find art galleries and studios, historic sites along the Gold Rush Trail with costumed interpreters, and guest ranches a-plenty.

Try something a little different... Hike the Grouse Grind® Lace up your hiking boots and get ready for jelly legs! It might only be 1.8 miles to the top of Grouse Mountain but that’s 853 metres of trail at an average grade of 30 degrees, with 2,830 stairs... Climb right to the top, though, and you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views across Vancouver. And there’s cafes and coffee shops there, too, so you can tuck into a celebratory bite to eat! Left your hiking boots at home? Don’t worry, you can still see Vancouver’s skyline from the summit. Hop on the Skyride and zoom to the top!

Spot wild whales in the Pacific Ocean Set sail from Granville Island, in downtown Vancouver, and cruise the Pacific Coast to spot these majestic creatures as they dance through the waters. From May to October, whales migrate through the waters near Vancouver and a day trip from the city offers a perfect opportunity to see Humpback, Orca and Pacific grey whales in the wild.

Walk the Stanley Park Seawall Pop on some comfy shoes and get ready to stroll along the Seawall – there’s over 13 miles to explore! Running along Vancouver’s waterfront, the Seawall meanders from the Convention Centre at Coal Harbour, around Stanley Park, past Granville Island, and round to Kitsilano Beach Park. Not sure about walking the full Vancouver Seawall? Set aside a couple of hours and try the five-mile walk. It’s a wonderful waterfront stroll around Stanley Park to Second Beach.

Take a foodie tour around Vancouver With more than 100 food trucks serving delicious morsels throughout Vancouver, a buzzing restaurant scene, and artisan food markets, foodies will definitely be at home in the city! Food and drink tours are a fantastic way to explore Vancouver – and you get to sample some of the delights in each neighbourhood, too. From tasting nibbles in Chinatown to sipping craft beer (there are more than 50 breweries in the city area!) to the Spot Prawn Festival, don’t leave without tasting something new!

Taste

The aromatic notes of a perfectly chilled rosé, sipped under the bright Ontario sunshine. The incredibly moreish delight of chips, cheese curds and gravy (known as ‘poutine’). And, of course, the deliciously sweet taste of maple syrup. As you journey across the Canada’s provinces, you’ll find many dishes to delight your inner foodie. Here, we’ve compiled five favourite nibbles and tipples to inspire you to take a gourmet tour around Canada.

Maple Syrup Quebec is the largest producer of maple syrup in the world but you’ll find this sumptuous, nutty, sugary treat all across Canada. Heading to Quebec in February, March or April? Find a ‘sugar shack’ in the Laurentians or Montérégie regions and try maple taffy (tire d'érable or tire sur la neige). Traditional methods are used to collect the maple sap and it’s boiled and then rolled onto a stick over snow or ice.

Seafood Whether you love lobster or fish tacos, due to Canada’s vast coastline, you’ll find fresh seafood galore across the country. A few flavours to add to your to-try list? Indulge in copious amounts of shellfish at the Prince Edward Island International Shellfish Festival in September. Taste Pacific salmon and spot prawns in British Columbia. And gorge on lobster in Nova Scotia.

Poutine This dish may be a simple pairing of chips, gravy and cheese curds but it’s a classic dish to add to your ‘must-try’ food list!

Montreal Bagels New York might be famous for its bagels but did you know that so is Montreal? Rolled by hand and baked in a wood-fired oven, the sesame seedcovered bagels you’ll taste here are smaller and sweeter than the ones you’ll probably have tried elsewhere. Stop by St-Viateur Bagel and Fairmount Bagel in Montreal, two bakeries with legendary status.

Ice Wine Pressed from ripe, frozen grapes when the temperatures soar below freezing, this sweet wine is a mouthwatering blend of honey notes, citrus fruits, apples and pears. It can be too sweet for some but it’s definitely worth a try. You’ll find over 80 vineyards in the Niagara region, with over 20 in the pretty area of Niagara-on-the-Lake. In the month of January, you can explore the Icewine Festival to learn more about how the wine is made – and, of, course, sample a tipple or too. Other wine regions to explore include Nova Scotia, the Brome-Missisquoi region in Quebec, Prince Edward County, Thompson Okanagan, Similkameen, Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands, and Lake Erie North Shore and Pelee Island.

TC Recommended: Canada Take a look at some of our Travel Counsellors’ recommendations for a unique experience in Canada

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“Vancouver is a very cosm opolitan city you can dine where on any type of food you Yaletown for fancy, visit sidewalk cafe s and trendy Visit Gastown restaurants. . This historic district's cobb streets are lin lestone ed with Victor ia n buildings th house, bout iques, cafes, at souvenir shop s and First Nation Galle ries. We spent an interesting da y on Grouse This was som Mountain. ewhere else we had not vis before, on ou ited r many trips to Vancouve the cable ca r. We took r to the top of the mount once again we ain and were above the clouds an wonderful da d had a y's sunshine . From the top, see the top we could of the Lions Gate Bridge through the , popping clouds. The views were wo could see M nderful. We ount Baker in W ashington US distance, rugg A in the ed mountain peaks and se a views over to Vanc ouver Island. On the top of Grouse Mou ntain, is hom two orphaned e to male Grizzly Bears called and Coola. D Grinder avid and I sp ent around tw watching the o hours bears swimm ing, having sa lunch and ge lmon for nerally relaxin g as they expl natural habi ored their tat at the Gro use Mountai n Refuge for Endangered Wildlife.” Travel Coun sellor Cathie

“About 3 hours from Vancouver is the Okanagan wine region, you are unlikely to have tried their wine before as very little is exported, they are very clever people! The wineries are welcoming and I bought a very useful guide book, so that I could prioritise my tastings. We stayed in Osoyoos which is one of the warmest places in Canada, we swam and kayaked in lakes in the days, did a little wine tasting, and then headed out for dinner in the evenings. Terrafina at Hester Creek is sat up on a hill surrounded by vineyards, you can have a table on the terrace or inside. The tasting room is open late, so you can pop in to try their wines before dinner, or have a glass on the terrace. We arrived at the Burrowing Wine Estate by driving under a double rainbow in a flash thunder storm, it was pretty magical, and the rest of the evening didn’t disappoint. Salt Spring Island also has wineries and it has an amazing food market each Saturday, and it’s only a ferry hop from Vancouver. The island is known for its arts, crafts and artisan food / wine production. We loved our dinner at Hastings House - it was one of the best meals I’ve ever had. All I can say is that you must go there and try it yourself!”

My first impression of Niagara was WOW - I didn't realise there was so much to see and do there, apart of course from the Falls. The town comes alive at night with its neon lights, ferris wh eel, fireworks, eateries, bar s. We took a ride on the ferris wheel and saw the spe ctacular falls all illumin ated with different colour s. The following day we took a journey behind the falls, followed by the Hornblower cruise wh ich took us right up to the thundering falls and realised how import ant our pink ponchos were! After lunch at the She raton On The Falls (with specta cular views of the Ca nadian and American Falls) we enjoyed a zip line excursion which was great fun . The highlight of the day was an amazing helicopte r flight over the Falls which is an absolute must if you visit. Travel Counsellor Ali son

Travel Counsellor Louise

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Spending money Wondering how much spending money you’ll need for your travels? To help you plan your trip, here’s a rough guide to the cost of some of the things you might be buying whilst you’re there!

$70

Two-course meal for two in a midrange restaurant

$6

Domestic beer

$9.75

DayPass (unlimited travel on public transport)

$139 Whistler Blackcomb Resort Weekend Lift Ticket (Adult)

$18

Adult entry to Museum of Anthropology at UBC

Please be aware an ETA Visa is required to visit Canada which is $7. More details can be found at www.canada.ca/eta

Wildlife Discovery Package DATE: 20 May 2018 WH AT ’ S I N CLUDED? •

Return flights from London Heathrow with British Airways (regional flights available)

•

14 nights in 3* accommodation on a room-only basis (based on 2 people sharing)

FROM £2,753pp

ITINERARY Day 1: Calgary After picking up your rental car and settling in to your hotel, enjoy a night out on the town in this chic city.

Deep in the heart of British Columbia lie the Caribou Mountains. The valley ecosystems provide food and shelter for countless species, including grizzly bears and black bears, water fowl, butterflies, and plants.

Day 2: Calgary – Banff

Days 9 - 10: Ecotour

Depart Calgary for Banff, a stunning area of serene mountain terrain, with scenic valleys, towering forests, vibrant lakes and rivers and an abundance of wildlife.

This exciting back country adventure takes you into the high country, where you will see wildlife and experience life of the wild mountain dwellers. Led by local, knowledgeable guides some of the things you’ll experience include alpine hiking, free hand rock climbing, grizzly bear dens, wildlife tracking, bird watching, and 1000-year-old red cedars.

Day 3: Banff/Yoho National Park Banff National Park is home to 53 species of mammals including bears, wolves, moose and mountain goats. Established in 1885, Yoho National park is Canada’s second oldest protected area, with Emerald Lake and Lake O’Hara, some of Canada’s tallest waterfalls, and 28 peaks over 3,000m. Included activity: Evening Wildlife Safari (2 hours)

Day 11: Likely - Whistler Leaving Likely, head down towards Cache and the Duffy Lake Roads, one of the most scenic drives in southern BC, to Pemberton and on to Whistler.

Day 4: Banff – Jasper

Day 12: Whistler - Victoria

Today’s journey takes you along the Icefields Parkway, a drive National Geographic named “the drive of a lifetime” and through the heart of the Rocky Mountains. Look out for moose and black bears!

Today drive the scenic Sea to Sky highway to Horseshoe Bay. Board the ferry and cruise through the Gulf Islands to Vancouver Island. Keep your camera ready for orcas, seals, and eagles!

Day 5: Jasper

Day 13: Victoria

Explore Jasper National Park, Canada’s largest national park. Highlights include Maligne Lake, Athabasca Falls and Mt Edith Cavel. In the evening, discover the cafes, shops, and restaurants in the pioneer town of Jasper.

British Columbia’s Provincial Capital, Victoria, is steeped in colonial heritage. Highlights to visit include: Beacon Hill Park, Bastion Square, the Parliament Buildings, Chinatown, Inner Harbour, and Butchart Gardens. Wildlife enthusiasts can book onto a whale watching tour.

Day 6: Jasper – Clearwater Drive west via Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, to Clearwater and the beautiful Wells Gray Park. Highlights include Helmcken Falls, Spahats Falls, and Clearwater Lake. Day 7: Wells Gray Park Wells Gray Park is rich in flora and fauna so keep an eye out for caribou, moose, black bears, beavers and wolves freely roaming the park! Day 8: Clearwater – Likely

Day 14: Victoria - Vancouver Journey back over the Strait of Georgia to the spectacular city of Vancouver. Some of the attractions to visit include the UBC Museum of Anthropology with displays on native culture and the Vancouver Aquarium. Day 15: Vancouver Time for a spot of last-minute shopping and sightseeing before making your way to Vancouver Airport for your flight home.

Here, we’ve chosen a few of the things we think you should see, do and eat while you’re in Vancouver and British Columbia. We hope it inspires you to journey to Canada time and time again and taste a little of Canadian life. Get in touch to build a bespoke itinerary, tailor-made just for you. We’d also love to see your photos and stories on social media so please share your memories using #TCexperience