British Columbia offers a fabulous mix of mountains and coastline. Its splendour and vast leisure potential make this province more laid back than other Canadian regions.
Vancouver is the gateway to British Columbia and its position is quite unique. A stunning harbour city, it is surrounded by snow- capped coastal mountains. Its
natural beauty is matched by its friendly atmosphere and cosmopolitan residents.
Located in the Coast Mountain Range, Whistler is a charming Alpine village with cobbled pathways and charming sidewalk cafés. It is also the largest ski area on the continent, built for skiers by skiers, and soon-tobe host of the 2010 Winter Olympics.
Just off the west coast, there are hundreds of islands harbouring amazing wildlife. Vancouver Island is the largest of these islands and is home to Victoria, the capital of British Columbia. Canada’s first national marine park, Pacific Rim National Park, is one of the chief reasons for visiting Vancouver Island and Tofino makes
the best base to explore the beaches and dramatic seascapes around this area. You might even want to enjoy a whalewatching excursion or hike along the West Coast Trail.
If you would like to visit a winery or play golf on an outstanding course, head inland to the Okanagan region, ‘British Columbia's Sunshine Valley’. Mountain scenery, wilderness and glacial lakes are best observed in and around Yoho and Kootenay National Parks, or relax in one of the Hot Springs.
For something a little different, take a helicopter flight into the mountains for the most incredible hikes to towering rocky peaks, along high ridges and in stunning meadows. Or perhaps stay at an authentic ranch for a spectacular western adventure combined with superb accommodations, extensive spa services and a diverse range of outdoor activities.
For the ultimate holiday, take a spectacular train journey on the famous Rocky Mountaineer Train
from Vancouver through the striking scenery of the Rocky Mountains or perhaps enjoy a superb cruise from Vancouver through the Inside Passage to the dramatic untamed wilderness of Alaska. And seeing the grizzly bears at Knight Inlet is a sight you will never forget.
Alberta is a dramatic, exciting and breathtaking province offering such a wide variety of landscapes. For anyone who wants to see the Canadian Rockies, Alberta is where you come. Jasper, Banff, Calgary and Edmonton are some of the province's well-known towns and cities.
Jasper is a friendly picturesque community nestled within magnificent Jasper National Park, surrounded by mountains, glaciers, lakes, rivers, canyons and
waterfalls. Set in Canada's first National Park, Banff is a thriving mountain resort with charming shops and dining spots, and elk and deer wandering the streets. Nearby
is the smaller town of Lake Louise, with the famous lake known as the ‘Jewel of the Rockies’. Soaring mountains and the magnificent Victoria Glacier surround
the lake's vivid turquoise waters. In winter Alberta provides outstanding skiing opportunities with both Banff and Lake Louise offering a wide choice of terrain
and long undulating slopes amidst spectacular scenery.
Calgary is a city of contrasts - a sophisticated and modern urban lifestyle co-exists with traditional western spirit and history. The city is home to the world famous
‘Calgary Stampede’ in July, but has plenty to entertain year round.
Edmonton is a festival city and is the gateway to the north. When in Edmonton, a visit to the West Edmonton Mall is a must - it is a shopping experience that has to
be seen to be believed. There are over 800 shops, an indoor waterpark and a loop-the-loop rollercoaster, all under one roof.
Alberta offers the best of both worlds from bustling cities to the great outdoors. You could choose to saddle up and ride a horse, find some excitement as you speed
on a whitewater rafting trip or perhaps lounge on the cedar porch at a guest ranch and take in the breathtaking scenery.
Whether it is the tranquil scenic splendour of the lakes, or the cosmopolitan city atmosphere, Ontario will capture your imagination. Eastern Ontario is famous for its history and natural beauty. The lakes and waterways form a beautiful natural playground, with spectacular opportunities for outdoor activities. The Indians call Ontario ‘Shining Waters’, as there are one million square kilometers of water, shimmering in 250,000 rivers and lakes, cascading at the world famous thundering Niagara Falls. Much of the province is covered by forest, often set aside as a park, including Algonquin Provincial Park, a favourite with travellers. Niagara-on-the-Lake is rich with Canadian history, architectural wonders and remarkable beauty.
With an abundance of lakes and rivers, anything remotely connected with water can be done in Ontario. Take a cruise from historic Kingston along the St. Lawrence River.
Fish, swim in crystal clear waters and relax on clean sandy beaches. If you are looking to get away from it all, there are many country inns and resorts throughout the province. Maybe stop in the Muskoka region for that cottage on a lake experience.
If city slicker is more your style, enjoy the lively sophisticated cities of metropolitan Toronto – Canada’s largest city and Ontario’s capital - or Canada’s capital, Ottawa.
Toronto offers theatre, over 5,000 restaurants and a glass-domed downtown shopping mall, The Eaton Centre, together with little shops and boutiques. From art to opera Toronto has it all. On a hill overlooking
the Ottawa River are the majestic Parliament Buildings, which are the main focus of the city of Ottawa. The Byward market buzzes with cafes, craft shops, farmers market stalls and nightclubs. Remember in
Ottawa to sample a Canadian Beaver Tail – a tasty sweet pastry!
Manitoba is known as the prairie province for its grain-rich plains. It is full of history and adventure. You can discover fur trading posts, great beaches, whitewater rapids or the variety of over 70 different cultures in Winnipeg, the capital city. Winnipeg retains its historical charm, it has a rich cultural scene with a strong arts community and plenty of parkland - an ideal city for walkers. It is also the gateway for viewing the world's largest carnivore - the arctic Polar Bear. Churchill is the Polar Bear capital of the world and it is here that the bears congregate during October and November.
Although much of the province of Saskatchewan is prairie land, there are also mountains: Cypress Hills, at 1,392m is higher than Banff in the Rockies. Saskatoon and Regina are both cosmopolitan cities with a 'Wild-west' history. Saskatoon is considered one of the most beautiful of Canada's midsize cities. Set on the South Saskatchewan River, it is known as the City of Bridges and has a rich cultural life. Regina is the flourishing capital city and home of The Mounties (Royal Canadian Mounted Police).
These are made up of the Yukon, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.
The Yukon is a little out of the ordinary and is one of the premier wilderness adventure destinations in the world. Take to the water in a canoe, kayak or whitewater raft, enjoy one of the many hikes, or go back to the cities and reminisce about the frontier-days. The stories and
events surrounding the Klondike Gold Rush of 1896 attract many visitors to the area. Perhaps combine the Yukon with Alaska for an exciting fly-drive through natural beauty, spectacular scenery, fascinating history and charming cultures.
Gold was discovered in Yellowknife in 1934 and it went on to become the capital of the Northwest Territories. The city is one of the best locations in
the world for viewing the aurora borealis (the Northern Lights). As the nights grow longer, the green, red and mauve lights are absolutely brilliant in their dance across the sky.
The province of Nunavut was introduced in Canada in 1999 for the Inuit. At nearly two million square kilometers, there are no roads to this Arctic wilderness with small isolated settlements and more caribou than people!
Québec is unlike any other province in Canada. It is European, with a decidedly French flavour and is full of ‘joie de vivre’. It is the country's most historic province and its largest. Québec is four times bigger than France. The distinct culture of the Québecois, makes this a very special part of Canada. Its grand scale presents no problem for travelling, as the road networks are both extensive and free flowing.
You must visit the exciting city of Montreal - a city of contrasts. One part is bright, modern, cosmopolitan and fashionable. The other part, Vieux Montreal, is charming, historic and intriguing. Both areas share a delight for all things gastronomic.
Québec City is North America's only fortified city. Simply stunning, its skyline is dominated by the awesome splendour of the Chateau Frontenac. It is always busy and is characterized by colourful narrow streets, wonderful shops, fabulous restaurants and handsome squares.
The Laurentian Mountains are noted for their scenic beauty, particularly in the fall, when the trees blaze into colour. Throughout the Eastern Townships, you will find a patchwork of wooded valleys and huge lakes in the French version of New England. During the summer months, several species of whales return to the Saguenay estuary, where you can take a sightseeing cruise to observe these magnificent creatures close-up.
Nova Scotia, Newfoundland & Labrador, Prince Edward Island, and New Brunswick are the evocatively named provinces that make up Maritime East Coast Canada.
Vibrant colours and cultures typify this area of Canada, whose proud inhabitants maintain strong cultural links with their Celtic past. Fishing is a way of life for many. In Nova Scotia you will never be further than 35 miles from the sea. Brightly coloured wooden houses perch on the edge of some of the most stunning coastlines in the world. The scenery and abundant wildlife are inspirational. From quiet beaches to moors and mountains, this is a place you will want to return to time and time again. Halifax is set on the second-largest natural harbour in the world and is home to historic schooners, exciting festivals and Victorian public gardens.
This region is famous for its seafood. In particular, Prince Edward Island where whitewashed houses stand out against red sandstone cliffs, is noted for its oysters, mussels and wonderful lobsters. New Brunswick boasts 1,500 miles of sea-washed coastline - seascapes that vary from gentle waters and lengthy stretches of sand to awesome tides and lashing waves against rocky cliffs. In Newfoundland there are only four people to every square mile so there is plenty of space and room to breathe. Perhaps enjoy an unforgettable adventure searching for whales in Nova Scotia or moose in New Bunswick.
Motorhomes
