Canada has some truly spectacular wildlife and visiting here is not complete without seeking out some rare creatures. From the towering moose to the persistent beaver and the elusive Canadian lynx to the cunning wolf, there are plenty of
wildlife encounters to enjoy on a Canadian holiday.
Bears are certainly a highlight of any naturalist's visit, with black bears, grizzly bears and polar bears all living in the country. If you prefer sea life, it's a whale-watchers dream with humpback whales, orcas and beluga whales frequenting the local waters.
For the ultimate experience, our itinerary, Canada's Grizzly Bears, has been expertly curated to show off the country's most amazing wildlife experiences. Not only will you enlist on a grizzly bear tour where you can watch these rare creatures feasting on fresh salmon, but you'll also get the experience of spotting sea lions, seeking out dolphins, witnessing whales and seeing eagles soaring overhead - as well as much more!
One of the best ways to experience Canada is by rail, and the
Rocky Mountaineer is one of the most iconic rail journeys in the world, let alone North America. Winding between Vancouver and Banff and with stops In Kamloops, Whistler, Jasper, and Lake Louise (to name a few), you'll be seeing some of the country's highlights as the train rumbles underfoot.
Moreover, you'll be travelling in style with a luxury two-story, glass-domed coach with full-length windows perfect for taking in the view as you wind through the Canadian Rockies. On board, you can enjoy the exclusive restaurant car, which serves gourmet cuisine inspired by the best local ingredients, including highlights like Canadian wild salmon, Hell's Gate spiced chicken and roasted vegetable bruschetta.
We're surprised it's taken us this long to get to Canada's National Parks. They'll be able to excite all of your senses at once, but for many people, that fresh air, forest pine smell is one of their most unexpected delights. Sometimes, there is just a moment that takes your breath away, and the National Parks in Canada can give you that moment. You'll be surrounded by the most awe-inspiring scenery, breathing in the freshest air and realise you are living your dream.
With 37 national parks and ten national park reserves, just over 3% of the country's total landmass comprises protected national parks. That may not seem like a lot, but it's over 340,000 square kilometres of beautiful habitats, natural beauty and significant cultural areas.
It's not often that Canada comes to the front of mind when talking about the pioneering food nations of the world; however, it's a silent underdog when it comes to the dishes on offer. Traditional Canadian food is warming and feels reminiscent of home-cooked fare. Yes, you can spend time enjoying high-end restaurants here too, but Canada thrives on simple dishes that can put a smile on your face.
The most popular is, of course, poutine. A dish of crispy chips, rich gravy and squeaky cheese curds is just as humble as it sounds, but there is a reason it's so beloved. Nowadays, you can get myriad variations of the dish with all kinds of toppings, perfect for a warming lunch. If you've got a sweet tooth, it's butter tarts that are the standout. A flaky pastry tart with a simple filling of butter, sugar and eggs, you'll want the recipe to make these at home upon your return!
Finally, how could you talk about Canada without bringing up skiing? The Great White North offers it all for those looking to hit the slopes on
luxury ski holiday. With world-renowned ski destinations, including
Banff, Lake Louise and
Mont Tremblant, you will be impressed wherever you visit.
The ski season here is longer than in Europe, there is no language barrier to contend with and often much fewer crowds. If you've always opted for a
luxury ski holiday in France before, why not switch it up and try Canada next? You'll surely be hooked!