Travel guide: Highlights of Canada

The Great White North has lured in travellers and keen adventurers for centuries. The country’s big and bold scenery makes it one of the best places in the world for getting lost in nature, and its lively cities filled with friendly folk make it even more inviting. These highlights of Canada will give you just a taste of what this great nation is capable of.

 

Ontario

Ontario is home to Toronto, Canada’s largest city. This buzzing metropolis has everything you could want: beautiful sights – most notably the iconic CN Tower – an abundance of top bars, cafés, and restaurants, plenty of green space, and you’re just a stone’s throw from legendary Niagara Falls.

But that’s not all Ontario has going for it. The province is littered with sparkling lakes and lush parks, and offers a world of adventure for those who love to be in the outdoors. Don’t miss stopping by Algonquin Provincial Park, especially in autumn when the leaves are changing color.

As it’s a large city, flights to Toronto are easy to come by and for the most part extremely affordable. Also check out flights to nearby Buffalo in upstate New York as connections from here to the city are easy too.

 

Alberta

As one of the most visually stunning parts of North America, Alberta is where you go to connect with mesmerizing scenery. The province is home to both Banff and Jasper National Parks, which are filled with soaring mountains and beautiful lakes.

These are both incredibly popular locations for winter spots in Canada, but there’s still plenty of things to do here in the summer – there are paddling, biking, and hiking opportunities abound in Alberta.

To reach these beautiful locations, hop on a flight to Edmonton, one of the province’s main hubs. From this city you’ll be able to reach many of Alberta’s top sights and attractions.

 

Northern Lights at Yellowknife in Canada’s Northwest Territories, above Alberta

 

Quebec

Part of French-speaking Canada (although the large majority of people speak English too so nothing to worry about!), Quebec offers a different perspective on Canada. The town of Quebec City itself is well worth visiting, as it boasts a pretty historic centre – Old Quebec, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site – where you can walk down cobbled streets.

Also stop by Montreal, another Quebec city with a beautiful old town. If you’re into your food, make sure you get yourself a smoked meat sandwich from Schwartz’s – an essential Montreal experience.

Hop on a flight to Quebec City or Montreal for the best deals to reach this fascinating part of Canada.

 

British Columbia

Canada’s far western province of British Columbia is one of the country’s most visited regions. Thousands flock here every winter to visit Whistler, one of the area’s top ski resorts, and Vancouver one of the most liveable cities in North America.

One of the best parts of BC is the smattering of islands that lie of its mainland coast. Vancouver Island is an outdoor playground and, if you’re lucky, here you can spot orcas gliding around its waters.

Flights to Vancouver are often affordable and very frequent, making BC one of the easiest of Canada’s provinces to reach.

Vancouver, Canada

 

Nova Scotia

Yet another one of Canada’s gems for outdoor lovers, Nova Scotia lies to the far east of the country, on the Atlantic Ocean. Off the province’s shores you can spots whales and seals, and birds like puffins are very common here. Many people come to Nova Scotia to get out onto the water with some sailing or kayaking around the region’s bays.

If you’d rather stay on-land, follow the Cabot Trail, a 300km driving route that takes you into Cape Breton Highlands National Park. This coastal trail allows you to cruise alongside the ocean and pass through quaint little villages.

Flights to Halifax or Sydney in Nova Scotia offer easy and accessible ways to reach this beautiful corner of Canada.