Why Canada should be on your bucket list

We think that Canada is a stand‑out travel destination that should be high on everyone’s bucket list. Why? Because it has everything. And Canada’s everything is really something! We don’t make that claim lightly, so read on and find out why, three minutes from now you’ll be hooked. Let’s get one thing straight from the get-go. Canada is big. Huge in fact. An astonishing 41 times the size of the UK, it beats the USA and Australia to the spot of second-largest country in the world by area (behind Russia). So for anyone planning a holiday, the first challenge is knowing where to start. This is why we’ve done our best to pick out some of the country’s highlights, to tempt you and encourage you to take a deeper dive into what appeals to you most. Just don’t blame us if you can’t make up your mind!

Why should you go?

That Canada has something for everyone is in no doubt. The country is a fantastic mix of vast, unspoilt natural wilderness, mountains and lakes, vibrant cities, cultural and architectural gems and amazing wildlife. You can tailor-make a trip around your love of nature and the great outdoors or your passion for city culture, fabulous food and history. 

Want to go kayaking on a pristine lake or canoeing down a forest-fringed river? No problem. Hiking in the Rocky Mountains? Sure. Skiing? Canada has some of the best there is. You can even walk on a glacier or go whale-watching. You might be surprised to learn that Canada has some beautiful beaches, many of them on the shores of enormous freshwater lakes where you’ll be convinced you're staring out to sea. And some Canadians will tell you that one of the world’s best sunsets is from Lake Huron, reachable from Toronto if you’d like to find out for yourself. 

Take a road trip

Canada’s huge size, varied geography, cultural delights and stunning natural scenery make it perfect for a road trip. The roads are good and, in a massive country with just 40 million people (the tiny UK has 67 million), we’re not saying you’ll see more moose than vehicles, but you get the jist. But just as you wouldn’t contemplate driving across Australia in a fortnight, don’t try and cover too much. For the first-timer in Canada, one approach is to decide on east or west. A journey from Vancouver on the west Coast to Montreal on the east is around 3,000 miles – about three and half times the drive from Land’s End to John O’ Groats. So work out what interests you most and take it from there. You should be prepared for some long drives, but if ever the journey is as rewarding as the destination, it’s in Canada.

Head East

The area around southern Ontario and Quebec makes a perfect region to zone in on. In the context of scale, things are closer together, making it easier to see more in one trip. For example, from Toronto, you can be on the iconic Maid of the Mist boat tour on Niagara Falls in under two hours. And from historic Quebec City, a UNESCO World Heritage site with a Parisian feel, you can reach the Mauricie National Park or go whale-watching on the St Lawrence River.

City lovers can choose between Toronto, Montreal, Quebec City and the capital, Ottawa, and with just 550 miles between them, you could even manage all of them. Canada is a multicultural melting pot, and this is reflected in its cosmopolitan cities. Expect diversity in everything from art, music and festivals to food and shopping. If we said that one of the four tops the list for culture, entertainment and gastronomy there might be a civil war, so we’ll simply say they are all fantastic cities that give many a European capital a run for its money. 

A thousand lakes (and more) 

Canada has more lakes than any other country in the world, and if you’ve never seen lakes as a big draw then we get it. But Canada’s lakes have to be seen to be believed. Surrounded by spectacular mountains and forests, they are breathtaking in their scale and beauty. Many Canadians have log cabins or homes on the water's edge where they can escape to enjoy the tranquillity and scenery and for activities such as canoeing, kayaking and fishing. Many of them are renowned for their intense blue colour, created by glacial meltwater, rich in salts that reflect the light. Some of the most photographed include Lake Louise and Lake Moraine, both found in the Canadian Rockies, for which you will need to…

… Go West 

Most Western Canadian adventures start in Vancouver, a city that always ranks top as one of the best places in the world to live and visit. Get your bearings while exploring hip neighbourhoods such as historic Gastown or local favourite, Granville Island. Larger than Wales, Vancouver Island is a destination in itself, given it encapsulates just about everything Canada has to offer. The charming city of Victoria is the gateway to soaring mountains and tranquil lakes, sandy beaches and ancient rainforests. You can go wine tasting and even surf from off the coast of Tofino. 

The Rockies and the Icefield Parkway

The North of Vancouver is tailor-made for an epic road trip. Expect spectacular mountain peaks, crystal clear lakes, ancient glaciers, waterfalls and breathtaking views, and wildlife such as bison, elk, moose and even bears. The stretch of road known as the Icefield Parkway is rated as one of the top drives in the world by Condé Nast Traveller, and thousands of Instagram photos will tell you exactly why. 

The journey takes you between the quintessential Canadian towns of Banff and Jasper and their national parks, part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks UNESCO World Heritage Site. Go canoeing on the aforementioned Lake Louise and take the Banff Gondola up Sulphur Mountain. And if the day’s scenery didn’t blow your mind, the region has almost no light pollution, so it sits under some of the darkest skies on the planet, offering unique stargazing opportunities. 

The food

Canada is a nation of foodies with cuisine from around the world reflecting the country’s multicultural influences. From French cuisine to die for to some of the best lobster in the world, via Michelin-starred restaurants and a staggering array of street food. All this in spite of the national dish being Poutine – thick-cut fries topped with gravy and cheese curds (it tastes better than it sounds – think cheesy chips with a twist). For dessert why not try BeaverTails – a sweet pastry shaped like … well you get it. 

And with over 260 wineries, you won’t be short of something to wash it all down. Canadian wine isn’t yet common in the UK, but wine buffs should prepare to be impressed. The area around Okanagan Lake (yes, another lake) is famous for its wines and its beaches – now that’s two reasons to visit right there.  

When to go

Canadian weather is a tale of extremes, with western regions enjoying a temperate climate, while the rest of the country experiences the kind of chilly winters that make the UK look almost tropical. Unless you’re skiing or booking one of our winter escapes, this makes it primarily a summer destination for holidaymakers. The best time to visit is in the warmer months from May to September, when people make the most of outdoor activities, from hiking to going to the beach or simply dining alfresco. In the eastern regions, you should be prepared for cooler evenings even in July. 

In the west, October will still have pleasant temperatures, while the east will be cooler but is popular for ‘leaf-watch’ when people come to enjoy the stunning autumn colours that Ontario is renowned for. And if a magical winter wonderland appeals, then December through March unveils Canada at its snowy, enchanting best. In winter, it's not just weather; it's an immersive, ever-changing experience that you should embrace along with the hot chocolate and marshmallows.

Just do it - start planning your dream holiday. Those moose won’t hang around forever you know.