Reasons to Visit Canada
The dramatic Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights, are thought to be the result of particles in solar winds emanating from the sun in the region of the magnetic North Pole. The Northwest Territories and the Yukon offer some of the best viewing of this natural phenomenon in Canada.
Canada enjoys a busy schedule of festivals and events, the majority of which take place during the summer months. Perhaps the most well-known of all the annual events is the Calgary Stampede, a ten-day festival which takes place in the second week of July. Dating back to 1912, the event showcases the area’s Wild West roots, with chuck-wagon races, a rodeo, bands, dancing and exhibitions.
There are approximately one million First Nations Canadians today. Their origins stem from the end of the last Ice Age, about 20,000 years ago, when nomadic tribes followed herds of bison and mammoth across the land bridge joining Siberia and Alaska.
Canada is well known for its salmon, as well as for fresh lobster. People travel from all over the world to fish in these amazingly clear waters, and both fish and seafood are a regular feature on restaurant menus.
Canada is blessed with some of the world’s most dramatic and beautiful scenery, from old-grown rainforests, deserted beaches and crystal-clear lakes, to rugged mountains, national parks and agricultural pastures, there is a different view to enjoy at every turn.
Canada has the longest coastline in the world, and therefore boasts a colourful maritime history which is proudly exhibited in a variety of museums throughout the country.
Canada is a mecca for the outdoor enthusiast. Each province offers a diversity of year-round activities, with walking, white-water rafting, canoeing and kayaking, horse riding, fishing, skiing and dog sledding amongst the most popular.
There are some spectacular rail journeys on offer in Canada, taking you deep into national parks and through the mighty Rockies. You can choose to travel in style whilst enjoying the scenery as many of the routes have comfortable cabins and excellent on-board services.
Canada has wonderful roads – scenic, safe and largely empty. Self-driving is a great way to explore the country at your own pace, enjoying the beautiful landscapes as you go.
Canada is rightly famous for its bears – black, grizzly and of course, polar bears can all be seen in abundance, but the country is also home to wolves, caribou, moose, must oxen, whales and an array of spectacular birdlife.
The Okanagan region of Canada, located in central British Columbia between the Rockies and Vancouver, is fast becoming a well regarded wine producing area with a unique micro climate that enables several grape varieties to be grown. The area is renowned for its vineyards, warm climate, rolling fertile orchards and its proximity to Lake Okanagan.
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Canada, Alaska & The Arctic
Vancouver Island is located off the West Coast of mainland Canada. At 290 miles in length and 50 miles wide, it is the world’s 43rd largest island and a place that manages to condense most of the highlights of Canada.
Great Bear Lodge is a very special retreat, situated in remote and pristine rainforest amidst incredible scenery and wildlife.
Long Lake Waterfront B&B offers self-contained, comfortable suites. Each has a stunning view of the lake, a king or queen size bed, fridge and en suite with shower and/or jacuzzi.
Set amongst gigantic cedar and hemlock trees and overlooking the ocean, Middle Beach Lodge is a picturesque coastal retreat offering rustic accommodation.
The Royal Scot Suite Hotel offers a peaceful, quiet and relaxing option for visitors in downtown Victoria.
Abigail’s Hotel is a small, cosy, boutique hotel located just three blocks from Victoria's picturesque Inner Harbour.
Ambrosia B&B is a cosy and intimate base from which to explore Victoria. It offers a three course gourmet breakfast and its hosts will help get the most from your time here.
Located on Quadra Island, a short ferry journey from Campbell River on Vancouver Island, April Point Resort & Spa is home to world-renowned wildlife viewing and salmon fishing adventures.
The Coast Discovery Inn is centrally located opposite the Quadra Island ferry and features 90 spacious guest rooms and suites.
Knight Inlet Lodge is a floating village of buildings, providing comfortable rooms with private toilet and shower facilities, and an amazing wilderness experience.
Quarterdeck Inn is a modern, but simple hotel with forty ocean view rooms and suites, all overlooking Port Hardy's inner harbour.
The Red Crow on the Waterfront B&B is nestled in seven acres of private rainforest and is ideally located for spotting the wild bird species of Clayoquot Sound, River otters, racoons, black bears and wolves.
Susie's on the Shore is an exceptionally friendly and welcoming B&B set on the waterfront, amongst tall cedars and beautiful gardens.
Nestled in Victoria's downtown Inner Harbour, Laurel Point Inn is surrounded by the ocean and a lush Japanese garden. The city's bistros, shops, museums and art galleries are just a ten minute walk away.
Pacific Sands Beach Resort borders Chesterman's Beach on Vancouver Island. It offers comfortable suites and is only a short distance from the small seaside town of Tofino.
With a wealth of outdoor activities and wildlife your doorstep, the Outpost at Bedwell River offers luxurious accommodation in an incredible setting.
The Wickaninnish Inn offers complete comfort and sophistication within the most beautiful ocean setting imaginable.
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Further reading:Tours in CanadaRegions of CanadaWhen to GoHighlightsItinerary IdeasPlaces to GoThings to DoAccommodationAbout CanadaCountry Guides
Other countries in Canada & The USA:AlaskaThe USA
