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Can canoeing bow lake noel hendrickson incms
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Can canoeing bow lake noel hendrickson incms
A Land of Diversity

Regions

In a country as vast as Canada, there is no shortage of opportunities waiting to be explored - and every region can offer you something unique. From impressive nature to fascinating culture, if you’re an adventurer looking to get off the beaten path, or a foodie and wine lover hungry for the next delicious meal, we’ve got you covered. All the way from the Canadian Rockies to the Great Bear Rainforest!

British Columbia

British Columbia is a fascinating region with a diverse landscape of magnificent mountains, crystal clear lakes and a rugged coastline. It has a range of national and provincial parks to go hiking and biking and the coastline provides endless opportunities for surfing, kayaking and whale watching.

Vancouver is the crown jewel with its sleek designs, cosmopolitan feel and beautiful parks. Victoria is the capital and exudes more of an old-world charm with its European influences and heritage buildings. BC offers a mix of cultures and languages that are best displayed in the world-class food. A culinary tour in Victoria is a must as is wine-tasting in the Okanagan Valley.

Aerial view of the city of Vancouver
Explore a melting pot of culture, art and food in the sophisticated city of Vancouver
A woman with a red jacket walking over a swing bridge in a park
Experience nature and wildlife in BC parks
© Jacalyn Beales

The Canadian Rockies

The Canadian Rockies are characterised by the unparalleled beauty of glittering glaciers, white mountain peaks, colourful alpine meadows and emerald lakes.

Extending across the provinces of British Columbia and Alberta, the Southern Rockies are home to five national parks: Banff National Park, Jasper National Park, Kootenay National Park, Yoho National Park and Waterton Lakes National Park.

Each park has its own unique characteristics and attractions. Yoho is home to the enormous Takakkaw Falls, while Jasper has the Athabasca Glacier, and Banff is famous for the glacier-fed Lake Louise. Interspersed throughout this region are some fantastic cities to add to your itinerary as well.

Enjoy stunning views of the Canadian Rockies
© jordan grider

Whistler Valley

The majestic mountains and crystal-clear lakes of the Whistler Valley make it a sight to behold. Located in the Coast Mountains of British Columbia, just a two-hour drive north of Vancouver, this area offers adventures all year round.

In the winter, you can enjoy the largest ski area in North America. During summer, head out for a hike or mountain bike ride through beautiful nature trails. Prefer to take it easy? Then relax at the beach on one of the three major lakes around Whistler, all within walking distance of the town. If you really want to unwind, book a trip to the spa or schedule a tee time on the golf course!

Brown coloured mountain ranges in British Columbia
Discover the beautiful Whistler Valley in British Columbia
© Pietro de Grandi
View of trees, mountain and lake in Whistler
A magical view of the lake in Whistler
© Aex Hugessen / Unsplash

"Canada is not just a beautiful country but an amazing opportunity to appreciate a different lifestyle, being close to nature and so much natural beauty appeals to everyone."

Ilona, Travel specialist

Haida Gwaii Islands

Haida Gwaii is an archipelago of 450 islands located about 80 kilometres off the west coast of British Columbia. One of the most curious corners of the world, these islands were not affected by the most recent ice age. They still contain ancient plant species that are distinctly different from the mainland, and the rainforest is as thick and impenetrable as the Amazon.

The inlets and fjords that separate the islands are feeding grounds for orcas, humpback whales and dolphins. You can even spot them from the beach!

Gwaii Haanas National Park is undoubtedly the most popular part of the islands, and it's the spiritual centre of the Haida people, who have inhabited this land for more than 14,000 years. Here you’ll find yourself surrounded by historic settlements, ancient totem poles, and thousand-year-old trees.

Spot wildlife, like grey seals, on the Haida Gwaii Islands

The Icefields Parkway

One of the most beautiful driving routes in the world, the Icefields Parkway takes you through ancient glaciers at the Columbia Icefields, to the turquoise waters of Peyto Lake, from high rocky peaks to vast valleys of thick pine forests.

Running from Lake Louise in Banff National Park to Jasper in Jasper National Park, the route is 232 kilometres long. Take it at a leisurely pace and bring plenty of snacks! If you stop at every scenic spot, the trip will take about 10 hours. Most attractions are not far from the road and only require a short walk. Keep an eye out for wildlife while hiking - chances are you will spot a black bear, a caribou or a bighorn sheep on the journey!

Enjoy a beautiful view of the snowy mountains
© floris siegers
Take an unforgettable hike at Jasper National Park
© Mountain Madness Tours

Great Bear Rainforest

One of the most special places on earth, the Great Bear Rainforest is a vast expanse of pristine wilderness the size of Ireland. A true ancient world, this forest has been protected for millennia by the Indigenous people of the region, and is the last intact temperate rainforest in the world.

There is nowhere else on earth where you can spot the ‘Ghost Bear’ (or the Kermode white bear). But the forest is also home to grizzly bears, wolves and more, and in the waters surrounding it, you’ll find otters, whales and dolphins.

The forest stretches over 600 kilometres along the north coast of British Columbia, from Knight Inlet to the Alaska Panhandle. It is primarily accessible by boat or seaplane.

Come face to face with a Kermode Bear in the Great Bear Rainforest, this is the only place on earth you can see it!
© Getty Images/Flickr
A beautiful view of the Great Bear Rainforest
© Destination BC/Kari Medig

Vancouver Island

Vancouver Island sits in the Pacific Ocean, just off the coast of the city of Vancouver on the mainland of British Columbia. On its southern tip is Victoria, British Columbia’s capital, a city with a boat-lined harbour, neo-baroque parliament buildings, and English-style gardens.

Other notable cities and towns are known for their thriving arts community and include Nanaimo, Port Alberni, Parksville, Courtenay, and Campbell River. Because of its mild climate, Vancouver Island is a great place to explore year-round.

Grizzly Bear catching a salmon at Knight Inlet
Go wildife watching and spot grizzly bears catching salmon along the coast
© Destination BC/Sean Scott

Okanagan Valley

Right in the heart of British Columbia, the Okanagan Valley is a true gem of natural beauty and recreational wonders. An all-season paradise, it stretches over 150 miles and is framed by the Cascade and Columbia Mountain ranges.

With over 200 world-class wineries, the Okanagan Valley has earned its reputation as Canada's "Napa of the North." Here, you can savour award-winning wines amidst vineyards as you overlook the crystal-clear waters of the surrounding lakes and majestic mountains.

But the allure of the Okanagan extends far beyond its vineyards. Outdoor enthusiasts are in for a treat, with opportunities for hiking, cycling, and water sports galore. Pristine lakes, such as Okanagan Lake and Skaha Lake, invite you to bask on sun-kissed beaches and partake in a plethora of aquatic adventures.

Cultural aficionados will delight in the region's vibrant arts scene, indigenous heritage, and culinary excellence. Savour farm-to-table dining experiences showcasing local produce or immerse yourself in the festivities of the valley's numerous festivals and events.

In winter, the valley dons a snowy mantle, offering plenty of opportunities for skiing and snowboarding.

Penticton Nature Birdseye view
Hike the trails up the mountain and see the incredible lake views below
Vineyards with mountain backdrop
Walk among the vineyards at Okanagan Valley

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One step closer to your dream trip

More is possible than you may think

You probably already have ideas for your holiday to the United States and Canada. Nature tours through the Rocky Mountains, spotting orcas near the San Juan Islands, or exploring the streets of San Francisco on the iconic cable car?

For the best local tips and advice, visit one of our online presentations. Meet our travel specialists and have all of your questions answered.