Captivating Canada: Once-in-a-Lifetime Canadian Vacations

Canada, the friendliest country in the world, has so much to offer vacationers and travellers who visit the country.

Canada; land of the moose, maple syrup, people who say “eh”, excellent ice hockey players, and even better bacon. The Great White North is known for many things, but rarely is it considered the best place to vacation. We’re here to open your eyes to Canada's travel possibilities for all kinds of people, from hiking and camping to traversing snow-capped peaks. 

From luxury hotels and spas to roughing it in log cabins, travelling through Canada offers a wealth of exciting things to see and do. If you’re considering booking your next vacation, we have some excellent choices. These are our favourite Canadian vacations, offering you sights, sounds, and experiences you won’t find anywhere else in the world.

Prince Edward Island

Anyone who thought New England had cornered the market on charming coastal towns has never seen this jewel of the Canadian coast, Prince Edward Island. Every kind of nature you can imagine can be found on this bountiful island. There are rolling green hills, red beaches that go on for miles, and lovely redstone cliffs to walk. 

For foodies, particularly sea foodies, PEI is a must-see destination. The seafood offered — fresh from the water or the island's restaurants — is unparalleled, and you could not hope for anything fresher or more natural. This little speck of land is also home to the Green Gables Heritage Park, home of the beloved Anne of Green Gables novels. As with anywhere on the Canadian coast, the array of wildlife is extensive and warrants some attention. There are campgrounds, RV sites, and a number of bed-and-breakfasts and cottages for rent.

Vancouver

We cannot recommend Vancouver enough if you lean more towards city life than a quiet seaside escape. This vibrant city also sits beside the ocean, but it’s never been accused of being slow or simple! Vancouver is a young city, so there's little history there yet. That said, the culture you can experience here more than makes up for the city’s youth. Vancouver has an incredible outdoor culture, and since the city’s surroundings are so gorgeous (we’re talking oceans, mountains, and forests), it's not hard to see why the locals are out and about when the weather allows them to be. For the slightly more adventurous, there's whitewater rafting, skiing, and mountain climbing. 

Travelling to and from Vancouver is as simple as can be. You can get in and out of the city by bus, car, commercial flight, private jet charter, or train. The city offers many diverting activities and has many five-star accommodation options. Spend your stay in the lap of luxury in the five-star Shangri-La or Fairmont Pacific Rim. Tour the botanical gardens, see the sights from the Capilano Suspension Bridge, or take a harbour cruise to see the city lights at twilight.

Jasper National Park

Take a deep breath of crystal clear mountain air in the Canadian Rockies at Jasper National Park. Whether your tastes run to warm or cold weather, the park has much to offer visitors. During summer, you can hike or backpack to crystalline glacial lakes and thundering waterfalls. When the cold months come calling, there is still plenty to keep you occupied: the Marmot Basin offers excellent skiing, and if you catch a ride on the Jasper Sky Trap, you’ll get to look out over the park from high up on Whistler Mountain. 

Experience Canadian nature at its best in daylight and after the sun sets. Because of the dark-sky preserve that applies to the park, non-natural light is kept entirely out of the area as much as possible, so the stargazing is second to none. Suppose you’re road-tripping and staying all the way. The Icefields Parkway is a must-see stretch of road that will take you through the park. It's known as one of the world’s most scenic drives, offering views of over 100 glaciers and boasting a glass-floored observation deck.

Quebec City

Where Vancouver is modern, Quebec City is Canada’s old-world answer to a city. For those who love all things old world — the clop of horse hooves on cobblestones, towering cathedrals reaching towards the sky, soft and lilting French phrases floating through the crowds, and the smell of pastries hot from the oven every morning — Quebec City is the perfect Canadian destination. Your senses will tell you you’ve landed in France, but French Canada is where you’ll find your feet. Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985, this entrancing city upholds the traditions of New France and its motherland, and that's one of the reasons that people flock to Canada to visit it year after year: European luxury on the North American continent. Charm simply oozes from the streets in Vancouver, and you can choose from quaint boutique hotels, B&Bs or luxury, five-star hotels for your stay, accommodating all visitors at every budget and comfort level.

Wrap up

These Canadian destinations are the cream of the crop. Vacationing at any of these locations allows you to experience the beauty of Canada and make unique memories that will last a lifetime.