Whether you’re planning an escorted coach tour through Canada’s East Coast cities or a road trip through the Rockies, it’s the excursions that will really make your holiday. There are so many fantastic attractions to see in Canada but just looking isn’t enough. Why not dive right in with a city walking tour? Or an ice-truck glacier explorer? Or a trip to the top of the CN Tower? There are plenty of fantastic activities and days out to really help you get beneath the surface of Canada. Here are a few of our favourites:
1. Moraine Lake, Alberta
Here’s Jonny from @Banff_Squirrel to say a little more about Lake Moraine & visiting. #explorecanada #MyCanadianAffair @TravelAlberta pic.twitter.com/7kNA2GiJ4N
β Go Eat Do (@GoEatDo) June 8, 2017
This is one of Canadaβs most iconic lakes, and it would be a crime to visit Banff without taking a look.
Suggested tour: Western Journey Holiday
2. The Calgary Tower
Ever fancied standing directly above a downtown city street? Here’s what it’s like at Calgary Tower. @TourismCalgary #MyCanadianAffair #YYC pic.twitter.com/dmaupzx7SF
β Go Eat Do (@GoEatDo) June 9, 2017
A right of passage in the gateway city to the Rockies. Stand on the glass platform if you dare, for a 360 degree view over Calgary and your first glimpse of the mountains.
Suggested tour: Western Journey
3. Montreal sightseeing tour
There are so many different neighbourhoods to explore, each with a different arty vibe. The best way to see all the architecture and culture is on a sightseeing tour.
Suggested tour: Quebec & St Lawrence Seaway Experience
4. Ottawa open top bus
Wow – #Ottawa keep revealing many layers! Did @GrayLine bus tour of city – so many sights to see π #myottawa #mycanadianaffair #canada150 pic.twitter.com/foA3YoxLn9
β ZoΓ« Dawes (@quirkytraveller) June 9, 2017
Home to the impressive gothic Parliament Buildings as well as sculpture and public art, an open top bus tour is the way to go.
Suggested tour: Eastern Journey
5. Montmorency Falls, Quebec
Most people are surprised to hear that these magnificent falls are even higher than Niagara! The dots at the top are people, provided for scale…
Suggested tour: The Canadiana
6. Nordik Spa, Ottawa
This offers the ultimate pamper and relaxation. It’s a perfect stop off if you’re travelling past Ottawa.
Suggested tour: Eastern Explorer
7. Athabasca Glacier, Alberta
This glacier is one of the most visited and most accessible in North America. A snow-coach ride on top of this arm of the Columbia Icefield is a must.
Suggested tour: Rockies Trail
8. Icefields Parkway, Alberta
This is undeniably one of the world’s most beautiful highways, with lakes, waterfalls, glaciers and rivers dotted along its length. The Athabasca Falls are gorgeous.
Suggested tour: Western Journey
9. Butchart Gardens, Victoria
These impressive gardens are a favourite to visit just outside of Victoria, the capital of Vancouver Island (and British Columbia). A stroll around the flowers is heavenly.
Suggested tour: Rocky Trail
10. BC Legislature Buildings, Victoria
Loved the magical lights on the @BCLegislature after dark in @victoriavisitor #ExploreCanada #mycanadianaffair pic.twitter.com/uK9Su4M0yC
β Heathercowper (@Heathercowper) June 12, 2017
Victoria is a beautiful city to visit on your tour, perched on the southern tip of Vancouver Island in an enviable position on the coast. The legislature buildings are a highlight.
Suggested tour: Canadian Rockies & Pacific Coast
11. Capilano Suspension Bridge, North Vancouver
I don’t think I could β€Canada any more. The nature around Vancouver is just stunning! ππ¨π¦#MyCanadianAffair #ExploreCanada pic.twitter.com/LJCD2eFneg
β Hand Luggage Only (@HLOBlog) June 9, 2017
This slice of wilderness so close to Vancouver city centre is a favourite of ours. It has old growth rainforest, a dramatic climate bubble and of course, plenty of thrills.
Suggested tour: Rockies Trail
12. Whale Watching, BC
Go from Vancouver or go from Victoria, but make sure you get out on the water. In the summer months you are guaranteed whale sightings, with humpbacks and orcas the most common.
Suggested tour: Rockies Trail Holiday
13. The Alaska Highway, Yukon
Nowhere does wide-open spaces and awe-inspiring views in quite the same way as the wild Yukon. This is Canada’s untamed corner.
Suggested tour: Glaciers & Gold Rush Bonanza
14. Whitehorse, Yukon
There are more incredible views in Whitehorse, the capital of the Yukon. But beyond the stunning views you’ll find fascinating Gold Rush era buildings and history.
Suggested tour: Glaciers & Gold Rush Bonanza
15. Fundy National Park, New Brunswick
Western Canada isn’t the only place with spectacular national parks, you know. The scenery on the East Coast is just as impressive, and we love Atlantic Canada’s charm.
Suggested tour: Atlantic Maritimes Tour
16. St John Sightseeing
St John’s is known for its colourful houses and fishing huts. The maritime way of life is perfectly preserved here and is one of the most atmospheric places to travel in Canada.
Suggested tour: Circle Newfoundland & Labrador
17. Peggy’s Cove, Nova Scotia
Atlantic Canada is famous for its lighthouses, but this one is perhaps the most iconic of all. It’s the perfect place to stop off for a photo.
Suggested tour: Landscapes of the Canadian Maritimes
18. PEI National Park, Prince Edward Island
Gorgeous evening on the beach on the north shore of PEI #ExploreCanada #mycanadianaffair pic.twitter.com/ZHh8p7ZlwJ
β Lucy Dodsworth (@lucydodsworth) June 8, 2017
Were you expecting white sand beaches in Eastern Canada? The smallest province in the country beautiful, surprising and definitely captivating.
Suggested tour: Landscapes of the Canadian Maritimes
19. Shediac Bay Lobster Cruise, Nova Scotia
This romantic experience combines two things for which the Maritimes are famous – ocean and lobster. The whole region abounds with fresh seafood – the above spread is from Nova Scotia.
Suggested tour: Atlantic Maritimes Tour
20. Skagway, Alaska
If you’re thinking of visiting the Yukon and Alaska, then please, please do. You’ll discover some of the most breathtaking natural scenery there is.
Suggested tour: Glaciers & Gold Rush Bonanza
21. Sea to Sky Gondola, Squamish
No trip along BC’s coast would be complete without taking in the Sea to Sky Highway between Whistler and Vancouver. On the way, stop off in Squamish for this unforgettable gondola ride.
Suggested tour: Western Journey
22. Iceberg Alley, Newfoundland
Could anything be more spectacular? Walk with giants when you spot these behemoths which can be millennia old.
Suggested tour: Circle Newfoundland & Labrador