CANADA
Now Open To UK Travellers
Lumberjacks, beavers, hockey fanatics, Mounties and maple syrup spring immediately to mind. While Canada certainly provides all of these traditional associations in abundance, this awe-inspiring country has so much more to offer than a slew of cliches. With its unrivalled outdoor adventure facilities, its unforgettable natural landscapes and its exceptionally cosmopolitan and progressive cities, Canada has plenty to offer those seeking cutting-edge culture as well as adventure junkies looking for a serious adrenaline kick.
Popular tourist destinations include: the magnificent Rocky Mountains around Banff and Lake Louise, high-end luxury ski resorts such as Whistler and Blackcomb, the French-speaking cities of Montreal or Quebec, or the uber-cool and perpetually bustling urban centres of Vancouver or Toronto. Whether visiting an Inuit lodge in Nunavut, taking a dog-sled ride through the Yukon to view the spectacular northern lights blaze across the night sky, or indulging in some lovely high tea on Vancouver Island, you are bound to find plenty of activities to keep you blissfully engaged in this exceptionally diverse and incomprehensibly vast nation.
TRAVEL, TRANSPORT AND GETTING AROUND
Direct flights connect the major cities with the larger Canadian airports, and frequent connecting flights will help you get to any Canadian destination efficiently. Canada is well serviced by road and rail – take the train to sit back, relax and enjoy the sites, or hire a car and travel at your own pace.
For the most economical mode of transport, jump on a bus – you’ll find that Canada’s system of intercity bus routes spans the entire country and is very efficient. Some cities also offer flexible transit passes so you can enjoy unlimited all-day, multi-day or monthly travel within that city.
You could also catch a ferry to discover beautiful island retreats and coastal paradises, or just get from A to B on a convenient inland ferry service.
CLIMATE AND WEATHER
Canada’s climate is not as cold all year round as you might think. Winter temperatures fall below freezing in most of Canada but the South Western coast is relatively mild. Along the Arctic Circle is where it is coldest, the temperatures fall below freezing for around seven months of the year.During the summer the Southern provinces often have temperatures of over 86oF and high levels of humidity. In terms of rainfall, Western and South-Eastern Canada has the most, while the Prairies are dry and only get 250 – 500 mm per year.
The bulk of Canada’s visitors turn up in winter with skis or snowboard in hand, ready to tackle the slopes. The ski season runs from December until late March in the East, and extends to late May (and sometimes even June) in the ski hills of the West. With temperatures throughout most of Canada falling below freezing, the best thing to do is to embrace winter and get yourself along to a winter festival or ice carnival, or you could show off your skills at the world’s longest skating rink, the Rideau Canal.
If summer is more your style, then you’ll enjoy the hot weather from late May to late September. Summer starts officially in June and carries on through August, with July often being the hottest summer month. Be at one with nature and go hiking or to the lakes for a spot of fishing.
Inspiration
Time To Rediscover The World
Lakes and Lodges
Highlights
- Miette Hot Springs Jasper
- Ice Explorer ride on the Athabasca Glacier
- Banff and stunning views of the Bow Valley
Sunshine Coast Circle
Highlights
- Victoria Gardens
- Vancouver
- Whale Watching
Best of the East
Highlights
- Toronto
- Niagra Falls
- Cruise of the Thousand Islands
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