Canada

Explore cities brimming with culture, live music and delicious food and head into a wonderland of wild, spectacularly scenic natural landscapes. 

Famous for Niagara Falls, Banff National Park and the Rocky Mountains, Canada is nothing short of extraordinary. Kayak on turquoise-coloured alpine lakes, trek through wild mountain ranges and meet local wildlife, including the native moose. With endless stretches of coastline, this country is perfect for surfers and beachcombers. If you’re not the outdoorsy type, no problem! Base yourself in Toronto or Montreal and go on a cultural adventure that includes fine dining, live music, historic buildings and art museums. From pristine ski fields in Whistler to cowboys and stampedes in Calgary, Canada offers a range of unforgettable holiday experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions about Canada

When is the ski season and where should I go?

As a general rule, you can ski and partake in other snow sports from November until April. The western provinces of Alberta and British Columbia are home to some of the world's most famous resorts. Among them is Big White Ski Resort, SilverStar Mountain Resort and Whistler Blackcomb. Venture to the Yukon Territory for a true off-the-beaten-track experience and the chance to go dog-sledding, snowmobiling and snowshoeing in a breathtaking wilderness. You can even carve up on slopes within just an hour's drive of downtown Toronto.

How many national parks does Canada have?

Canada has over 40 national parks, each showcasing the immense diversity of the nation's natural beauty and wildlife. Visiting a national park is one of the most popular things to do here and can include activities such as hiking in forests, trekking to mountaintops, camping at a lakeside, skiing and whitewater rafting. They also present the chance to spot bison, grizzly bears, polar bears and wolves. Some of the more well-known areas are Banff National Park, Cape Breton Highlands National Park and Jasper National Park.

Does the country have a beach culture?

Yes it does. If you like to surf, then Lawrencetown Beach in Nova Scotia and Long Beach on Vancouver Island are great. Tribune Bay Provincial Park on Hornby Island will have you thinking that you've been transported to a Caribbean island. Wasaga Beach, on the southern shores of Georgian Bay, is the world's longest freshwater beach.

Where can I see the Northern Lights?

The Northern Lights (or Aurora Borealis) are a natural phenomenon that turns the earth's sky into a dazzling array of swirling colours. They are visible, although not always guaranteed, between September and March. Whitehorse, in Yukon Territory attracts hordes of travellers in search of the lights, as does Yellowknife in the Northern Territories. It's also possible to see them from locations in Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario. Go in the darker months of December and January for the best chances.

Is this a good country to drive in?

In a word, yes. Canada is huge, even bigger than Australia, and therefore a superb destination for road trips. Both interstate and rural roads are well-maintained and there are some great journeys through the national parks. Worth exploring is the Cabot Trail on Cape Breton Island and the Heritage Run in Newfoundland. You'll find loads of camping grounds so bring a tent or even rent a motorhome. If you prefer to go via pedal power then don't miss the La Route Verte, North America's longest cycling network, crossing Quebec.

Is Niagara Falls in Canada or the USA?

Niagara Falls is the group name for three stunning waterfalls set around the Niagara River, which marks the Canada-US border. On either side of the river are towns also called Niagara Falls. It's worth visiting both sides to enjoy the contrasting perspectives of the waterfalls. The Canadian side offers the best panoramic views and its town is the most tourist friendly. On the US side you can stand within touching distance of both Bridal Veil Falls and Horseshoe Falls and peer down their vertical drops. A bridge connects the two towns.

What is the legal drinking age in Canada?

You can purchase alcoholic drinks from the age of 18 in the provinces of Alberta, Manitoba and Quebec. In all other provinces and territories you'll need to be 19 years old. Remember that in many places you can only buy alcohol at licensed liquor stores and not at the supermarket. Bring a form of I.D., such as driver's license or passport, if you have a baby face.