CanadaA G U I D E T 0

Contents

Introducing Canada 4

Interesting facts 5

The provinces of Canada 6

Must-dos in:– Western Canada 9

– Eastern Canada 10

Nova Scotia and Alberta 11

St. John’s 12

A Taste of Canada 13

Vancouver, British Columbia 14

Whistler, British Columbia 15

Discover the Great White North with: – Air Canada 16

– Destination Canada 17

Rocky Mountaineer 18

Explore Canada with Princess Cruises 20

Spending money 21

Our recommendations 22

Western Canada explorer 24

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The vast country of Canada is a land of windswept prairies, towering mountains,

fields of glaciers, pristine lakes and rocky coastlines. Filled with diverse wildlife and landscapes, the Canadian great outdoors is one of the country’s most alluring assets. It is great for nature lovers and sporting enthusiasts alike, with ample opportunity for activities such as hiking, canoeing, fishing, skiing and snowmobiling.

But it’s not just scenic beauty that Canada has in abundance – its varied and vibrant urban scene features cities that are jam-packed with culture, fun and foodie experiences. Whether you want to traverse the French-speaking streets of Montreal or walk amongst the skyscrapers of Toronto, there are so many options to choose from.

If you fancy skiing down the slopes of a breath-taking mountain range, coming face-to-face with jaw-dropping nature, marvelling at world-class museums, tucking into flavoursome food and drink, or all of the above, then Canada is the place for you.

Population 37.24 million

Capital Ottawa

National anthem O Canada

Currency Canadian Dollar (CAD)

Official language English, French

Time zone UTC -2:30, -3, -4, -5, -6, -7

Flight time from London

• 5 hours 30 minutes (St. John’s)

• 7 hours 30 minutes (Toronto)

• 8 hours 50 minutes (Calgary)

• 9 hours 30 minutes (Vancouver)

Canada Statistics

Introducing

Canada

Climate

Canada is an enormous country and the weather varies across its 13 provinces and territories. You can expect temperatures in Vancouver, Western Canada’s biggest city, to average at 25°C, while January in Banff, in the most central Alberta region, temperatures can drop as low as -15°C. These contrasting temperatures mean that you can enjoy sun-soaked days on the beach in July and spectacular skiing throughout the winter.

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• At 9.985 million km2, Canada is the world’s second largest country by area – only Russia is bigger.

• Canada shares the world’s longest international land border with the United States of America, which stretches for 5,525 miles.

• Montreal is the second biggest French-speaking city in the world after Paris.

• Canada is ice-hockey-mad, and there are over 2,800 ice rinks across the nation.

• Half of Canada’s landmass is forest, and timber is one of the country’s main exports.

• The Hawaiian pizza – which consists of tomato sauce, cheese, ham and pineapple – was invented by Greek Canadian, Sam Panopoulous in Ontario in 1962.

Interesting facts

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Montreal

Sulphur Mountain, Banff

The provinces of

Canada

Yukon Territory

Northwest Territories

Quebec

Nova Scotia

Prince Edward Island

New BrunswickOntarioSaskatchewan

ManitobaAlberta

British Columbia

Newfoundland and Labrador

Nunavut

Canada is made up of 13 provinces and territories:

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Yukon Territory

Wild and mountainous, the Yukon is ideal for hikers and boasts the highest peak in the nation: Mount Logan. A host of trails and winding rivers come together to form several National Parks, making it a dream destination for nature lovers.

Northwest Territories

The heart of Northern Canada, Northwest Territories encompasses a diverse range of earthly spectacles in the form of mountains, waterfalls, expansive lakes and arctic tundra.

Nunavut

This sparsely populated region of Northern Canada is a unique destination that’s brimming with untouched natural beauty. Much of Nunavut is only accessible by plane or boat.

Quebec

Predominantly French speaking, Quebec evokes the sophisticated romance of its mother tongue, while still maintaining the staunch cultural identity of Canada in its provision of expansive wilderness and inviting cosmopolitan cityscapes, such as Montreal.

Newfoundland and Labrador

Canada’s easternmost province was home to the oldest settlements in North America. In addition to beautiful landscapes, travellers today will be greeted by friendly locals and cultural vibrancy in the form of provincial and entertainment capital, St. John’s.

Prince Edward Island

Characterised by striking red sand beaches and lighthouses dotted along its coast, it is unsurprising that Prince Edward Island is well known for producing some of the finest seafood in North America. Take a trip to Charlottetown for Victorian-period architecture and a host of theatre and art gallery options.

British Columbia

From the Pacific Ocean coast to cosmopolitan Vancouver, British Columbia is renowned for combining excellent entertainment options with amazing scenery.

VancouverYukon Territory

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Manitoba

Quebec

Alberta

Alberta is famous for the spectacular Rocky Mountains and the fossil-rich Canadian Badlands, believed to once have been roamed by dinosaurs. Hike the great outdoors and visit the vibrant cities of Edmonton and Calgary.

Saskatchewan

The only province in Canada without clearly defined borders, Saskatchewan is perfect for travellers looking for a raft of outdoor adventures, including fishing, canoeing, hiking and horseback riding.

Manitoba

Spot polar bears in the winter, beluga whales in summer and discover arts, culture and history in abundance in the capital of Winnipeg.

Ontario

Home to both the provincial capital of Toronto and the Canadian capital city of Ottawa, Ontario is the nation’s most populous territory and includes widely-recognised landmarks such as Niagara Falls and the 553-metre CN Tower – once the tallest free-standing structure on Earth.

New Brunswick

Home to humpback whales, over 50 beaches and the highest tides in the world at the Bay of Fundy, New Brunswick is ideal for adventure seekers.

Nova Scotia

A maritime province containing a peninsula and offshore islands, Nova Scotia’s immediate proximity to the Atlantic ensures that it’s a great spot for whale watching and water sports.

Canadian lobsterPoutine

From the moreish delights of chips, cheese and gravy to deliciously sweet syrup, you’ll

find many dishes in Canada to light up your taste buds. We’ve compiled a handful of our favourites for you to savour.

Poutine

Since surfacing in the 1950s, poutine – a dish consisting of fries, cheese curds and gravy – has become ubiquitous across Canada, with many eateries putting their own spin on this traditional dish, adding flavours such as butter chicken and pulled pork.

Montreal bagels

New York might be the go-to city for bagels, but Montreal is also famous for this tasty treat. Rolled by hand and baked in a wood-fired oven, the sesame seed-covered bagels are small, sweet and stuffed with a range of delicious fillings.

Maple syrup

Maple syrup is synonymous with Canada and while Quebec is its largest producer, you’ll find this sweet treat all over the country. Visit a sugar bush to learn more about this delicate craft and to try some maple syrup and pancakes for yourself.

A Taste of CanadaSeafood

Whether you love lobster or fish tacos, you’ll find seafood galore across Canada – hardly surprising in the country with the world’s longest coastline. Indulge in shellfish at the Prince Edward International Shellfish Festival in September, taste Pacific salmon and spot prawns in British Columbia, or gorge on lobster in Nova Scotia.

Ice wine

Pressed from ripe, frozen grapes when temperatures plummet below freezing, this sweet wine is a mouth-watering blend of citrus fruits, apples, pears and honey notes. You’ll find over 80 vineyards in the Niagara region, where in the month of January, you can join in with the festivities at the Icewine Festival to learn about how the wine is made, and enjoy a sampling or two.

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Must-dos in

Western Canada Capilano Suspension Bridge

Standing 70 metres above the Capilano River and at 140 metres long, this epic suspension bridge, which was originally built in 1889, is perfect for those wanting a thrill amongst the calm of beautiful Canadian scenery. Offering wonderful views of the great outdoors and the West Coast Rainforest, this attraction is not for the faint-hearted.

Grouse Mountain

Lace up your hiking boots and get ready for the exhilarating walk up Grouse Mountain. It might only be 1.8 miles to the top, but that’s 853 metres of trail at an average grade of 30 degrees, with 2,830 stairs. Reach the top, however, and you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views across Vancouver. If you’ve left your walking shoes at home, fear not, as you can still zoom to the top via cable car.

Catch a hockey game

Ice hockey is Canada’s national sport, so it’s not surprising that it is so popular. Seven of the country’s teams compete at the top level of professional hockey – the NHL. Western Canada is home to three teams – the Calgary Flames, Edmonton Oilers and Vancouver Canucks – and watching them take home ice is a quintessential Canadian experience.

Moraine Lake

Although Lake Louise is the big-name attraction in Banff, Moraine Lake is one of the national park’s most recognisable spots. No matter when you visit in the day, expect to be greeted by a pristine lake cast against a backdrop of several mountain peaks. In addition to getting the iconic photo of Moraine, you can also go canoeing on the lake, try your hand at river rafting or go hiking on one of many nearby trails.

Whistler Blackcomb

Whistler is considered one of the hottest ski destinations in the world, and for good reason. This resort is massive, with over 200 marked trails, a diverse range of terrains and a superb lift system. With skiing for all abilities and a huge range of off-slope activities, it caters to a wide range of travellers. There’s also the car-free Whistler Village with its excellent host of restaurants, bars and shops.

Grouse MountainIce hockey

Visit St. John’s

The capital of Newfoundland and Labrador on Canada’s stunning eastern coastline, St. John’s – North America’s oldest existing city – is home to an exciting array of outdoor activities, superb shopping and an exciting nightlife scene. An undoubted highlight of your stay will be a trip to Signal Hill – the birthplace of modern communication and the spot where the world’s first transatlantic radio transmission was received.

Niagara Falls

Straddling the border of Canada and the USA, Niagara Falls is one of the Great White North’s most iconic attractions and is made up by three waterfalls – Horseshoe, American and the Bridal Veil Falls. Feel the spray of the cascading water on your face during a Hornblower cruise, or stay dry and look at them from above on the observation deck of Skylon Tower.

Notre-Dame Basilica

Located in the historic district of Old Montreal, Notre-Dame Basilica is one of the city’s top attractions. While its beautifully crafted Gothic exterior is a sight to behold, its interior is a different story with its blue hues, shimmering gold-leaf ornamentation, intricate artistry and detailing, as well as religious paintings and colourful stained-glass windows that depict over 350 years of parish history designed by Quebec artist, Jean-Baptiste Lagacé.

Go to a baseball game

Anyone in Toronto between April and October can seize the opportunity to take in a baseball game. Located in the Entertainment District, the 53,000-seater Rogers Centre is home to Major League Baseball’s Toronto Blue Jays. Get in the spirit of gameday and stop by the Jays shop to pick up a jersey or a cap before the game, and even combine your trip to the Rogers Centre with a visit to the CN Tower, which is right next door. If you’re there out of season or when the Blue Jays are out of town, why not try a stadium tour instead?

Quebec City’s walls

With its distinct European flair, Quebec City is one of Canada’s most beautiful urban centres. French colonial architecture can be found all over its Old Town, encased by a 2.8-mile wall. It takes about an hour to circumnavigate and offers up some of the city’s finest views.

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Must-dos in

Eastern Canada

Niagara FallsNotre-Dame Basilica

Nova Scotia AlbertaNova Scotia

A breath-taking maritime province on Canada’s Eastern coast, charming Nova Scotia is almost completely surrounded by water, ensuring that it’s a fantastic location for whale watching and watersports.

Nova Scotia is also bursting with history and the iconic lighthouse at Peggy’s Cove near the provincial capital of Halifax is not to be missed, whilst the 186-mile Cabot trail around Cape

Breton Island is a photographer’s heaven, with the picturesque Atlantic seascape featuring sheltered caves, whitewashed cliffs and inviting beaches.

As you would expect from Nova Scotia’s enticing coastal setting, the sumptuous seafood is legendary, and you can accompany it with a glass of traditional ice wine from one of the local wineries and vineyards.

Alberta

Known as the gateway to the Rockies, the Canadian province of Alberta is a real treat for the senses, with its breath-taking scenery, spectacular sights and warm, friendly Canadian welcome.

Home to epic mountains, desert Badlands, prairies and forests, as well as over 600 picturesque lakes, including the world-famous Lake Louise, lovers of the great outdoors will be in their element here. From the renowned ski resorts of Banff and Jasper, to the vibrant cities of Edmonton and Calgary, beautiful Alberta offers a vast range of attractions and activities, whatever your interests may be.

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Alberta

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St. John’sOverlooking the vast North Atlantic, the

incredibly colourful and quaint city of St. John’s is a melting pot of wildlife, fine dining and creative arts. Shaped by a mix of Irish and European influences, St. John’s holds on to its traditions, yet boasts a uniquely Canadian energy that stems from the warmth and hospitality of the friendly locals.

As North America’s most easterly city, and the capital of the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, St. John’s is a swift five-and-a-half-hour flight away from London Heathrow. The short flight time (just enough time for a meal and a movie), combined with a time difference of only three and a half hours, means that you can be in St. John’s in time to enjoy a leisurely late lunch.

Close enough to the UK to be a weekend break destination and home to a diverse range of experiences, St. John’s is one of Canada’s best-kept secrets. Regularly compared to the Icelandic capital of Reykjavík on account of its beautiful island location, rugged landscape, colourful houses and wonderful wildlife encounters, St. John’s brings the extraordinary to life.

Whether you choose to tuck into world-class cuisine, hike along the awesome East Coast Trail, visit historical sites, enjoy the vibrant nightlife and Newfoundland hospitality on George Street, which is St. John’s answer to Dublin’s Temple Bar, or admire the perfectly painted houses that are often referred to as Jellybean Row, St. John’s promises to deliver once-in-a-lifetime encounters and create lifelong memories to treasure.

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St. John’s Harbour

Vancouver, British Columbia

Undoubtedly one of Canada’s finest cities, Vancouver will

delight all types of traveller, whatever kind of holiday you’re looking for. A coastal gem that effortlessly combines the excitement and energy of a cosmopolitan city with the invigorating appeal of the great outdoors, Western Canada’s largest city has all the right ingredients for an exciting and unique getaway. Home to eclectic neighbourhoods, an incredible foodie scene, a plethora of world-class attractions and exciting outdoor activities, Vancouver offers an unforgettable mix of urban chic and natural beauty.

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Wonderful Whistler is the epitome of a year-round destination. Renowned for being

one of the world’s finest ski resorts, Whistler’s perfect winter snow conditions between late November and mid-May make it a paradise for anyone seeking knee-deep powder, immaculate slopes and spectacular scenery. If you’re travelling out of snow season, there’s still a fantastic range of iconic experiences, events

and activities to keep you busy, including free outdoor music concerts, hiking, bear spotting, luxury 4x4 tours and zip lining.

For seriously breath-taking views, enjoy a ride on Whistler’s one-of-a-kind gondola, the PEAK 2 PEAK 360 Experience, or take a trip across the Whistler Cloudraker Skybridge, one of the region’s newest attractions.

Whistler, British Columbia

Award-winning Air Canada operates more daily non-stop flights from the UK to

Canada than any other airline, with up to 70 per week to seven major Canadian cities from London Heathrow. On board, in addition to Economy Class, enjoy an enhanced flight experience in either Signature Class, Premium Economy or Premium Rouge.

Signature Class

Relax in the privacy of your own forward-facing, single-aisle access Executive or Classic Pod, with the added comfort of a fully lie-flat bed. Dine on gourmet cuisine served with fine wines and enjoy hours of top-rated inflight entertainment through your noise-cancelling headphones.

You’ll also benefit from a range of priority services, including concierge service at 47 airports around the world, personalised check-in, dedicated boarding and extra baggage allowance, in addition to access from one of the 17 award-winning Maple Leaf Lounges, including the one at London Heathrow Terminal 2.

Premium Economy

Pamper yourself with Air Canada’s Premium Economy service. Featuring wider seats with more recline and legroom, delicious premium meals served with complimentary wines and spirits and your own personal touchscreen televisions with all the latest on-demand entertainment, a little more can mean a lot.

Premium Rouge

Air Canada’s leisure airline, Air Canada Rouge, offers seasonal summer non-stop services from Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Manchester to Toronto.

Premium Rouge passengers can relax in an exclusive cabin with wider seats and with more space to stretch out, a complimentary iPad loaded with all the latest entertainment, as well as complimentary premium meals, wines and spirits.

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Discover the Great White North with

Air Canada

Fully immerse yourself in stunning Canada

Canada is bursting with a wealth of amazing things to see and do. From fantastic food

to beautiful scenery, fascinating heritage to a rich culture, however you choose to spend your time, a unique holiday awaits.

Immerse yourself in this fascinating country with one of Destination Canada’s ‘Canadian Signature Experiences’ – a collection of once-in-a-lifetime travel experiences offered by locals who are passionate to share their part of the country with you.

Whether you’re looking for exhilarating adventures, captivating culture, breath-taking natural wonders, epic journeys, fabulous food and drink, or vibrant cities, delve deeper into Canada and enjoy a travel experience that is nothing short of bucket-list worthy.

Saddle up and breathe in the crisp mountain air with a horseback ride along Alberta’s Bow River, get up close and personal with British Columbia’s grizzly bears, cycle along the rugged Atlantic coastline, meet polar bears and beluga whales in Manitoba or paddle the spectacular Keele River in the Northwest Territories – the possibilities in Canada are boundless.

Discover the Great White North with

Destination Canada

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GoldLeaf Service

• A refreshing welcome aboard toast

• Hot gourmet breakfasts and lunches, morning scones and afternoon wine and cheese

• A custom-designed, bi-level dome coach with meal service below and seating up top

• An exclusive outdoor viewing platform

• Complimentary beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) and gourmet snacks

• Complimentary baggage delivery to your hotel

SilverLeaf Service

• A refreshing welcome aboard toast

• A single-level dome coach with panoramic views through oversized windows

• Regionally inspired meals created by a team of award-winning chefs

• Gourmet meals plated to preference and served at your seat

• Complimentary beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) and gourmet snacks

• Complimentary baggage delivery to your hotel

A journey onboard the Rocky Mountaineer is much more than just a train ride through

the Canadian Rockies. It is the key to unlocking a hidden world of shifting landscapes and unparalleled beauty, where you can relax and enjoy the awe-inspiring scenery that unfolds outside your glass-dome carriage. Complemented by gourmet cuisine, vibrant storytelling and excellent service, a Rocky Mountaineer journey is a feast for the senses.

Relax on a luxurious bi-level train enjoying gourmet dining and complimentary drinks as spectacular panoramic views pass by. From rainforests to the Rockies, there’s no better way to see this unique part of the world. You can enjoy a Rocky Mountaineer journey with one of two service classes.

Rocky Mountaineer

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As the second largest country in the world, Canada is such a vast and wonderous

land that it can be difficult to know where to start exploring. Newcomers to Canada can be overwhelmed by the mass of must-see attractions, from the rugged peaks of the Rocky Mountains and the bright blue waters of Lake Louise, to the world-famous Niagara Falls and the 47 national parks and reserves, and not forgetting the wealth of vibrant cities, such as Toronto and Montreal. Naturally, there are many ways to tackle this mammoth 9.984 million sq. km country, but one of the most remarkable ways to experience Canada is with Princess Cruises.

With a Princess Cruises’ holiday, you’ll call at some of the country’s most scenic ports. Visit the iconic lighthouse at Peggy’s Cove in Halifax,

explore the idyllic coastal villages of Nova Scotia, be enchanted by French-infused Québec City, and unfurl the secrets of Canada’s oldest settlement at St. John’s. You’ll get to experience it all with Princess Cruises.

Meanwhile onboard, relax and enjoy the spectacular views, make the most of the destination-themed enriching activities, dine on succulent local cuisine and drift off into a rejuvenating night’s sleep in your luxurious stateroom or lavish suite.

At Princess, every cruise has been designed to ensure guests make the most of every destination, both onshore and onboard, helping travellers to ensure that no stone is left unturned.

Princess Cruises

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Explore Canada with

Spending Money

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Whistler Blackcomb adult weekend lift pass $160 General admission

ticket for CN Tower $53

Three-course meal for two $65 Domestic

draught beer $6One-way ticket on local

public transport $3

Wondering how many Canadian Dollars you’ll need for your Canada adventure? Here’s a little look at some of the things you might be buying whilst you’re there.

I’d seen so many pictures of Lake Louise before we left, but even though we arrived to cloudy skies, it looked as beautiful as the postcards. The

following morning, the sun shone and a perfect mirror image of the mountains reflected in the lake. I will always remember this as one of the

most spectacular and stunning sights I have ever seen in my life.

“We took a tour from Lake Louise heading along Highway 93, otherwise known as Icefields Parkway. It is said to be the most scenic highway in

North America. We stopped at Bow Lake and Peyto Lake, but the highlight of our day was the Columbia Icefields Explorer. We had the opportunity to

walk on a thousand-foot-thick glacier and it was simply breath-taking.

Cathie, Travel Counsellor

Vancouver is a very cosmopolitan city where you can dine on any type of food you fancy. Visit Yaletown for sidewalk cafés and trendy restaurants and Gastown for Victorian buildings that house boutiques, cafés, souvenir shops and first nation galleries.

We spent an interesting day on Grouse Mountain, which was somewhere we’d never been before on our many trips to Vancouver. We took the cable car to the top of the mountain, and once again, we were above the clouds underneath the wonderful sunshine. Up there, we could see the top of the Lions Gate Bridge popping through the clouds. The views were wonderful, and we could even see Mount Baker across the border in Washington, USA.

Grouse Mountain is also home to two orphaned male grizzly bears called Grinder and Coola. David and I spent around two hours watching the bears swimming, having salmon for lunch and generally relaxing as they explored their natural habitat at the Grouse Mountain Refuge for Endangered Wildlife.

Colin, Travel Counsellor

Our recommendations

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Lake Louise

Vancouver

Our Travel Counsellors know the world better than anyone else. Check out their recommendations for the quintessential Canada experience.

About three hours from Vancouver is the Okanagan wine region. The wineries are welcoming and offer plenty of tastings, an exclusive activity as very little of the local wine is exported.

We stayed in Osoyoos, which is one of the warmest places in Canada, where we swam and kayaked on lakes.

As for the wineries themselves, I would recommend Terrafina at Hester Creek. Sat up on a hill surrounded by vineyards, you can have a table either up on the terrace or inside. The tasting room is also open late, so you can pop in to try their wines before dinner or enjoy a digestif on the terrace.

Salt Spring Island also has wineries and it has an amazing food market each Saturday. Only a ferry hop from Vancouver, the island is known for its arts, crafts, artisan food and wine production.

Louise, Travel Counsellor

My first impression of Niagara was “WOW!” I didn’t realise there was so much to see and do there apart from the falls. The town comes alive at night with its neon lights, Ferris wheel, fireworks, eateries and bars. We

took a ride on the Ferris wheel and saw the spectacular falls illuminated with different colours.

The following day, we took a journey behind the falls, followed by the famous Hornblower cruise, which took us right up to the thundering falls and made us realise how important our pink ponchos were. After lunch,

we enjoyed a zip line excursion, which was great fun, but the highlight of the day was an amazing helicopter flight over the falls, which is an

absolute must if you visit.

Alison, Travel Counsellor

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Okanagan wine region

Niagara Falls

Days 1-4: Vancouver

Fly from London Heathrow to Vancouver where you’ll stay for four nights in a Premier Room at the Pan Pacific Vancouver, a five-star hotel perfectly located along the edge of Vancouver Harbour, right next to Gastown and overlooking sights such as the Seawall and Stanley Park.

Take the opportunity to discover galleries, boutiques, colourful public markets and restaurants of every ethnicity in Vancouver, which is known as being a cultural melting pot.

In the summer months, you’ll be able to enjoy the city’s beaches, including Kitsilano, Jericho and the Spanish Banks, where you can sunbathe, paddle or take part in water sports such as stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking.

Included in the price of your trip is a Whale Watching Safari for two to see the orca whales that live just off Vancouver’s coastline. There’s a 90% chance of seeing these beautiful creatures, and on this excursion, you’ll also be on the lookout for porpoises, seals, eagles and more.

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Western Canada explorer Check out the best of Western Canada on this incredible 25-day multi-centre itinerary, which features an exquisite cruise, a rail journey and a self-drive adventure.

Days 5-12: Alaska Inside Passage cruise

Discover the iconic and authentic side to Alaska with Holland America Line. Cruise the fabled Inside Passage, one of the most scenic sea lanes in the world, and admire the dramatic Sawyer Glaciers and wonderful waterfalls before reaching the Alaskan capital of Juneau.

You’ll also enjoy stops in Skagway, where you can ride the antique White Pass & Yukon narrow-gauge railway, and explore the UNESCO-listed Glacier Bay National Park and Ketchikan, with its many shops and houses built right over the water.

Days 12-14: Vancouver

Enjoy another five-star stay in British Columbia in a Fairmont Room at the Fairmont Waterfront in Downtown Vancouver.

Days 14-15: Rocky Mountaineer

Go from Vancouver to Kamloops with Rocky Mountaineer’s GoldLeaf service. Enjoy gourmet food and first-class views on board your custom-designed, bi-level carriage as you carve through spectacular scenery. With Rocky Mountaineer, you’ll only travel in daylight, meaning uninterrupted views of landmarks such as the majestic Cisco Crossing and Castle Mountain, which towers above the tracks at 2,766 metres.

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Days 15-17: Jasper and self-drive adventure

Travel first-class by rail into Jasper where a three-night stay at the Tonquin Inn awaits. Located conveniently, only a 10-minute walk from downtown Jasper, this motel-style hotel is close to historic locations such as the Parks Tourist Bureau building and the old CN Railway station. Pick up your hire car the next day which you’ll have to explore Jasper and the surrounding regions before moving on to your next destination.

As part of your itinerary, you’ll have a Maligne Lake Cruise included. Discover stunning

mountain views, beautiful blue waters and the world-famous Spirit Island on this award-winning excursion, with expert guides and narration throughout.

Days 18-20: Lake Louise and Banff

Drive from Jasper to Lake Louise and enjoy a one-night stay at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, before moving on to the Banff Caribou Lodge & Spa for a further two nights. Here, you’ll have the chance to explore Banff’s incredible scenery, from its expansive, breath-taking lakes to its snow-capped mountains.

Included in your itinerary is The Icefields Parkway Tour – a must for any visitor to the Canadian Rockies. This amazing trip along the scenic Icefields Parkway route introduces you to an awesome mountain landscape carved by huge glaciers and opened by the pioneers, before taking a stroll on the Athabasca Glacier. You’ll also get to see Crow Foot Glacier and Bow Lake, as well as have the opportunity to experience the Columbia Icefield Skywalk.

Day 21-24: Calgary

Continue on from Banff to Calgary for your final three nights at the four-star Fairmont Palliser.

Explore all that this vibrant city has to offer, including Calgary Tower, which features an observation deck with stunning city vistas and a revolving restaurant, Heritage Park Historical Village, which documents the history of Western Canada with working antiques and live re-enactments, and WinSport, Calgary’s Olympic Park which has an excellent programme of summer activities such as mountain biking, summer bobsleigh and a zip line tour.

Day 25: Arrive back in London

Arrive back at London Heathrow Airport.

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In this destination guide, we’ve chosen a few of the things we think you should see, do and eat during a trip to Canada. We hope it inspires you to journey to this remarkable country time and time again.

Get in touch to build a bespoke itinerary, tailor-made just for you.

We’d also love to see your photos and stories on social media so don’t forget to share your memories using the hashtag #TCexperience

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