Rugged, Remote, Inspiring: Discover Canada in Depth
From Niagara Falls and Northern Lights to rugged coastlines and rare wildlife, Canada is a country for the curious. Chase autumn colours, admire glistening winters, spot spring wildlife or soak up summer by a turquoise lake. With landscapes that transform beautifully through all four seasons, there are always incredible things to see in Canada.
Venture further into the world’s most sought-after destinations with this guide through Canada’s iconic landmarks. Discover when to go, what to see and where to eat for an authentic adventure you’re unlikely to forget.
Visit National Parks in the Canadian Rockies
A majestic mountain range stretching through the provinces of British Colombia and Alberta, the Canadian Rocky Mountains, better known as the Canadian Rockies, boasts some of the best seasonal scenery on Earth. With dramatic lookouts, natural hot springs and incredible wildlife, the Rockies are home to Canada’s most spectacular national parks.
The alpine forest comes alive in summer, when the lakes take on their vivid turquoise hues, the wildflowers are in full bloom and the higher elevation trails are almost snow free. In autumn, spectacular shades of gold colour the glowing larch trees for a fleeting moment before the leaves fall, and a light dusting of snow begins to settle over the park. Winter brings generous snowfall and shimmering landscapes until the frozen lakes being to thaw again in spring, when the park beings to awaken, deer and elk begin calving, and the bears emerge from their hibernation.
A road trip along the legendary TransCanada Highway is one of the best ways to explore the Canadian Rockies. Winding through towering mountain ranges, ancient glaciers, turquoise lakes and alpine forests, this route delivers some of the most scenic driving in the world.
Jasper National Park
Jasper National Park is the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies. Home to deep canyons, alpine meadows, glacier-fed lakes and one of the world’s largest dark sky preserves, Jasper offers a rare kind of tranquillity. It’s also one of the best places in Canada to see wildlife, including elk, mountain goats and grizzly bears, right from the roadside. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights dancing across the peaks.

Banff National Park
The oldest of Canada’s national parks, Banff is the epitome of stunning alpine scenery and one of the best places in Canada to see the Rockies in their full glory. Expect snow-capped peaks, turquoise lakes and postcard views around every bend. Sink into the steamy mineral waters of Banff Upper Hot Springs while soaking up panoramic alpine views. Visit the impressive Bow Falls or admire the aqua waters of Lake Louise, ringed by towering rocky peaks. Hop aboard the Lake Louise Gondola for panoramic views of the valley and keep your eyes peeled, this is one of the best places to see bears in Canada, especially in spring and early summer.

Yoho National Park
The name ‘Yoho’ comes from a Cree expression of awe, a fitting name for this national park. Offering a quieter, more contemplative escape, Yoho National Park is an untamed wilderness nestled between Banff and Jasper. Its crown jewel, Emerald Lake, is framed by glacial peaks and fed by meltwater. The water’s brilliant green hue is a showstopper in any season. See fossils older than dinosaurs and some of Canada’s most impressive glacier-fed waterfalls whose wide, thunderous cascade offers a dramatic contrast to the surrounding stillness of the forest and mountains.

Chase aurora borealis across Northern Canada
The Northern Lights, also known as aurora borealis, are surreal curtains of light that ripple across the sky when charged particles from the sun collide with the Earth’s atmosphere. Standing under a vast, deep sky as shimmering ribbons of green, purple and pink dance above you is truly a bucket list experience. The aurora borealis is one of the most spectacular natural phenomena on Earth, and Canada is one of the best places in the world to bear witness.
Where can you see the Northern Lights in Canada?
You’ll have the best chance of seeing the Northern Lights under the auroral oval in Northern Canada. Yukon, Manitoba and the Northwest Territories are the most reliable destinations, particularly remote areas with minimal light pollution, like Whitehorse (Yukon) or Churchill (Manitoba), where cold clear nights showcase brilliant dancing colour up to 300 nights per year.
That said, with clear skies and a little luck, the Northern Lights can be seen almost anywhere in Canada. The less light pollution, the better, which is why dark sky preserves are a great place to start. Parts of Saskatchewan, Nunavut and Alberta have been known to put on excellent displays. The colourful glow often reflects on surfaces of still lakes in Jasper National Park, and Sioux Lookout has been known to offer the occasional vivid sighting just minutes out of town.

When is the best time to see the Northern Lights in Canada?
The best time to see the Northern Lights in Canada is during the colder months. Between November and early April, winter’s longer, clearer nights offer ideal conditions for visibility. From Late August to October, the nights lengthen and darken again for Autumn, offering excellent visibility with milder weather.
Look for clear, cloudless nights and stay up late, activity often peaks between 10pm and 2am. Though you might want to take pictures, we encourage you to take a breath, embrace stillness and take it in. You’re witnessing something truly extraordinary.

Sail under Niagara Falls
No trip to Canada is complete without experiencing the sheer power and grandeur of Niagara Falls. Located on the border of Ontario, Canada and New York, USA, these world-famous waterfalls are one of the most iconic and awe-inspiring natural wonders on Earth.
Niagara Falls is comprised of three separate waterfalls: Horseshoe Falls, American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls. Plunging over fifty metres into the Niagara River below, they release more than 2.8 million litres of water per second. The sound is thunderous, the mist is refreshing, and the view?
Completely unforgettable.
Best ways to see Niagara Falls
There are several fantastic vantage points and activities to help you make the most of your visit. Walk through tunnels behind Horseshoe Falls to feel the power of the water up close. Cruise right to the mists at the base of the falls aboard a catamaran, but only if you’re prepared to get wet. If you’d prefer to stay dry, soar above the falls in the Niagara Skywheel, a fully enclosed gondola with panoramic views. The Fallsview Grand Buffet at Sheraton Fallsview hotel offers a range of culinary delights enjoyed with breathtaking views over the falls.

When to visit Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls in a remarkable destination all year round. Between June and August, summer’s warm weather and lively events attract a lot of visitors. Autumn brings beautiful shifting foliage and fewer crowds between September and October. Winter transforms the falls into a frozen wonderland between November and February. In spring, the gardens bloom again, bringing mild weather from March through May, ideal for touring.

Catch Canada’s Greatest Outdoor Show in Calgary
Known for its western charm and modern skyline, Calgary gives you a taste of Canada with bold flavour and big personality. Many touring holidays start or finish here, offering a seamless blend of culture, adventure and convenience. Stroll along the Bow River pathways, enjoy the city’s buzzing food and brewery scene, or head up the Calgary Tower for panoramic views of the city and nearby Rocky Mountains.
Every July, Calgary transforms into a vibrant hub of Western culture, proudly known as The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.
What to expect at the Calgary Stampede
From bucking broncos and bull riding to chuckwagon races and live music, this high-energy festival brings the wild spirit of the Canadian West to life. You’ll walk into a city buzzing with excitement. Streets are lined with food stalls, pop-up stages and parades. Locals and visitors alike don cowboy hats, boots and western shirts, fully embracing the festivities.
Head to Stampede Park for daily rodeo events, carnival rides, agricultural exhibitions and concerts. Catch the bareback riding, barrel racing, steer wrestling, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping and bull riding. Don’t miss the dazzling Grandstand Show, an unforgettable production of fireworks, live entertainment and jaw-dropping stunts under the open evening sky.

Delve deeper into flavour
Canada’s landscapes aren’t just beautiful, they’re delicious. From coast to coast, this country serves up a rich and diverse culinary scene shaped by fresh local ingredients, multicultural influences and deep regional pride. Whether you’re sampling buttery Atlantic lobster, smoky Alberta beef or a plate of poutine under twinkling city lights, Canada’s cuisine is as memorable as its breathtaking scenery.
Savour seafood in Vancouver
Clean, coastal flavours, fresh from the Pacific make Vancouver’s cuisine so remarkable. The spot prawns are famous enough to have earned their own festival, and Asian influences have created some truly exciting fusion offerings in the city. You’ll find quick and accessible local fare on food trucks dotted around the streets. Everything tastes better with views of the mountains or eaten by the sea.

Enjoy innovative eats in Edmonton
Long known for its beef and hearty fare, Edmonton offers Prairie comfort food with a modern, creative edge. The city now boasts an exciting mix of farm-to-table dining, Indigenous-inspired cuisine and a growing vegan and craft beer scene. Explore the historic Old Strathcona district for trendy eateries and microbreweries, or head downtown where chefs are reimagining local ingredients like bison, Saskatoon berries and wild mushrooms. It’s a city where rustic charm meets innovation, delivering big flavours and warm hospitality with a local twist.

Sample seasonal flavours in wine country
If you’ve got a taste for sunshine, fine wine and fresh produce, the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia is your perfect escape. Vineyard-draped hills meet sparkling lakes and orchards stretch as far as the eye can see. This sun-drenched region is packed with over 200 wineries.
From crisp whites to bold reds, tasting your way through the Okanagan is an experience for all the senses. Many estates offer alfresco dining with vineyard views, local cheeses and produce straight from the farm.

Ready to discover Canada in depth?
Unhurried, immersive and comfortable, taking a tour or travelling by train is one of the most memorable and effortless ways to explore the true breadth of Canada.
Explore our Canada touring holidays, including flights, accommodation and Bonus Savings, so you can delve deeper into your dream destinations.
Tags: Canada, experiences, Touring
Categories : Tour
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