It’s vast, it’s wild, and it’s magical. With some of the most diverse and spectacular natural wonders on the planet, few destinations can compare to Canada when it comes to unique experiences.
The west is known primarily for its thick forests and stunning Rocky Mountain wilderness. In the east, it’s Niagara Falls, quaint seaside towns and the foundations of a rich culture born of French influence.
Whichever Canada geographic region you choose to visit, you’ll be sure to collect memories filled with visions of spectacular natural scenery and a warm, gracious welcome.
REMARKABLE WILDLIFE
While the buck-toothed beaver may be Canada’s national icon, the wildlife experiences here go far beyond these little furry lumberjacks. In fact, Canada offers some of the most extreme wildlife experiences on the planet.
A two-hour flight north of Manitoba’s capital city of Winnipeg, the remote town of Churchill sits on the shores of Hudson Bay. You won’t find glitzy hotels or ritzy restaurants here. In Churchill, the grandeur comes from nature itself. Known as Polar Bear Alley, this northern town is one of the best places in Canada (perhaps the world) where you can get up close to the area’s most famous residents, the polar bears and beluga whales.
Take a tundra buggy tour to meet the gaze of a polar bear or enjoy a zodiac or kayak tour as you seek out the friendly albino belugas.
To observe Canada’s other famous bear – the grizzly – head to Knight Inlet, one of the largest fjords on the British Columbia coastline. Set among spectacular scenery, majestic snow-capped mountains give way to steep cliffs covered in green cedar trees. Watch as the bears laze on a rocky beach, or skilfully hunt for salmon in the bright blue glacier-fed waters.
From the forest wilds to an urban city spread across the prairie land surrounded by picturesque vistas on all sides, Calgary is a heady mix of big-city energy, cheerful western charm and natural beauty on its doorstep. And the Calgary Stampede, held each July, is one of Canada’s biggest spectaculars. Billed as “The greatest outdoor show on Earth”, it’s an exciting mix of rodeo, exhibition, fairgrounds, and festival.
POST-CARD PERFECT NATURAL ATTRACTIONS
Stretching more than 1,500-kilometres across the border regions of British Columbia and Alberta, the Rocky Mountains attracts nature lovers and outdoor adventurists, especially ones devoted to winter sports.
Beautiful mountain peaks, accentuated with stunning lakes and wildlife make the ‘Rockies’ an absolute must-see destination. The best way to experience the grandeur? By rail on the iconic Rocky Mountaineer.
A trip on the Rocky Mountaineer is more than just a train ride. This is a rail journey with a five-star focus. In fact, the impeccable onboard service and comfortable surroundings come second only to the magnificent Canadian scenery found amongst the Rocky Mountain peaks and glacier fed lakes.
North of British Columbia in Yukon Province, you will discover the hypnotic glows of the Northern Lights. One of the best places to see nature’s celestial dance across the sky is the Yukon capital of Whitehorse. The celestial light display is the result of the sun’s charged particles interacting with the molecules and atoms in the Earth’s atmosphere.
In the Guinness Book of World Records for the ‘city with the least air pollution’, you can marvel at the Northern Lights in Whitehorse from end-August through mid-April – one of the longest viewing periods in the world.
To observe the universe in a slightly different way, try the hottest new tourism trend – Dark Sky Observation. Jasper National Park received a Dark Sky Preserve designation in 2011 from the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, who declared it one of the best natural stargazing preserves in the world.
At 11,000 square-kilometres, this is the second-largest preserve in the world and on a clear night, the glittering magnificence is like a magic show in the sky. With any luck, you will catch the mother (nature) load combination of Northern Lights along with a glimpse into the Northern Hemisphere’s starry universe.
Heading to Canada’s east-coast, Niagara Falls is one of North America’s top attractions. Collectively, the three separate falls that make up the ‘Falls’ form a border region between Canada’s Ontario Province and the United States.
Most visitors find the Canadian side offers the best viewing, with many added attractions to be found than on the US side. In fact, one of the falls – Horseshoe Falls – can only be truly seen from the Canadian side.
Stroll Queen Victoria Park’s manicured gardens for the best views of both Horseshoe and American Falls, or take a bird’s eye view from the top of the Skylon Tower.
DELIGHT IN FRENCH SAVOIR FAIRE….IN CANADA
Taking out multiple wins for the ‘Best city in Canada’ award, the cultural magnificence of Quebec City is simply delightful. Perched on the cliffs overlooking the mighty Saint Lawrence River, this French-speaking city is every bit as French, as its charming Old Town buildings suggest.
Surrounded by 17th-century fortifications, Old Town is famous for many landmarks, but it’s the Fairmont Château Frontenac Hotel that gives the city its fairy-tale-like quality. Walk the boardwalk in front of the hotel for wonderful Saint Lawrence River views, or enjoy the sweeping views from the castle-like hotel’s decadent wine and cheese bar.
Walk the narrow cobblestone streets of the Petit Champlain district (Quartier du Petit Champlain), in Lower Old Town. Shop for antiques and indulge your sweet tooth with local maple syrup treats and home-made fudge at the La Petite Cabane à Sucre.
Marvel at the massive mural at Place Royale, tracing 400 years of Quebec history. It was here in this small square that Samuel de Champlain founded the city in 1608. You can make the steep climb back up to Château Frontenac by way of a funicular.
DISCOVER CANADA WITH SCENIC
When you travel with Scenic, the perks and privileges come included. Enjoy a full range of luxurious benefits that will enhance your experience throughout your journey.
Special Stays
Enjoy exclusive stays at the full range of Fairmont Hotels and Resorts for the most iconic and memorable Canadian experience.
Scenic Enrich
Handpicked experiences, from exclusive opportunities to learn about the local wildlife and absorbing nature before the crowds arrive, to meeting a Canadian Mountie.
Scenic Freechoice
Choose from a range of sightseeing activities that interest you most, from guided tours, museum visits, nature walks to whale watching – they’re all included.
Scenic Freechoice Dining
You’ll be delighted by the sheer range of dining options available, from local and indigenous fare to specialty cuisines from around the world.
Scenic Rail
Welcome to luxury rail travel though the wild expanses of Canada’s Rocky Mountains with GoldLeaf service on the iconic Rocky Mountaineer.
Scenic Cruising
You can look forward to a Verandah Stateroom and exclusive on board inclusions whilst cruising throughout North America.
Local Knowledge
Enjoy the intimacy of fully escorted small group touring with your knowledgeable local guides and expert Tour Directors.
The Nth Degree
Scenic has thought about the details so you don’t have to, from personal airport transfers, first-class transport and local guides. All tips and gratuities are also included.
View Scenic’s Canada brochure here
