Canada

Stretching from the Atlantic to the Pacific, Canada is a huge country. Our holidays centre around British Columbia, Canada’s most westerly province, with diverse landscapes ranging from windswept beaches to towering mountain ranges. This is the best place in Canada for exciting wildlife encounters; spot whales breaching off the coast, grizzly bears fishing in the fjords and bald eagles circling the skies above.

Vancouver is the province’s largest city and the first stop on most west coast adventures. Sandwiched between ocean and mountains, it’s easy to see why it has earnt a reputation as one of the world’s most beautiful cities. Delve deeper and you’ll also discover a modern, multicultural city with world-class dining, shopping and a thriving arts scene.

Vancouver Island is an easy ferry ride from Vancouver, with rainforests, wild beaches, mountains and lakes to discover. The historic city of Victoria is located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island. It’s small enough to explore on foot (or by horse-drawn carriage!) and features beautiful gardens, colourful Victorian buildings and a lovely harbour.

The wild and windswept towns of Tofino and Ucluelet lie on the island’s pristine west coast. The sheltered islets of Clayoquot Sounds are popular for sea kayaking, while the churning coastline appeals to surfers.

Wilderness Lodges offer immersive wildlife experiences, and Knight Inlet is one of the best places to see grizzly bears. This floating lodge can only be accessed by seaplane. Other activities include hiking, kayaking and whale watching.

Two hours north of Vancouver, the mountain town of Whistler is renowned for its snow-covered ski slopes. But visit during the summer and enjoy the beautiful lakes and alpine scenery, plus activities including white water rafting, zip-lining and mountain biking.

If you have longer, continue your journey through the majestic Rocky Mountains, famous for their glacial lakes, snow-capped peaks and some of the most incredible scenery you will ever witness. To add some leisurely beach time to your trip, Hawaii works well in combination.