Canada
Vancouver | Toronto | Canadian Rockies
A vast land with an abundance of natural beauty and world class cities
A sense of immensity pervades during cross-country Canada tours. In a space of 9,984,670 square kilometres, just slightly more than 30 million people occupy it, 90% of who cling to the warmer areas near its southern border with the U.S. But the country is far from empty. If you're touring Canada via its excellent road network, you may have trouble concentrating on your driving with the abundance of natural beauty looming beyond your windshield. And you'll be tempted to park your car for days as you enjoy the neighbourly hospitality of its world-class cities.
From the fogs of Halifax Harbour to the quaint sophistication of Montreal, the international vivacity of Toronto and the nearby honeymoon mecca of Niagara Falls, the eastern half of the country can easily occupy the span of a multi-week Canada tour. The wide-open spaces of the west and the vistas of a wild northern frontier will satisfy the appetite of anyone in search of an adventure in an untamed, magnificent wilderness. From the heartlands of Winnipeg and Saskatoon to the awe-inspiring Rockies surrounding Calgary and Edmonton, Canada's west will elicit the cowboy in even the strictest city dweller. Regardless of where you venture, you'll welcome the opportunity to lose yourself in Canada's vastness.
Concierge Traveller can organise Canada packages and tours to suit any type of traveller. Our advisors have visited Canada on many occasions and can put together a Canadian itinerary based on your requirements.
Vancouver
Vancouver, Canada’s gateway to the Pacific Rim and third largest city is blessed with one of the most beautiful settings in the world. Ocean and mountains surround the city and expanses of tree covered parkland fall within its boundaries. Visiting Vancouver you will find that it is also the gateway exploring the spectacular scenery of British Columbia from the islands and fjords of the Pacific Coast to the mountains of the interior. With the beauty of the natural environment and the city’s role as a haven for former hippies and counter culture types, it is not too surprising that organisations such as Greenpeace sprang up here. Vancouver is also the commercial and cultural heart of Canada’s West Coast and a major convention and tourist destination.
Vancouver is often called Lotus land by other Canadians as much for its temperate climate as for its reputation for offering a laid back and natural lifestyle. The city prides itself on its outdoor activities with its recreational options, which range from sea kayaking, in-line skating and mountain biking to snowboarding, skiing and winter camping. Many of these are part of what lures millions of visitors to the city and its surrounding areas.
WHEN TO TRAVEL to Vancouver
The best time for Vancouver travel is from early June to early October when there is less rain, temperatures are warm and daylight hours are long. May to September is a good time for whale-watching. The winter ski season peaks in January and February however the slopes are open year round at resorts such as Whistler.
Toronto
Toronto stands on the northern shore of Lake Ontario and the view of the city across the water is stunning and unmistakable.
Toronto is home to the CN Tower which thrusts skyward near the water’s edge and is the world's tallest tower. Framing it is a glimmering collection of skyscrapers which give way to a dense city centre with pleasant, leafy residential areas and parks, notably along the ravines that cut through the city. At first glance, Toronto does not appear all that different from any other large American city, albeit a clean one, although closer inspection reveals preserved Victorian and Edwardian buildings and a profusion of neighbourhood pubs.
Visitors travel to Toronto for its lively atmosphere and its culture, a city with hot summers and cold, dry winters. By night, its people indulge themselves at the city's numerous restaurants, bars and clubs, or at the symphony, opera and theatre. More than anything however, Toronto is defined by its citizenry - friendly, efficient and one of the most multicultural in the world.
WHEN TO TRAVEL to Toronto
Travel in the warm summer months being the best time when Toronto hosts with festivals and events. Autumn (mid-September to late October) is crisp and beautiful. Toronto gets very cold in winter however, indoor arts such as symphonies, theatre, opera and sporting events, especially ice hockey are at their liveliest during the snowy season.
Canadian Rockies
When many people hear of Canada, the first place that springs to mind is the Canadian Rockies. The soaring peaks, dense coniferous forests and abundant wildlife are a Canadian institution. Banff town site sits within Banff National Park, Canada's oldest and most spectacular Heritage Site. Home to many of the nation’s most famous landmarks, densely populated with wildlife, Banff is full of opportunities for relaxation and adventure. The Canadian Rockies landscape is rugged, consisting of towering black mountains, deep blue and white glaciers and alpine tundra. The valley bottoms are densely carpeted with spruce and pine trees, and fast flowing rivers churn through their centres.
If you visit the Lake Louise area you will see why each year more than 3.5 million visitors come to enjoy the unique feeling of the Canadian Rockies. The Lake Louise ski resort shares the same valley as the village and is only a few minutes from any village hotel. Banff/Lake Louise promises memorable skiing and snowboarding amidst the world's most awesome scenery and breathtaking slopes. World-famous dry Canadian Rockies powder is available for one of the longest, consistent ski/snowboard seasons in the world, from early November to late May.
Combining wild alpine beauty with first-class amenities, few places in the world have such stunning scenery as the Canadian Rockies, and fewer still offer the warm hospitality and excellent service you can enjoy in Banff and Lake Louise.
WHEN TO TRAVEL to the Canadian Rockies
In the Canadian Rockies snow is possible all year round, although in summer it's usually only at higher altitudes. The weather is best during the mid-June to mid-September period. If hiking is your passion, remember that high altitude trails may be snow covered well into June. For skiers, travel anytime between December and April for guaranteed snow.
