Canada
Canada is the neighbor that Americans often overlook as a vacation destination, and that is a mistake. The country has some of the most spectacular natural scenery on the planet, from the turquoise lakes and jagged peaks of the Canadian Rockies to the coastal rainforests of British Columbia to the rugged Atlantic shores of the Maritime provinces. The cities are clean, multicultural, and packed with excellent food. And it is all a short flight from the US with no visa required.
The sheer size of Canada means you cannot see it all in one trip, but that is part of the appeal. Each region feels distinct: the French speaking culture of Quebec, the mountain adventure of Alberta, the laid back Pacific vibes of Vancouver, the frontier energy of the Yukon. Pick a corner and go deep.
Where to Go
The Canadian Rockies are the headliner. Banff National Park is one of the most beautiful places in North America, with turquoise glacial lakes, towering peaks, and wildlife including grizzly bears, elk, and mountain goats. Lake Louise is the iconic postcard shot, with the Chateau Lake Louise sitting at the edge of a perfectly turquoise lake backed by a glacier. Moraine Lake in the Valley of the Ten Peaks is equally stunning and arguably even more photogenic.
The Icefields Parkway connecting Banff to Jasper is a 144 mile drive through some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in the world. The Columbia Icefield, roughly halfway along the route, offers glacier walks on the Athabasca Glacier. Jasper National Park at the northern end is larger and less crowded than Banff, with excellent hiking, dark sky preserves for stargazing, and a quieter, more rugged atmosphere.
Vancouver on the Pacific coast is consistently ranked among the most livable cities in the world. The combination of ocean, mountains, and urban sophistication is hard to beat. Stanley Park, Granville Island market, and the North Shore mountains are highlights. From Vancouver, you can take a ferry to Vancouver Island for whale watching in Tofino or explore the wine country of the Okanagan Valley.
Quebec City is the most European feeling city in North America, with a walled old town, cobblestone streets, French language, and some of the best food in Canada. Montreal blends French and English cultures with a world class food scene, vibrant nightlife, and a creative energy that makes it one of the most enjoyable cities on the continent.
Niagara Falls remains one of the great natural spectacles in North America. The Canadian side offers the best views, and the Hornblower boat cruise takes you close enough to the base of Horseshoe Falls to feel the mist on your face.
Where to Stay
Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is the iconic Rocky Mountain lodge, sitting directly on the lakeshore. Fairmont Banff Springs, known as the Castle in the Rockies, is a grand railway hotel with mountain views and a world class spa. In Vancouver, the Rosewood Hotel Georgia and the Fairmont Pacific Rim are both excellent. In Quebec City, Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac is one of the most photographed hotels in the world, perched on a cliff above the St. Lawrence River.
Let Us Plan Your Canada Trip
Canada is close, easy, and extraordinary. Whether you want a Rockies road trip, a city break in Vancouver or Montreal, a ski vacation in Whistler, or a coastal adventure on the Atlantic, we will build an itinerary that takes advantage of everything our northern neighbor has to offer.
