Northern highlights

British Columbia

Discover how to find delicious edibles in the wilderness without leaving home. Swallow Tail Tours has launched virtual foraging courses on foraging for wild weeds, edible seaweeds and medicinal plants as well as offering tantalising recipes starring wild fare.

The magical Princess Royal Island in the Great Bear Rainforest, British Columbia, is not only home to a healthy population of grizzlies, but also the rare Kermode (spirit) bear, a sub-species of black bear found only in this part of the world carrying a recessive gene that gives them a naturally white coat.

Yukon Territory

Don your Yukon beanie, or toque, step into an outdoor hot tub and raise your eyes skyward to witness the aurora borealis with its shimmering green and pink ribbons of light dancing across the night sky.

During the summer months, hike the iconic trails, including the Chilkoot and Cottonwood, across mountains and alongside rivers, or a take a long, cruisy road trip through picturesque scenery and historic communities, while the wildlife roams free.

Dawson City is the legendary hub of the Yukon Gold Rush, which began 125 years ago. Its history is still evident in the city’s picturesque boardwalks, frontier-style buildings and old-world saloons.

But this small town (population 1,800) is thoroughly modern from a vibrant local arts scene to swanky accommodation that reflects Yukon’s unique legacy, including the upcoming Midnight Sun Hotel, scheduled to open in summer 2021.

Ontario

Ontario is home to many a traveller’s favourite, Niagara Falls. Explore the gateway city of Toronto, feast in Queen Street West, shop in funky Yorkville or the eclectic Kensington Market.

National parks, pristine Great Lakes and the warm hospitality of Canada’s capital city, Ottawa, are all close by.

And, of course, iconic Niagara Falls. The sound is like thunder and the sight awe-inspiring. Take a journey deep below and behind the heart of Niagara and stand in the mist where the mighty Horseshoe Falls tumbles from 13 storeys above.

At Journey Behind the Falls, you’ll experience the spectacle of one-fifth of the world’s fresh water crashing down to the basin below. On 1 July, the region’s newest attraction, the Niagara Parks Power Station, a 115-year-old architectural wonder, nicknamed the cathedral of power opens. City starting point: Toronto.

Banff and Lake Louise, Alberta

An old-time favourite of Australian travellers, Banff and Lake Louise in the western province of Alberta offer canoeing in autumn and ice-skating in winter.

Stay at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise or book into the majestic Fairmont Banff Springs for a castle stay. In Banff National Park, hike the scenic trails, enjoy some of the best skiing on the planet, learn how to dog-sled, or simply soak up the friendly vibe of Banff’s township. Starting point: Calgary.

Manitoba

Aussie travellers seeking wildlife encounters should head to Canada’s central province of Manitoba. Manitoba is home to polar bears and beluga whales, wolves, caribou and the elusive Canada lynx. City starting point: Winnipeg.

Do you want to see polar bears in their natural habitat, but are equally enthusiastic about coming back in one piece?

In Churchill, you can safely view the largest land carnivore in the world from a tundra vehicle or from a fenced wilderness lodge. You can even walk among them with a guide or view them from above during a helicopter tour. In fact, Churchill is the only place in the world that offers a walking tour.

Get ready for the adrenaline rush of your life as you come face to face, eye-level, and sans barriers with the apex predator of the Arctic.

During summer, jump in a zodiac at the mouths of the northern Churchill and Seal Rivers for a close encounter with the thousands of beluga whales that congregate here each summer. The song of their sweet canary chirps will give you goosebumps and their friendly smiles will melt your heart.

Northwest Territories

Unforgettable adventures await in the Northwest Territories. Witness the magic of the northern lights, navigate rapids, explore vast national parks in the beating heart of the north. In every season, this extraordinary territory serves up outdoor escapades that will give you major bragging rights back home.

Kayak the famous Slave River Rapids or, if you prefer your heart rate to remain stable, drift along the placid Thomsen River, gawking at wildlife along the way. In winter, slip into the hot tub and watch flowing curtains of northern lights shimmer and loop across the horizon — fireworks on a cosmic scale.

In Canada’s northern territories of Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut, experience the natural phenomenon known as the Midnight Sun, where the sun shines for about 50 days during summer – without ever setting below the horizon.

Prince Edward Island

Experience true Islander life on picturesque Prince Edward Island (PEI), complete with welcoming fishing villages, red-sand beaches and beautiful craggy coastlines.

The birthplace of Anne of Green Gables, visitors to PEI can step back in time at Green Gables Heritage Place, the home that inspired the setting of L M Montgomery’s novel. Walk through the rooms of the Victorian home, restored to the period of the late 1800s and picture yourself as the feisty red-headed girl.

Head into Avonlea Village, a real-life recreation of Montgomery’s fictional town, and sing along with the longest running musical in the world, Anne of Green Gables – the musical.

Quebec

Quebec City is North America’s only remaining walled city. At around 4.5 kilometres in length, the fortifications of Quebec are part of a defence system built between 1608 (when Samuel de Champlain founded the city) and 1871 by French then British and eventually Canadian forces. You can follow the walls right to the Citadel, a star-shaped fortress built following the War of 1812.

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Note: Border restrictions are still in effect. For the latest information on travel to Canada including requirements and restrictions, please visit the Government of Canada website.