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.