Canada & Alaska rail journeys
Canada & Alaska rail journeys
The vast wilds of Canada and Alaska were tamed by rail, and even now the land is crossed by some of the world’s most iconic rail journeys. Here we showcase some of the best.
Canada is a truly gargantuan country, and while its cities are just as frenetic and cosmopolitan as any in the world, its vast and unpopulated countryside, home to Inuit communities, striking blue glacial lakes and fresh mountain air, are the real draw.
If you’re planning a holiday to this diverse country, our Canada travel guides are packed full of useful information on how to make the most of your time. From whale watching and grizzly bear spotting, to immersing yourself in the world-class rodeo at the Calgary Stampede, there’s plenty to see and do in Canada.
Our travel guides share our specialists’ passion and knowledge for Canada. We travel here regularly to discover new experiences, explore untried areas and dig deeper into the better-known places and attractions. At the same time, we gather advice and up-to-date information on the best-quality guides, new hotels and restaurants, and the most memorable forms of transportation.
Canada & Alaska rail journeys
The vast wilds of Canada and Alaska were tamed by rail, and even now the land is crossed by some of the world’s most iconic rail journeys. Here we showcase some of the best.
Self-drive holidays in Canada
Whether you choose a route circuiting western Canada’s renowned mountains, glaciers and lakes, or you’d rather go off-grid exploring the traditional fishing villages and coastal drives of the Maritimes, Canada’s well-maintained, easily navigable roads make it an excellent self-drive destination.
Highlights of the Canadian Rockies
With glacier-fed lakes, thick pine forests and sharp, triangular mountains, the Canadian Rockies are a true wilderness area. Activities can include hiking, canoeing and visiting glaciers. Canada specialist Emily explains how you can make the most of your trip to the Rockies.
Polar bear watching in Canada
Churchill in northern Canada is known as the polar bear capital of the world. Every year, hundreds of bears congregate around nearby Hudson Bay waiting for the water to ice over so they can hunt seals. Canada specialist Emily shares the best ways to see them.
Family holidays to Canada
Whether you’re visiting the east or the west, Canada offers a wealth of things to do for families, from helicopter rides over Niagara Falls to whale watching around Vancouver Island. Canada specialist Kayleigh outlines her ideas for a memorable family holiday in Canada.
In the path of the grizzly: bear watching in Canada
Canada is well-known for its wildlife, but the stars of the show are arguably its resident bears. These often solitary creatures can be difficult to find, but our Canada specialists can recommend intimate bear-watching experiences that allow you to see them in their natural habitat.
Self-driving in western Canada
Canada specialists Kerry and Annie share their tried-and-tested self-drive routes in western Canada. You might want to follow a lesser-known loop through the Canadian Rockies, detouring to the Okanagan wine region. Or, take in British Columbia’s coastline and Vancouver Island.
Highlights of Vancouver Island
Canada specialist Jamie shares the best things to see and do on Vancouver Island. You could observe black and grizzly bears in temperate rainforests. Look for orcas on boat trips from Victoria. Or hike to secluded beaches in the remote north.
Canada’s Maritime Provinces
Canada’s Maritime Provinces offer a quieter alternative to the west coast. Here, you can follow coastal roads to secluded coves and traditional lighthouses. Visit peaceful fishing villages where saltbox houses line the waterfront. And, explore the area’s Celtic roots. Canada specialist Jon shares his highlights of the region.
Wildlife holidays in Canada, Alaska & the Arctic
We list here what we think are the most 'iconic' wildlife you can see in Canada, Alaska and the Arctic. We detail some interesting facts and figures about each type, plus of course, the best places and times to see them.
Canada self-drive holidays: Ontario and Québec
By self-driving in Canada’s Ontario and Québec provinces, you can explore peaceful parks filled with wildlife, secluded towns and villages, and multicultural cities at your own pace. Canada specialist Rebecca shares her ideas for self-drive routes that take in the best of each province.
Luxury holidays in Canada: heli-hiking, glamping and ranch stays
Canada may be associated with log cabins and the simple pleasures of the great outdoors, but there are ways to add a touch of luxury to your trip. Our Canada specialists highlight places and experiences with a more exclusive feel.
Honeymoons in Canada
Country specialist, Caroline, picks some of her top places to stay and things to do on honeymoon in Canada. Her highlights include where to spot Canada’s wildlife, taking a food tour in Vancouver, finding seclusion in the Rockies and staying on an authentic ranch.
How to see the northern lights in Canada and Alaska
Elusive, silent and celestial, the aurora borealis is a spectacle that few get to witness. Specialist, and cold-weather enthusiast, Lucy discusses the northern lights in Canada or Alaska and suggests the best lodges to stay in to improve your chances.
Cruises in Canada
Whether you’re embarking on an expedition cruise through the Northwest Passage or sailing along British Columbia’s untamed coastline aboard a luxury catamaran, exploring Canada by water can be the most rewarding way to experience the country. Our team share the best Canada cruise routes.
Activity holidays in Canada
Canada is a country where much of your time is spent outdoors, so it makes sense that this region of the world is one of the best for activity holidays. Try your hand at white-water rafting, canopy walking or dog sledding.
Driving the Icefields Parkway: what to see and where to stop
One of Canada’s most celebrated scenic drives, the Icefields Parkway runs through the Rockies between Jasper and Lake Louise. With so much to see and do along the route, specialist Jamie shares her tried-and-tested highlights, from waterfall hikes to elevated viewpoints.
Highlights of Ontario
Ontario offers forested landscapes, cosmopolitan cities and First Nations culture in a relatively compact area. Canada specialist Kayleigh outlines the region’s highlights, from touring Toronto’s markets to canoeing in Algonquin Provincial Park.
Hiking in the Canadian Rockies
There are literally hundreds of hiking and walking trails in Canada's Rocky Mountains, appealing to all levels of fitness. Here we pick out some of the best places for you to put on your walking boots and experience the Rocky Mountains at your own pace.
Walking holidays in Canada
If you're planning a tailor-made walking holiday in Canada our specialists can advise on the best places to visit and where to stay to get the most out of your trip. Canada is also home to one of the most exhilarating forms of walking holiday — the heli-hike.
Highlights of Québec: La Belle Province
With a character that’s distinct from the rest of Canada due to its French influences, Québec feels like its own country. Here, Canada specialist Jon shares what to see and do in the province, from historic cities to sleepy villages and whale-rich fjords.
Self-driving in the Yukon: chasing the ghost of the Gold Rush
Canada specialist Jon shares his tried-and-tested route for exploring the Yukon by car. He also suggests things to see and do along the way to make the most of your trip, from visiting time-frozen towns to hiking in lake-strewn parks.
Canada's Arctic, the Yukon & Prairie Provinces
Canada's northernmost territory is a remote and starkly beautiful landscape. We can recommend lodges or expedition cruises to provide the best opportunities of seeing wildlife and exploring the highlights of this spectacular wilderness.
Highlights of British Columbia: a pathway to nature
Bear watching, waterfall chasing, and cities surrounded by water and mountains… in British Columbia, you can effortlessly reconnect with nature. Canada specialist Joe shares his highlights of the province, from embracing outdoor adventure to exploring First Nations culture.
Top 10 hidden highlights of Canada
Everyone’s heard of Canada’s lakes and mountains, but how about its vineyards, Badlands, prairies, and sand dunes? We share ten ways to experience a different side to the country, from fossil hunting and wine tasting to lighthouse and ranch stays.
A guide to Indigenous culture in Canada
With an Indigenous population of some 634 different First Nations alongside Inuit and Métis peoples, Canada is a diverse nation, but it can be difficult to know how to explore its rich mix of cultures authentically and sensitively. We share our recommendations.