Venture from east to west and discover Canada’s astonishing natural beauty with Canadian Sky
From the wind-blasted cliffs and valleys of Newfoundland to the serrated snow-capped peaks of the Rocky Mountains, Canada’s natural beauty rivals anywhere in the world. Venturing further into the country’s famously friendly arms brings distinct wildlife, a deep cultural heritage and delicious locally-sourced food.
Whether it’s diving into Toronto’s wonderfully global gastronomy or learning about the lives and stories of the Indigenous people of British Columbia, Canada is a place for making lasting memories.
Celebrating twenty years of offering a completely personalised and expert service, Canadian Sky is the leading independent specialist tour operator to Canada and their tailor-made tours showcase the best of the Great White North.
Road trip in Atlantic Canada
Atlantic Canada has a singular character that feels apart from other corners of the country, and driving across its four provinces is a sea-sprayed delight.
Begin in Halifax, Nova Scotia, arguably the most famous of Canada’s maritime cities, where there are several museums dedicated to that nautical heritage. Soak up splendid harbour views from the Citadel fortress, before driving down to the quaint fishing towns of Peggy’s Cove and Lunenburg.
Nova Scotia’s interior is as pretty as its coast and this tour passes through the forested heartland of Kejimkujik National Park, where the canoe routes and trails of the Indigenous Mi’kmaq people have existed for centuries.
From the enchanting fishing port of Digby, the pleasant ferry journey across the Bay of Fundy – home to the world’s highest tides – glides into New Brunswick, where the drive continues to the historic city of Saint John and its famous farmers’ markets. Spend the night in New Brunswick’s capital Fredericton, before driving out to the iconic standing stones at Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park and and driving through the beautiful Fundy National Park as well as indulging in seafood at Shediac, the “Lobster Capital of the World”.
Whales in the Bay of Fundy (Canadian Sky)
Cross the Confederation Bridge to reach Prince Edward Island, Canada’s smallest province. Home to red sandstone cliffs, crystalline beaches and rolling farmland, the island is a breezy pleasure to drive, and its capital Charlottetown brims with charming boutiques, quality dining and quaint museums.
A brief return to Nova Scotia is the final stop before crossing to the wild shores of Newfoundland. The cinematic valleys and fjords of Gros Morne National Park host some of Canada’s finest scenes, and look out for Arctic hare, black bear, lynx and caribou along the way.
Then follow the Trans-Canada Highway along the shores of Conception Bay toward St John’s, Newfoundland’s colourful capital famous for its gregarious pubs and a flourishing arts scene. Breathe in a final look at Canada’s windswept Atlantic on the ferry back to Halifax, before departing for home.
Experience the East by rail
The corridor between Niagara Falls and Quebec City known as the ‘Golden Horseshoe’ is Canada’s most populated area and an intoxicating blend of history, food, culture, language and scenery. And with cities relatively close together, it’s perfect for rail travel.
Start in the heart of Ontario. Toronto is beguiling, brilliant and Canada’s largest city. The CN Tower is the iconic focal point of its shimmering skyline, but make sure to explore neighbourhoods like Kensington Market and Chinatown, where you’ll rub shoulders with people from all over the world and food from Vietnam to Venezuela can be sampled. Toronto is North America’s most diverse city, so soak it all in.
Continue Canadian Sky’s eastern Canada rail adventure at one of the world’s most iconic natural sights, Niagara Falls. The power of the falls is awe-inspiring and nowhere gets you closer than Niagara City Cruises (the American side has the better-known Maid of the Mist). The ride brushes close enough to the thundering falls to feel their visceral sound and spray (and thankfully, ponchos are provided).
From Toronto, head to Ottawa, the nation’s underrated capital, where its Gothic Revival Parliament Buildings are as elegant as they are important. This province-straddling city is compact and easy to explore and if you’re here in the winter, the chance to skate on the UNESCO-recognised Rideau Canal is one of the most quintessential Canadian experiences. Just remember to wear your toque.
Stunning Niagara Falls view of Horseshoe Falls with ship for tourists approaching mist
Next up, admire Quebec City, North America’s oldest city – founded in 1608 – and one of its most alluring. The scene is dominated by the stunning Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, completed in 1893 and standing commandingly over the St Lawrence River. But the city’s real charm is down in Rue du Petit-Champlain, where the cobbled streets and homely boutiques and bistros feel like a slice of Europe.
Further down the river lies Montreal, a cultural melting pot that knows how to enjoy itself. Quebec’s biggest city is best seen from the imposing Mont Royal hill, while down on the ground, its bars, cafes and restaurants bring some of Canada’s eclectic experiences. And if you get the chance to attend a Montreal Canadiens ice hockey game, the city’s passion can be measured in decibels.
Marvel at the Canadian Rockies
Canada’s west is the country on its grandest scale. It’s also home to one of North America’s most extraordinary travel experiences, courtesy of the Rocky Mountaineer.
Starting in Calgary, take the opportunity to explore Alberta’s famous ‘Cowboy City’, where its parks, museums, breweries and restaurants all bring a friendly embrace. And a trip up the Calgary Tower’s observation deck offers sublime 360-degree panoramas, including tantalising views of the majestic Rockies to the west.
From Calgary, a 90-minute coach whisks you from the flat plains of the city up 1,383 metres to the resort town of Banff. Packed with charming boutiques, log cabins and bustling bars, Banff is lively and youthful though its finest moments are in the elements. Take a short gondola ride to the summit of Sulphur Mountain to view the Rockies at their most widescreen, where their jagged peaks against powder blue skies dominate the landscape in every direction.
Finally, it’s time to board the magnificent Rocky Mountaineer, rolling out of Banff and through the craggy cliffs and pine forests of Kicking Horse Pass, which crosses the Continental Divide of the Americas and into British Columbia. Soak up passing scenery through the train’s huge windows as it pulls into the riverside city of Kamloops.
Enjoy Banff National Park surrounded by the towering peaks of the Rocky Mountains (Shutterstock)
The next stretch is all vast ranch and frontier territory, passing by the rumbling Fraser and Thompson Rivers while enjoying a luxury breakfast and lunch from the comfort of the Rocky Mountaineer’s cosy carriages.
The final stop is the glittering glassy skyline of Vancouver, Canada’s third-largest city. No big city in Canada has a more spectacular setting and seeing it from above by seaplane is a remarkable experience. Back on the ground, you can sample the restaurants of Gastown, cycle the waterside trails of Stanley Park or feel the salty breeze of Kitsilano Beach as a final flourish to Canadian Sky’s Rocky Mountaineer journey.
Explore Western Canada’s wilderness in British Columbia
With its misty rainforests, huge mountains and deep Indigenous culture, British Columbia is one of the most enchanting and ethereal corners of Canada.
Start in the majestic city of Vancouver, where the intricately carved totem poles in Stanley Park hint at this trip’s adventures to come. From the big city, it’s time to pick up a hire car and take the ferry over to Vancouver Island, where the waterside Victoria is British Columbia’s pretty capital. Stroll the waterfront before exploring the Royal BC Museum, where its First Peoples gallery has a vast collection of First Nations artifacts, from ceremonial masks to hand-carved tools.
Next, it’s time to drive north up the island’s east coast, where the forests of giant Western Red Cedar and Douglas Fir trees make Elk Falls Provincial Park a lush escape. The gushing waterfalls here are best seen from the epic suspension bridge spanning its valley.
Take a rest in the quaint fishing and logging village of Port Hardy, before boarding the early morning ferry up to Prince Rupert, where the real wilderness adventure begins. The journey passes snow-capped mountains and jagged fjords, while seals and orcas might make appearances too.
Watch Black bears in their natural habitat (Destination BC)
The next day, the ancient forests and wetlands of Butze Rapids Park serve as a pretty hors d’oeuvre before a visit to Khutzeymateen Provincial Park, home to the world’s largest population of grizzly bears.
A drive inland on Highway 16 drops by Witset Canyon, where you may be able to see First Nation people catching fish using traditional methods like nets and traps. Further south at Williams Lake, the Museum of the Cariboo Chilcotin houses an extensive collection of local life in a wild landscape, with examples of ranching, rodeo and gold panning.
Finish the trip in style by sampling local BC wines in Kamloops and then unwinding in the warm steamy waters of Harrison Hot Springs, before heading back to Vancouver.
Plan your immersive coast to coast journey with Canadian Sky today:
or call 01342 331796
