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INSIDER GUIDE TO CANADA Canada GUIDE TO

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Page 1: GUIDE TO Canadamediaserver.travelcounsellors.co.uk/Product/... · Noise cancelling headphones to enjoy hundreds of hours of entertainment SCHEDULED FLYING AT ITS VERY BEST! Air Canada

INSIDER GUIDE TO CANADA

CanadaG U I D E T O

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CanadaPicture Canada. Are you gazing at wildlife, cities and culture under the dazzling winter sunshine? Wide-eyed, holding your breath as you and your group spot a grizzly bear? Paddling across the bright blue waters of Lake Louise, overseeing the towering peaks and forests surrounding you...

Wherever your mind wanders to when you picture Canada, welcome to our mini destination guide. From the rugged peaks of the Rocky Mountains to the vibrant cities, the jaw-droppingly beautiful turquoise lakes to the 46 national parks and national park reserves, there are so many places to explore in Canada.

Here, we’re giving you a taste of Vancouver, British Columbia, and a few of the incredible provinces that make up this vast North American country. Read on to find inspiration for destinations to add to your Canadian adventure.

Population: approx. 35, 160, 000

Capital: Ottawa

National Anthem: O Canada

Currency: Canadian dollar

Official Language: English and French

ClimateCanada is a vast country and the weather varies across the 13 provinces and territories.You’ll find average summer temperatures in Vancouver of 25 degrees C, while in Banff temperatures in January can drop to -15 degrees C! This range of temperatures means that you can enjoy sunshine on the beaches in the summer and spectacular skiing in the winter, and landscapes from rainforest to desert!

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Interesting facts...

The largest area of unspoiled temperate rainforest in the world is in British Columbia. And it’s home to three species of bears. In

Great Bear Rainforest, on the north east coast, you might come across a Kermode (Spirit)

bear, black bear or grizzly bear

Canada produces its own wine! Nova Scotia has cultivated grapes since the 1600s, and

there are eight wine regions to visit

You’ll find more than half of the world’s polar bear population in Canada

71% of the world’s maple syrup is produced in Quebec

The incredible Calgary Stampede attracts over 1.2 million visitors each July. This 10-day spectacle of western heritage and values is billed as ‘The Greatest Outdoor Show on

Earth’ and features cowboys, rodeos, music, and more!

The $1 coin is called a ‘loonie’ and the $2 coin is called a ‘toonie’

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Yukon Territory

Alberta

Saskatchewan

Manitoba

Ontario

Quebec

Prince Edward Island

New Brunswick

LabradorNorthwest Territories

Nunavut

British ColumbiaNova Scotia

Canada ProvincesThe second largest country in the world (Russia is larger), Canada offers an awe-inspiring number of experiences and landscapes across its 13 provinces and territories.

Newfoundland

Vancouver

TorontoHalifax

Montreal

Calgary

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Yukon TerritoryWild and mountainous The Yukon is ideal for hikers, with the northwest Canadian territory containing the highest peak in the nation, Mount Logan. A host of trails and winding rivers make up several National Park’s as part of a nature lovers dream.

British ColumbiaFrom the Pacific Ocean coast to cosmopolitan Vancouver, British Columbia is known for breathtaking scenery that ranges from snow-capped mountains to beaches to sweeping forests.

Northwest TerritoriesThe beating natural heart of Northern Canada, Northwest Territories encompasses a diverse range of earthly spectacles in the form of mountains, arctic tundra, waterfalls and expansive lakes.

AlbertaAlberta is famous for the spectacular Rocky Mountains, dinosaurs in the Canadian Badlands, and the spectacle that is the Calgary Stampede. Hike the great outdoors, visit the vibrant cities of Edmonton and Calgary, and don’t forget a camera!

SaskatchewanThe only province in Canada without clearly defined borders and an abundance of freshwater lakes, rivers and reservoirs. Saskatchewan is perfect for travellers looking for a raft of outdoor adventures, including fishing, canoeing, hiking and horseback riding.

NunavutThis sparsely populated region of Northern Canada is a unique destination brimming with untouched natural beauty, with seemingly endless tundra interspersed with remote villages and much of the territory only accessible by plane or boat.

ManitobaSpot polar bears in the artic in winter, beluga whales in summer, and discover arts, culture and history in the province’s capital, Winnipeg. Manitoba offers wilderness alongside art galleries!

OntarioHome to both the provincial capital Toronto, as well as Canada’s capital city, Ontario is the nation’s most populous territory and includes widely recognised landmarks such as Niagara Falls and the 553m-high CN Tower.

QuebecThe predominantly French-speaking Quebec province evokes the sophisticated romance of the home of its mother tongue, yet still maintaining the staunch cultural identity of Canada in its provision of expansive wilderness and inviting cosmopolitan cityscapes such as Montreal.

Newfoundland and LabradorCanada’s easternmost province was home to the oldest settlements in North America. Travellers today will be greeted by friendly locals, after which there is a vast natural paradise to explore alongside cultural vibrancy in the form of provincial and entertainment capital, St. John’s.

New Brunswick Home to humpback whales, over 50 beaches, and the highest tides in the world (Bay of Fundy), New Brunswick is a perfect place for adventure seekers.

Prince Edward IslandCharacterised by striking red sand beaches and lighthouses, it’s unsurprising that the island is well known for producing some of the finest seafood in North America. A trip to Charlottetown sees Victorian-period architecture and a host of theatre and art gallery options for the culturally astute.

Nova ScotiaA maritime province containing peninsula and offshore islands, Nova Scotia’s immediate proximity to the Atlantic ensures it’s a great spot for whale watching and popular water sports.

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PREMIUM ECONOMYA little more can mean a lot! Available on transatlantic services from London Heathrow to Toronto, Montreal, Calgary and Vancouver:

• A larger seat and extra legroom

• 38-inch seat pitch

• A larger seat 20-inches between armrests and 8-inch recline

• Increased baggage allowance

• Complimentary wines and spirits as well as premium cuisine

• Priority airports services: check in, boarding and baggage

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS CLASSTravel in style with Air Canada’s International Business Class:

• Relax in the privacy of the International Business Class pod with the added comfort of a fully flat-bed* *Not available on Heathrow to St. John’s service

• Priority airport services: check-in, boarding and baggage

• Exclusive access to the Maple Leaf Lounge at Heathrow and across Canada

• Fine wines and gourmet cuisine

• Noise cancelling headphones to enjoy hundreds of hours of entertainment

SCHEDULED FLYING AT ITS VERY BEST!

Air Canada operates more daily non-stop flights from the UK to Canada than any other airline, with up to 70 per week to seven major Canadian cities from London Heathrow; this includes four daily flights to Toronto. On board, in addition to Economy Class, discover revamped International Business Class and newly introduced Premium Economy.

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Nova ScotiaBest for: History and photography

Activities to indulge in: Wine and food tours; historic coach tours; cruises; sailing and water tours

Sumptuous seafood and an enticing coastline has captivated visitors to this physical embodiment of a Gaelic collage, with sheltered caves and whitewashed cliffs backing a smattering of lighthouses surveying a picturesque Atlantic seascape.

The 186-mile Cabot trail around Cape Breton Island is a photographer’s heaven, such is the regularity of roaming highlands and inviting beaches that you simply must take it all in. A visit to the provincial capital of Halifax sees a wealth of friendly pubs to wash away the cobwebs from a full day in the varied Nova Scotian expanse

Newfoundland and Labrador Best for: Hiking and natural discovery

Activities to indulge in: National parks; nature trails, monuments, ecological areas, museums, whale spotting, live music

Despite only officially joining Canada in 1949, Newfoundland and Labrador province has established itself as a region of natural and historical charm, with a healthy dose of unique eccentricity because of old Irish and English dialects from ancient fishing settlements and a varied interior terrain inclusive of snow topped mountains, rivers and fjords.

The untouched expanse of Newfoundland makes this a perfect destination for travellers wishing to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. The region’s provision of museums, restaurants and bars complement a thriving folk music scene in St John’s, which travellers may wish to make their holiday base from before taking part in whale watching excursions to nearby Bay Bulls and the lighthouses along the picturesque Cape Spear.

Exploring Eastern CanadaEastern Canadian provinces incorporate many of the nation’s must-visit cities and unforgettable scenic vistas. From wildlife havens in Newfoundland and Labrador national parks to Toronto as the most populous city in Canada, the Eastern provinces offer glorious diversity in many forms, seeing varied terrain and multi-cultural metropolitan hubs as part of a uniquely enthralling North American territory.

Read on to discover some of the destinations to explore on your travels through Canada.

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Labrador has been unified with Newfoundland since the 1760’s, offering travellers an intriguing insight into ancient Inuit traditions and an opportunity to explore some of the highest peaks in Canada as part of a truly unrestrained adventure.

OntarioBest for: Cosmopolitan cities and Niagara Falls

Activities to indulge in: Nightlife; shopping; landmarks; amusement parks; food and drink, waterfalls, lakes

Ontario province contains many of Canada’s top landmarks and attractions, including the most visited of them all in the majestically soaring Niagara Falls. Early inhabitants to Canada’s second-largest province christened Ontario due to its literal translation as a land of ‘glittering waters’, stretching from St Lawrence River and the Great Lakes through to Hudson Bay and numbering almost half a million.

Many will begin their adventure through Ontario from the iconic city of Toronto, representing a genuine melting-pot of cosmopolitan multi-culturalism. Some of the world’s finest craft beer can be enjoyed from one of many historic pubs, while the undoubted highlight for many would be the chance to survey the city from the CN Tower and the daring full circle, hands-free EdgeWalk.

Prince Edward IslandBest for: Cycling and outdoor adventures

Activities to indulge in: Cycling; trekking; running; hiking; fishing; canoeing

Rustic farming, undulated greenery and golden sanded shores combine to inviting effect on Prince Edward Island. This all-encompassing island playground blends a relaxed and friendly atmosphere with picture perfect rising and falling slopes, seemingly immaculately formed for a bike ride of a lifetime as you explore activities such as the Confederation Trail, inclusive of 270 miles of flattened out trails.

The ocean is equally as catering for water sports enthusiasts, with summer months seeing warm waters surrounding the island ready-made for fishing, kayaking, snorkeling, swimming and seal watching all possible in this land and ocean based destination of endless adventure.

QuebecBest for: Cultural and gastro diversity

Activities to indulge in: Whale swimming, kayaking, nightlife, hiking, historic locations

The fusion of French and North American cultural influence sees modern day Quebec serve up leading gastronomy and cosmopolitan delights, reflecting a region of distinct identity at every turn.

Montréal and Québec City are the epicentre of this cultural variation, with chic urban cool emanating from the assortment of both sophisticated and quirky bars and restaurants, with the latter serving authentic produce from the pastoral Charlevoix region.

Canada’s largest province naturally serves up much more than metropolitan delights however, with over 8,000 miles of coastline offering the chance to go whale watching, follow the vast network of cycle trails, or traverse the historic cobblestone quarters of various 17th century inspired districts.

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See the totem poles in Stanley Park There’s over 1,000 acres to wander through in Stanley Park but one of the must-see sights is the incredible collection of totem poles. Nestled at the edge of downtown Vancouver, the city’s largest park is a brilliant space to explore. Wander amongst the cedar trees. Dip a toe in the sea or read a book on the sandy beaches. Learn about nature at the ecology centre, Stanley Park Nature House. Sail away to Granville Island Hop onto the ferry in Vancouver and you’re transported across False Creek to the charming, arty community of Granville Island.Home to a bustling food market filled with local produce, theatres, artisan boutiques and

craft studios, this island was originally filled with sawmills, iron works, and factories in the 1880s. Today, it blends old-world charm with culture and mouthwatering gourmet goodies to delight foodies!

Conquer your fear of heights at the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park At 70 metres above the Capilano River and 140 metres long, the epic suspension bridge – originally built in 1889 - in this park isn’t for the faint-hearted. It does, however, offer wonderful views of the great outdoors and the West Coast rainforest!

Our 5 Favourite SightsWondering what there is to see and do on Canada? Mountains, golden sand dunes, and a coffee plantation await!

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Discover flora and fauna in VanDusen Botanical Garden With 255,000 plants from across the world and 55 acres to explore, the VanDusen Botanical Garden is a must-visit for anyone with green fingers. As well as plants, woodland and five lakes, there are 65 species of birds and other animals to spot amidst the foliage.

Marvel at art and culture in The Museum of Anthropology at the University of British Columbia This superb museum holds a world-famous collection of Northwest Coast First Nations art and there are an incredible 40,000 ethnographic objects in the collection. As well as presenting the cultures and traditions of the First Nations, discover cultures from around the world, and don’t miss the fascinating temporary exhibitions. The museum’s collections are housed in a stunning piece of modern architecture, a blend of glass and concrete, and this award-winning building lies on ancestral Musqueam land, surrounded by sculptures and indigenous plants, and with breathtaking sea and mountain views.

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Exploring British Columbia Located on the west coast of Canada, British Columbia offers visitors a mesmerising blend of dramatic scenery, arts and culture, and cosmopolitan cities and towns.

Travelling through the province, you’ll find wineries in Fraser Valley, museums and fine dining in Vancouver, world-class skiing in Whistler, and outdoor adventures galore.

WhistlerBest for: Skiing

Activities to indulge in: Skiing and snowboarding; heli-skiing; summer glacier skiing; mountain biking and hiking

Renowned as one of the best ski resorts in the world, Whistler is a paradise for anyone seeking knee-deep powder, immaculate slopes, and spectacular scenery. There are over 200 marked trails, skiing for all abilities, and après ski at the buzzing, car-free Whistler Village.

Travelling outside of snow season? There’s still a huge range of activities to keep you busy in Whistler, including glacier skiing and snowboarding on Horstman Glacier for advanced skiers and riders. Aside from skiing, indulge in everything from free outdoor music concerts to hiking on alpine trails to zipline tours.

Vancouver IslandBest for: Wildlife and the great outdoors

Activities to indulge in: Arts and crafts; whale watching; salmon and trout fishing; birdwatching

This incredibly diverse area covers the Gulf Islands and some of the mainland too, and a visit here will surprise you with an ecosystem that includes rainforests, beaches, mountains and lakes. With much of the island a protected parkland, nature-lovers can wander through fir and cedar forests, and Garry oak groves. Keep your camera handy for birds, wildlife, and whales!

Unsurprisingly, this beautiful location provides plenty of inspiration for artists, and you’ll find arts and crafts galore, especially on the Gulf Islands, with galleries, shops and studios to explore.

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Thompson Okanagan Best for: Wineries and lakeside beaches

Activities to indulge in: Arts and culture; history; skiing and snowboarding; hiking; mountain biking; food and wine; sandy lakeside beaches

Nestled in Thompson Okanagan is the highest mountain in the Canadian Rockies, a desert, and a waterfall that’s twice the height of Niagara Falls! And, it’s a magnet for foodies thanks to the vineyards and orchards here.

As well as a huge amount of outdoor pursuits to keep active types busy from morning to night, you’ll find lots of museums and heritage sites to delight culture connoisseurs.

Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Best for: The gold-rush highway and Canada’s largest provincial park, Tweedsmuir Provincial Park

Activities to indulge in: Fishing; canoeing and kayaking; art galleries; history; horse riding

Settled by artists, cowboys, explorers, and lovers of the outdoors, this enchanting area stretches from the Pacific coast to the Cariboo Mountains. Amongst the forests, fjords, and volcanic mountains, you’ll find art galleries and studios, historic sites along the Gold Rush Trail with costumed interpreters, and guest ranches a-plenty.

Kootenay Rockies Best for: Outdoor adventures

Activities to indulge in: Skiing and snowboarding; hiking; mountain biking; whitewater rafting; golf; fishing; arts and history

Picture rivers, waterfalls, mineral hot springs, snow-capped mountains, and alpine meadows and you have the Kootenay Rockies!

Home to four of British Columbia’s seven national parks, there’s an abundance of wildlife here, and the Kootenay Rockies are known for the incredible array of outdoor activities on offer. In winter, strap on your skis for amazing powder at one of the seven varied resorts in the region. In summer, fish, hike, play a round of golf or visit quaint heritage towns, arts communities, and gold rush boomtowns.

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Try something a little different...

Hike the Grouse Grind®

Lace up your hiking boots and get ready for jelly legs! It might only be 1.8 miles to the top of Grouse Mountain but that’s 853 metres of trail at an average grade of 30 degrees, with 2,830 stairs...

Climb right to the top, though, and you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views across Vancouver. And there’s cafes and coffee shops there, too, so you can tuck into a celebratory bite to eat!

Left your hiking boots at home? Don’t worry, you can still see Vancouver’s skyline from the summit. Hop on the Skyride and zoom to the top!

Spot wild whales in the Pacific Ocean

Set sail from Granville Island, in downtown Vancouver, and cruise the Pacific Coast to spot these majestic creatures as they dance through the waters.

From May to October, whales migrate through the waters near Vancouver and a day trip from the city offers a perfect opportunity to see Humpback, Orca and Pacific grey whales in the wild.

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Walk the Stanley Park Seawall

Pop on some comfy shoes and get ready to stroll along the Seawall – there’s over 13 miles to explore!

Running along Vancouver’s waterfront, the Seawall meanders from the Convention Centre at Coal Harbour, around Stanley Park, past Granville Island, and round to Kitsilano Beach Park.

Not sure about walking the full Vancouver Seawall? Set aside a couple of hours and try the five-mile walk. It’s a wonderful waterfront stroll around Stanley Park to Second Beach.

Take a foodie tour around Vancouver

With more than 100 food trucks serving delicious morsels throughout Vancouver, a buzzing restaurant scene, and artisan food markets, foodies will definitely be at home in the city!

Food and drink tours are a fantastic way to explore Vancouver – and you get to sample some of the delights in each neighbourhood, too. From tasting nibbles in Chinatown to sipping craft beer (there are more than 50 breweries in the city area!) to the Spot Prawn Festival, don’t leave without tasting something new!

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TasteThe aromatic notes of a perfectly chilled rosé, sipped under the bright Ontario sunshine. The incredibly moreish delight of chips, cheese curds and gravy (known as ‘poutine’). And, of course, the deliciously sweet taste of maple syrup. As you journey across the Canada’s provinces, you’ll find many dishes to delight your inner foodie. Here, we’ve compiled five favourite nibbles and tipples to inspire you to take a gourmet tour around Canada.

Maple Syrup

Quebec is the largest producer of maple syrup in the world but you’ll find this sumptuous, nutty, sugary treat all across Canada.

Heading to Quebec in February, March or April? Find a ‘sugar shack’ in the Laurentians or Montérégie regions and try maple taffy (tire d'érable or tire sur la neige). Traditional methods are used to collect the maple sap and it’s boiled and then rolled onto a stick over snow or ice.

Seafood

Whether you love lobster or fish tacos, due to Canada’s vast coastline, you’ll find fresh seafood galore across the country.

A few flavours to add to your to-try list? Indulge in copious amounts of shellfish at the Prince Edward Island International Shellfish Festival in September. Taste Pacific salmon and spot prawns in British Columbia. And gorge on lobster in Nova Scotia.

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Ice Wine

Pressed from ripe, frozen grapes when the temperatures soar below freezing, this sweet wine is a mouthwatering blend of honey notes, citrus fruits, apples and pears. It can be too sweet for some but it’s definitely worth a try.

You’ll find over 80 vineyards in the Niagara region, with over 20 in the pretty area of Niagara-on-the-Lake. In the month of January, you can explore the Icewine Festival to learn more about how the wine is made – and, of, course, sample a tipple or too.

Other wine regions to explore include Nova Scotia, the Brome-Missisquoi region in Quebec, Prince Edward County, Thompson Okanagan, Similkameen, Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands, and Lake Erie North Shore and Pelee Island.

Montreal Bagels

New York might be famous for its bagels but did you know that so is Montreal? Rolled by hand and baked in a wood-fired oven, the sesame seed-covered bagels you’ll taste here are smaller and sweeter than the ones you’ll probably have tried elsewhere.

Stop by St-Viateur Bagel and Fairmount Bagel in Montreal, two bakeries with legendary status.

Poutine

This dish may be a simple pairing of chips, gravy and cheese curds but it’s a classic dish to add to your ‘must-try’ food list!

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TC Recommended: CanadaTake a look at some of our Travel Counsellors’ recommendations

for a unique experience in Canada

“We stayed in the iconic Chateau Lake Louise - I

have seen many pictures of Lake Louise but even

in the rain and cloudy sky when we arrived, it really

is as beautiful as the postcards. The following

morning the sun shone and a perfect mirror image

of the mountains reflected in the lake. I will always

remember this as one of the most spectacular and

stunning sights I have seen in my life.

[On a tour from Lake Lousie] this journey was

along Highway 93, otherwise known as Icefields

Parkway, said to be the most scenic highway in

North America. There are many miles of lakes,

mountains and glaciers in Banff and Jasper

National Parks. We stopped at Bow Lake and

the almost neon Peyto Lake but the highlight of

our day was the Columbia Icefields Explorer. We

had the opportunity to walk on a thousand-foot-

thick glacier after lunch. Our final stop was the

spectacular Sunwapta falls near Jasper. Just before

reaching Jasper itself, we saw a black bear on the

roadside.”

Travel Counsellor Cathie

“Vancouver is a very cosmopolitan city where you can dine on any type of food you fancy, visit

Yaletown for sidewalk cafes and trendy restaurants. Visit Gastown. This historic district's cobblestone

streets are lined with Victorian buildings that house, boutiques, cafes, souvenir shops and First Nation Galleries.

We spent an interesting day on Grouse Mountain. This was somewhere else we had not visited

before, on our many trips to Vancouver. We took the cable car to the top of the mountain and

once again we were above the clouds and had a wonderful day's sunshine. From the top, we could

see the top of the Lions Gate Bridge, popping through the clouds. The views were wonderful. We could see Mount Baker in Washington USA in the distance, rugged mountain peaks and sea views over to Vancouver Island.

On the top of Grouse Mountain, is home to two orphaned male Grizzly Bears called Grinder and Coola. David and I spent around two hours

watching the bears swimming, having salmon for lunch and generally relaxing as they explored their natural habitat at the Grouse Mountain Refuge for Endangered Wildlife.”

Travel Counsellor Cathie

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My first impression of Niagara was WOW - I didn't realise there was so much to see and do there, apart of course from the Falls. The town comes alive at night with its neon lights, ferris wheel, fireworks, eateries, bars. We took a ride on the ferris wheel and saw the spectacular falls all illuminated with different colours. The following day we took a journey behind the falls, followed by the Hornblower cruise which took us right up to the thundering falls and realised how important our pink ponchos were! After lunch at the Sheraton On The Falls (with spectacular views of the Canadian and American Falls) we enjoyed a zip line excursion which was great fun. The highlight of the day was an amazing helicopter flight over the Falls which is an absolute must if you visit.

Travel Counsellor Alison

“About 3 hours from Vancouver is the Okanagan

wine region, you are unlikely to have tried their wine

before as very little is exported, they are very clever

people! The wineries are welcoming and I bought

a very useful guide book, so that I could prioritise

my tastings.

We stayed in Osoyoos which is one of the warmest

places in Canada, we swam and kayaked in lakes in

the days, did a little wine tasting, and then headed

out for dinner in the evenings.

Terrafina at Hester Creek is sat up on a hill

surrounded by vineyards, you can have a table on

the terrace or inside. The tasting room is open late,

so you can pop in to try their wines before dinner,

or have a glass on the terrace.

We arrived at the Burrowing Wine Estate by driving

under a double rainbow in a flash thunder storm,

it was pretty magical, and the rest of the evening

didn’t disappoint.

Salt Spring Island also has wineries and it has an

amazing food market each Saturday, and it’s only a

ferry hop from Vancouver. The island is known for its

arts, crafts and artisan food / wine production. We

loved our dinner at Hastings House - it was one of

the best meals I’ve ever had. All I can say is that you

must go there and try it yourself!”

Travel Counsellor Louise

To share your special holiday memories, please upload your images to your social

media account using #TCexperience

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Spending moneyWondering how much spending money you’ll need for your travels? To help you plan your trip, here’s a rough guide to the cost of some of the things you might be buying whilst you’re there!

$70 Two-course meal for two in a mid-range restaurant

$6Domestic beer

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$9.75DayPass

(unlimited travel on public transport)

$18Adult entry to

Museum of Anthropology at

UBC Please be aware an ETA Visa is required

to visit Canada which is $7. More details can be found at www.canada.ca/eta

$139Whistler Blackcomb Resort Weekend Lift

Ticket (Adult)

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WHAT’S INCLUDED?• Return flights from London Heathrow with

British Airways (regional flights available)

• 14 nights in 3* accommodation on a room-only basis (based on 2 people sharing)

Wildlife Discovery Package

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Day 1: Calgary

After picking up your rental car and settling in to your hotel, enjoy a night out on the town in this chic city.

Day 2: Calgary – Banff

Depart Calgary for Banff, a stunning area of serene mountain terrain, with scenic valleys, towering forests, vibrant lakes and rivers and an abundance of wildlife.

Day 3: Banff/Yoho National Park

Banff National Park is home to 53 species of mammals including bears, wolves, moose and mountain goats. Established in 1885, Yoho National park is Canada’s second oldest protected area, with Emerald Lake and Lake O’Hara, some of Canada’s tallest waterfalls, and 28 peaks over 3,000m.

Included activity: Evening Wildlife Safari (2 hours)

Day 4: Banff – Jasper

Today’s journey takes you along the Icefields Parkway, a drive National Geographic named “the drive of a lifetime” and through the heart of the Rocky Mountains. Look out for moose and black bears!

Day 5: Jasper

Explore Jasper National Park, Canada’s largest national park. Highlights include Maligne Lake, Athabasca Falls and Mt Edith Cavel. In the evening, discover the cafes, shops, and restaurants in the pioneer town of Jasper.

Day 6: Jasper – Clearwater

Drive west via Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, to Clearwater and the beautiful Wells Gray Park. Highlights include Helmcken Falls, Spahats Falls, and Clearwater Lake.

Day 7: Wells Gray Park

Wells Gray Park is rich in flora and fauna so keep an eye out for caribou, moose, black bears, beavers and wolves freely roaming the park!

Day 8: Clearwater – Likely

I T I N E R A R Y

Deep in the heart of British Columbia lie the Caribou Mountains. The valley ecosystems provide food and shelter for countless species, including grizzly bears and black bears, water fowl, butterflies, and plants.

Days 9 - 10: Ecotour

This exciting back country adventure takes you into the high country, where you will see wildlife and experience life of the wild mountain dwellers. Led by local, knowledgeable guides some of the things you’ll experience include alpine hiking, free hand rock climbing, grizzly bear dens, wildlife tracking, bird watching, and 1000-year-old red cedars.

Day 11: Likely - Whistler

Leaving Likely, head down towards Cache and the Duffy Lake Roads, one of the most scenic drives in southern BC, to Pemberton and on to Whistler.

Day 12: Whistler - Victoria

Today drive the scenic Sea to Sky highway to Horseshoe Bay. Board the ferry and cruise through the Gulf Islands to Vancouver Island. Keep your camera ready for orcas, seals, and eagles!

Day 13: Victoria

British Columbia’s Provincial Capital, Victoria, is steeped in colonial heritage. Highlights to visit include: Beacon Hill Park, Bastion Square, the Parliament Buildings, Chinatown, Inner Harbour, and Butchart Gardens. Wildlife enthusiasts can book onto a whale watching tour.

Day 14: Victoria - Vancouver

Journey back over the Strait of Georgia to the spectacular city of Vancouver. Some of the attractions to visit include the UBC Museum of Anthropology with displays on native culture and the Vancouver Aquarium.

Day 15: Vancouver

Time for a spot of last-minute shopping and sightseeing before making your way to Vancouver Airport for your flight home.

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Here, we’ve chosen a few of the things we think you should see, do and eat while you’re in Vancouver and British Columbia. We hope it inspires you to journey to Canada time and time again and taste a little of Canadian life.

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