Based in Vancouver, B.C., Diane Selkirk enjoys writing stories where science, history, or social justice intersect with travel. Her work has appeared in BBC Travel, National Geographic Travel, and The Globe and Mail.
Based in Vancouver, B.C., Diane Selkirk enjoys writing stories where science, history, or social justice intersect with travel. Her work has appeared in BBC Travel, National Geographic Travel, and The Globe and Mail.
Hi, I'm Diane!Based in Vancouver, B.C., Diane Selkirk enjoys writing stories where science, history, or social justice intersect with travel. Her work has appeared in BBC Travel, National Geographic Travel, and The Globe and Mail.
Hi, I'm Diane!Based in Vancouver, B.C., Diane Selkirk enjoys writing stories where science, history, or social justice intersect with travel. Her work has appeared in BBC Travel, National Geographic Travel, and The Globe and Mail.
When you’re visiting a country as large as Canada, you’re presented with a near-endless number of choices. From the urban buzz of Vancouver and Toronto, to the pristine nature of Canada’s national parks, Canada has a wealth of opportunities for every sort of traveler. Follow this guide to make sure you’re hitting the hot spots in addition to checking out some well-kept secrets.
Banff National Park in Alberta was Canada’s first national park, and it’s easy to see why. With soaring mountains, glacier lakes, and deep green forests, this is the spot to immerse yourself in Canadian wilderness. You can hike, bike, and ski to your heart’s content, or get a taste of Old World glamour with afternoon tea at the 19th-century Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. For panoramic views of the park’s glaciers, head to the Columbia Icefield Skywalk to test your courage on the glass-bottomed observation deck.
A West Coast wonder, this quirky surf town on Vancouver Island is a haven for kayakers, surfers, and fisherfolk. Gaze out over the Pacific Ocean from Tofino’s Long Beach, where surfers ride the waves and other inhabitants make surprise appearances—during the autumn, you can spot sleek black bears roaming the beaches, while the spring welcomes the migration of thousands of gray whales returning from Mexico.
Exploring Quebec City feels like you’ve traveled back in time; with its historic architecture and winding streets, the 17th-century city offers a glimpse into Canada’s past. It’s perfect for the traveler who loves to walk, and compact enough that you can fully immerse yourself in the city’s treasures. In the summer, the public squares bustle, while the Quebec Winter Carnival is famous across the country for its winter sports events, masquerade ball, and snow sculpture displays.
St. John’s, Newfoundland, is Canada’s easternmost city and the perfect place to experience the warmth of an Atlantic Canada welcome. Downtown, where you’ll find candy-colored buildings that have earned the neighborhood the nickname “Jelly Bean Row”—grab dinner at one of the many restaurants along Water Street before heading to George Street to discover up-and-coming musicians. From cozy “kitchen parties” filled with traditional music and dancing, to the awe of watching whales spyhopping among icebergs, Newfoundland offers plenty of rugged charm.
Toronto is a foodie’s paradise for shoppers and diners alike. Historic St. Lawrence Market is open every day of the week except Mondays, and is filled with specialty vendors and local produce stalls. After stocking up on maple syrup to stuff into your luggage, head to Kensington Market and Chinatown. These adjoining neighborhoods are the perfect place to wander as you build up an appetite for lunch. If you’re in the mood for something extravagant, the Yorkville neighborhood is also known for its number of fine-dining experiences.
Niagara Falls is a 2-hour drive from Toronto, and the Canadian side of this iconic attraction is not to be missed. You can venture into a cave behind the Falls to watch the awesome power of the water, and thrillseekers can opt for a zipline ride that takes you past the Falls for a one-of-a-kind view. To unwind after the excitement, explore Niagara’s wine country and sample some ice wine—Canada is the world’s largest producer of this unique dessert tipple.
Northern Canada may be remote, but its beauty is undeniable. Head to Churchill, Manitoba on Hudson Bay to view the polar bears roaming the shores, and to watch belugas splash in the summer. Make sure to learn about the history of the region, stretching back millennia—archeology in the area indicates human activity dating to 4,000 years ago, and today it is the traditional territory of the Inuit. For more information, visit the Itsanitaq Museum, where you can view carvings and artifacts that date from 1700 BC.
