SPOTLIGHT ON CANADA

In the summer months, its’ mountain vistas, lakes and coastal treasures offer destinations for both adventurous and relaxing breaks. You can stay on a working ranch and enjoy the outdoors on horseback, combine the unique experience of a thrilling helicopter ride with the opportunity to explore unspoilt mountain scenery by foot or simply unwind in the natural beauty of Canada.

With a wealth of wildlife encounters from whale watching to brown bears and countless festivals to enjoy such as the Calgary Stampede, we are sure you will agree Canada is a country well worth exploring for all the family.

If travelling in winter, the landscapes of Canada open up a whole new world of experiences with the cities and landscapes often blanketed in snow. However, you are unlikely to get cold in the main cities such as Toronto and Montréal as you travel underground to a whole oasis of entertainments, restaurants and shops in this hidden underground city, never having to surface to brace against the winter chill.

There’s the Ice Hotel to try not far from Québec City, which is carved anew each winter, experience the excitement of dogsledding or why not visit Whistler for a ski break to remember; it is frequently voted one of the top ski resorts in North America and is a great resort for skiers and non-skiers with its spa and other winter activities.

Canada’s engaging cities present a blend of modern style, timeless colonial elegance and some of the most amazing cityscapes in North America. From the cosmopolitan charms of Toronto and Vancouver, to the captivating ambience of Montréal and Québec’s historic hearts there is so much to explore!

Vancouver

Nestling between snow capped mountains and the sparkling waters of the Georgia Strait, this cosmopolitan city boasts a seemingly endless array of highlights and attractions. Hire bikes and explore Stanley Park with its totem poles and sea wall, take the gondola up to the top of Grouse Mountain or bravely walk across the Capilano Suspension Bridge, with its swaying planks at 70 metres above the river below.

For a spot of retail therapy head to Robson Street in the heart of the shopping district or visit Granville Island, a shoppers paradise for arts and crafts. The city’s waterfront offers a wealth of excellent restaurants and museums to explore. There are literally hundreds of outdoor and indoor activities to entertain both children and adults throughout the year.

Toronto

Located on the shores of Lake Ontario, Toronto is Canada’s largest city and is one the worlds most ethnically diverse. There is a wide range of restaurants, museums, theatres and galleries to visit. Other attractions include the CN tower, standing at 335.33 metres tall with panoramic views of the city and its daring glass floor or soak up the atmosphere at a fast and furious baseball game, a sport taken very seriously by the Canadians!

Away from the city, why not take a day trip to Niagara Falls and include a thrilling boat ride on the Maid of the Mist for an up close and unique view of the spectacular Horseshoe Falls.

Toronto is the city that cannot fail to impress, delight and educate all of the family.

QuébecCity and Montréal

With its astounding architecture, cobbled streets and fortifications unique in North America, Québec City is definitely a city not to be missed especially in 2008 when the city is celebrating its 400th anniversary.  Why not take a guided walking tour of Old Québec and learn about its colourful past beginning in 1608.

Montréal is the world’s second largest French speaking City and has a great atmosphere with its cafés and culture. For an educational activity visit the Biodôme with its four enclosed ecosystems that can be found in the Americas, the Insectarium with its great collection of insects from all round the world or just for fun, stop at Québec’s theme Park, La Ronde with more than 40 rides and activities for all ages.

This is only a small selection of what Canada has to offer.For more information or more great ideas for a family holiday in Canada please call our experts today.