Always wanted to get up north to the great beyond? With so much to see and do, there’s never a bad time to visit Canada. Let us help be your guides.
UNSPLASH John LeeSo, you’re finally going to make the jump and get on out there in the world? Good for you! And whether Canada is your first big trip or just the next on the list, it’s an epic country with so much natural beauty, great people and plenty of sites to keep you as busy as a moose.
With so much to see, prioritising your time is crucial, as is prioritising your coin; travelling can get expensive. If you are short on cash, why not try your luck at some of the best paying online casinos, or just hit up your parents. Seriously though, it’s not the cheapest country you’re going to come across, so we’ve got some great hints and tips to have you holidaying like a dream, on realities budget.
When Are You Going to Go?
First things, first. Decide what sort of trip you want because there’s a big difference between summer camping and hitting the slopes. Canada really has a little something for everyone’s tastes.
If it’s the snow you’re after, the winters can be harsh with places like Banff and Calgary dropping well below 0 with windchill and snow. You’ll have access to some of the best boarding and skiing in the world and with scenery that is taken directly from a snow globe. Visit the Northern Lights up in Yukon or snap the photo of a lifetime at Lake Louise. The infrastructure is well in order though, so don’t let it put you off; this isn’t their first rodeo.
Summers will have you hiking in huge, untouched forests or mountain biking the runs of Whistler. Head to Jasper National Park for star gazing at the world’s biggest Dark Sky Preserve. Rent a car in Montreal and drive the scenic route to Niagara Falls or up towards Nova Scotia for some whale watching and lobster.
Getting Around
As we said, the infrastructure is perfectly thought out, no matter the time of year. Summertime is great for hiring a camper van to get right off the beaten track. The wilderness is one of the biggest draw cards for tourists and there is just so much of it to see. Car rentals are also popular with many picturesque towns dotted along the route to stop and lay your head.
If you’re sticking to a budget, Via Rail is relatively cost effective and runs everywhere. You can buy a pass if you’re planning on staying awhile. Not that we would recommend it, but people are incredibly friendly in Canada if you are looking to hitch hike.
Just remember that it is an absolutely huge country. If time is not on your side, stick to either the west around Vancouver and Whistler or the East of Montreal and Quebec. It will take 72 hours just to cross the central plateau.
Which is Better; East, West or In-between?
In our humble opinion; they are both truly awe-inspiring. People tend to stick to the Vancouver area if it’s the scenery and wilderness you crave, with Whistler and the lakes area being perfect in the winter and summer. You have the Rockies and the famous Calgary Stampede in July. Or just chill out in the national parks of Jasper and Banff for some skiing or hiking, it’s truly beautiful. You also have Vancouver Island with the seaside town of Tofino for some surfing or relaxing.
The Eastern areas of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland are for those wanting to get away from the tourists and see the friendliest side of the country. With hundreds of beautiful beaches, lighthouses and more seafood than you can eat, it has an incredible coastline. You can check out Prince Edward Island National Park and spot some whales, or watch the sail boats slip by and take it all in. Better to have a car around these parts to really savour the sheer size of it all.
In-between, if you love the more metropolitan areas, Quebec and Montreal, with their French-Canadian heritage, is an urban oasis. Both are amazing food and beverage destinations with cute patisseries and bakeries on many a corner. You can take a trip down to see the awesome sight of Niagara Falls which lies on the border with the USA.
With so much to see and so little time, wherever you go in Canada, you will not be disappointed. So pick one side and really see it. Don’t worry, there’s plenty more to see on your next trip up north.
