Lonely Planet Canada: Country Guide (Travel Guide)

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Cultural insightsgive you a richer, more rewarding travel experience - history, people, music, landscapes, wildlife, cuisine, politics Equally as captivating as Lake Louise is nearby Moraine Lake, set in the Valley of the Ten Peaks. Open from May to October, it also attracts a lot of tourists – a peaceful sunrise visit avoids the crowds. Avid hikers can take in the glistening glacial waters and snow-capped peaks from the surrounding strenuous trails, and unwind afterward in a natural steaming bath at one of several nearby hot springs. 15. Hit the slopes in Whistler A highlight of Cape Breton Highlands National Park, the Skyline Trail is as dramatic as the dramatic-sounding name suggests. Buses are generally clean, comfortable and reliable. Amenities may include onboard toilets, air-conditioning (bring a sweater), reclining seats, free wi-fi and onboard movies. Smoking is not permitted. On long journeys, buses make meal stops every few hours, usually at highway service stations.

Designated a Unesco Global Geopark in the summer of 2020, the 90m (300ft) cliffs overlook the world’s highest tides – cresting taller than a five-story building – which invite 12 species of whales to feast on plankton each year. For a deep dive into the region’s history, head to the nearby Fundy Geological Museum. 4. Eat Montréal poutine and an iconic smoked meat sandwich This lesser-known sojourn across the unheralded wilds of central British Columbia is little frequented by the international set. The exception is those on organized day trips from Jasper, who'll join the train for the first three hours as far as McBride in British Columbia. Don’t book any other activity or onward travel on the day of arrival due to possible delays (with the exception of the more straightforward city-to-city routes, such as Toronto to Quebec City).

Planning tip: A short drive or shuttle ride north, you’ll find a calmer pace in Niagara-on-the-Lake, where horse-drawn carriages shuttle visitors between world-class wineries and local shops set in colonial buildings. 19. Skate Ottawa’s Rideau Canal If city escapes are more your speed, the metropolitan areas are also a must, with museums – like the Children’s Museum in the Canadian Museum of History in Ottawa – and amusement parks – like Canada’s Wonderland near Toronto. Billed as one of VIA Rail's five "adventure routes," this two-day, two-night journey from Winnipeg to the waters of the Hudson Bay is considered a "remote service journey." Renting an apartment or house offers more space, the ability to dine in, and most often means lower prices overall. From single-room suites to cozy cottages to luxe estates, the range of homestays in each region is endless.

The kids are sure to love the play spaces and toy shops found in the two-story Kids Market and the expansive spray park found up the road is a must on hot summer days. Then hop on an Aquabus False Creek Ferry and explore the stops found along the surrounding coastline while you take in city views from the water. 9. Stanley Park, British Columbia Two compelling attractions make this the most popular hike at Lake Louise in Banff National Park. First up is the historic Lake Agnes Teahouse, where hikers have been refueling since 1901. It's a supremely atmospheric spot to break for tea, sandwiches and baked goods at the 3.4km (2.1-mile) mark. Throughout Canada there are festivals, walking tours, and street events that will give you a taste of the region’s flavor without the high entry fees. Seasoned hikers can challenge themselves on the Long Range Traverse, a 34km (21-mile) trail that provides the most epic views of the Western Brook Pond Fjord from its near-vertical mountaintops soaring 610m (2000ft) into the sky. 11. Savor the wine and design in Prince Edward County Touring class, including all meals, staff commentaries and access to a panoramic car, only runs from June through September. In the off-peak months (ie, the ones without touring class availability), Economy passengers have access to the sightseeing lounge with swivel chairs.Exempting the northern territories, all of Canada is connected by the Trans-Canada Highway and you could easily drive from Vancouver, British Columbia to St John’s Newfoundland in a mere 76 hours without traffic. Québec's capital is more than 400 years old, and its ancient stone walls, glinting spired cathedrals and jazz-filled corner cafes suffuse it with atmosphere, romance, melancholy, eccentricity and intrigue on par with any European city. The best way to soak it all up is to walk the old town's labyrinth of lanes and get lost amid the street performers and cozy inns, stopping every so often for a café au lait and flaky pastry.

Look for bears, elk, coyotes, sheep, wolves, and moose, as you explore the peaks and valleys of Jasper National Park by car and by foot, all while your tour guide – a member of the Metis Nation – brings the mountains and animals to life through engaging storytelling that connects past with present. 11. Au Diable Vert, Québec The Icefields Parkway – or the Promanade des Glaciers, as it’s romantically known in French – is the crème de la crème of Canadian drives. This 230km (143-mile) trip links the nation’s two most emblematic national parks, Banff and Jasper, leaving even the most verbose travel writers flailing for adjectives.Hiking the whole length of the trail takes three to four weeks and most people arrange food drops along the route.

If you can ignore the breathtaking views (this is a beautiful place to be at sunset), the wildlife spotting opportunities here are spectacular. We’re talking moose, bald eagles, bears and numerous boreal bird species, plus whales offshore. Imagine ancient indigenous burial grounds, 1000-year-old Viking remains, monumental icebergs, breaching whales and an almost supernatural national park whose trippy tablelands are a textbook guide to plate tectonics. Welcome to Newfoundland’s epic Rte 430, which links a patchwork of fog-cloaked coves, snow-capped mountains and stormy fjords. Children who are traveling to Canada without both parents need authorization from the non-accompanying parent. Sometimes this is enforced and other times not, but to play it safe you're better off with a notarized letter. Divorced parents should carry copies of legal custody documents. Find out more about the rules here.The trail is well-signposted and fastidiously mapped. To complete the whole trail, you’ll need to follow a couple of interconnecting paths along quiet roads, passing several attractive beaches on the way. Key events: Yukon Quest, Quebec City’s Winter Carnival, Winterlude in Ottawa. March means less snow, more hiking, and whale watching from the shore While temperatures cool slightly, the weather remains relatively reliable for most of September. Some outdoor facilities close after Labour Day, but many trails, lakes, and campgrounds stay accessible until early October.