Ultimate Expert’s Guide to Canada: Best Regions & Things To Do

Canada isn’t a place you simply visit – it’s a country you feel. Vast, varied and endlessly spectacular, it stretches from the wild Pacific coast to the rugged Atlantic shores, with towering mountain ranges, ancient forests and story-rich cities in between. For the first-time visitor, deciding where to start can feel overwhelming which is why we’ve created this Expert’s Guide to Canada.

At Journeyscape, all our Travel Experts have travelled extensively throughout Canada and bring their personal insights to help shape your perfect journey. Rob Holmes and Josh Salter, for example, have explored regions from coast to coast, offering perspectives that only come from first-hand experience.

If you’re looking for a true bucket-list destination for a special holiday, Rob recommends Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge — an exclusive off-grid retreat in the pristine landscapes of British Columbia. Here, luxurious prospect-style tents meet world-class service, unforgettable wildlife encounters and exceptional dining.

For a first taste of Canada, Josh takes a slightly different approach: “Toronto is one of my favourite cities – a vibrant hub of culture, food and entertainment, with natural wonder Niagara Falls and the food and wine scene of Niagara on the Lake just a short trip away.”

Our Journeyscape first timer’s guide brings together some of Canada’s most extraordinary regions and experiences – from wildlife encounters in British Columbia to the icy peaks of the Canadian Rockies, the maple forests of Eastern Canada to the tidal wonders of the Atlantic provinces. You’ll find practical tips on getting around, the best times to visit, and how to travel responsibly while making the most of your journey.

Whether you’re planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip or laying the foundations for many returns, Canada has a way of drawing you in. It’s a country made for travellers who like to explore at their own pace – and for those who know that the best journeys are as much about the moments in between as the destinations themselves.

British Columbia’s Wild Pacific Coastlines and Towering Peaks

British Columbia is where Canada meets the Pacific Ocean – a province of deep green rainforests, island-dotted coastlines and snow-capped mountains. It’s a natural starting point for a first Canadian adventure, especially if you’re drawn to wild landscapes and the call of the sea.

Begin in Vancouver, a city framed by water and mountains. You can spend the morning exploring Granville Island’s bustling public market, then hike alpine trails or kayak along the shoreline by afternoon.

From the city, venture to Vancouver Island, where life moves at a gentler pace. In Victoria, the province’s capital, you’ll find historic architecture, lush gardens and a laid-back harbourfront perfect for evening strolls. The island’s west coast is all about rugged beauty – think windswept beaches, dramatic surf and the rainforest trails of Pacific Rim National Park. Whale watching tours from Tofino and Ucluelet offer the chance to spot orcas, humpbacks and grey whales in their natural habitat.

For wildlife lovers, British Columbia is one of the world’s great bear-viewing destinations. In season, grizzly and black bears fish for salmon in coastal inlets and the Great Bear Rainforest: a spine-tingling, humbling experience that’s often the highlight of a first trip.

The province is also home to the Okanagan Valley, Canada’s premier wine region. Rolling vineyards line the lakeshores, producing award-winning reds and crisp whites that can be savoured on sun-drenched patios. Pairing a tasting tour with the valley’s farm-to-table cuisine makes this one of British Columbia’s most indulgent experiences.

Inland, the landscape shifts to glacier-fed rivers, alpine meadows and peaks that form the gateway to the Canadian Rockies. Whether you’re road-tripping along scenic routes, hiking through national parks or exploring small mountain towns, British Columbia has a way of making every day feel like the highlight of your trip.

Canadian Rockies’ Iconic Peaks and Alpine Wonders

Few landscapes capture the spirit of Canada quite like the Canadian Rockies. Stretching through eastern British Columbia and western Alberta, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a world of towering mountains, turquoise lakes and glacier-carved valleys. For many travellers, it’s the heart of their Canada travel dreams – and for good reason.

The journey begins in the charming mountain town of Jasper, gateway to Jasper National Park. From here, the legendary Icefields Parkway winds south towards Lake Louise in Banff National Park, passing emerald lakes, expansive glaciers and wildlife-rich forests. Keep your eyes open for black bears grazing by the roadside or elk wandering through the meadows – moments that make a road trip here unforgettable.

Highlights come thick and fast: Peyto Lake with its striking blue waters, the thunderous Athabasca Falls, and the vast Columbia Icefield where you can step onto ancient ice. In summer, hiking trails lead to alpine meadows bursting with wildflowers, while in winter, the same slopes transform into some of North America’s most scenic skiing terrain.

A classic way to take it all in is aboard the Rocky Mountaineer: a luxury daylight train with glass-domed coaches that rolls past turquoise lakes, dramatic mountain passes and story-rich river valleys.

At the southern end of the Parkway, Banff National Park is a blend of wilderness and warm hospitality. The town of Banff offers boutique shops, excellent dining and easy access to iconic spots like Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, both known for their jewel-toned waters and dramatic mountain backdrops. Nearby hot springs provide the perfect place to relax after a day of outdoor adventure, with steam rising against a panorama of snow-dusted peaks.

Choose to explore on foot, by rental car or as part of a guided itinerary: the Canadian Rockies offer an ever-changing backdrop of natural beauty. From the peaceful reflection of an alpine lake at dawn to the golden glow on the peaks at sunset, it’s a place that lingers in your memory long after you’ve left.

Ontario: Algonquin Provincial Park, Niagara Falls, and Iconic Landmarks

In the heart of Eastern Canada, Ontario offers a blend of wild spaces, cultural depth and vibrant city life. It’s home to Algonquin Provincial Park, one of the country’s most celebrated wilderness areas, and Canada’s capital city, Ottawa – making it an ideal province for travellers who want both outdoor adventure and cultural discovery in a single trip.

Algonquin is a vast expanse of lakes, rivers and maple forests that shifts dramatically with the seasons. In summer, its waterways are perfect for multi-day canoe routes or peaceful day paddles, with the chance to spot moose, beavers and black bears along the shore. Autumn transforms the park into a blaze of fiery reds and golds, while winter brings a quiet beauty to snow-dusted pines.

Toronto, Canada’s largest city, pairs skyline views from the CN Tower’s observation deck with neighbourhoods full of character. Wander the cobblestone lanes of the Distillery District, browse galleries, and sample cuisine from around the world in its thriving restaurant scene.

A few hours east, Ottawa blends stately architecture with an easy-going charm. Explore Parliament Hill, discover the Canadian Museum of History and the National Gallery, and stroll the ByWard Market for artisan goods and local treats. In winter, lace up your skates on the Rideau Canal (the world’s largest skating rink) then warm up with a hot chocolate or a plate of BeaverTails.

For a slower pace, the Muskoka region (often called cottage country) is a summer haven of forested islands and glassy lakes. Wine lovers can head south to the Niagara Peninsula, where vineyards flourish in the sheltered climate along Lake Ontario. Pair a tasting with a visit to Niagara-on-the-Lake, a heritage town brimming with charm, and feel the spray at Niagara Falls: a thundering natural wonder that more than lives up to its reputation.

Atlantic Provinces: Rugged Coastlines and Maritime Culture

On Canada’s east coast, the Atlantic Provinces of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland & Labrador are shaped by the sea, shifting tides and the warmth of maritime hospitality. It’s a region where dramatic headlands meet colourful harbour towns, and every meal comes with a story of land and ocean.

In Nova Scotia, the famous Cabot Trail winds through Cape Breton Highlands National Park, revealing sweeping views over the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Halifax, the capital, pairs a lively food scene with deep maritime roots: fresh lobster, Digby scallops and chowder are local staples. Along the Bay of Fundy, the world’s highest tides transform the landscape daily; walk on the ocean floor among the sandstone towers of the Hopewell Rocks at low tide, then return a few hours later to see them surrounded by water.

Across the Confederation Bridge, Prince Edward Island charms with red-sand beaches, rolling farmland and literary links to Anne of Green Gables. Its culinary scene is world-renowned for seafood: lobster rolls, freshly shucked oysters and mussels pulled straight from the Atlantic. Cycling trails and coastal drives reveal quiet coves, fishing villages and farmland quilted with potato fields.

In New Brunswick, the Fundy Trail Parkway offers clifftop views and hidden beaches, while the province’s rivers and forests invite hiking, paddling and wildlife watching in summer.

Newfoundland & Labrador, Canada’s easternmost province, delivers wild beauty in its purest form. In spring, icebergs drift along the coast, while summer brings puffin colonies and whale sightings. Small outport communities, many reached only by winding coastal roads, offer a warm welcome and a glimpse into a way of life shaped by the Atlantic.

From its natural wonders to its cultural traditions, Atlantic Canada rewards travellers who love both outdoor adventure and authentic local connection: a journey that stays with you long after you’ve left its shores.

Prairies: From the Calgary Stampede to Polar Bear Country

Stretching across the heart of the country, the Canadian Prairies deliver both sweeping horizons and unforgettable wildlife encounters. This region spans Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, each offering its own take on wide-open spaces, culture and adventure.

In Alberta, the city of Calgary is best known for the Calgary Stampede – a ten-day celebration of cowboy culture held every July. Chuckwagon races, live music and a festival atmosphere transform the city into the “Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth”. Beyond the stampede, Alberta’s prairies roll eastward, dotted with small towns and heritage sites that tell the story of Canada’s ranching and farming traditions.

Head further east to Saskatchewan and you’ll discover vast wheat fields, shimmering lakes and skies that seem to go on forever. The province is known for its excellent fishing, birdwatching and outdoor adventure, with provincial parks offering hiking, cycling and camping under a star-filled sky.

In Manitoba, the landscape shifts again – from golden farmland to the rocky shores of Hudson Bay. The remote town of Churchill is one of the few places on earth where you can see polar bears in the wild. Autumn is prime viewing season, as bears gather on the bay’s edge waiting for the sea ice to form. Summer brings beluga whales to the Churchill River, while winter offers a front-row seat to the Northern Lights.

Travelling through the Prairies is a reminder that Canada’s beauty isn’t only found in mountains or coastlines. Here, it’s in the sheer scale of the land, the friendliness of the communities and the once-in-a-lifetime chance to encounter wildlife found nowhere else.

Québec’s Culture, History and the Great Outdoors

A trip to Québec is a journey into Canada’s French-speaking heart, where European charm meets vast Canadian wilderness. From cobblestone streets of Old Québec – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – to the remote beauty of the province’s northern tip, this is a region that invites you to slow down and soak up every moment.

In the provincial capital, Parliament Hill, the fortified city walls and the stunning architecture of the Château Frontenac set the stage for a city steeped in history. Stroll along the Dufferin Terrace for sweeping views over the Lawrence River or explore the winding lanes of Petit-Champlain with its artisan boutiques and cosy cafés.

Montréal, Québec’s largest city, blends old-world elegance with handfuls of creativity. Its vibrant neighbourhoods are packed with markets, galleries and restaurants serving everything from classic poutine to innovative fine dining.

Beyond the cities, Québec’s national parks offer a wealth of outdoor adventure. Parc National de la Gaspésie is home to towering mountains, alpine lakes and abundant wildlife, while Jacques-Cartier National Park offers pristine hiking trails along glacier-carved valleys. Along the province’s rugged coastlines, the Gaspé Peninsula rewards travellers with dramatic cliffs and the chance to spot whales in the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

Québec is also a place to connect with First Nations heritage. Cultural centres and guided experiences share stories that go back thousands of years, offering visitors a deeper understanding of the province’s land and people.

Between the history, the cuisine, the wilderness and the warm welcome, Québec offers a side of Canada that’s as rich in culture as it is in natural beauty.

Northern Canada’s Arctic Wonders and Untamed Wilderness

Northern Canada spans the Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut: a realm of vast distances, dramatic seasons and landscapes that feel truly untouched. This is a part of Canada where nature still rules.

Travel further north into the territories, and the sense of remoteness deepens. In the Northwest Territories and Nunavut, the aurora borealis (Northern Lights) dances across the sky for much of the year. Seeing ribbons of green, pink and violet shimmer above the tundra is an experience that defies words.

Adventure here often takes a different pace. In Yukon, follow the gold rush history to Dawson City, hike through Kluane National Park’s icefields, or try cross country skiing in Whitehorse during the crisp winter months. In Nunavut, experience Inuit culture firsthand – from traditional throat singing to guided trips across the Arctic ice.

This is a part of the country where outdoor adventure and cultural connection go hand in hand. Paddling remote rivers, spotting arctic foxes on the tundra or learning about the resilience of northern communities: Northern Canada offers a deeper understanding of what makes this the world’s second-largest country so extraordinary.

Practical Travel Tips: Planning Your Canada Adventure

A trip to Canada rewards a little extra preparation – not just because of its size, but because each region offers such distinct experiences. Whether you’re planning to travel coast-to-coast or focus on a single province, a few practical steps will help make your journey seamless.

When to visit Canada?

When to go depends on your priorities. The summer months bring long daylight hours, warm temperatures and lively festivals across the country, while winter transforms the landscape into a playground for skiing, snowboarding and cross-country skiing. Spring and autumn offer fewer crowds and spectacular seasonal colours – from golden aspens in the Yukon to fiery maple leaves in eastern Canada.

How to get there

Getting there is straightforward, with direct flights from major UK and European cities to gateways like Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary and Montreal. Domestic flights connect the provinces efficiently, but if you want to explore at your own pace, self-drive itineraries or rail journeys are ideal. Journeyscape’s itineraries include everything from scenic road trips to luxury rail routes and motorhome adventures.

Money and Insurance

Money matters are simple – the Canadian dollar in both cash and card is widely accepted. Tipping is customary, especially in restaurants and for guided tours, where good service is generally rewarded with 15-20%.

Travel insurance is essential, especially if you’re planning outdoor activities like hiking, white water rafting or skiing. Make sure your policy covers medical expenses and adventure sports where applicable.

Travelling Responsibly in Canada

Responsible travel is deeply valued here. Respect wildlife by observing from a distance, stick to marked hiking trails, and learn about the customs of First Nations communities before you visit. Many travellers find that taking time to connect with local guides, artisans and small businesses not only enriches their trip but also supports the communities that make each region unique.

From booking the best hotels in vibrant cities to finding hidden cabins on a remote coast, Journeyscape’s travel experts can help you start planning a bespoke itinerary that balances outdoor adventure with cultural depth.

Your Journey Through Canada Awaits

Canada is a country of endless journeys. Its sheer size and diversity mean there’s no single way to explore – only the one that’s right for you.

Perhaps your perfect trip is a British Columbia road adventure, winding from the Pacific Ocean to glacier-fed lakes. Or maybe it’s a cultural deep dive through eastern Canada, tracing history along the Ottawa River and pausing at UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

For others, it might be chasing the aurora borealis in the far north, tasting fresh maple syrup in Nova Scotia, or meeting the warm-hearted communities that make this the world’s second-largest country feel so personal.

Journeyscape’s Canada Travel Experts are here to help you craft the journey you’ve been dreaming of. With insider knowledge, hand-picked accommodation from boutique lodges to the best hotels, and routes that flow effortlessly between must-sees and hidden gems, we make sure every detail is designed around you.

It’s time to stop imagining and start planning. Explore our Canada itineraries or speak to our team today – your next unforgettable trip begins here.