Quick Guide For Planning a Trip to Canada

Planning your next holiday? If you’re looking for lakes as well as coastilines, vibrant cities in addition to beautiful mountains and a variation of activities for the entire family, look no further than Canada. 

Before planning the fine details of your trip, first things first; it’s time to apply for your visa or eTA Canada. Did you know that you can’t check into Canada without a visa or eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization)? An eTA is actually a low-cost alternative to a visa; not only are they cheaper but they’re also easier to apply for. You can directly apply for your Canada eTA online through their quick and easy system, the eTA is then automatically linked to your passport and away you go!

So you have your eTA and flights are booked. Now to start your Canadian adventure! Planning your trip may seem quite the task due to the monumental size and geographical layout of the country. The best option, unless you have plenty of time, is to focus on Western, Central, or Eastern Canada. Western Canada is home to some of the country’s most spectacular scenery, with mountains, glaciers, alpine lakes, and Pacific coastline. Central Canada is most well-known for its cities but also consists of prairies and forests and lakes of the Canadian Shield. The eastern Maritime Provinces are known for their seemingly endless Atlantic shorelines, quaint coastal villages, and friendly small-town atmosphere.

7 Canadian hot spots you’d be mad to miss:

• Niagara Falls is Canada’s most famous natural attraction, bringing in millions of visitors each year. Located just over an hour’s drive from Toronto, along the American border, these massive falls drop approximately 57 meters. You can see the falls at an astoundingly close distance from several key points.
• Quebec City is an increasingly popular weekend getaway for couples. The city’s charm still remains something of a secret affair with its treasured old town and colonial streets – you’ll soon feel as if you’re meandering through a French fairy tale. 
• Whistler was one of the locations for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games and is only a two-hour drive from Vancouver. The area offers world class skiing, hotels, and dining, as well as a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities and beautiful mountain scenery. While Whistler has always been an important winter sports area, it has also developed into a popular summer destination, with golf, mountain biking, and a lively town atmosphere throughout the year. 
• Capilano Suspension Bridge is the perfect excursion for thrill seekers as well as nature lovers. Spend time appreciating nature on high from three breathtaking perspectives. The world famous Suspension Bridge spans 230ft high above the Capilano River, the seven bridges of Treetop Adventure and a thrilling Cliff Walk. A jaw-dropping 700ft journey along the granite cliffside offers panoramic views of the rainforest and canyon below and is certainly not for the faint hearted. 
• Banff National Park lies in the heart of the majestic Rocky Mountains in Alberta, and showcases some of Canada’s most beautiful scenery. Turquoise-colored lakes, snow-capped peaks, and glaciers are all easily accessible in this stunning park. The jewel of the park is Lake Louise, where green waters reflect the surrounding mountains and glaciers, and visitors can stroll easily around the shores. Banff is also a major winter sports area and home to Lake Louise Ski Resort and Sunshine Village, two of Canada’s most prominent ski destinations.
• The Rideau Canal is not only an UNESCO World Heritage Site but at 202km-long, it’s in the Guinness Book of Records as the world’s longest naturally frozen ice rink! Open from January to early March, it’s great for all the family and access is free. Warm change huts and snack stations are dotted along the rink. Go in February to soak up the atmosphere at the Winterlude Festival; you’ll have three weeks to enjoy ice sculptures, live music and an outdoor dance festival.
• British Columbia is the perfect place for wildlife lovers. Famous for its abundance of whales, you can step on board an educational Canadian cruise and see them for yourself! While cruising and enjoying scenic views, witness these impressive mammals as you enjoy an interesting and informative commentary on the Pacific marine life off the coast of Canada.

The second largest country in the world, Canada has no shortage of spectacular landscapes and unique sites for travellers to explore. From coast to coast to coast, the country is home to a vibrant and culturally rich cities, along with incredible natural wonders. Rest assured you’ll have a holiday to remember!

*collaborative post