The Great Outdoors

Canada’s Wildlife

Canada is a superb wildlife destination. It is a vast country and consequently has a large diversity of habitats and ecosystems. There are hundreds of thousands of lakes, streams and rivers, enclosed by great oceans, which are home to an amazing variety of mammals, including the unique Narwhal, the Beluga, and many other whales, seals, dolphins and beavers. On land bird migratory paths cross both coastlines as well as the interior. Caribou, Wolves, Moose, and Grizzly, Black and Polar Bears, all inhabit the country’s vast expanse of mountains, forests and wilderness areas.

Wolves

The wolf is one of the world’s most notorious animals. Around 50-60,000 wolves inhabit Canada, the second largest population in the world after the former Soviet Union. Today, Canadian wolves occupy about 85 percent of their original range, and although some local wolf populations are fluctuating, the overall number is pretty stable. Wolves range in colour from black to creamy white in the far north – white hair contains more air pockets than pigmented hair and provides better insulation as well as camouflage against the snow. They are social animals, gathering in packs of up to 20 members. You will hear wolves on many outdoor adventures, particularly in the Algonquin Park, Ontario, where wolf howling is organised. Wolves are now permanently protected, not just inside the Algonquin Parks, but throughout the surrounding townships.

Moose

This horse-sized animal is the largest member of the deer family with long, dark brown hair, high, humped shoulders and long ears. Each April, the male moose or bull, grows a set of antlers reaching 120-150 cm which he loses in the winter after rutting season. Moose can be found across Canada, particularly in the Matane Wildlife Reserve, Quebec. They are also to be seen in Newfoundland and Ontario and quieter National Parks.

Elk

The North America Elk, is the largest species within the deer family. It is estimated that there are around 72,000 Elk across North America. Whilst they are mainly harmless and tend to run off when you get close they are wild animals and therefore unpredictable. They are the most vocal of the deers, if you are visiting Banff National Park it is highly likely you will see or hear them.

One of Canada’s most popular activities, the country’s bear watching is second to none – British Columbia is king when it comes to grizzlies. Home to half of all Canada’s grizzly bears in this province alone, and offers one of the longest bear-watching seasons in the world.

Grizzly Bears

Seeing bears while just driving around Western Canada is a real possibility but better yet, My Canada Trips has a range of specialist bear watching experiences; you can see black and grizzly bears from boats, watch bears catching salmon from hides and view bears on foot with specialist guides. However, such is the popularity of bear viewing in Canada now, you need to book as early as possible. To see the majestic polar bear you’ll need to go to Churchill and watch the bears from a Tundra Buggy or a remote lodge.

Spirit Bears

First Nation legends tell how the Raven, the creator, made the unique white-coated Spirit (Kermode) Bear as a reminder of the last ice age. Actually a black bear, although coloured white, these elusive and breath-taking creatures are destined to live in peace and harmony forever and sight of them brings good fortune. Today, possibly fewer than 400 of the gentle creatures exist and they are found only in the Great Bear Rainforest on the Central coast of British Columbia. You can search for the Spirit Bear at Spirit Bear Lodge, and the best time being August, September or October.

Black Bears

Black bears can be seen in most parts of Canada and are the most common to be spotted when just driving around. Watch out for them, especially on quieter roads where they may just be grazing by the side of the road. A popular place to see them is in Tofino on Vancouver Island, where there are day bear-watching day trips by boat, and also in Whistler, on a 2-3 hour Nature Walk from May to October. From mid-July to mid-September, you can see black bears in the Laurentide Wildlife Reserve to the north of Québec City, staying overnight in a wilderness lodge. Ontario has over 100,000 black bears and a stay in Algonquin Park offers one of the best opportunities to see them in this part of Canada.

British Columbia is king when it comes to grizzlies, home to half of all Canada’s grizzly bears in this province alone. My Canada Trips Staff Pick

By Laura

A stay at a bear lodge is a once in a lifetime experience. There is nothing better than watching bears in the wild in their natural habitat as they should be. Great Bear Lodge was top of my bucket list and it surpassed all expectations. I was in awe from the moment I boarded the floatplane for our 45 minute scenic transfer over the Great Bear Rainforest to the remote location of the floating lodge, the excitement of spotting your first bear is incredible. Don’t delay add this exhilarating experience to you trip to Canada.

Bear Lodges

Knight Inlet Lodge (2–6 nights)

Departs from Vancouver or Campbell River Knight Inlet is a 100km long fjord carved by glaciers in the coastal mountains. This floating resort is tucked into Glendale Cove, is home to one of the largest concentrations of grizzly bears in British Columbia. Every spring when the bears come out of hibernation, they can be seen from a boat on the banks of Glendale Cove eating sedge grasses, mussels and barnacles that abound in the cove. In the fall the bears feed heavily on the returning Salmon to the Glendale River and can be seen in large numbers from the specially constructed viewing platform. The lodge contains 18 guest rooms, some of which cater for families. What’s Included – Floatplane transfer Campbell River to Knight Inlet Lodge, 1st night in Campbell River, remainder at Knight Inlet Lodge, all meals & snacks at the lodge, house wine with dinner, bear viewing trips, boat cruise, interpretive hike, interpretive guide.

Great Bear Lodge (3–6 nights)

Departs from Vancouver or Port Hardy Great Bear Lodge is located in the Great Bear Rainforest, British Columbia, this area is one of the best places in the world to observe grizzly bears and many other forms of wildlife including black bears, wolves and bald eagles. The fully self-contained floating lodge only has 8 rooms, taking a maximum of 16 guests, offering you a personalised wilderness adventure. This ecotourism lodge is the ideal base for photography and wildlife viewing tours, nestled at the mouth of a pristine salmon river. What’s Included – 3 or 6 nights at Great Bear Lodge, floatplane transfer Port Hardy – Great Bear Lodge, morning & afternoon bear viewing sessions, guided by a wildlife biologist, gourmet meals inc wine and beer with dinner, interpretive walks or boat excursions.

Klahoose Wilderness Resort (3–4 nights)

Klahoose Wilderness Resort offers an immersive exploration into this pristine region rich in diverse wilderness, cultural significance and wildlife including grizzly bear viewing tours in Toba Inlet. Only accessible by boat or seaplane, the off-the grid resort is located within the heart of Desolation Sound, Klahoose Wilderness Resort resides upon Homfray Channel between the Coast Mountain peaks of British Columbia’s Sunshine Coast and the Salish Sea and the southern edge of the Great Bear Rainforest. Embark on several adventures and transformational experiences that may include watching grizzly bears fish for salmon, kayaking beside a pod of porpoises and forest hikes into an ancient western red cedar grove. Grizzly Bear season starts from late August. What’s Included - 3 or 4 nights at the resort, Return transfers between Powell River Airport or Lund and Klahoose Wilderness Resort (including a boat transfer between Lund and the Resort), activities such as Indigenous storytelling, cedar weaving, wood carving, ocean foraging, all meals including house wine with dinner, use of resort great room lounge, free WiFi, satellite phone.

Polar Bear Experiences

Canada provides perhaps the best chance you’ll ever have to see and get close to the magnificent Polar Bear. Seeing these majestic creatures in the wild is awe-inspiring – an intense and unforgettable wildlife encounter.

We offer various Polar Bear experiences, where you have the option to learn more about Churchill, the way of life in the north, with the option to take a helicopter flight over the tundra or go dogsledding. Polar bears can be seen in Churchill any time from July to November. The biggest concentration occurs from mid-October to mid-November when the bears congregate for the ice to form so that they can leave the land for their hunting grounds.

Polar Bears at Tundra Buggy Lodge (5 nights)

Departs from Winnipeg The most rewarding way to experience the polar bears of Churchill is to immerse yourself in their environment; from the moment you wake up, throughout the day and into the endless winter nights. Lodge guests have a chance to wake-up and get going right in the bears’ playground. The Tundra Buggy Lodge is comprised of specialized modules that, when linked end to end, stretch almost 100 metres long. The Lodge consists of two sleeper cars (housing 18 and 20 guests respectively), the lounge, dining and utility cars. While on the Lodge during the evening, guests are encouraged to utilize open decks between cars to experience the polar bears and northern lights (weather permitting).

What’s Included

2 nights in Winnipeg, 2 nights at Tundra Buggy Lodge, 1 night Churchill, return flights Winnipeg to Churchill, 2 day trips on Tundra Buggy and full board while at Tundra Buggy Lodge and in Churchill.

Classic Churchill Polar Bear Adventure (5 nights)

Departs from Winnipeg This Churchill hotel-based adventure allows you to experience the excitement of polar bear viewing from an official Tundra Buggy, as well as enjoying the electric charm of this unique northern town. The Churchill Town and Tundra Adventurer includes full-day Tundra Buggy excursions in the Churchill Wildlife Management Area (CWMA), where polar bears await the freezing Hudson Bay. You will spend plenty of time watching these majestic mammals, and other artic wildlife, in their natural environment.

What’s Included

2 nights Winnipeg, 3 nights Churchill, 2 days Tundra Buggy® bear watching excursions, return flights between Winnipeg and Churchill, Churchill and area tour, Churchill Itsanitaq Museum and evening cultural presentation, Polar Bears International House visit, Full board beginning with breakfast on Day 2 and ending with dinner on board the plane on Day 5.

Whale Watching

Prince of Whales Whale Watch Tour

More than 33 species of whale live in Canada’s three oceans and these mighty mammals are a magnificent sight. You can watch whales from small zodiacs, sailing boats, comfortable cruisers and, in Newfoundland, even from the shore.

Check out popular whale watching tours in Tofino, Ucluelet, Telegraph Cove, Port McNeil, Campbell River, Victoria on Vancouver Island, Vancouver or even Brier Island in Nova Scotia.

Orca/Killer Whales

The distinctive black and white orca or killer whales live in the Pacific Ocean off Vancouver Island. Marine wildlife whale watching and nature day trips run from Victoria at any time of the year, with whale watching from 1 April to 31 October. The glorious waters of the Johnston Strait between the island and the main coast are home to nearly 300 of these majestic and playful creatures from late June to October.

Grey Whales

The enormous grey whales can be seen puffing and blowing fountains of sea water off the coast of Vancouver Island. Day whale-watching trips run out of Tofino on the west coast between March and October; the best time being March and April when they migrate northwards.

Humpback Whales

Every summer up to 100 humpback whales gather in the rich waters of the Frederick Sound in central Southeast Alaska. Here you can wonder at the sight of 50 tons of whale ‘breaching’ – heaving itself out of the water – and landing in an explosive splash. Probably best viewed from on board The Snow Goose, you can also see them from any ferry or cruise ship. The humpback can also be seen off Newfoundland, Vancouver Island and in the Saguenay-St Lawrence Marine Park, where you can also see the snow-white belugas (otherwise seen only in the Arctic Ocean) and many other species of whale.

Other Whales

Twenty-two species of whale live along the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador. An astonishing five thousand humpbacks visit during the summer months. Minke are common, as are fin, sperm, porpoise and dolphin. In New Brunswick, you might catch a glimpse of the declining right whale. Head to Quebec or Manitoba to see the beautiful beluga. You can see these monsters of the deep on a variety of day whale-watching trips.

Practical Points

- Peak season for whale watching is between May and October - Most whale watching operators require advanced reservations - Dress in warm layers as boat decks can be breezy - Sea sickness is generally not an issue but for trips on open waters, be prepared for some movement

With the freedom of the open road and a pace set by yourself, a motorhome tour of Canada is the perfect way to explore this extensive, diverse country.

Motorhomes, also known as RVs or camper vans, are extremely popular in Canada with tourists and locals alike, who use them to discover new and exciting areas. This popularity means you will find a multitude of RV parks throughout Canada, featuring a vast choice of activities, entertainment and leisure facilities. Kids and adults alike will love the sense of adventure and fun a motorhome holiday has to offer. And with its long roads and spectacular views, Canada is the ideal destination to give an RV holiday a try. RVs range in size from compact camper vans to luxurious mobile homes. We’ll help you choose the one that’s right for you, advise on how to make the most of your motorhome experience, and help you plan your amazing road trip itinerary.

If you love to ski, Canada offers a great range of resorts as diverse as its spectacular landscape. The East Coast has the advantage of being closer for European visitors and comes with the added flavour of the French Canadian culture.

The country’s westerly provinces, in particular British Columbia, are an outdoor enthusiast’s dream! A vast expanse of land studded with breathtakingly beautiful mountains, rugged coastline, forests, snowmelt-fed lakes and some of the best skiing in the world. Bordering British Columbia and the Rocky Mountains, Alberta is an alpine wilderness of woodlands, mountains and lakes. World-class ski resorts such as Banff and Jasper attract holidaymakers back year after year. And when you have worked up an appetite you’ll find a fantastic apres ski scene in all of Canada’s main resorts. Canada has the added bonus of many of its ski resorts close to its major cities. If you don’t want to spend all of your holiday skiing, think about combining a ski holiday with a trip to one of Canada’s vibrant cities. We can offer the scenic snow train travelling between Vancouver and Jasper. We have highlighted Whistler in British Columbia and Banff in Alberta, two of our favourite ski resorts across Canada. However we also offer alternative popular ski resorts such as Big White, Panorama, Fernie, Sun Peaks, Revelstoke, Jasper, Lake Louise and Mont-Tremblant. We can tailor make an experience that suits you, and most of all we’ll help create the best possible holiday, at the best possible price.

My Canada Trips Staff Pick

By Tegan

Ski Canada

Canada is such an exciting destination, the winter season is by far my favourite. There is so much fun to be had and the snow just adds to the incredibly scenic landscape. Having worked at Big White I cannot recommend this resort enough. Even if you are not a skier there is still lots of non-ski activities on offer throughout Western Canada, such as sleigh rides, snowshoeing and dog sledding and much much more.

Winter Experiences in Canada

Canada is a year round destination, in the winter we offer ski holidays and non-ski Winter Experiences. If you are looking for an authentic Winter Experience we offer a range of fun activities such as northern lights tour, snowshoeing, sleigh rides, canyon ice walks, snowmobiling, dogsledding and much much more.

Alberta offers some of the most thrilling activities, we recommend at least 6 nights in the area to give you the opportunity to take in the best of the Rockies and these fun activities. You can extend your stay in the area or combine it with a snow train trip to Vancouver for a city stay and/or head up to Whistler for some alpine adventure, with more winter activities on offer there also. Revel in the sheer beauty of the snow capped peaks and blue skies, let Canada be your magical winter wonderland.

Suggested Itineraries

Alberta Winter Delights Rockies Snow Train

A delightful 7-day winter experience in Alberta taking in the spectacular Canadian Rockies and famous Lake Louise. The winter months may come with their fair share of ice and snow, but the residents of Alberta sure know how to make the most of them. Enjoy winter activities such as Canyon Icewalks, snowshoeing, and sleigh ride, there is something for everyone. Explore coastal Vancouver and the Rockies in the winter as you travel by rail & coach from Vancouver to Calgary, via Jasper, the iconic Lake Louise and Banff. You can expect to experience the wonders of the Maligne Canyon from the ground up on an Ice Walk tour! Relax and cosy up on a sensational sleigh ride beside the famous Lake Louise. An epic experience this winter with plenty of winter activities to keep you busy and having fun!

Day 1 Fly UK to Calgary, transfer to Banff

Day 2 Snowshoe on an easy trail winding through a forest of pine trees to the Paint Pots, a cultural treasure within the National Park. Along the way you will hear stories of Banff’s indigenous people, explorers and fur traders who lived in and travelled through the Rockies

Day 3 Scenic transfer from Banff along the Icefields Parkway to Jasper. Take in snow covered mountains, frozen waterfalls and broad-reaching valleys on this spectacular drive through glacier country

Day 4 Explore Jasper with a Maligne Canyon Icewalk – explore this wonderland of rock and ice, be amazed at the canyon that has withstood 10,000 years of erosion and has created a 50m gorge

Day 5 Traverse Jasper to Lake Louise and take an evening sleigh ride beside the famous lake front

Day 6 Explore Lake Louise at your leisure and take in optional winter activities

Day 7 Transfer to Calgary for your overnight flight to the UK

Few places on earth offer such diversity as Canada. The world’s second-largest country has an endless variety of landscapes that can only be described as epic.

Day 1 Fly UK to Vancouver, make your way to your downtown hotel

Day 2

Day 3 Take in the best of Vancouver with our complimentary 48 hour Hop on Hop off sightseeing pass. Gastown, Stanley Park, English Bay and Granville Island are some of our favourite stops

Continue to explore Vancouver with your sightseeing pass. Perhaps even pre-book an organised tour - full day Victoria & Butchart Gardens, Whistler and the Shannon Falls or even a popular foodie tasting tour of Gastown or nearby Granville Island

Day 4 This afternoon, check in at Pacific Central Station and board VIA Rail’s ‘Canadian’ for the famous train journey to the majestic Canadian Rockies

Day 5

Day 6 Rise to the snowy peaks of the Canadian Rockies today as you arrive in Jasper and transfer to your hotel. The day is free to explore this unique alpine community. (Breakfast included today onboard Via Rail)

Maligne Canyon Icewalk tour. The canyon has withstood 10,000 years of erosion and has created a 165 foot gorge. Certified guides will lead groups of no more than 12 along the frozen canyon floor and its ice-clad limestone walls

Day 7 Travel southward along the Icefields Parkway to Lake Louise. This spectacular drive through glacier country features massive snow covered mountains, frozen waterfalls and broad-reaching valleys. Included this evening is a wonderful 40 minute sleigh ride that takes place beside the lake

Day 8 Depart Lake Louise mid-morning for a short drive to Banff via the scenic Bow Valley

Day 9 A free day to enjoy Canada’s premier winter resort. Try the unique shopping in Banff, skiing or boarding at one of 3 ski resorts in the area (not included) or soak and have a massage at the luxurious spa at the Fairmont Banff Springs (not included)

Day 10 This morning is free to explore Banff, before your scheduled coach to Calgary for your overnight flight to the UK