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Destination Guides - Canada

Vancouver & British Columbia:

Vancouver Coast and Mountains, The Vancouver and Gulf Islands, Cariboo Chilcotin Coast, Thompson Okanagan, Kootenay Rockies and Northern British Columbia…six distinct regions, six distinct characteristics, one incredible province. Immense diversity sets British Columbia as an ever-popular tourist destination for visitors of all ages and all interests. With thousands of miles of coastline, soaring mountains, lush landscape and multitude of islands it’s an outdoor destination experience. Take to the water for kayaking, sailing, fishing white water rafting and whale watching or explore the land on a biking, hiking, bird watching, golfing or skiing adventure.

A vibrant urban playground, Vancouver combines a lively downtown district with lush parks, fabulous shopping opportunities from Robson Street to Granville Market, historical attractions and a distinctive range of global influenced communities. Stanley Park, the Gastowm District, Capilano Suspension Bridge, Burnaby Village and the bustling harbour are all must- see’s on any itinerary.

Take a ferry or float plane across the Strait to Vancouver Island, home to the very British capital and beautiful harbour town of Victoria. Although only 300 miles from tip to tip, this is an island of unspoilt natural beauty and wilderness, alive with wildlife on land as well as at sea. Marvel at the floral beauty of Stanley Park, the coastal magnificence of Pacific Rim National Park and remote wilderness of Strathcona Provincial Park.

Escape the cities to explore the depths of British Columbia. Go back in time and visit the Gold Rush Trail or ride the range in the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast region. Experience some of the best whitewater rafting in Canada on the Thompson and Fraser Rivers or taste the exemplary wines produced from the renowned fruit orchards of the Okanagan Valley. British Columbia is also home to a wide range of ski resorts, Whistler, Sun Peaks, Mount Mckenzie and Big White are just a few of the snow rich winter destinations.

Ontario:

A superbly diverse destination, combining a stunning natural landscape of mountains, lakes and valleys with an array of cultural pursuits in its cosmopolitan cities, the province of Ontario offers a range of opportunities so no two days of your vacation need ever be the same.

Bordered by the Great Lakes of Superior, Huron, Erie and Ontario, and traversed with almost a quarter of a million additional lakes and rivers, Ontario is awash with waterways, sandy beaches and lush landscape. Adventure seekers can paddle over extensive water journeys, dive beneath the surface or take an excursion to fish for bass, salmon and pike. Being back on land offers the opportunity to camp and trek through the 110 Provincial and National Parks, explore the flora and fauna which is a haven for bird watchers and nature worshippers and participate in some of the seasonal sports such as the winter recreational activities of snow shoeing, skiing, snow mobiling and dog sledding.

Home to the nations’ capital city of Ottawa as well as the provincial capital of Toronto, Ontario has no shortage of festivals, sightseeing attractions, heritage and culture. Avid shoppers and culinary critiques will not be disappointed either as the provinces multi cultural heritage provides a myriad of boutique shops and malls as well as every imaginable kind of cuisine.

The ever-popular Niagara region attracts visitors from across the globe to witness the extraordinary spectacle of six million cubic feet of water drop almost 200 feet per minute at Niagara Falls. In contrast to this fast paced destination, Niagara-on-the-Lake just a few miles away provides a peaceful hideaway and uniquely historic town of small shops and café. This region is home to many internationally acclaimed award-winning wines and ice-wines. Tours and tastings are a growing trend amongst visitors.

A nautical playground, the St Lawrence River's spectacular 1000 Islands Region is a destination not to be missed, where boats wind gently around islands housing everything from tiny log cabins to gigantic estates such as Boldt Castle.

Journey out to the resorts, lodges and guest ranches of Ontario’s north where outdoor recreation is paramount. Horse riding, hiking, boating, fishing and golf are just a few of the many possibilities and you’ll be greeted with sincere Canadian gracious hospitality.

Quebec:

When the French explorer Jacques Cartier landed on the Gaspe Peninsula in 1535, Quebec began its French heritage. It is still resplendent today in its language, culture and cuisine.

Encompassing over 600,000 square miles, Quebec boasts a variety of landscapes from snow capped mountains, sprawling forests, rushing rivers and wilderness lakes to dynamic cities and picture-postcard villages, but still attributes its magnificence and uniqueness to its distinct French heritage.

Quebec is primarily recognised for its two major cities, Quebec City and Montreal, but is also home to some lesser known, though no less inspiring, cities such as Gatineau, Trois-Riviere, Sagueney and Sherbrooke. Quebec City, the Province's capital founded in 1608, is a busy seaport and cultural hot spot. A World Heritage Treasure, the old quarter is a great place to explore the past with visits to Notre-Dame-de-Quebec Basillica and Place Royal. The Old Port, Fortifications and Parliament Hill draw visitors from across the globe, the delectable cuisine and gracious hospitality bring them back year after year. Quebec’s largest city and cosmopolitan hub was once a simple missionary village called Ville-Marie, today, Montreal is one of the busiest inland ports with a vibrant cultural life and a myriad of attractions. Horse drawn carriages still clatter down the cobblestones of Old Montreal past Notre Dame Basilica to the Old Port while at the opposite end of the spectrum downtown Montreal’s underground city, an 18 mile network of shops and hotels, is a modern metropolis.

Quebec, an Indian name meaning “where the river narrows”, is centred around the majestic St Lawrence River which flows from the Great Lakes to the Atlantic. South of the river, the gentle mountains and tranquil lakes create a relaxed and easy-going ambiance, popular with artists and nature lovers. A combination of Bas-Saint-Laurent, Gaspesie, Cote-Nord and Iles de la Madeleine, Maritime Quebec’s 1,800 mile coastline alternates between fine-sand beaches, rocky bays and towering cliffs. Destinations north of the St Lawrence are sheer paradise to outdoor enthusiasts. Thousands of crystal clear lakes and an astonishing variety of wildlife create an idyllic destination for hiking, biking, fishing and skiing. The Laurentian’s, with 19 mountains spread over a 90 mile radius are a year-round playground. Charlevoix is incredibly beautiful, stretching from the whale-filled waters of Baie-Sainte-Catherine and Tadoussac to the delights of Baie-Saint-Paul. This diverse Province is simply intoxicating!

Nova Scotia:

Nova Scotia, sitting to the south of New Brunswick has an extensive coastline circling 4,600 miles, creating a distinct maritime experience of craggy cliffs, beautiful beaches and quaint fishing villages. Latin for New Scotland, Nova Scotia has a Celtic heritage obvious in the names of its towns, parks and bays and is famous for its part in Canada’s heritage and the local seafood delicacies of Atlantic salmon, Digby Scallops, shrimp, shark, and tuna. The most photographed fishing village in Canada, the barren and rugged Peggy’s Cove is famed by its landmark lighthouse and fabulous scenery and sits just 40 minutes from Halifax. Often the gateway to the southern Atlantic Provinces, Halifax is a multi cultural port city with a myriad of attractions including the historic Citadel, the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic and bustling Pier 21. Also close by, Lunenburg is dedicated to preserving its rich heritage. Established in 1753, its century old buildings and name as a town of master ship builders attracts visitors from around the world. No visit to Nova Scotia is complete without experiencing Cape Breton Island, a blend of Scottish, Native and Acadian communities and a place of exquisite beauty. Follow the world famous 187 mile Cabot Trail twisting between the Gulf of the St Lawrence and the Atlantic Ocean or explore the wilderness setting of Cape Breton Highlands National Park filled with wildlife and historic sites dating back to the ice ages.

New Brunswick:

New Brunswick, bordered by Quebec, Nova Scotia and Maine is a charming destination of varied landscapes. Although Fredericton is the capital city and is filled with dozens of art galleries and museums, fabulous shopping and great restaurants, the most popular city for visitors and also the province's largest is Saint John. This port city is steeped in history and provides a gateway to the southern coast. Surrounded by sandstones cliffs and warm sandy beaches, the Bay of Fundy, surrounded by sandstone cliffs and warm sandy beaches it is renowned for its twice daily gigantic waves, some as high as four storey buildings. The pretty town of St Andrews is one of Canada’s oldest seaside resorts, its laid back atmosphere and fresh seafood make it a popular choice. Shediac, known as the lobster capital of the world is the perfect destination to sample the local shellfish and boasts the wonderful Parlee Beach where an array of oceanic activities can be sampled.

Prince Edward Island:

Prince Edward Island may be Canada’s smallest province, but its culture and beauty cannot be underestimated. Crossing Confederation Bridge from Nova Scotia takes you away from the hustle and bustle to an island where you can choose to sit back and enjoy its laid back pace. Absorb the islands quiet charm by visiting one of its picture-perfect towns such as Cavendish which is home to the Anne of Green Gables house or New London the birthplace of Lucy Maud Montgomery. Charlottetown has a special place in Canadian history, it was here that the founding fathers met to take Canada from a colony to a country. Whilst in the historical capital, visit Confederation Centre of the Arts, Victoria Row for lively evenings and Peake’s Wharf to see the colourful collection of gift shops and restaurants. Deep Sea fishing, hiking, biking, sea kayaking, whale and seal watching are just a few of the outdoor delights awaiting visitors to this natural world of simple pleasures.

Manitoba:

Sitting in the heart of North America, the central province of  Manitoba is the undiscovered treasure of Canada. Defined by its prairie lands, aboriginal heritage, spectacular wildlife and unequalled hospitality, the Heartlands slow the pace of this magical country.

Manitoba is bursting with a vibrant new energy. Its cultural diversity stems from the original inhabitant blend of six nations, which today have encouraged a vast array of festivals, cuisines and ethnic attractions.

The roots of the province are embraced as an important part of local heritage. A living history of colourful re-enactments can be enjoyed at Lower Fort Garry National Historic Site and, named as one of Canada’s three leading museums, The Manitoba Museum vividly portrays Manitoba’s history and also boasts a planetarium, science centre and a replica of the 17th century trade ship Nonsuch.

The boreal forests, prairie vistas and Arctic tundra create a natural diversity unseen in any other location across the globe. The province's 10,000 lakes are perfect for whitewater rafting, fishing, boating, wilderness paddling and kayaking. Wildlife watching opportunities abound too, drawing visitors to see moose, elk, Arctic fox, caribou and whitetail deer, and of course to Churchill, known as the polar bear capital of the world.

Alberta & The Rockies:

The peaks and falls of the mountains, to the wildflower carpeted meadows and the rushing valley waters, Alberta is Canada’s Rocky Mountain playground, representing everything that is beautiful and pure about the outdoor wilderness.

Undoubtedly renowned for the awe inspiring Rockies which form the backbone to this incredible province and the spectacular breathtaking beauty of its Rocky Mountain parks; Banff, Jasper, Kananaskis and Waterton. The gateway to a myriad of outdoor pleasures at every time of year, the snow dusted Rockies offer hiking, skiing, heli-biking, fishing, horse riding, climbing and rafting adventures to name but a few of its popular pursuits.

Beyond the glimmering lakes and towering mountain peaks are a host of other treasures. Alberta boasts five World Heritage Sites, Dinasaur Provincial Park, Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, Waterton/Glacier National Parks, Banff/Jasper National Parks and Wood Buffalo National Park.

A vacation to Alberta has it all. Take an expedition along Icefields Parkway and come face to face with dramatic mountain vistas and towering walls of ice, head north along the Northern Lights Trail to Fort McMurray to view the extraordinary spectacle of dancing lights or visit Heritage Park Historical Village to experience life in Alberta in a bygone era. Try travelling in the tracks of the Dinosaurs and join a dig in Drumheller or why not unravel thousands of years of Aboriginal culture at Glenbow or Royal Alberta Museums.

Alberta’s two largest cities, Calgary and Edmonton, offer unique experiences which rival any of Canada’s other cosmopolitan cities. Both add a sprinkle of cafés and restaurants to great shopping, a selection of cultural sites and museums and great sporting venues to create city destinations which complement the province’s natural beauty. Edmonton is home to one of North America’s largest shopping malls, West Edmonton Mall spans 48 blocks and boasts over 800 shops. Perhaps the highlight of Calgary’s calendar is the 10 day Calgary Stampede. A spectacle not to be missed, this is the largest outdoor rodeo in the world where professional cowboys compete in a spectacle of rodeo events including bull riding, chuckwagon racing and square dancing.

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Testimonials-click for more

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  1. "The holiday you organised was amazing and definitely exceeded our expectations. Thanks so much for all your hard work, we loved every minute of it. All the hotels were perfectly placed for what we were after, and we definitely felt we got great value for money. It may be a while before our next big holiday, but we'll be sure to keep your details for when we get an idea of where to go. We'll also be sure to recommend you to all our friends who are looking to go away, and will enure they are all aware of how well this was organised by yourself (and how stress free this was on our part) . Thanks again for all you hard work." September 2011 from Nathan & Zoe, Hildonborough who visited Hong Kong and Fiji.



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  2. "Thank you for your email. Basically we had a fantastic time. You helped us organise the honeymoon that we dreamned of. I have only praise for the hotels you found and advice you gave. The service really was Top Drawer - sorry I bet everyone writes that.  Thank you for all your help." October 2011 from Richard & Joanna, Newbury who did a tailor made trip through France and Spain combining planes, trains and automobiles visiting Paris, Bordeaux, Carcassonne, and the Spanish coast near Barcelona.



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  3. "Thanks for your email. We were actually planning to write you but got totally entangled with work and stuff. The holiday was absolutely fantastic and the organization spot on. We are completely satisfied with the services offered, both in terms of the actual arrangements and the customer service provided at all times.  There's no doubt we will recommend your services." January 2012 from Fabio & Ioanna, London who spent Christmas and New Year visiting the Great Barrier Reef and Sydney, Australia.



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  4. "Thanks we had a wonderful time and enjoyed being on a cruise for the first time. The boat was very big, and full of some very big people too, but it was great to have so much to see and do.The food (evening meals) was surprisingly really really good too. I would certainly recommend you to others." September 2011 from Amanda & Derek, Dubai who went on their first ever cruise.



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  5. "We had a great weekend thankyou. The hotel was in a great position - very easy to drive to, and only a short cab / bus ride into town. Also we used the boat to come back on sunday, which was fab. The rooms were big, clean and comfy - all you want them to be really! We did have a small issue with room keys at the start, but it was quickly rectified and all was good. Staff were very nice, friendly and helpful - lunch a little slow, but great when it arrived. All in all we had a lovely time - thankyou for your help with organising it." October 2011 from Nicki and girl friends who had a spa weekend in Bath.



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  6. "Once again everything went according to plan and we had an excellent holiday. The lounge pass starts the holiday on the right footing, the flights were on time, the holiday rep. at the airport was welcoming and the hotel was great. The service was absolutely first class and there was an amazing selection of food at breakfast and dinner all presented in a very attractive way (similar to a cruise ship). The weather was extremely hot so we didn't attempt any excursions. We spent the time relaxing by the pool keeping in the shade as much as possible. No complaints at all you will be pleased hear. Thank you once again for your attention to detail. " October 2011 from Dorothy and Graham, Coventry who visited a luxury hotel in Tenerife.



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  7. "Just to say...THANK YOU! For all your help and planning. We had a fabulous honeymoon and loved each part. I really liked the Argonaut in terms of location and the free glass of wine from 5-6pm every day. They were so friendly and helpful at the hotel and it made a great first stop. The Kauai Beach Resort had a great hot tub outside, good food and the concierge helped organise a number of trips for us. The room was a good size and we were given a free bottle of very nice champagne. Finally, the Plantation Inn in Maui, was wonderful. A great little location and it made our stay in Maui so enjoyable. Again a hot tub and breakfast was included - great chef. Such easy access to La Haina and the shops and away from the noise and scale of the big hotel complexes further up the coast. The four, four, four also worked well...had we had the time we would have loved to do four days in New York..would recommend that to anyone thinking of doing the same trip. So thank you again for your help, we really appreciated it and would use you and Top Drawer again!" January 2012 from Sarah & Ian, Chiswick who visited San Francisco before heading to the Hawaiian island of Kaui and then onto the Hawaiian island of Maui.



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  8. "Thanks for your email. All your arrangements were excellent and we had a brilliant honeymoon. No problems whatsoever. Flights and transfers happened without a hitch. The company that you used for the transfers and their drivers were very professional. The hotel and its staff were fantastic - exactly what we were hoping for. All in all, you have provided an excellent service building up to the honeymoon and the trip itself was great. Will definitely recommend you to family and friends." November 2010 from Kerstin & Mark, Bradford on Avon who visited Nice in the South of France.



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  9. "The holiday was lovely thank you. There was evidence of a lot of damage on our way up to our hotel from the airport, and the 4x4's were definitely needed! Once we were in Rodney Bay, there wasn't really much evidence of the hurricane. We found the Top Drawer service to be very helpful and we were kept up to date with information, following the devastation of the hurricane. We would definitely recommend Top Drawer to friends. Thank you for all your help." December 2010 from Karen & Simon, Tunbridge Wells who visited St Lucia very shortly after the hurricane in 2010.



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  10. "It has to be said that we had a brilliant holiday not least down to Top Drawer!!! The arrangement between Top and Bottom Drawer is really convenient and just what i wanted. The route that you planned and the hotels that we stayed at were just right although it must be said that we preferred the national parks to the cities!! Thank you for a great level of service and I would definitely recommend your company in future." October 2010 from Emily & Philip, London who did a fly drive around California in a 2 door open top sports car visiting San Francisco, Yosemite, Death Valley and Las Vegas.



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