Maria – Canada Expert

First-hand Travel Experience in Canada  

Among the many different experiences and excursions you can enjoy during a holiday in Canada, having the chance to spot wildlife is simply unbelievable. Here are two of my highlights where I was fortunate to have close encounters on an Alberta and British Columbia holiday. 

Discover iconic animals in the Rockies 

Taking part in a Discover Banff tour was a great way to witness some of the beautiful wildlife which calls the Rockies home. Seeing a group of elk, with the Rocky Mountains in the background, was a big highlight of my Banff trip. The tour guide was incredibly informative. I was even able to see an elk antler, which had been shed in a previous season, for me to examine. 

Whale watching takes your breath away 

Whale-watching trips from Vancouver are a must if you are visiting the west coast. I saw two pods of orcas and a grey whale, as well as plenty of seals and sea lions. It was an amazing experience, and the tour boat had professional photographers onboard so that I could stay in the moment and look for wildlife, without needing to worry about taking pictures. 

Maria’s Expert Advice 

Top 3 Must-Do Experiences in Canada 

• Montreal International Jazz Festival – Visit Montreal between the end of June and start of July, when the streets are full of musicians, and the whole city feels like one big stage. 
• Nature tours departing from Banff – breathtaking in every season. 
• Niagara Falls – It's impossible to picture how impressive it is until you’ve seen it, plus there is plenty to do in the surrounding area. I really like going to the Butterfly Conservatory in the town of Niagara Falls and enjoying a glass of locally produced ice wine in Niagara-on-the-Lake. 

Hidden gem destination most people miss 

• Ward’s Island just off the coast of Toronto – you can get a water taxi or the Toronto Island Ferry across in only 10-15 minutes from the mainland. It has the best view of the Toronto skyline and a couple of great cafes/restaurants.