I am delighted to introduce you to one of our โWorld Sustainability Partnersโ – Trees4Travel.
It is widely known that forest restoration is overwhelmingly more powerful than all other climate change solutions. As you travel, Trees4Travel plants trees for you so that you can then travel more mindfully, enabling sustainable travel all for the price of a coffee.
For every journey you make, use their CO2 calculator to work out the emissions that your trip has emitted thus allowing you to then donate a sum that goes towards a tree planting project around the world.
What’s more you can then watch as our combined efforts recreate forest after forest around the world โ Travel4Trees offers something tangible, understandable and affordable that we can all see, be proud of and watch grow.
There are few places in the world where you can truly escape, however, if you are brave enough, then there is a majestic wilderness north of Norway which is the epitome of an Antarctica fairy tale – this place is Svalbard!
It came as quite a surprise to me that the more I mentioned Svalbard to friends, the more I discovered how many people had visited this remote part of the world as part of a cruise or small ship expedition.
None however had just gone to visit this small remote stretch of land dominated by tundra, bare mountains, glaciers, extreme light variations and wildlife which would be hard to match anywhere on Earth.
I was therefore delighted to have recently been contacted by former travel agent, Heather Cragg, who wanted to share her incredible experience of Svalbard.
Seriously Cold
I was thrilled when I was told at work that I’d won “two business class tickets to any short haul destination”. However, I then had to choose where to go!ย My partner and I discussed various European options, then I realised that this could be my chance to see the Northern Lights.ย It’s something I have always wanted to do.ย
I knew that Tromsรธ would be an ideal destination for this, so we went to the SAS website to check our flight options.ย Whilst looking at their route map, we saw a line going north from Tromsรธ, and we both said “Where does that go?”ย We found ourselves looking at Svalbard, an archipelago way up into the Arctic Circle between Norway and the North Pole.ย ย After some research, we excitedly decided this would be a real adventure โ a sparsely populated land of polar bears, the midnight sun and the Northern Lights.ย
We chose February because that’s when the sun starts to come back after 3 months of 24-hour darkness, and the chances of seeing the Northern Lights are good.ย Anticipating temperatures of around -20ยฐC during the day, we purchased some serious winter clothing and excitedly looked forward to this trip of a lifetime. ย
We booked a stopover each way in Oslo, plus a night in Tromsรธ.ย In Oslo, we visited Frogner Park to see the famous, unusual sculptures by Gustav Vigeland.ย The park was covered in a thick layer of pristine white snow – and although the air was very cold, it was dry and fresh unlike damp England, and the snow was fluffy, not wet.ย
Tromso
The next morning we flew to Tromsรธ. I was excited to be well into the Arctic Circle (217 miles to be precise) โ however, due to the warming effect of the Gulf Stream, Tromsรธ’s climate is relatively mild.ย It was only around -1หC so we didn’t need so many layers whilst wandering around the quaint streets.ย We visited Polaria, a museum about the poles as well as the Mack Brewery (the world’s northernmost) and walked across the bridge to the striking Arctic Cathedral.ย
Later we headed towards the edge of town to get away from the lights in the hope of seeing the Aurora Borealis, however, it was too cloudy.ย The town looked pretty in the snow with a soft glow of pale orange light coming from each house โ no harsh neon city lights to be seen.ย ย
Longyearbyen
Then finally we flew to our main destination โ Longyearbyen on the island of Spitsbergen, in the Svalbard archipelago. ย As we were coming onto land, we saw breathtaking scenery โ pure white peaks and valleys as far as the eye could see, under a clear pale blue sky.ย The pilot said that the temperature (around midday) was -12หC.ย
That evening we had the chance to test all the warm layers we’d bought especially for Longyearbyen.ย We went on a hike up nearby Plateau Mountain (Gruvefjellet) and our friendly guide carried a rifle (believed to be a Mauser 7.62 bolt action) in case of a polar bear encounter.ย These powerful animals are the only ones known to actively hunt and attack humans, so although we hoped to see one, we wanted it to be in the distance!ย
It was around -10หC and dark, so along with deep snow, icy patches, jagged rocks and a cold wind, the hike was hard work, to say the least!ย However, we persevered and were rewarded with a view across the small town of Longyearbyen.ย It was a strange realisation when we stopped halfway up, that we were sitting on the side of a mountain in the Arctic, and (courtesy of our guide) drinking tea and eating cookies! In a blizzard! ย Our descent was a mixture of scrambling and sliding.ย Unfortunately, it was too cloudy to see the Northern Lights.ย
The temperature at breakfast time the next day was aroundย -24หC.ย As we wandered along the main street through the snow, the mountains around us were topped with a pink glow of sunlight, but that was as far as it could reach.ย The light in the valley was only diffused, not direct because the sun had only started to rise above the horizon a few days before we’d arrived.ย One quirky little moment amused us with the sign on the door of the bank โ it denoted ‘no guns’.ย ย
Barentsburg
On our third day, we set off on a snowmobile trip to Barentsburg, a Russian settlement only reachable by boat (in summer when the sea ice has melted) or snowmobile, as there are no roads outside Longyearbyen.ย Our guide ensured that we were well wrapped up, as he said that any exposed skin could be affected by frostbite.ย The ride was hard work and bumpy.ย We reached a glacier not far from town and stopped for a spectacular view of the sun, low on the horizon, shining between two sharp peaks.ย
Our guide was concerned about the wind in the valley ahead of us, whipping up the snow.ย He contacted his colleagues and the decision was made to turn back due to the avalanche risk, which could block our way home several hours later.ย I must admit I was relieved, as I wasn’t sure if I could cope with a full day on a snowmobile, although I was disappointed not to see Barentsburg and the chance of seeing the polar bears en route.ย ย
After a lovely meal in a local pub/restaurant that night โ still remembered as one of the best pizzas I’ve ever had – we walked back to our hotel.ย We could feel a tingling, freezing sensation in our noses as we breathed in, and I could feel ice forming on my eyelashes.ย As we entered our hotel, the thermometer showed -30หC.ย
Even though we didn’t get to see the Northern Lights (it’s possible we went too far north), being in the Arctic was a fantastic experience โ an adventure that we’ll never forget.ย
Contact Information
With thanks to Heather Cragg for the blog. Sadly Heather is no longer working for a travel agent but has asked that should anyone be interested in this unique corner of the world then they should contact their local travel agent for more information and to book.
If you are looking to head off to Svalbard and Jan Mayen in frozen Europe then I suggest you also check out the amazing local Visit Svalbard website as well as catch up on their social media sites below.
Mmm….. I will be honest when Margaret Moulton of Miles Morgan Travel in Wells, Somerset sent me her Magical Myanmar blog I had to do a quick spot of googling to check which former country she was referring to. Now I knew it was South East Asia but was it Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos… I was wrong of course…. it was Burma!
What I am sure about though, is that this kind of guest blog is exactly the type that I am looking for in the sense that it is different, full of interesting facts, it’s honest and above all I have learned from her travels and her experiences and I hope you do too.
One day I will set aside a few months to travel South East Asia – I perhaps should have done it in my twenties as I know I will adore the experience as I did in Japan, Macau and Hong Kong in 2019. However due to life’s twists and turns that world trip did not happen despite a couple of opportunities so that means I will have to discover it in my fifties.
I reckon the only difference is I will be awake at 5 am with a backpack, map and camera at the ready as opposed to just getting home from a full moon party or whatever it is these youngsters do these days… (PS: I don’t blame them… I am just jealous !)
So enough of my ramblings….. let’s hear what Margaret had to say about the intriguing and mysterious country of Myanmar.
A Tribal Land
“Where is it you’re going again?” “Burma… Myanmar” “Where is that again?”
That was most people’s reaction when I told them the destination of my latest trip.
This Southeast Asia country shares its borders with Thailand, China, Laos, India & Bangladesh. Myanmar is a golden land with a unique but well-preserved culture and a somewhat complicated history.
It is a tribal land with the Burmese people being the source of the name “Burma”, a name which Britain coined in colonial times. Myanmar gained its independence from Britain in 1948 but the name was not changed back officially to Myanmar until 1989.
First Stop
My 10-day adventure started when I flew with Emirates Airlines via Dubai into Yangon (formerly Rangoon). Be aware of the monsoon season from May to October when it is wet and humid. The best time to visit is between November and February when it is not too hot during the day and not too cool at night. ย
Our hotel was the luxury Sule Shangri La, downtown Yangon – large rooms, super comfortable beds and an amazing breakfast selection. The location was perfect for our first activity – a walking tour of the street markets, strolling through the Chinese and Indian quarters while the locals cooked rice flour pancakes or lunch noodles. You can even buy your Manchester United logo underpants here as soccer is the number one sport in Myanmar!
Yangon
Myanmarsโ colonial history is evident in some of the beautiful architecture, like the Scott market. Take a hair-raising rickshaw ride through narrow alleys.
My highlight in Yangon has to be the golden Shwedagon pagoda – a huge complex of shrines around a central “stupa” dating back 2500 years and housing Buddhist relics all of which are truly magical, particularly at sunset.
Mandalay
I then took a flight on Golden Myanmar Air from Yangon to Mandalay, the last capital of royal Burma. The decision to take a flight was on the basis that it was a 1.5-hour flight rather than 8.5 hours over bumpy roads!
Mandalay is very much a cultural highlight and home to the majority of the country’s monks & fine craftsmen. Visit a gold leaf workshop to see how solid gold is beaten and then rolled and pressed into the gold leaf which adorns almost all of the Buddhas and temples here. This is also a good place to pick up a traditional handwoven ” longbyi” or wrap-around skirt worn by both men and women here. Designs vary and are unique to individual states or tribes or even villages of Myanmar.
Also worth a visit is the seated Buddha to learn the stories of his road to enlightenment and his search for nirvana. No visit is complete here till you see the “world’s biggest book” – 729 slabs of marble carved with the scriptures of Tripitaka housed in individual shrines around the central stupa at Kunthodaw Paya.
The Shwe Kyin Monastery
My highlight was the Shwe Kyin old monastery at the base of Mandalay hill. It was my birthday when I visited and it also happened to be that of a local “donor” – a faithful Buddhist who was honoured to provide food and drink for the monks. We were privileged to be allowed to observe the monk’s procession, chanting & heading to their shrine for prayers – a very moving insight into what is an everyday spiritual journey for the monks and something I will never forget.
We stayed at the Hotel Bagan King – a small boutique-style hotel with a lovely top floor restaurant and bar, very central and friendly and they even provided a birthday cake! The location is also not far from the walls of the former royal palace with its stylised watch towers on every compass point corner – it can only be viewed from the outside as it is now occupied by the military, but there’s a good view from the golden duck Chinese restaurant that we enjoyed lunch in.
Amarapura
Another recommendation is a drive to the former royal capital at Amarapura to see the modern-day monastery of Mandalay. Here at Mahagandayon, the monks receive their main and last meal of the day late morning,ย provided by faithful local donors. The life of a monk or a nun in Myanmar is one you choose to stay in for life or simply some weeks, months or usually a few years. I also visited Sagaing, the spiritual centre of Myanmar where most Buddhist followers here, both male and female, devote some time of their life to study and prayer and seem better for it with a calm and serene approach to life afterwards.
Amarapura is home to the famous U Bein wooden bridge which stretches into the Taungthanan Lake and is home to lots of local artisans and boatmen willing to take you onto the lake for the best view of spectacular sunsets. Inle Lake in Shan province was a real eye-opener into how locals live IN the lake not just at the shores. This was a welcome chance to kick back and relax and watch the local boatmen row with one leg only, gliding effortlessly to a lovely spa hotel for an amazing selection of head-to-toe massages.
Hope & Prayers for Myanmar
Our guide was most honest and open about the political instability of Myanmar and a refreshing, balanced insider’s view from a local.
They realise Myanmar is a new and sometimes struggling democracy with military rule still not ideal for installing confidence in visitors.
Myanmar Inside Tips
Be prepared for the heat and humidity so carry and drink lots of water. Wear loose-flowing clothes and flip-flops as at every holy place,ย barefoot is compulsory. Be respectful of holy places, long trousers and sleeves also protect you from insect bites. As a little tip don’t show or point the soles of your feet at anyone, it is considered rude.
The food was a revelation – Thai and Indian influences with my most unusual dish being a tea leaf salad, very tasty.
Don’t be surprised if the locals are fascinated by you and ask to take your photo with them… tourism is still new to the people of Myanmar and they are intrigued by European fair hair and skin.
Read a book called The Glass Palace which deals with the Anglo-British wars during the colonial times in Myanmar and particularly Mandalay. This brings to life all the complicated political intrigue and royal family situations as well as being a charming love story.
Contact Information
Miles Morgan Travel is a group of 18 UK travel agents across the South West of England and South Wales.
Margaret Moulton works at the Wells branch in Somerset and if you enjoyed her Asia blog on Myanmar then you can contact her as follows:
Always known as the โbridge between East and Westโ Turkey combines influences from the Middle East and the Mediterranean, the Balkans, and Central Asia. It is also famous for its Turkish delights, turquoise waters, delicious kebabs, the birthplace of Santa Claus, and home to the ancient land of Troy – the world’s oldest city.
Turkey is a vast country and full of surprises. The west of Turkey is the most popular for tourists as it enjoys some great beaches but also the city of Istanbul.
In the south of the country, you have the Aegean that has Izmir, Ephesus and the celebrated seaside resort of Bodrum.
Where the Aegean becomes the Mediterranean there is Marmaris, Fethiye, Dalyan, and Patara and then as you go east you have pretty Kalkan and then the sprawling resort of Antalya.
Inland in South Central Anatolia there is the iconic landscape of Cappadocia which is an Instagram’s dream for the hot air ballooning that takes place. Ankara, Turkeyโs capital has a western flavour whereas the Euphrates and Tigris basins have a real Middle Eastern flavour.
Turkeyโs train network is a little difficult to fathom when making advanced plans so best to arrange on the hoof so to speak. Prices are reasonable and the network reasonable however the schedules are best left till near the date as they are subject to change.
Buses are popular in Turkey, especially the overnight long-distance trips which are well-priced.
A Dolmuล refers to a car or small van that runs along set routes, picking passengers up and dropping them off along the way. Becoming less common in the country and are normally
City buses, usually accept only pre-purchased tickets available from kiosks near the main terminals. Some cities like Istanbul and Antalya have pre-loaded cards you can purchase.
Yellow city taxis are common and will have set prices that it is best to confirm in advance of setting off. Hailing one in the street is possible or ring in advance from your accommodation.
Hiring a car is good value and it allows you to explore however bear in mind the standard of driving is not the best so ensure you have all the insurance covered and take it easy.
Turkeyโs domestic ferry network is confined to ฤฐstanbul and the Sea of Marmara.
The excellent Turkish Airways have a fantastic domestic flight network and given the distances that you may be looking to cover this is certainly the quickest option although you will be missing the adventure by taking to the skies
Top Things To See & Do
Ankara As the capital city of Turkey, Ankara boasts some of the most beautiful architecture in the country as well as the Ankara castle, and delightful gardens.
Cyprus Discover the charm of North Cyprus, where ancient history, stunning beaches, and vibrant culture await. Explore historic sites, relax on pristine shores, and immerse yourself in island life.
Istanbul The only city in the world sitting on two continents, Istanbul is famous for its diversity, history, and cuisine. For a truly Turkish experience head to the Grande Bazaar which is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world selling lamps, hand-woven rugs, spices, and leather goods. You can also try a Turkish bath or hammam which is popular among both tourists and locals.
Ephesus Dating back to the 10th century BC, the ruins at Ephesus are of historical interest, especially to those who chart the history of the rise and fall of the Greek empire. Sites include the Temple of Hadrian, the amphitheatre and the Library of Celsus.
Explore the Ruins of Troy Discover the history of the Battle of Troy by visiting the ruins including a replica of the famous wooden Horse of Troy.
Hike Mount Nemrut If you are looking for adventure and a great place to hike then you can do worse than Mount Memrut for great views, especially at sunrise and sunset.
Hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia One of the best places in the world to experience an early sunrise hot air balloon trip this will undoubtedly have you reaching for your camera for that Instagram shot!
Lycian Rock Tombs The Lycian Tombs are carved into the walls of a mountain and honour from up high on the mountainside the dead who they believe were carried there by winged creatures.
Paraglide over Oludeniz Believed to be one of the best paragliding locations in the world take to the skies with a paragliding trip where you look down on the beautiful sea and coast below.
Sea Turtles in Dalyan Take a boat in Dalyan and dive into the crystal clear waters to swim with Green sea turtles that make their home here on the coast every year.
Traditional Turkish Gulet Gulets are distinctive wooden boats that cruise around the Mediterranean where you can relax in pretty bays or spot dolphins on the high seas.
Pre-bookable Excursions in Turkey
More Information
Contact Go Turkey or your local travel agent for more information on holidays to Turkey.
Oman, a country tucked away on the Arabian Peninsula’s southeast coast borders Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and the United Arab Emirates. It is the essence of traditional Arabia with its Bedouin heritage and culture formed over centuries.
This Sultanate entices adventurers and culture vultures with its varied landscapes, which include immaculate beaches, untamed mountains, and enormous desert stretches.
Travelling through Oman will take you past historic forts that evoke memories of bygone times, busy souks infused with the scent of frankincense, and energetic cities where modern skyscrapers coexist peacefully with traditional architecture. Muscat, the capital, enthralls with its elaborate mosques, busy shops, and charming corniche that overlooks the Gulf of Oman’s blue waters.
When you leave the city behind, you’ll be met with the bleak beauty of the Wahiba Sands, where enormous dunes stretch for miles in all directions and provide the ideal setting for amazing desert excursions. With its tranquil beaches, old ruins rich in history, and verdant surroundings, the seaside town of Salalah beckons visitors looking for relief from the scorching desert heat.
There are many luxurious hotels with excellent service and cuisine and ideal for an Oman family holiday as well as the souks and nightlife of its vibrant capital city Muscat.
Oman is a hidden treasure in Arabia that offers a voyage full of exploration, adventure, and life-changing events, regardless of why you are drawn to itโits stunning landscapes, rich cultural legacy, or kind people. Come along with me as we set out on an adventure across Oman’s breathtaking scenery and ageless customs.
Oman is a destination that if you are in the know….then it’s the place to go!
Hiring a car and self-driving is by far the best way of getting around in Oman as roads are good and the network is ever-increasing.
You could also take a private tour with one of the excellent guides who give that inside knowledge and will often take you to off-the-beaten-track places of interest. Omani people are so friendly and welcoming and treat you as their guest.
Buses are common in all the major towns and cities and are reasonably priced and comfortable.
The white and orange coloured taxis in Muscat can be flagged down at the roadside. You will need to negotiate the price before departing as none will have meters.
Excellent domestic flight programs operate between Muscat and Khasab in Musandam and between Muscat and Salalah.
There is also a high-speed ferry service between Muscat and Khasab in Musandam, operated by the National Ferries Company (NFC).
Top 20 Things To See & Do In Oman
Explore the historic capital city of Muscat, with its stunning architecture, vibrant markets, and iconic landmarks like the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque.
Visit the magnificent Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat, one of the largest mosques in the world, renowned for its stunning architecture and beautiful Islamic art.
Discover the ancient city of Nizwa and explore its historic fort, bustling souks, and traditional Omani architecture.
Experience the natural beauty of Wadi Shab, a picturesque valley with turquoise pools, waterfalls, and lush vegetation, perfect for hiking, swimming, and picnicking.
Explore the enchanting desert landscapes of Wahiba Sands, where you can enjoy camel rides, dune bashing, and camping under the stars.
Visit the UNESCO-listed Bahla Fort, one of Oman’s oldest and most impressive fortifications, dating back over a thousand years.
Take a boat trip to the stunning Musandam Peninsula, known as the “Norway of Arabia,” with its dramatic fjords, crystal-clear waters, and rugged mountains.
Explore the ancient ruins of the lost city of Ubar, known as the “Atlantis of the Sands,” and learn about its fascinating history and archaeological significance.
Discover the historic town of Sur, famous for its traditional dhow boat-building industry and beautiful beaches.
Experience traditional Omani hospitality with a visit to a local family home or a traditional Omani restaurant, where you can sample authentic Omani cuisine.
Explore the picturesque village of Misfat al Abriyeen, perched on the edge of a cliff overlooking lush date palm plantations and terraced fields.
Discover the stunning Al Hoota Cave, one of Oman’s most impressive natural wonders, with its vast chambers, underground lakes, and intricate rock formations.
Visit the ancient city of Rustaq and explore its historic hot springs, forts, and traditional mud-brick architecture.
Experience the thrill of dune bashing and sandboarding in the spectacular desert landscapes of the Empty Quarter, the largest sand desert in the world.
Take a dip in the natural hot springs of Al Thowarah, renowned for their therapeutic properties and stunning mountain scenery.
Explore the picturesque coastal town of Salalah, known for its beautiful beaches, lush coconut groves, and historic landmarks like the Al Baleed Archaeological Park.
Discover the traditional mud-brick villages of Jebel Akhdar, nestled among the rugged mountains of the Al Hajar range, and experience traditional Omani culture and hospitality.
Visit the ancient Frankincense Trail in Dhofar Governorate and explore its historic forts, ancient ruins, and UNESCO-listed frankincense trees.
Take a scenic drive along the Batinah Coast, with its stunning beaches, traditional fishing villages, and historic landmarks like the Nakhal Fort.
Experience the traditional Omani festival of Khareef in Salalah, where you can enjoy cultural performances, traditional music, and delicious Omani cuisine.
Pre-bookable Excursions in Oman
More Information
The Oman Tourist Board provides a wide choice of useful information including places to go, things to do and what you can expect from the weather.
Canada is a country that begs to be explored. With the breathtaking scenery as well as the wildlife of Canada, the Atlantic coast, the raw beauty of Alaska, the flat lands of Saskatchewan and Manitoba, the hills of Ontario not to mention numerous welcoming friendly cities like Toronto, Vancouver, Quebec, Calgary and Montreal to name but a few. Canada is just a country that everyone loves, myself included.
A huge country that consists of 10 provinces and 3 territories from the Atlantic in the East to the Pacific in the West, not to mention the Arctic Ocean to the north! The weather is different depending on when and where you travel but expect extremes from sub-zero to hot and humid. Canada is also home to 16 UNESCO World Heritage sites and some of the best National parks in the world including Banff, Whistler, and Niagara Falls. The skiing is out of this world with the longest ski season anywhere!
Something that takes some getting used to is that despite most people speaking English there is a large French-speaking population in the provinces of Quebec, New Brunswick Ontario, and Manitoba.
There is so much of Canada to see and enjoy. It’s certainly not a country you can discover on one holiday but rest assured once you have been you will be back!
After a couple of visits to Canada in the 1990s – to Vancouver on a stopover en route to Hawaii and to Toronto at the end of a road trip through the heart of the USA, I always wanted to take a road trip through Canada.
That dream of hiring a camper van and taking off in search of bears, moose, dramatic mountain scenery, and crystal clear waters still exists. However, I did do a little road trip to celebrate my 50th birthday back in 2018. Flying into New York I headed up the Old Canada Road to the Canadian border and then on into Montreal and Quebec. This scenic byway, the cities, and then also the national parks I encountered such as the Jacques Cartier National Park 50kms north of Quebec was me fulfilling that dream.
There is no doubt that I have to see more of Canada in my lifetime – it’s a country that makes you feel alive.
Getting Around
With so much to enjoy about the country where do you start when planning?
Hiring a car or an RV (recreational vehicle) is an ideal way to get about on the wide open roads where great views are never far away. You do need to be 21 years of age and have had a license for over a year but other than that it should be fairly straightforward.
Flights as you would imagine are plentiful from all of the key sights with Westjet and Air Canada being the two main domestic airlines. However, think of what you are missing in between.
The Rocky Mountaineer from Vancouver or Ontario’s Polar Bear Express are two well-known scenic railway options however surprisingly normal passenger train travel is fairly limited.
Greyhound buses are common and another way of taking the load off your feet and mind when travelling from point to point.
Canada’s Top Attractions
Banff National Park, Alberta The oldest National Park in Canada and home to the Grizzly Bear as well as the towns of Banff and Lake Louise which is accessed by the iconic route called the Icefields Parkway
Calgary, Alberta Home to the world-famous rodeo event, the Calgary stampede, this city boasts a wealth of attractions including fantastic shopping, zoos, galleries, botanical gardens, and amusement parks and it also hosts regular music, film, and dance events.
Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia A place for outdoor adventures particularly with the Cape Breton Highlands National Park offering amazing hiking and outdoor pursuits.
Churchill, Manitoba For wildlife, this relatively small town on Hudson Bay offers visitors the chance to view polar bears, beluga whales, and birds and witness the amazing aurora borealis.
Montreal, Quebec Province A welcoming city offering excellent shopping and nightlife plus a wander through the cobbled streets of Old Montreal a must to witness street musicians and artists.
Niagara Falls, Ontario Whether you choose to view Niagara from the US or the Canadian side it is a spectacular sight. The Horseshoe Falls on the Ontario side offers observation towers, restaurants, souvenir shops, and casinos to entertain.
Ottawa, Ontario The capital of Canada is a relaxed easy-going city offering historical highlights like the Byward Market as well as open green spaces, parks, and waterways.
Quebec, Quebec Province A historic small city with its French heritage and feel. I loved the cobbled streets, the fine restaurants, and the central square with probably the best Christmas shop in the world at the heart of the city.
Rockies, British Columbia A 3,000-mile mountain range stretching from British Columbia down to New Mexico in the United States. For awesome scenery, wildlife, and just fresh air there are few better places in the world to switch off and be inspired by nature.
Toronto, Ontario A city I visited back in the 90s and one that I loved for its cosmopolitan-friendly feel. A trip up the world-famous CN tower is of course a must.
Vancouver, British Columbia Back in the early 1990’s I first put foot on Canadian soil in Vancouver and immediately fell in love with the country. I just found it so authentic which sounds bizarre but that’s what I loved. Stanley Park for its green spaces, Granville Island for its food, or Chinatown for the shops and chaos.
Whistler, British Columbia The top ski resort in all of North America is dominated by the two famous mountains Whistler and Blackcomb. In the spring and summer, the resort is perfect for hiking and mountain activities.
Pre-bookable Excursions in Canada
More Information
Destination Canada provides a wide choice of useful information including places to go, things to do and what you can expect from the weather.
