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Pure nature

Round trip Canada

Canada is a country of vast distances and breathtaking natural beauty. You’ll find mountain ranges, rugged coastlines, dense forests, glaciers, canyons and lakes that seem almost endless. On a road trip, you’ll see just how varied the country is. From the Rocky Mountains to Vancouver Island and from Niagara Falls to the tranquil wilderness of the north. Canada is also a special destination for those who love wildlife. Depending on the region and the season, you may spot whales, orcas, moose, bears, wolves and eagles. The combination of nature, wide open spaces and small towns along the way makes Canada ideal for travellers who love the outdoors and prefer to travel at their own pace.

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Discover the highlights of Canada

In Canada, there are many different directions to explore. In the west, you can travel through British Columbia and Alberta, with famous nature reserves such as Banff and Jasper National Park. Here you’ll find mountains, clear blue lakes, forests and glaciers. Vancouver is a lovely city in which to start or end a trip, whilst Vancouver Island is renowned for its coastal scenery, beaches, rainforest and whales. In eastern Canada, you’ll find cities such as Toronto, Montréal and Québec City. Niagara Falls is also well worth a visit here. This region combines city life, culture, history and nature in an accessible way. Those wishing to venture further off the beaten track might consider Newfoundland, Nova Scotia or the Yukon. These regions are quieter and offer a different perspective on Canada. Think rugged coastlines, small fishing villages, vast forests and, in the north, even the chance to see the Northern Lights.

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Sample trips from Canada

Well-groomed travel across Canada

A tour of Canada with Avila Reizen is carefully put together. You’ll stay in charming, small-scale accommodation, travel at a leisurely pace and be given an itinerary that suits your wishes. There’s room for well-known highlights, but also for less crowded spots along the way. Canada is ideal for road trips through nature reserves, drives along mountain passes, stops by lakes and overnight stays in special locations. Given the long distances involved, a well-planned route is essential. This ensures you travel in comfort and prevents the trip from becoming too packed.

Country information on Canada
Best travel time Canada
Sightseeing in Canada
Frequently asked questions Canada

Natural treasures along the North American coast
Canada stretches from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean. As a result, there are significant differences between regions. On the west coast, you’ll find islands, rainforest and rugged coastlines. Inland lie forests, lakes and mountainous areas. In the east, you’ll find historic towns, rivers and famous natural attractions such as Niagara Falls. Well-known highlights include the crystal-clear blue lakes of Banff and Jasper, Vancouver Island, the national parks in the Rocky Mountains and the coastal regions of Eastern Canada.

Western Canada: nature and adventure
Western Canada is best known for the Rocky Mountains, national parks and vast natural landscapes. In Banff and Jasper, you can go hiking, spot wildlife, drive alongside lakes and enjoy mountain scenery. Whistler and Tofino are also popular destinations for travellers wishing to combine nature with comfort and activities. The region is ideal for hiking, kayaking, cycling, whale-watching and road trips. At the same time, there are plenty of peaceful spots to keep the pace of your trip relaxed.

Vibrant cities full of character
Cities such as Vancouver, Montréal, Toronto and Québec City reveal a different side to Canada. Vancouver is close to nature and boasts beaches, parks and mountains in the surrounding area. Toronto is large, modern and diverse. Montréal is rich in culture, with plenty of restaurants, festivals and French influences. Québec City has a more historic feel, with narrow old streets and a distinct French-Canadian atmosphere. Combining these cities with natural areas adds variety to a tour.

Travelling through Canada
Canada is ideal for exploring by hire car. This offers a great deal of freedom, particularly in nature reserves. You can stop wherever you like, visit small towns and tailor your route to your own pace. On some routes, travelling by train is also a great option, for example if you want to travel at a deliberately slower pace and enjoy the scenery along the way. Given the vast distances involved, it’s important to make choices. A trip through Western Canada is very different from one through Eastern Canada. Regions such as the Yukon, Newfoundland and Nova Scotia also call for a bespoke itinerary. A well-planned itinerary ensures you see plenty, without spending too much time on the road each day.

Avila Travel Canada Niagara Falls
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Canada has significant regional differences. The best time to visit therefore depends on the region and the type of trip you wish to take. For hiking, road trips and nature tours, the warmer months are often the most pleasant. For winter sports or visiting cities in winter, winter is the ideal time.

Spring (April – June): Spring is a good time to visit southern Canada. Nature is slowly coming to life, cities are pleasant to visit and it is often quieter than in summer. This is a lovely time to visit Toronto, Montréal, Québec City and parts of Eastern Canada. In mountainous areas, there may still be snow in spring. Some hiking trails or mountain passes may not yet be open. Bear this in mind when planning your itinerary.

Summer (July – August): Summer is the most popular time to visit Canada. This is a great time for road trips, hiking, camping, kayaking and wildlife excursions. In Western Canada, the national parks are easily accessible, and along the coast of British Columbia there are opportunities to spot whales and bears. Do bear in mind that popular parks such as Banff and Jasper can get very busy. Prices are also often higher during these months.

Autumn (September – October): Autumn is a lovely time for a tour. It is quieter than in summer and the temperatures are often still pleasant. In Eastern Canada in particular, Québec and Ontario are renowned for their autumn colours. The forests turn red, orange and yellow, making the route even more beautiful. September can also be a lovely month for Western Canada. Later in the autumn, the weather becomes more changeable and some areas can get colder.

Winter (November – March): Winter is particularly appealing for winter sports and winter city breaks. Whistler, Banff and other ski resorts attract travellers keen to ski or snowboard. Cities such as Québec City and Ottawa also have a unique atmosphere in winter, with snow, ice rinks and winter festivals. Anyone travelling in winter should be prepared for cold weather, snow and longer journey times. It is therefore important to be well prepared.

Please note: Canada is an enormous country. As a result, the weather can vary significantly from region to region. The west coast is often milder, whilst the north and mountainous areas are colder. In some regions, there may even still be snow on the ground in spring. Would you like to avoid the crowds and extreme temperatures? Then spring and autumn are often good times to visit, depending on your chosen route.

Canada Abraham Lake
Avila Travel Canada Grizzly bear

Canada has many attractions that fit perfectly into a tour. One itinerary focuses mainly on nature and national parks, whilst another places greater emphasis on cities, culture and coastal areas.

Key attractions in Canada include:

  • Niagara Falls: One of the world’s most famous waterfalls, which can be easily combined with a visit to Toronto and Eastern Canada.
  • Québec City: A historic city in Eastern Canada with narrow, old streets, French influences and a distinct atmosphere of its own.
  • Banff National Park: A well-known national park in the Rocky Mountains featuring mountains, lakes, forests and walking trails.
  • Vancouver Island: A beautiful island with coastal towns, rainforest, beaches and opportunities for whale watching.
  • Toronto: Canada’s largest city, with diverse neighbourhoods, museums, restaurants and the CN Tower.
  • Montreal: A beautiful historic city with French influences, culture, festivals, art and plenty of excellent restaurants.
  • Ottawa: Canada’s capital, featuring museums, historic buildings and Parliament.
  • Yukon: A vast northern region featuring mountains, forests, wilderness and a rich history centred on the Klondike Gold Rush.

Canada is ideal for travellers who wish to combine nature, cities, culture and active excursions.

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Avila Travel Canada Toronto skyline by night

1. Do I need a visa for Canada?
No visa is usually required for travellers from the Netherlands, Belgium and the EU for stays of up to 6 months. However, an electronic travel authorisation (eTA) is required for travellers arriving by air. Always check the latest entry requirements for your nationality before leaving.

2. What is the best length of stay for Canada?
For a tour of Canada, 14 to 21 days is a good length of stay. This gives you plenty of time to explore one or more regions in depth. Given the vast distances involved, it’s wise not to try to cram too much into a single trip.

3. What’s the best way to travel around Canada?
A hire car is often the most flexible way to explore Canada. This is particularly convenient in nature reserves and rural areas. In addition, there are domestic flights between major cities, train routes on certain stretches and seaplanes to remote locations.

4. Can Canada be easily combined with another travel destination?
Yes, Canada can be easily combined with the United States. Alaska also fits well with certain itineraries, particularly for travellers who wish to focus on nature and the wilderness.

5. Will I get by fine with English in Canada?
In most provinces, English is the main language. In Québec, French is predominantly spoken. In tourist areas, you can usually get by just fine with English. A few basic French words do come in handy in Québec, though.

Our travel specialists will be happy to assist you with any enquiries about a trip to Canada. Together, we’ll put together an itinerary that suits your requirements, travel dates and preferred style of travel.

Avila Travel Canada Quebec Gaspésie Percé
Avila Travel Canada Seaplane

Train trips

Train travel in Canada offers a comfortable and spectacular way to explore vast landscapes, from the Rockies to the coast, at leisure.

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Photo credit Rocky Mountaineer Onboard Gold Leaf Service Host

Cruises

Cruises in Canada take in impressive fjords, pristine coastlines and picturesque port towns. In addition, Canada is often the base for cruises to Alaska.

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"Canada stole our hearts with its mountains, lakes and bears. An unforgettable experience!" - Family de Weerd

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