Canada Through The Seasons

Vancouver in the Spring

Springtime in Vancouver is a great time to be in the city as you can enjoy both summer and winter activities. One of the city’s most well-known attractions in spring is the Cherry Blossom Festival - an annual event held in April that celebrates the blooms with events like the Cherry Jam Downtown Concert, Bike The Blossoms ride and cooking demonstrations from Vancouver’s top local chefs at Stanley Park Pavillion.

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Things to do and see in Vancouver

Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival

The annual Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival sees a calendar of events take place such as bike rides, cherry blossom viewing tours and arts events.

Drop by the Shipyards Night Market

This free Friday night market is home to more than 120 vendors selling fresh food, a beer garden serving local craft beer and live music showcasing British Columbia’s (BC) top talent. The Shipyards Night Market has frequently been voted as one of the best outdoor events in the city.

See whales congregate in the Strait of Georgia

A great thing to do in spring is to go on a whale watching excursion from Vancouver to the Gulf Islands region. You can see killer whales, porpoises, sea lions, seals, bald eagles and other wildlife.

Experience the thrill of the Vancouver International Auto Show

The Vancouver International Auto Show is Western Canada’s biggest car show where you can see iconic sports cars and the latest vehicles being released. Soon celebrating its 100th anniversary, this year’s show will kick off with a procession through the city and will feature vehicles from each decade of the show.

Restaurants/foods to try in Vancouver

Eat BC’s most famous seafood at the Spot Prawn Festival

The Spot Prawn Festival celebrates the start of the spot prawn season in BC's coastal waters and it educates diners about this local delicacy. Restaurants across the Lower Mainland will put on special menus during the season.

Bridges Restaurant

A landmark restaurant in Vancouver since 1980, Bridges Restaurant is the place to be for seafood and fish but its menu also features fresh meats and local produce.

Bishop’s

The serial award-winning Bishop’s restaurant blends BC’s delicious seafood and organic produce with a casual atmosphere that will make you want to keep coming back.

Did you know?

• According to Tourism Vancouver, 40,000 cherry trees burst into life in Vancouver during spring.
• Vancouver’s Stanley Park is 10% larger than Central Park in New York. One of the best ways to explore it is by bike.
• Vancouver’s historic Chinatown is one of the largest in North America with the city being home to the highest proportion of Asian people per capita of any North American city.
• Vancouver regularly ranks as one of the most liveable cities in the world. It recently was ranked sixth in a report released in 2019.

Read more about Vancouver

Yukon in the Spring

Life in the Yukon starts to bloom in spring as migratory birds fly into town, bears blearily emerge after winter, and plants erupt with colour. The weather at the beginning of the season is still chilly, but the province begins to thaw out so you can enjoy all the delights of this Canadian territory.

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Things to do and see in Yukon

Watch the Northern Lights in early spring

The Yukon is one of the best places in Canada to watch the Northern Lights. The top regions in Yukon to watch them include Campbell, Klondike, Kluane, Watson Lake and just outside the capital city, Whitehorse.

Yukon Wildlife Preserve

At the Yukon Wildlife Preserve, you can see more than 12 iconic Yukon species either on foot via a three-mile loop or on a guided bus tour. Keep your eyes peeled for moose, Canadian lynx and more.

Go hiking and explore Gold Rush ruins and an alpine paradise

Yukon is an adventurer's wonderland, home to Canada’s tallest mountains and the world’s largest non-polar icefield. It is also a great place to go hiking, with the Slim River West and Chilkoot trails popular routes.

Relax at Takhini Hot Pools

People have been coming for a soak at the Takhini Hot Pools for over 100 years. The hot springs are a relaxing 36°C and 42°C and the water is renowned for its therapeutic qualities.

Restaurant/foods to try in Yukon

Klondike Rib & Salmon

Housed in two of the oldest buildings in Whitehorse, Klondike Rib & Salmon specialises in serving wild game meats and home-made breads.

Antoinette's

Antoinette's is a mix of international cuisine with some Caribbean inspiration. The popular restaurant aims to create varied and interesting cultural recipes by using authentic ingredients in its dishes.

Alpine Bakery

One of the oldest eateries in Whitehorse, the Alpine Bakery is much more than just a bakery, also home to a cosy café serving fresh foods like pizzas and soups.

Did you know?

• The name ‘Yukon’ originated from the Gwich'in native word, "Yuk-un-ah" meaning "Great River". This refers to the Yukon River which flows across the territory.
• Whitehorse was named the capital of the Yukon Territory in 1953. It was previously Dawson City.
• The Yukon Territory is roughly the size of Spain, stretching across over 483,000 square kilometres.
• In 1896, prospectors found gold in a creek near Dawson city and this was the beginning of the Klondike Gold Rush.

Read more about Yukon

Calgary in the Summer

There’s no doubt that Calgary is one of the best locations to visit during summer - largely thanks to the ‘Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth' the Calgary Stampede. Hosted yearly in July, this iconic event is a must-visit, delighting visitors with a rodeo, delicious food, top music, and many exciting shows.

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Things to see and do in Calgary

Calgary Stampede

Calgary Stampede is Canada’s world-famous, 10-day long celebration of the nation’s culture. Originating in 1912, people flock from across the globe to enjoy the rodeos, music, food, and shows.

Raft down the Bow River with The Paddle Station

Rafting down the Bow River is a thrilling summer activity when in Calgary. Book your ride with The Paddle Station and enjoy a hassle-free trip on the water under the Calgary sun.

Calaway Park – Western Canada’s largest amusement park

With 32 family-friendly rides and a host of great entertainment, Calaway Park is the largest amusement park in Western Canada. For affordable, family fun in Calgary, this is the place to be.

Calgary Folk Music Festival

Calgary Folk Music Festival is a must for music lovers. Run by a charity, the festival has been entertaining since 1980 and is held each summer over four days, featuring nearly 70 wonderful artists.

Restaurants and foods to try in Calgary

Charcut

Charcut in Downtown Calgary utilises simple ingredients to serve up award-winning, local, urban-rustic cuisine. The house butchered meats and seasonal menus help make this one of the city’s favourite dining spots.

Anju

Anju puts a delicious modern twist on Korean cuisine. The name translates to “food you eat with alcohol” and the casual food and excellent drinks served more than live up to the name.

Mister Chens

Mister Chens is one of the most popular Asian restaurants in Calgary. With an innovative menu of snacks, large plates, sweets, and cocktails, it’s a must-visit on your trip to the city.

Did you know?

Prince Edward Island in the Summer

For those who want to relax by the seaside during their summer Canada getaway, heading to Prince Edward Island is a perfect choice. Whether you want to stroll along its beaches or engage in some water sports, there is plenty of summer fun to be had at this eastern Maritime Province.

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Things to see and do on Prince Edward Island

Beaches such as Basin Head

No visit to PEI is complete without enjoying the summer sun at one of its lovely beaches. Head to the coast and relax on the white sand at locations such as Basin Head.

Kayaking

When visiting PEI, engaging in some water sports is a must. Enjoy kayaking with Outside Expeditions, who offer tours led by local guides to suit all ages.

Point Prim Lighthouse

Built in 1845, Point Prim Lighthouse is the oldest on PEI. This picturesque heritage site provides stunning views of the Northumberland Strait and even includes historical exhibits and a gift shop.

Island Hill Farm

Enjoy the idyllic vibe of life on Prince Edward Island at Island Hill Farm. This family farm lets visitors spend time with animals, including baby goats and rabbits.

Restaurants/foods to try on Prince Edward Island

Lobster at The Pearl Eatery

Between the fishing village of North Rustico and Cavendish Beach, The Pearl Eatery excels in serving up exquisite PEI cuisine. You can even try some of the island’s famous local lobster.

Clam Diggers Beach House and Restaurant

Seafood lovers are in their element on PEI and Clam Diggers Beach House and Restaurant has some of the island’s best offerings. What could be better than clams, chowder, crab and waterfront views?

COWS Ice Cream

With an inviting seaside atmosphere comes great ice cream, served up at COWS. Here, you can find a plethora of delicious local flavours made from the highest quality ingredients.

Did you know?

• PEI was named after King George III’s fourth son, Prince Edward, Duke of Kent and Strathearn.
• PEI is Canada’s smallest province, both in terms of land size and population.
• Due to its small size, there is no place on the island that is more than 16kms from the sea.
• Charlottetown – the capital of Prince Edward Island – was named after Queen Charlotte, the wife of King George III.

Read more about Prince Edward Island

Algonquin Park in the Autumn

Algonquin Park is one of Canada’s most spectacular wilderness regions with rocky ridges, forests and thousands of lakes to explore. Autumn is a great time to visit as the spectacular colours of the foliage makes the park a photographer’s dream.

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Things to do in Algonquin Park

Photograph the fall foliage

Algonquin Park is the place to go if you want to capture the breath-taking fall foliage as the leaves turn golden, red and orange. To avoid the crowds, visit during weekdays.

Fish at one of its 1,500 lakes with Algonquin Park Canoe Trips

Algonquin Park Canoe Trips will take you to the best fishing spots in the park and will teach you how to fish, Algonquin style.

Algonquin Art Centre

Inspired by Canada’s wilderness, the Algonquin Art Centre showcases landscape and wildlife art from the country’s leading painters, sculptors and carvers.

Cycle the Old Railway Bike Trail

The Old Railway Bike Trail follows the abandoned bed of the historic Ottawa, Arnprior, and Parry Sound Railway and is now a popular cycling route for locals and visitors.

Restaurants/foods to try near Algonquin Park

Eclipse Restaurant & Terrace at the Deerhurst Resort

With sweeping lake vistas and its locally-inspired menus, the Eclipse Restaurant & Terrace at the Deerhurst Resort is a popular choice for diners. With its Ontario cheeses, smoked fish and chocolate fountains you can understand why!

Muskoka on the Rocks

Muskoka on the Rocks is just 20-minutes from Algonquin Provincial Park and is dubbed Muskoka’s most famous pub. You can enjoy home-cooked meals and mouth-watering desserts like a five-layer chocolate cake.

Moose Café & Grill

If you love home cooking then you’ve come to the right place! Moose Café & Grill serves homemade soups, all day breakfasts and handcrafted burgers.

Did you know?

• The best time to see the fall foliage at Algonquin Park is from mid-September to mid-October.
• Established in 1893, Algonquin Park was the first provincial park in Ontario.
• The park has been the inspiration for over 40 books, 1,800 scientific papers, a dozen films, a symphony, and the art of Tom Thomson and the Group of Seven.
• The park has had its boundaries changed eight times to incorporate 15 additional parcels of land.

Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia

The world-famous Cabot Trail on the picturesque Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia is one of the best locations to visit in autumn. Along the 185-mile road, you will see the highlights of the island including beautiful coastlines and highlands. It is little surprise that this is one of the most popular destinations for people using our car hire services in Canada.

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Things to see and do on the Cabot Trail

Watersports

With North River Kayak Tours you can enjoy the stunning autumn colours and discover the hidden coastline of Cape Breton Island. There are sea kayaking tours to suit everyone’s needs from beginner to advanced paddlers.

Hike the Skyline Trail

This dramatic headland cliff offers stunning views over the rugged coast and the Cabot Trail as it winds its way down the mountain. You might spot moose, bald eagles and other birds during the walk.

Relax on the Ingonish Beach

The Ingonish Beach is unique as you can jump from saltwater at the beach to a freshwater lake in just a few, small steps. Its golden sand, countryside and headlands make it one of the most popular stops along the Cabot Trail.

Celtic Colours International Festival

The Celtic Colours International Festival is a nine-day festival with over 50 concerts. Cape Breton Island comes alive with music, energy and excitement as people come from all over the world to celebrate the region’s culture.

Restaurants/foods to try on the Cabot Trail

The Bite House

The Bite House is inspired by the different seasons and it takes pride in the fact that diners can enjoy meals that include ingredients sourced from local farmers.

Harbour Restaurant & Bar

The Harbour Restaurant & Bar is a family run restaurant that aims to offer you a unique dining experience. It’s famed for its seafood and pasta dishes, but you can also enjoy strip loin steak, burgers and other delicious meals.

The Rusty Anchor Restaurant

Being the halfway point on the Cabot Trail, The Rusty Anchor Restaurant is the perfect place to stop for food or a drink. You can enjoy the best lobster rolls in the area and other great foods like mussels, pasta and burgers.

Did you know?

• The Cabot Trail was named after Italian explorer John Cabot (Giovanni Caboto) in 1497. He was sailing on a mission for King Henry VII.
• The Celtic Colours International Festival isn’t held in one location as communities around Cape Breton Island host concerts and workshops.
• The Cabot Trail was completed in 1932 after it joined previously isolated fishing villages.
• Approximately 88% of the Cape Breton Highlands National Park is forested.

Read more about the Cabot Trail

Québec City in the Winter

Québec City is a beautiful location and is made even better during winter. For those looking for a city break, Québec has plenty to offer, including the popular Québec Winter Carnival, held every February. With parades, snow sculptures, and numerous activities such as axe throwing, a canoe race and winter wrestling, it’s the perfect spot to be in.

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Things to see and do in Québec City

Winter Carnival

There is no better way to spend winter in Québec City than at Québec Winter Carnival. Enjoy snow sculptures, parades, ice skating, and music at this celebration of all things winter.

Montmorency Falls Park

The spectacular historic site of Montmorency Falls Park boasts an incredible 83-metre-high waterfall, taller than Niagara Falls! Getting up close and exploring the park is a delightfully romantic winter activity to enjoy.

Walking tour of Old Québec

Charming Old Québec is essential any time of the year but during winter an extra layer of magic exists. Utilising a walking tour from A Free Tour of Québec will help you discover its secrets for yourself.

Jacques-Cartier National Park

Only 30 minutes from Québec City, Jacques-Cartier National Park presents mountainous surroundings with gorgeous deep glacial valleys. Enjoy winter-hiking, snowshoeing, skating, fatbiking, wildlife watching, and much more.

Restaurants/foods to try in Québec City

Local Québec City Food Tours

What better way to experience a city’s food culture than by going on a tour? Québec City Food Tours connect visitors to the community of the city via culinary tours of its best foodie spots.

Buvette Écho

Buvette Écho is a wonderful and lively restaurant to visit with friends or family. Their cosy and comfortable décor is a perfect match for the flexible and delicious menu of bison, pasta, and foie gras.

Poutine with beer at Korrigane

Poutine – fries, cheese curds and gravy - is one of Canada’s most famous dishes. When you’re in Québec City, Korrigane is a great spot to try it out along with their beloved artisanal brews.

Did you know?

• Only 1.5% of Québec City has English as a mother tongue. 95% speak French as their native language.
• The name ‘Québec’ comes from the Algonquin word ‘kébec’ meaning "where the river narrows".
• Québec City is home to the oldest French speaking community in North America.
• Québec City has 4.6 kilometres of walls and is the only walled city north of Mexico.

Read more about Québec City

Banff in the Winter

Banff is one of Canada’s most sought after winter destinations and it’s easy to see why. With its incredible snowfall and breath-taking mountains, Banff is a skier’s paradise. When you throw in the beautiful Moraine Lake and historic sites into the mix, you’ve got the perfect winter holiday destination.

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Things to see and do in Banff

Skiing

Banff has some of the best skiing anywhere in the world. With stunning Mount Norquay, Lake Louise Ski Resort, and Sunshine Village, skiers are spoilt for choice.

Moraine Lake

The glacially fed Moraine Lake is one of Banff’s premier attractions. It’s not hard to see why with its majestic beauty, perfect for holiday snaps and hiking around its mountainous surroundings.

Cave and Basin National Historic Site

Cave and Basin National Historic Site is the birthplace of Canada’s national parks. Here visitors can learn about the natural history of the mountain and experience the hot water that pours from the rocks.

Drive along the Icefields Parkway

When in Banff, you must drive along the famous Icefields Parkway. This stretch from Jasper to Lake Louise is dotted with over 100 ancient glaciers, as well as dramatic waterfalls and tranquil lakes.

Restaurants/foods to try in Banff

Nourish Bistro

For fresh vegetarian cuisine in Banff, you will want to stop by Nourish Bistro. Their globally-inspired plant-based comfort food is an ideal match for their unique share-style service.

The Maple Leaf

At The Maple Leaf, diners can look forward to chowing down on a Canadian-inspired culinary experience. Their rustic-modern setting is the perfect dining spot after a day on the slopes.

Sky Bistro

For incredible views, Sky Bistro, perched on Sulphur Mountain, is a must. Luckily, its locally sourced menu of unique Canadian flavours is more than a match for the scenery.

Did you know?

• At 4,537 feet, Banff is the highest town in Canada.
• Banff National Park is the third-oldest national park in the world.
• At 6,641 square kilometres, Banff National Park is the second largest mountain park in Canada.
• There are over 1,000 glaciers in Banff National Park and more than 1,000 miles of hiking trails.

Read more about Banff