Why Canada Is Climbing My Travel Wish List

At a talk I went to at yesterday’s World Travel Market conference, I learnt that Canada has climbed into the top ten destinations UK holidaymakers are considering for their next trip. ABTA’s latest Holiday Habits report puts it in ninth place, up from twelfth last year, with 5% of those planning an overseas holiday intending to visit.

It got me thinking about the Canadian holiday I would choose. Mountains and wildlife, interesting cities, good food and somewhere comfortable to put my feet up afterwards—there is plenty to tempt me.

The challenge would be narrowing it down.

The Canadian Rockies are an obvious starting point, with glacial lakes, dramatic peaks and the national parks around Banff and Jasper. The Atlantic coast offers a different experience, with coastal communities, forests and a slower pace.

One thing I would definitely want to include is a journey on the Rocky Mountaineer. With its glass-domed carriages and routes through the mountain scenery of western Canada, it is easy to understand the hype. Travelling by daylight means the views are the main event, with hotel stays overnight. For me, that combination of spectacular scenery and comfortable travel would be hard to resist.

I would choose one region and give it the time it deserves. Trying to squeeze everything into one holiday sounds more exhausting than enjoyable, and I would rather have an extra night somewhere special than spend another day in transit.

A city stay would feature too. Vancouver appeals for its waterfront restaurants and access to the outdoors. Toronto has its neighbourhoods, food and arts scene, while Montréal offers historic streets, French heritage and festivals.

A few days exploring Vancouver, followed by the train into the Rockies and a stay at a lakeside lodge, sounds like my sort of itinerary. Plenty to see and do, with time to enjoy a good dinner and the hotel rather than simply sleep there.

The season would shape the trip. Summer brings hiking, kayaking and coastal road trips; winter offers skiing and snowboarding. Autumn brings colourful forests, while wildlife experiences can include whales, bears and moose, depending on where and when you travel.

I came away from yesterday’s talk wanting to know more. Canada’s top-ten position makes a good headline, but the chance to combine adventure, a memorable rail journey and some lovely places to stay is what has moved it up my own list.