Canada: A Place Where Wilderness and Civilisation Mix
Canada, the second-largest country in the world by land area, offers a breathtaking collation of diverse landscapes, vibrant cities, and rich cultural experiences. From the rugged coastlines of the Atlantic provinces to the towering peaks of the Rocky Mountains, and from the cosmopolitan buzz of Toronto to the Francophone charm of Quebec City, this vast nation promises a set of experiences like no other.
In July 2019, I spent some time around Vancouver in British Columbia, when I also got to explore part of Vancouver Island and around Squamish. The weather rather spoilt me with all the warm sunshine and no wildlife encounters intruded on my perambulations either, even if I did carry bear spray on incursions into the countryside around North Vancouver and Squamish. My appetite was whetted for further North Atlantic trips, such as spending some time around Toronto and Ontario.
Of Natural Attractions & Urban Experiences
Nature enthusiasts will find themselves spoilt for choice in Canada's great outdoors. The country gains much from an extensive network of national parks managed by Parks Canada, offering opportunities for camping, hiking and wildlife viewing. For those without a car, Parkbus may help with getting to and from at least one of these. The Trans Canada Trail, stretching over 24,000 kilometres, connects urban and rural communities, inviting adventurers to explore on foot, bicycle, or even by canoe. For those venturing into bear country, resources like the Get Bear Smart Society provide essential information on wildlife safety.
Canada's cities are a melting pot of cultures, each with its own unique character. Toronto, often considered one of the world's most multicultural cities, boasts a thriving arts scene and iconic landmarks like the CN Tower. Vancouver, nestled between mountains and sea, offers a perfect blend of urban sophistication and outdoor adventure. Montreal charms visitors with its European flair and vibrant festivals, while Quebec City's historic old town transports travellers back in time with its cobblestone streets and centuries-old architecture.
Keeping It Canadian While Getting There and Away, or Getting Around
Canada is so big that air travel is the most efficient way of getting around the place. While high-speed rail travel may work in the maritime provinces, where interprovincial ferries have a part to play, it would take a lot of investment to make it happen on a larger scale when another alternative holds sway. Even the prospect of a climate emergency does not change the extent of one's physical geography.
International Air Travel
For coming and going from afar, there is a diverse array of air carriers from which to choose. Air Canada, the nation's flag carrier and largest airline, operates an extensive network spanning six continents, with major hubs in Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver. WestJet, the second-largest carrier, has grown from a low-cost alternative to a major player, serving destinations across North America, the Caribbean, Europe and Asia. Air Transat focuses on leisure travel, offering affordable options to popular holiday destinations.
Internal Air Travel
When it comes to regional and remote area service, several airlines play crucial roles: Porter Airlines provides premium short-haul flights from Toronto; Pacific Coastal Airlines serves British Columbia; Calm Air connects Manitoba and northern Saskatchewan; Central Mountain Air operates within British Columbia and Alberta, focusing on smaller communities; while Canadian North and Air North are as vital for reaching Northern Canada as PAL Airlines and Pascan Aviation are for the Atlantic provinces. These carriers collectively ensure comprehensive coverage of Canada's urban centres, remote communities and international connections, with many emphasising customer service, sustainability and the unique experiences of Canadian travel.
Rail Travel
For a more leisurely pace, VIA Rail Canada offers scenic train journeys that showcase the country's stunning landscapes, while luxury options like the Rocky Mountaineer and Royal Canadian Pacific provide an opulent way to traverse the iconic Rocky Mountains. After all of these, Tshiuetin Rail Transportation is an option, complementary to the others, that can get you from Emeril in Labrador to Schefferville in Quebec.
Using Other Providers When Coming and Going from Nearby
Air Travel
Several airlines provide services connecting Canada with its neighbours and facilitating domestic travel. Air Saint-Pierre offers essential air services between Saint Pierre and Miquelon and mainland Canada, while major American carriers like Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines operate extensive networks of flights connecting Canadian cities with US destinations. For travellers seeking a more unique flying experience, Kenmore Air operates seaplane services in the Pacific Northwest, including routes to the San Juan Islands and Canadian destinations. Their flights offer not only transportation but also stunning aerial views of the region's beautiful landscapes.
Ferry Services
Ferries offer a picturesque way to travel, especially useful for reaching islands or crossing bodies of water. The Alaskan Marine Highway System connects various Alaskan communities and extends services to Prince Rupert in British Columbia, providing an essential link along the Pacific coast. Other operators like Black Ball Ferry Line and Clipper Vacations provide services between the Pacific Northwest and Canada, offering both transportation and scenic cruises. The former of these sails between Port Angeles and Victoria, while the latter operates between Seattle and Victoria. There was a time when Washington State Ferries offered a route to Sidney on Vancouver Island, but that is in hiatus until at least 2030 at the time of writing; vessel and crew availability are the suggested difficulties causing this. Moving to the east coast of Canada, St. Pierre Ferry offers services between Newfoundland and the French territory of Saint Pierre and Miquelon, while The Cat operates seasonally between Maine and Nova Scotia.
Rail and Bus Services
For those who prefer land travel, there are several options. Amtrak, the US national rail service, provides connections to major Canadian cities, allowing travellers to enjoy scenic routes across the border. In the Pacific Northwest, Amtrak Cascades operates train services connecting Vancouver with US destinations like Seattle and Portland, offering a comfortable and picturesque travel option.
Bus services offer flexibility and affordability for travellers, though you may need to be aware of wait times at border crossings. Greyhound provides intercity bus services across Canada and into the United States, while BoltBus offers affordable services between select Canadian and US cities. For those travelling primarily in British Columbia, Quick Shuttle focuses on bus services in the region, with some US connections.
Travellers seeking something different might consider Alaska/Yukon Trails, which offers shuttle services throughout Alaska, including connections to Canadian destinations. This service provides a great way to explore the rugged beauty of the northern regions.
Maintaining Some Affordability
Budget-conscious travellers in Canada can take advantage of numerous affordable options. A network of hostels, operated by organisations such as Backpackers Hostels Canada, Hostelling International Canada and Samesun spans the country, allowing visitors to explore without breaking the bank. Anyone who can afford to pay a little more can try a B&B, of which you will find many across Canada.
For those looking to traverse this vast nation economically, various bus services offer extensive connections between cities and towns. These include regional operators like Coach Atlantic Group and MaritimeBus in the Atlantic provinces (some may take you across the Confederation Bridge that links Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick); Cold Shot and Ebus in Alberta and British Columbia. Additionally, larger services such as Flixbus and Rider Express provide interprovincial routes, ensuring budget-friendly travel options across Canada. These may prove more budget friendly than shuttle bookings like ones with Airport Shuttle Express or a premium express journey with Red Arrow, who operate in Alberta and Ontario.
Commitment to Advocacy
Canada's commitment to preserving its natural and cultural heritage is evident through organisations like the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS), Canada's only charity dedicated to the protection of public land, freshwater and ocean, and National Trust for Canada, which works tirelessly to protect historic places.
The country also celebrates its Indigenous heritage, with the Assembly of First Nations advocating for the rights and interests of First Nations communities. Destination Indigenous provides access to authentic Indigenous tourism experiences across Canada, connecting visitors with over 700 Indigenous communities from coast to coast. The initiative, launched in 2020 by the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC), promotes cultural sharing through various experiences including cultural tours and demonstrations, nature and wildlife encounters, traditional culinary experiences, Indigenous arts and crafts, authentic accommodation options, and community events and festivals.
Increasing One's Exposure
Whether you're seeking outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or simply a warm welcome in a new land, Canada offers something for every traveller. With its stunning natural beauty, diverse cities and friendly locals, this North American gem invites you to embark on an unforgettable journey of discovery. Before all that, you might want to consult some titles like Canadian Rockies Trail Guide from Summerthought Books, or try a periodical like Canadian Geographic, depending on how deep you want to go. There is plenty out there to inform trip planning, leaving aside Library and Archives Canada to those who are career researchers.
