1) British Columbia (Mountains of Western Canada on Foot)
This active adventure destination takes you to each of the mountain chains of Western Canada from Vancouver to Calgary, with outstanding day hikes in the country’s finest national and provincial parks. At night stay in comfortable hotels or mountain lodges and during the day fully supported hikes reveal the natural splendours that this area is famous for. Home of elk, moose, caribou, bighorn sheep, black and grizzly bears; this is a vast wilderness of countless alpine lakes and pristine rugged mountains. On foot, explore places with names like ‘Meadows in the Sky’, enjoy spectacular ridge hikes, and award yourself with sweeping vistas across granite peaks and tumbling glaciers. This is truly a hiker’s paradise.
2) Alberta (High Trails of the Canadian Rockies)
The stunning peaks, glaciers and high passes of the Canadian Rockies are best appreciated on foot. This adventure destination packs in the highlights of the area’s best parks, including an exhilarating heli-hike at the base of Mt Assiniboine, the “Matterhorn” of the Canadian Rockies. Waterton Lakes National Park with its red rock canyons and deep blue lakes is the perfect backdrop for your first hike. Make your way north through Kananaskis country to the town of Banff. For the next 2 days, you will enjoy alpine hikes in Banff National Park, across scenic mountain passes, surrounded by alpine lakes and meadows. Back on the road, along the famous Columbia Icefields Parkway, stop and hike to Wilcox Pass for sweeping views of the Columbia Icefield. In Lake Louise, choose from a treasure trove of great hikes with awesome views over Moraine Lake and the Valley of the Ten Peaks. Finally helicopter into the base of Mt Assiniboine, and undertake a unique heli hike into a remote area where you will camp for 2 nights and spend the days enjoying high alpine hikes (up to 2635m) with panoramic views stretching from dramatic Mt Assiniboine to Kootenay National Park.
3) British Columbia (Haida Gwaii Adventure)
The Islands of Haida Gwaii, also dubbed the “Canada’s Galapagos”, is located on the north coast of British Colombia and consist of over 100 islands which include some of the richest biological and cultural areas in North America. These isolated islands offer pristine wilderness and due to their remoteness, are rarely visited. During your voyage, expect to see heaps of wildlife including humpback whales, dolphins, orcas. sea lions, black bears and an abundance of bird species. Haida is one of the most culturally rich and developed groups to inhabit early North America. Experienced naturalists and crew provide great knowledge and will teach you about the history and customs of the Haida people. Reach the archipelago by boat on board the Island Roamer. A special bonus is the option to hop into a kayak for more intimate exploration while the vessel is anchored in calm waters.
4) Newfoundland & Labrador (East Coast Trail hiking)
The East Coast Trail is a series of 24 wilderness paths totaling 265 km along the Avalon Peninsula; ranked the world’s top coastal destination in 2016 by National Geographic. Enjoy ocean splendors from the shore while traversing towering cliffs and headlands, sea stacks, coves, and deep fjords. Along the way, enjoy picturesque bay-side communities, abandoned settlements, ecological reserves, and a special lighthouse picnic. The package includes ECT day hikes such as the popular Sugarloaf section, north of St. John’s, the most easterly point of North America at Cape Spear, and stunning, remote sections farther south such as Flamber Head Path and the trail to the impressive sea arch at Berry Head. Take in the history and culture of small fishing towns, including charming Petty Harbour and Renews; one of the very first harbours in North America to be frequented by Europeans. There is a real possibility of whale, moose, or iceberg sightings while on the trail; but encounters with genuine, story-telling local hosts are guaranteed!
5) New Brunswick (Bay of Fundy Trek)
Experience UNESCO’s Fundy Biosphere Reserve, the World’s highest tides, local hospitality, and fire-side gourmet meals during a 4-day trek along the rugged Fundy Footpath. The Footpath is a unique 49km section of the Trans Canada Trail – A country-wide network of trails stretching from the Atlantic to the Pacific. This impressive section has been described as one of the very best experiences Canada has to offer. This special itinerary offers a rare and intimate experience with the changing tides, local story-telling, and fully-supported hiking along the shores of one of the last remaining stretches of wilderness on the continent’s east coast. Enjoy a gourmet lobster dinner on the beach, or fire grilled bacon wrapped scallops before falling asleep to the sound of the tides and waking up to the challenge of the trail’s ups and downs, roots and rocks, creeks and crossings. As bookends to the 4-day trek, walk the ocean floor at the famous Hopewell Rocks, hike in beautiful Fundy National Park, learn about the local history and culture, and enjoy expansive lookouts from the Fundy Trail Parkway.
6) Nova Scotia (Hike, bike and kayak Cape Breton)
Get ready for adventure with this multi-activity itinerary in the beautiful coastal scenery of Cape Breton Island. Renowned for its rugged coastal cliffs, rocky shores and the famous Cabot Trail, Cape Breton is a dream destination for those who seek active adventures. You’ll get to see the stunning natural beauty of Cape Breton from high above when hiking on top of the highlands and a completely different side of the island will be revealed when exploring the shoreline from a kayak. Cycling on the Cabot Trail will have you speeding down the hilly roads, but be sure to slow down to admire the ocean views!
7) Quebec (Quebec’s Blueberry Bicycle Route)
The Véloroute des Bleuets is a 256 km paved cycling circuit around Saint-Jean Lake, approximately 2 hours north of Quebec City. The well-established route offers a gentle ride through farmland, forest, small towns, lovely beaches and many small tourist attractions. Relatively short days of cycling allow you to truly discover the region with its warm hospitality and to indulge in the route’s namesake – blueberries – which grow wild and are farmed throughout the area. You’ll find them sold by the basket, in pies, chocolates and even combined with local game meat for a real local delicacy. Also along the route are fantastic microbreweries (microbrasseries), cheese shops and plenty of opportunities to sample Quebec’s most famous dish – Poutine. The lake itself drains east into the Saguenay River fjord which in turn drains into the mighty St. Lawrence River. The entire tourist region is known as ‘Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean’