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Canada stretches from Pacific rainforests to Arctic tundra, with the Rocky Mountains and shimmering Great Lakes in between.
Outdoor adventures abound, from hiking alpine trails and skiing world-class slopes to spotting moose and bears in dense woodland. Yet, Canada’s cities are alive with a different kind of energy; perfect for tucking into unique cuisines, exploring a melting pot of cultures, and immersing yourself in art.
Yet, in a country of contrasts that’s 41 times bigger than the UK, it can be difficult to decide where to spend your time. Most travellers to Canada face the decision of whether to head to the West’s mountainous wilderness or to the East’s diverse, vibrant cities, as each have unique draws.
To help you choose between these two different but equally compelling sides of Canada, we’ve partnered with Cosmos, one of the UK’s leading providers of escorted tours. Their Canadian Rockies and Ontario and French Canada tours are carefully designed to showcase the best of both sides of this special country.
On a Cosmos holiday, everything is taken care of for you, from transport to sightseeing and accommodation, meaning you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the journey. Expert guides will also be on hand to show you the sights, and you’ll have plenty of time to explore at your leisure.
Rest Less members can currently save up to £100 per couple when you quote RESTLESS50. Plus, save up to £700 per couple on selected tours, including Canadian Maritimes Adventure and Canadian Masterpiece with Rocky Mountaineer.
Highlights of Canada’s Wild West
Explore turquoise lakes and mountain peaks in Canada’s most famous national parks
Banff and Jasper, Canada’s most iconic mountain parks, are connected by the Icefield Parkway, a spectacular 290km route through the very core of the Rockies.
Banff offers serene turquoise lakes, incredible mountain scenery, bubbling hot springs, and lush forests. Lake Louise, known as ‘the Jewel of the Rockies’, sits surrounded by snow-capped peaks and nearby, the world-famous Moraine Lake is cradled by the Valley of the Ten Peaks, and offers picturesque hiking trails from its shores.
Jasper, the Rockies’ largest national park, is equally beautiful. A 15-minute hike at Peyto Lake rewards with panoramic views of aquamarine waters and majestic mountains. Mount Edith Cavell, one of Jasper’s most impressive peaks, rises 3,000 metres beside the Angel Glacier and flower-filled meadows, like something out of a dream.
Beyond Jasper’s scenery, a thrilling ride aboard an Ice Explorer all-terrain vehicle allows visitors to get up close and personal with the Athabasca Glacier, part of the Columbia Icefield and the Rockies’ largest expanse of ice. The glacier is 10,000 years old, has been melting for 125 years, and is frequently used by climate scientists to monitor the effects of rising temperatures.
Spot grizzly bears, bald eagles, and migrating whales
Canada is one of the world’s best destinations for wildlife viewing, and it’s no secret that the wild west is home to some of its most special inhabitants.
In Banff and Jasper, you can spot everything from elk, caribou, and moose to bears, wolves, mountain goats, and bighorn sheep, as well as various birds and other smaller creatures, like pikas and marmots.
Canada also has the most bald eagles on the planet, with government stats estimating there to be 20,000 to 30,000 in British Columbia alone. The British Columbia coast, particularly around Vancouver Island, ranks among the world’s top whale-watching destinations. Of the 30+ whale species found in Canadian waters, visitors regularly encounter orcas, belugas, minke whales, humpback whales, and gray whales.
But no trip to Canada is complete without spotting a grizzly bear. According to government statistics, British Columbia alone is said to be home to as many as 15,000 grizzly bears, as well as black bears, and the near-mythical white bear.
Hike, ski, and kayak through wild landscapes
Western Canada’s wild, untamed nature makes it ideal for anyone wanting to explore the Great Outdoors. Hiking is undoubtedly one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the beauty of the Rockies, and with thousands of well-maintained trails, you won’t be short of choice.
Alternatively, the turquoise waters of Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and other reservoirs offer unique canoeing, kayaking, and whitewater rafting experiences. And the Rockies and coastal mountains of Western Canada offer vast swathes of world-class ski terrain. In small villages like Tofino on Vancouver Island, you’ll also find some of the best surfing waves in Canada.
Discover vibrant cities on the Pacific coast
Western Canada might be best known for its nature, wildlife, and adventure offerings, but there are plenty of opportunities to get a taste of city life here.
Victoria, British Columbia’s capital, charms visitors with its fascinating museums, quirky independent shops, well-preserved British colonial architecture, and thriving arts scene. True to its nickname, ‘Garden City’, Victoria is popular for its beautifully maintained public spaces, including the world-famous Butchart Gardens and its 55 acres of impressive floral displays that bloom year-round.
A scenic ferry ride across the Gulf Islands will bring you to vibrant Vancouver, where coastal beauty meets a truly cosmopolitan culture. Wander the streets of Gastown (Vancouver’s oldest neighbourhood), get immersed in the largest art gallery in Western Canada, or eat your way around Granville Island, which hosts performing arts and cultural festivals throughout the year.
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Canada | 14 days
Additional fees apply, check provider site for details
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Cosmos Western Canada by Rail*
Canada | 9 days
Additional fees apply, check provider site for details
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USA & Canada | 17 days | Flights Included
Additional fees apply, check provider site for details
Highlights of Canada’s cultural east
Experience multicultural metropolises and historic sites
Outdoor lovers may be drawn to the untamed, natural beauty of Western Canada, but the vibrant cities of the East are a hotspot for foodies, cultural enthusiasts, and history buffs. Centuries of French and British colonial history have created urban landscapes that wouldn’t look out of place in Europe.
Toronto is considered the most culturally diverse city in the world, with over half its residents born outside Canada. And despite being home to nearly three million people, it maintains a surprisingly neighbourly feel. Discover everything from ancient civilisations to contemporary Canadian art at the Royal Ontario Museum, tuck into fresh food at the beloved St. Lawrence Market, and take in panoramic views from the iconic 1,815-foot-tall CN Tower, which sits proudly beside the shores of beautiful Lake Ontario.
In Ottawa, Canada’s capital, the neo-Gothic Parliament building is an impressive sight. Visitors can also cruise along the UNESCO Rideau Canal, cycle through scenic parks and tree-lined canals, and stop by the famous Byward Market, where specialty food shops, diverse restaurants, and foodie tours abound.
Then, in Quebec and Montreal, North American charm meets European flair. Here, you’ll find iconic landmarks like Chateau Frontenac, a grand historic hotel, Basilica de Notre-Dame-du-Cap, with its striking stained-glass windows, and Place Royale, the historic square known as the birthplace of Canada.
Discover French-Canadian culture and European charm
Eastern Canada’s cities differ greatly from those in the West, mainly because they’re much older. Developed by French and British colonists, the distinct European feel of cities like Quebec and Montreal is much of what makes them so memorable.
In Quebec, Canada’s only walled city and a treasured UNESCO World Heritage Site, a stroll through the cobblestone streets of the Old Town is enough to get a taste of the rich history. With a steady calendar of events, exhibitions, and historic festivals, there’s always an opportunity to immerse yourself in the city’s culture.
Meanwhile, Montreal – with its impressive museums and unrivalled arts scene – is undoubtedly one of Canada’s coolest, most artistic cities. A place of contrasts, Montreal’s Old Port, dating back to 1611, showcases a beautiful blend of French and British architectural styles, while near-weekly festivals regularly take over the city streets and parks.
Then there’s the food. Popular for its diverse cuisine shaped by French, British, North American, and Indigenous influences, Quebec is home to one of only two two-star Michelin restaurants in Canada. In Montreal, hotspots like Jean-Talon Market offer fresh produce, local delights, and international treats. And of course, no visit is complete without trying the famous Montreal-style bagels and smoked meat sandwiches.
Visit Niagara Falls and dramatic Atlantic coastlines
While Eastern Canada is celebrated for its distinct cities, the natural landscapes here are just as breathtaking.
The dramatic fjords, stunning geology, and rugged coastal views of Gros Morne and Torngat Mountains National Parks make them ideal for hiking and exploration. In New Brunswick the Bay of Fundy – home to the world’s highest tides – creates remarkable formations like the Hopewell Rocks, where you can walk on the sea floor at low tide and kayak at high tide.
Elsewhere, watch 10,000-year-old icebergs drift by in Newfoundland and Labrador’s Iceberg Alley; explore endless lakes, rivers, and maple-dotted hills in Algonquin Provincial Park; and tick off one of the world’s most famous natural wonders at Niagara Falls, just a 90-minute drive away from Toronto.
Watch whales and seabirds along the coast
The provinces along Canada’s eastern Atlantic coastline are a true treasure trove of wildlife.
When it comes to whale-watching, Eastern Canada is one of the best places in the world to maximise your chances of sightings. Areas like Newfoundland and Labrador, Quebec’s Tadoussac, and Nova Scotia’s Bay of Fundy are home to some of the country’s greatest diversity of whale species, from pilot and blue whales to minkes and humpbacks.
Newfoundland and Labrador is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, with around 35 million seabirds calling the province home. Puffins, gannets, storm petrels, and black-legged kittiwakes are just some of the species that thrive along its rugged coastline. Elsewhere in Eastern Canada, wildlife encounters may include coyotes, red foxes, beavers, moose, and bald eagles.
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Canada | 11 days
Additional fees apply, check provider site for details
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Cosmos Ontario & French Canada*
Canada | 8 days | Flights Included
Additional fees apply, check provider site for details
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USA & Canada | 9 days
Additional fees apply, check provider site for details
Eastern vs Western Canada – which is best?
Both East and West Canada offer unforgettable experiences, and neither is objectively better than the other. Ultimately, each appeals to a different travel style and set of preferences.
Western Canada is renowned for its breathtaking mountain scenery, wildlife, and outdoor adventures, while Eastern Canada stands out for its historic cities, European flair, and vibrant art, food, and culture scene.
That said, going East or West doesn’t have to mean missing out, as Western cities like Victoria and Vancouver are a pleasure to explore, and in the East, you’ll still find vast national parks, striking landscapes, and fantastic wildlife.
Final thoughts…
Wherever you’re thinking about travelling to in Canada, on a Cosmos holiday, you’ll see the country’s biggest highlights while still enjoying plenty of free time to explore independently, supported by the guidance of expert tour directors and local guides.
Cosmos’ Canadian Rockies and Ontario and French Canada tours are carefully designed to showcase the very best of both sides of this special country. And, with everything taken care of, from transport to sightseeing and accommodation, you can focus on making the most of your holiday.
To find out more about Cosmos and browse their extensive range of escorted holidays, you can visit their website using the button below. Rest Less members can currently save up to £100 per couple when you quote RESTLESS50. Plus, save up to £700 per couple on selected tours, including Canadian Maritimes Adventure and Canadian Masterpiece with Rocky Mountaineer.