DK Canada

CANADA

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DISCOVER CANADA

t Toronto skyline at dusk

g Discover Canada g Contents

Welcome to

Canada

t Rugged mountains reflected in Moraine Lake, Banff National Park.

Soaring snow-capped mountains, rugged coastlines, and vast expanses of pristine Arctic wilderness. Small towns, dynamic cities, and a cultural scene that stretches back centuries. This enormous country has it all. Whatever your dream trip to Canada includes, this DK Eyewitness travel guide will prove the perfect companion.

Sprawling across the northern end of the American continent and stretching up into the Arctic Ocean, Canada is unimaginably vast. Only 10 per cent of the country is populated – the rest is untamed wilderness, where shimmering glaciers, dramatic ocean vistas, and forests of fiery maple trees leave visitors awestruck. Hike exhilarating trails beneath snowy peaks, paddle a canoe on backcountry rivers, or head to the Arctic for the greatest light show on earth: the Northern Lights. Everywhere there is wildlife as amazing as the land it inhabits – from breaching whales to grizzly bears.

Canada’s urban areas, too, will not disappoint. There’s delightful diversity across the country’s main cities, from French-speaking Quebec City’s European ambiance to Montreal’s bustling multicultural neighborhoods, the gleaming skyscrapers of Toronto to the dynamic buzz of Vancouver. Farther afield, you’ll find French-style towns, rural communities, and seafront fishing villages. In every place you stay, you’re bound to receive a famously warm Canadian welcome.

The sheer scale of Canada, and the endless number of breathtaking experiences on offer, can seem overwhelming. We’ve broken the country down into easily navigable chapters, with detailed itineraries, expert knowledge and colorful, comprehensive maps to help you plan your visit. Whether you’re staying for a weekend, a week, or longer, this DK Eyewitness travel guide will ensure you see the very best of Canada. Enjoy the book, and enjoy Canada.

1 Grizzly bear in the rainforest in BC.

2 Soaring skyscrapers in downtown Toronto.

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Reasons To Love

Canada

Vast, vibrant, and breathtakingly beautiful, the world’s second-largest country offers endless possibilities for travelers. Ask any Canadian and you’ll hear a different reason why they love Canada. Here, we pick some of our favorites.

1 The Rockies

t With crystal-clear lakes, soaring peaks, and acres of forests, the Canadian Rockies are spellbinding. Ski the slopes, hike the trails, or simply take in the amazing views.

Discover Reasons to Love Canada

2 The Northern Lights

t Seeing these eerie and elusive ribbons of light tops many a bucket list. Churchill, the Yukon, and the Northwest Territories are some of the top viewing spots.

Discover Reasons to Love Canada

3 Whale Watching

t The thrill of seeing a whale breaching the water or a mother and calf plying the waves is incredible. Tour boats sail off both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts.

Discover Reasons to Love Canada

4 Captivating Cities

t The French flair of Montreal, the cosmopolitan cool of Vancouver, and the multicultural energy of Toronto make a dynamic contrast to Canada’s scenic landscapes.

Discover Reasons to Love Canada

5 Spectacular Train Journeys

t Marvel at the pristine wilderness of northeastern Ontario on the Polar Bear Express or the stunning snow-capped peaks of western Canada on the Rocky Mountaineer.

Discover Reasons to Love Canada

6 Poutine

t Hot, crispy french fries, topped with cheese curds and salty brown gravy: it’s easy to crave this simple comfort food that hails from Quebec but is loved right across the country.

Discover Reasons to Love Canada

7 Niagara Falls

t The thunderous torrent plunging over Horseshoe Falls is one of North America’s greatest natural spectacles. Take a boat cruise into the mist at the bottom of the falls to truly feel their power.

Discover Reasons to Love Canada

8 Life on the Lakes

t Paddle a canoe, cast a fishing line, or catch the wind in your sails. From the bustling Great Lakes to the quiet backcountry, Canada is dotted with lakes to enjoy a wealth of watersports.

Discover Reasons to Love Canada

9 Indigenous Art

t The phenomenal skills of Inuit, Métis, and First Nations artists can be seen in intricately carved totem poles and sculptures, and vibrant paintings across the country.

Discover Reasons to Love Canada

10 Ice Hockey

t The nation’s most popular sport is played year-round, though the top NHL games are held from October to April. You can catch the action in dozens of ice rinks around the country.

Discover Reasons to Love Canada

11 Discovering Dinosaur Fossils

t Explore some of the world’s richest fossil beds at Dinosaur Provincial Park, then follow the Dinosaur Trail through badlands studded with bizarre hoodoo rock formations.

Discover Reasons to Love Canada

12 Wonderful walks

t Amazing trails through Cape Breton Highlands National Park, the Canadian Rockies, and along the west coast of Vancouver Island capture the beauty of Canada.

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Explore

Canada

This guide divides Canada into 14 color-coded sightseeing areas, as shown on the map below. Find out more about each area on the following pages.

n Double-tap image to read the labels

GETTING TO KNOW Canada

Vancouver

Canada’s cosmopolitan western seaport enjoys a stunning location, tucked between an island-studded strait and rugged coastal mountains. The shimmering glass skyscrapers of its buzzing downtown sit alongside trendy restaurants, art galleries, and boutiques in the historic Gastown district. Vancouver is also home to Canada’s largest Chinatown, where enticing restaurants can be found on every corner. Beyond the center, abundant parks and gardens call out to be explored, and outstanding Indigenous art can be viewed at the University of British Columbia.

Best for Diverse restaurants and vibrant nightlife

Home to Stanley Park, Granville Island, and the Gastown district

Experience A bike ride around the seawall in Stanley Park

Go To: Vancouver i

GETTING TO KNOW Canada

t People crossing West Georgia St, near Granville St, in downtown

GETTING TO KNOW Canada

Vancouver Island

This mountainous island has a wild beauty and a relaxed pace of life. The towns of its southeastern corner offer a lively food and arts scene, while Victoria, the pretty provincial capital, has a charming harbor and fine museums packed with the works of Indigenous artists. The island’s west coast is home to the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, which features miles of lush coastal rainforest and rugged beaches. It is a renowned whale-watching spot, with these popular visitors often venturing so close to the shore that they can be glimpsed from land.

Best for Cold-water surfing and hiking the coastal rainforest

Home to Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, Royal British Columbia Museum, and Victoria

Experience A whale-watching excursion in the island’s busy local waters

Go To: Vancouver Island i

GETTING TO KNOW Canada

t A wooden bridge on the West Coast Trail

GETTING TO KNOW Canada

British Columbia Interior

Thundering waterfalls, majestic rivers, and mineral hot springs are among the beautiful landscapes that lie between the western Coast Mountains and the Rockies to the east. Thanks to British Columbia’s mild climate, orchards and vineyards flourish here in the southern Okanagan Valley. In sharp contrast, the dramatic wilderness of the northern parks includes ice fields, tundra, and volcanic terrain, while the Haida Gwaii islands preserve ancient rainforest.

Best for Skiing and snowboarding against a spectacular backdrop

Home to Whistler Blackcomb, Okanagan Valley, and the Kootenays region

Experience A vineyard tour and wine tasting in the Okanagan Valley

Go To: British Columbia Interior i

GETTING TO KNOW Canada

t Skier jumping off a cliff near Whistler

GETTING TO KNOW Canada

Canadian Rockies

Jagged snowy peaks, luminous glaciers, and shimmering turquoise lakes are strung across Canada’s stretch of the Rocky Mountains. Both stunning natural features and a wealth of wildlife – from grizzly bears to bison – are protected in a series of national and provincial parks, which are populated by splendid scenic drives and hiking trails. Lesser-known highlights include beautiful sites like Kananaskis Country and the soothing waters of Radium Hot Springs. Outside the parks, the region offers historic towns such as Fort Steele.

Best for Hiking trails and wildlife encounters

Home to Banff National Park, Yoho National Park, and Jasper National Park

Experience A luxurious soak in the Miette Hot Springs within Jasper National Park

Go To: Canadian Rockies i

GETTING TO KNOW Canada

t Highway through the Canadian Rockies

GETTING TO KNOW Canada

The Prairies

Golden wheat fields and grasslands that reach to the horizon characterize the prairies of central Canada. But this vast area is home to further varied landscapes, from aspen parkland in the west, through the sandy beaches of Lake Winnipeg in the east, to the frozen tundra of northern Manitoba. Bookending the region are the cities of Calgary (best known for its eponymous stampede) and cosmopolitan Winnipeg. Those keen to glimpse polar bears or the Northern Lights should head northward, where remote Churchill on Hudson Bay remains a popular place to experience both.

Best for Dinosaur fossils and polar bear spotting

Home to Calgary, Royal Tyrrell Museum, and Prince Albert National Park

Experience The awe-inspiring spectacle of the Northern Lights in Churchill

Go To: The Prairies i

GETTING TO KNOW Canada

t Mule deer bucks in Grasslands National Park, Saskatchewan

GETTING TO KNOW Canada

Toronto

The iconic CN Tower, which dominates the skyline for miles around, is a suitable focal point of Canada’s largest city. Close up, Toronto’s dynamic buzz radiates from the lakefront parks of the Harbourfront, through the shiny skyscrapers of downtown, to the tempting sights and smells of Chinatown and other vibrant neighborhoods. The city’s cultural offerings are immense; spend your time exploring Toronto’s excellent museums and art galleries, its bustling markets, and its lively historic districts teeming with hip restaurants, bars, and boutiques.

Best for World-class museums and stylish restaurants

Home to CN Tower, Royal Ontario Museum, and the Art Gallery of Ontario

Experience A three-course meal in the CN Tower’s revolving restaurant, with glorious views of the city below

Go To: Toronto i

GETTING TO KNOW Canada

t Exterior of the Ryerson University Student Learning Centre

GETTING TO KNOW Canada

Ontario

Studded with sparkling lakes and waterways, this enormous province stretches from the Great Lakes to Hudson Bay. Northern Ontario is a land of turbulent rivers, dense forests, and Arctic tundra, accessible only by air and a handful of scenic road and rail routes. The fertile southern and eastern regions have quiet farming towns, island-dotted bays, and sprawling wilderness areas around Lake Superior and in Algonquin Provincial Park. They are also home to the nation’s capital, Ottawa; Toronto, its largest city; and its biggest visitor attraction, Niagara Falls.

Best for Stunning lakes and thrilling outdoor activities

Home to Ottawa, Niagara Falls, and the National Gallery of Canada

Experience A boat ride to the mist-veiled base of Niagara Falls

Go To: Ontario i

GETTING TO KNOW Canada

t Ottawa's Parliament Buildings in the snow

GETTING TO KNOW Canada

Montreal

Montreal is a mosaic of multicultural neighborhoods dominated by French and English communities. This lively mix makes it one of Canada’s most interesting cities. Those fresh to Montreal should head for Plateau Mont-Royal, the best place to catch the unique vibe along with some amazing city views. By the riverfront, the historic buildings and narrow, cobblestone streets of Vieux-Montréal are home to stylish restaurants, bistros, and boutiques. The compact city center also offers exquisite churches and outstanding art museums.

Best for Unbeatable art museums

Home to Basilique Notre-Dame-de-Montréal and the Musée des Beaux-Arts

Experience A cable-car ride up the side of Montreal Tower, to take in wonderful vistas from the viewing deck

Go To: Montreal i

GETTING TO KNOW Canada

t Interior of the Basilique Notre-Dame-de-Montréal

GETTING TO KNOW Canada

Quebec City

The essence of French Canada can be found in this delightful city that sits on the edge of the Saint Lawrence River, with its European architecture and Parisian ambiance. This is a city for wandering: explore the winding cobbled streets, the splendid cathedrals and civic buildings inside the old city walls, the lively market at the Vieux Port, and the Citadelle with its breezy waterside views. Let the relaxed pace continue into the evenings, when you can soak up the atmosphere with leisurely meals in the charming cafés and elegant squares of the Basse-Ville.

Best for French culture and historic architecture

Home to La Citadelle, Place Royale, and the Basilique-Cathédrale Notre Dame de Québec

Experience A rummage through the art and specialty shops of the rue du Petit-Champlain, before lingering over coffee in an old-town café

Go To: Quebec City i

GETTING TO KNOW Canada

t Shoppers exploring the boutiques of rue du Petit-Champlain

GETTING TO KNOW Canada

Quebec Province

Each fall, fiery red and gold maple forests transform this French-speaking region into one of the most beautiful places in the country. At its heart is the mighty Saint Lawrence River, bordered in the north by the scenic Charlevoix coast and the Laurentian Mountains, which are dotted with charming French villages and churches. To the south, the rocky cliffs and mountains of the Gaspé Peninsula offer superb hiking trails, while caribou herds and polar bears roam the tundra of the remote Nunavik territory in the far north.

Best for Flaming fall colors

Home to Gatineau, the Canadian Museum of History, and Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré

Experience A trip to Sucrerie de la Montagne to see how maple syrup is made (and sample the results!)

Go To: Quebec Province i

GETTING TO KNOW Canada

t Cans of local maple syrup on sale in Quebec Province

GETTING TO KNOW Canada

The Maritimes

With rocky coastlines, picturesque fishing villages, and long sandy beaches, the beauty and lure of the sea are always close at hand in the Maritimes, though each province maintains a distinctive flavor. New Brunswick is home to French-speaking Acadian villages, quiet coves, and the tide-carved Bay of Fundy, while Prince Edward Island, with its emerald farmland and golf courses, is an ideal destination for cycling and hiking. In Nova Scotia, the sparkling bays and weathered fishing towns embody the romance of the sea.

Best for Beautiful seascapes and cozy country inns

Home to Halifax, Prince Edward Island, and the Fortress of Louisbourg

Experience Breathtaking landscapes on Prince Edward Island, fictional home of Anne of Green Gables

Go To: The Maritimes i

GETTING TO KNOW Canada

t Fishing boat huts in Stanley Bridge Harbour, Prince Edward Island

GETTING TO KNOW Canada

Newfoundland and Labrador

In Newfoundland, the mountains of Gros Morne National Park rise high above sparkling blue fjords. Labrador’s landscape is similarly imposing, with coastal vistas that are often set against a backdrop of glittering icebergs. This remotely beautiful Atlantic region is a popular vacation spot due to its friendly, historic towns, wide-open spaces, and grand spectacles of nature. It’s also a good place for whale-watching excursions or trips to see Labrador’s caribou herd.

Best for Rugged coastal scenery

Home to St. John’s and Gros Morne National Park

Experience A boat tour into the narrow Western Brook Pond to see wildlife and waterfalls in Gros Morne National Park

Go To: Newfoundland and Labrador i

GETTING TO KNOW Canada

t Boathouses on a dock in the Change Islands

GETTING TO KNOW Canada

Yukon

The harsh romance of the gold rush days still lingers over this starkly beautiful land, which is characterized by daunting mountains, frozen lakes, and glacial valleys. Beyond the old mining towns of Whitehorse and Dawson City, an adventurer’s paradise awaits. Head into this remote region to hike beneath the soaring peaks in Kluane National Park and Reserve, or canoe the icy waters of the Stewart River. In summer, the midnight sun never sets, while the Aurora Borealis illuminates dark winters with ribbons of colored light.