From polar bears to humpback whales, Lina Molloholli rounds up Canada’s newest wildlife escapes
1. Spot bears in British Columbia
Clients on new Audley Travel itinerary, Into the Wilds of British Columbia, will set off from Vancouver for a dip in Harrison Hot Springs’ thermal pools and a fishing trip on the Fraser River, renowned for its salmon and trout.
The tour continues north to Williams Lake and Prince George, driving through Khutzeymateen Provincial Park to see the world’s largest population of grizzlies. It concludes with a multi-day kayak adventure in Great Bear Rainforest and a visit to the scenic Sunshine Coast.
Book it
The 21-day Into the Wilds of British Columbia itinerary starts at £8,930, including accommodation, car hire and flights from Heathrow on October 11.
audleytravel.com
2. Whale-watching in Nova Scotia
A new 14-day Newmarket Holidays itinerary combines touring on both sides of the US-Canada border with a seven-night cruise on Holland America Line’s Zuiderdam.
From Boston, guests sail for Bar Harbor to spot moose, white-tailed deer and black bears in Acadia National Park, before crossing into Canada to glimpse milky-white belugas or even a giant blue whale in the Gulf of St Lawrence.
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The New England & Canada Fall Colours Cruise costs from £3,395, including accommodation, transfers and return flights from Heathrow departing on September 19.
newmarketholidays.co.uk
3. Polar bears and huskies in Churchill
For clients seeking a short wildlife trip, First Class Holidays’ six-day itinerary goes from Winnipeg to Churchill during prime polar bear-spotting season. Think tundra buggy rides and dog sledding, plus a visit to Polar Bear International House to learn about conservation efforts.
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Prices start at £6,199 for the Northern Lights and Winter Nights tour, including accommodation, transfers, meals and flights from Heathrow on November 15.
fcholidays.com
4. Explore nature in the Northwest Passage
A 12-day itinerary on board Quark Expeditions’ Ultramarine traverses the historic Northwest Passage, where wildlife enthusiasts can spy a variety of animals including polar bears, musk oxen and Arctic terns. Inuit guides provide tips on spotting rarer wildlife such as narwhals, and there’s the chance to learn about the rich history and culture of this community.
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Canada’s Remote Arctic: the Northwest Passage leads in at £10,668, including accommodation, excursions, transfers and all meals, departing on September 9, 2025. The price excludes flights.
exodus.co.uk
5. Puffins on the coast of Newfoundland
The 12-day Newfoundland Explorer fly-drive explores the fjords and mountains of Gros Morne National Park, before heading to Twillingate for a chance to spot seals and polar bears.
It is offered by new operator Journeyscape, sister brand to Journey Latin America, which goes on sale through agents from July 15. The tour concludes in capital St John’s with a boat trip to see North America’s largest Atlantic puffin colony.
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Prices start at £5,990, including accommodation, car hire and flights from Heathrow on September 13.
journeyscape.com
PICTURES: Shutterstock/Wirestock Creators, Prashanth Bala, Scott Heaney; Frontiers North Adventures/Jessica Burtnick
