We asked three specialist operators to choose their favourite driving route in Canada
VANCOUVER ISLAND
Allyson Smith, Canada product manager for Travel 4, said Vancouver Island is often overlooked as part of an itinerary.
“Most international visitors coming into Vancouver head east for the Rockies, but Vancouver Island, with its variety and natural beauty, is an alternative I would advise.
“The journey starts with two very different cities. Vancouver is modern and vibrant, while Victoria has a much more traditional, almost colonial atmosphere. It’s a beautiful drive north from Victoria through ancient rainforest before heading towards Tofino on the more sparsely populated west coast.
“Tofino is a quaint old fishing village which reminds me of a Scottish or Irish coastal community, with the added bonus of superb gray whale watching. Campbell River is well known for fishing and is also a great base for exploring Strathcona State Park, Canada’s answer to the Lake District. Don’t leave Campbell River before you’ve taken a floatplane to Knight Inlet on the mainland, where you can see grizzly bears feeding on salmon. This is definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience before heading back to Vancouver.”
THE ROCKIES AND CALGARY
Vancouver is also the chosen starting point for Globespan marketing director Iain Mayer, whose favourite itinerary takes in part of the Pacific Coast and then through the Rockies to the famous cowboy city of Calgary.
“It’s best to spend a few days exploring Vancouver and Victoria before heading north to Nanaimo for the ferry crossing to Horseshoe Bay back on the mainland. From here, the mountain views are truly spectacular as you travel up the Sea to Sky Highway to the mountain resort of Whistler,” he said.
“Further on, Jasper is also a delight to explore, with its mountain scenery and emerald-coloured lakes. Driving south, you’ll see the stunning Icefields Parkway, one of the most scenic drives in North America. Before reaching the resort of Banff, stop off at the Columbia Icefield and Lake Louise. Calgary also gives you the chance to take in the history of western Canada and do a last-minute shop.”
ONTARIO AND QUEBEC
This itinerary, known as the Heritage Trail, takes in all the major highlights of eastern Canada and offers an excellent balance between cosmopolitan cities and the great outdoors, according to Debbie Goffin, North America product manager for British Airways Holidays.
“It includes Toronto, with its fabulous restaurants and excellent shopping, while Montreal and Quebec City exhibit strong French influence in their culture, architecture and dining. They are also great places to explore on foot,” she said.
“Ottawa is a very Canadian city which offers a host of sightseeing opportunities. In between, the itinerary takes in some stunning scenery. This includes The Thousand Islands, where you can enjoy a cruise; Huntsville, near Algonquin National Park for hiking, horseriding or water sports on Lake Vernon; and then fascinating Niagara Falls, before returning to Toronto.”