Head to new heights to see the best of Canada from above, writes Natalie Marsh.
Click here to download and save as a PDF.
When it comes to making the most of Canada’s magnificent scenery, there’s one way to guarantee a good view: try heading up and looking down. From glass floored viewing platforms in city centre skyscrapers to suspension bridges high above the forest floor, Canada is packed with activities and attractions that show off its cities, countryside and mountains from high up in the sky.
Whether your customers are committed thrill seekers or just want to see things from a new perspective, here are some of the best places across the country where they can get their feet off the ground.
From… A gondola
Whistler is one of the most popular skiing destinations in Canada. But hanging high above the mountains is the Peak 2 Peak Gondola, the longest continuous lift system in the world. The gondola links Whistler Mountain with Blackcomb Mountain, and the 11-minute journey crosses high above the valley floor for two-and-a-half miles, offering incredible views of the British Columbia scenery along the way.
“The gondola links Whistler Mountain with Blackcomb Mountain, and the 11-minute journey crosses high above the valley floor for two-and-a-half miles.”
Book it: A ticket for the Peak 2 Peak Gondola costs from £43 per adult with Do Something Different. This also includes a ride in the Whistler Village Gondola and the Peak Chair, or one trip up Blackcomb.
dosomethingdifferent.com
From… A helicopter
Niagara Falls is one of the most impressive sights in North America. While visitors can get up close to the falls on land and on water, nothing beats seeing them from above. A helicopter tour takes guests on a thrilling ride to see the three drops – Horseshoe Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and American Falls – as well as the Rainbow Bridge and the whirlpool further downstream. Guests even receive a certificate of flight afterwards.
“A helicopter tour takes guests on a thrilling ride to see the three drops – Horseshoe Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and American Falls.”
Book it: Cox & Kings offers a two-week Eastern Canada highlights self-drive, including a Niagara Helicopter flight, for £2,490 per person, excluding international flights, based on two sharing.
coxandkings.co.uk
Ask the expert
Sarah Holmes-Siedle, UK trade marketing manager, Destination British Columbia
“The Peak 2 Peak Gondola and Capilano Suspension Bridge are popular attractions for good reason, and visiting outside peak times, such as early morning or later in the afternoon, can give clients a quieter view of the awesome scenery. The accessible wildlife is a strong selling point; anyone visiting should keep their eyes peeled as both areas are great for seeing wildlife such as bald eagles. You can even spot black bears from the gondolas in Whistler.”
From… A bridge
High in the treetops just outside Vancouver is Capilano Suspension Bridge, hanging 70 metres above the Capilano River. Entry to the park also includes a Treetops Adventure, with more bridges taking you on a route through the forest. Hold on tight as you edge around the Cliffwalk, where the walkway is connected to the park’s cliff face. Between November and January, the bridge, canyon and river twinkle with multicoloured lights for the annual Canyon Lights event.
“Between November and January, the bridge, canyon and river twinkle with multicoloured lights for the annual Canyon Lights event.”
Book it: Entry to Capilano Suspension Bridge, Treetops Adventure and Cliffwalk costs from £35 with Viator.
viator.com
From… A ski plane
It’s hard to think of a better way to appreciate the sheer size of the largest non polar icefield in the world than from above. The Kluane National Park and Reserve in Yukon is also home to Canada’s tallest peak, Mount Logan, and all of this can be seen through the window of a ski plane. Taking off from Haines Junction, passengers will fly past sprawling glacier fields and the rugged snowy peaks of the Saint Elias mountains, all while being treated to spectacular views they simply couldn’t get with their feet on the ground.
“Kluane National Park and Reserve in Yukon is also home to Canada’s tallest peak, Mount Logan, and all of this can be seen through the window of a ski plane.”
Book it: North America Travel Service offers a one-hour ski plane flight from Haines Junction between May and October, from £225 per person.
northamericatravelservice.co.uk
From… A skyscraper
Are you brave enough to walk across a glass floor 342 metres above the ground? Visitors to the CN Tower in the heart of Toronto can take a journey to the top in a glass-fronted elevator to marvel at the city spread out below their feet. Revert your gaze to the horizon to see Toronto’s sprawling neighbourhoods on one side and vast Lake Ontario on the other. And for real daredevils, book an EdgeWalk to step around the outside rim of the tower with no glass platform between you and the city below.
“Visitors to the CN Tower in the heart of Toronto can take a journey to the top in a glass-fronted elevator to marvel at the city spread out below their feet.”
Book it: Entry to the CN Tower costs from around £27 per adult with Isango, which pays commission to agents.
isango.com
From… A lighthouse
Lighthouses are a staple landmark along Nova Scotia’s coastline, marking some beautiful viewpoints around the province. Visitors can climb Cape Forchu Lighthouse to get a bird’s-eye view of the jagged rocks below as well as a panorama of the Atlantic Ocean. “Make a point of climbing Cape Forchu Lighthouse and be dazzled by the Atlantic views all around, an experience even more special if you can stay until sunset,” says Lee Rogers, product and commercial director at Canadian Affair.
“Visitors can climb Cape Forchu Lighthouse to get a bird’s-eye view of the jagged rocks below as well as a panorama of the Atlantic Ocean.”
Book it: Canadian Affair’s 14-night Lighthouse and Hidden Treasures of Nova Scotia tour costs from £2,079 based on two sharing, including flights on May 20, 2022, room-only accommodation and car hire.
canadianaffair.com
What’s new?
Interzip Rogers: New this summer is the Interzip Rogers, which crosses between Ontario and Quebec. Thrill seekers can zoom along the 37-metre-high zipline over the Ottawa River.
Golden Skybridge: Canada’s highest suspension bridge, at 130 metres, is set to open in May in British Columbia. The new Golden Skybridge, formed of two walkways, is about 90 minutes from Banff.
Read more
Walla Walla: The best US wine region you’ve never heard of
Explore the cultural and culinary highlights of Calgary, Canada
The best islands to add onto a bigger Canada trip
