Mother Nature puts on a breathtaking display in Canada, with some of the world’s most spectacular landscapes and natural wonders. Prepare to encounter vast expanses of wilderness, the northern territories untamed tundra’s and Arctic wilds, towering mountain peaks, dense evergreen forests, and so much more.

Let’s begin with the iconic Canadian Rocky Mountains, or ‘Rockies,’ spanning North America’s western fringes. Here, four UNESCO World Heritage-listed National Parks – including world-renowned Banff, Canada’s first national park – unfold as pristine alpine wonderlands with towering mountain peaks, glaciers, waterfalls, canyons and caves for a landscape like no other.

Amid the Rockies, discover jewelled lakes framed by one of the most dramatically beautiful settings on earth: Lake Louise, Canada’s turquoise-hued ‘Diamond in the Wilderness’ and Emerald Lake, named after the vibrant colour of its glacier-fed waters. Among the included Emerald Tours experiences, explore these dazzling lakes and stay overnight close by; at Lake Louise, in one of the Rockies most stunning and historic properties, or at Emerald Lake on the others. Besides hiking, this enchanting lake region transforms from the perfect playground for kayaking in summertime to a skiing wonderland in winter.

Canada is also home to the colossal Niagara Falls (over on the country’s southeast corner); one of the world’s most famous natural wonders and the international border between Canada and the US. Niagara Falls has the highest flow rate of any waterfall in North America, with a vertical drop of more than 50-metres (160-feet). As part of your Emerald Tours experience, join a thrilling cruise to the foot of Horseshoe Falls, the largest, most powerful of the three waterfalls. The more adventurous can soar high above on an exciting helicopter ride – one of our extra-special DiscoverMORE collection of excursions* curated to deliver inspiring experiences.

If you’re visiting Canada in the Autumn (or ‘Fall,' September to November), admire North America’s world-famous seasonal foliage, an annual natural phenomenon where the leaves of trees such as beech, maple and larch, transform to brilliant hues of crimson, burnt orange and gold.

There’s something truly unforgettable about seeing wildlife in their natural habitat.

Springtime (March to May) offers prime time wildlife spotting of Canadian icons like elks, moose and beavers. You might also be fortunate to spot grizzly and black bears emerging out of hibernation during May to June, sometimes with cubs in tow.

In summertime (June to August), there’s plenty of opportunity to observe elks and other creatures as they graze in alpine fields, or Atlantic puffins along the eastern Newfoundland Coast. This is optimal time to explore Canada’s far north, such as the Yukon and Northwest territories, as this region enjoys longer days and pleasant temperatures, plus sightings of polar bears and caribou are possible. The wildlife scene is generally active in Autumn as well, with brown bears foraging for food before their winter hibernation and the ongoing moose rutting season.

For wildlife lovers, Western Canada is your main destination for wildlife spotting. The Rocky Mountain National Parks are famed for their resident grizzly bears, while the rugged Blackcomb Mountains surrounding the world-famous ski resort of Whistler, are home to a significant black bear population (which you can see on your optional Bear Viewing Photo Safari Tour).

In Victoria, Canada’s whale-watching capital (one of the world’s top destinations for viewing whales) join an optional DiscoverMORE ocean cruise to observe orcas, minkes and humpback whales off Vancouver Island in the North Atlantic Ocean. You might also witness humpback whales on their seasonal migration along the rugged coastline of the North Pacific Ocean, on Canada’s easternmost side.

Journey through Canada’s spectacular natural beauty by way of various means of transport along truly majestic routes.

Book your passage on one of the world’s greatest rail journeys, the award-winning Rocky Mountaineer. On this iconic two-day experience, follow historic railway routes while traversing awe-inspiring scenery: from the fertile west coast and dramatic canyons, through verdant forests and past glacial lakes to the snow-capped Rocky Mountains and Canada’s highest peak, Mount Robson. Savour panoramic views and intriguing storytelling from the deluxe comfort of Rocky Mountaineer’s glass-dome coaches. (SilverLeaf service is offered as standard on most of our tours, but you’ll have an option to upgrade to GoldLeaf for an extra special level of service and inclusions.)

If you’ve dreamed of scaling a glacier, your wish is granted in Jasper National Park. First, you’re driven along the 225-kilometres-long (140-mile) Icefield Parkway – one of the world’s most incredible journeys – winding through the Canadian Rockies largest icefield. Stopping at Columbia Icefield, North America’s largest subpolar ice pack, jump on board the ‘Ice Explorer,’ a large, purpose-built vehicle designed to climb to the top of the 10,000 year-old Athabasca Glacier.

Alternatively, explore Banff National Park on a DiscoverMORE tour: taking an exhilarating helicopter ride flight over Three Sisters Mountains, the Canadian Rockies most photogenic peaks; riding the Banff Gondola to the summit of Sulphur Mountain for bird’s-eye views of six mountain ranges; or floating on a raft along Bow River, gliding past the extraordinary Hoodoos geological formations.

Along with its stunning natural beauty and wildlife, Canada is also a treasure trove of history and culture.

Like the US, this North American nation harbours a rich and ancient indigenous culture. The First Nations (North American Indians), Inuit (Inuk) and Métis peoples have lived on these lands for thousands of years and in modern-day Canada, continue their own cultural practices and languages. As part of our EmeraldPLUS experiences (complimentary tours designed to immerse you in local life), visit Mādahoki Farms, an authentic indigenous destination where resident ‘Cultural Ambassadors’ share their native culture and a mesmerising mini-Pow Wow is performed. In Whistler, the pioneering Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre also lends an immersive insight into indigenous traditions.

The Canadian east coast was the home of the first European settlers and cities here have been shaped by centuries of colonial influences, which today, carries fascinating cultural legacies and heritage.

A unique French-Canadian culture is found predominately in the French-speaking province of Québec, notably, at its birthplace, Québec City, North America’s ‘most European city.’ Here, enjoy the lively Francophone flair and a walking tour through the 17th century Old Québec (Vieux Carré), a UNESCO World Heritage Site and only fortified city north of Mexico with its original city walls and gates still standing. Also in Québec Province, Montreal ranks as the world’s second largest Francophone city after Paris and boasts an atmospheric Old Montreal quarter, home to impressive heritage architecture like the Notre-Dame Basilica – a Gothic Revival masterpiece. Further south, Canada's first capital, Kingston, is nicknamed the ‘Limestone City’ for its grand, 19th century colonial architecture and makes a great place for antique hunting and launchpad for day cruises through the picturesque Thousand Island region.  

Canada’s major metropolises are well worth a visit, not only for their rich legacies, but also their contrasting modern urban vibe, diverse cultural ethnicity and striking North American architecture. Hosted by local guides, your sightseeing tours embrace the key highlights each city offers.

Along the Eastern seaboard, island-city Montreal further fascinates  for its mosaic of cultures and vibrant arts, music and culinary scene. Among the highest number of restaurants per capita in North America, Montreal is regarded as Canada’s culinary capital, revered for its street food, French classics and fine dining highlighting locally-sourced ingredients.

In Ottawa, capital sights await including Parliament Hill, City Hall, the Royal Canadian Mint and Museum of History, home to the world’s largest collection of totem poles. Further south, in Canada's largest city, Toronto, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the iconic CN Tower, from where you can survey amazing city views that on a clear day, extend to Niagara Falls. Nestled along Lake Ontario’s shores, this dynamic metropolis ranks as an international centre of business and finance and one of the world’s most multicultural and cosmopolitan cities.

Your gateway to Western Canada, Vancouver (British Colombia), presents a bustling seaport surrounded by picturesque mountains. Fascinating sightseeing tours take in Stanley Park and its intricately carved totem poles, Gastown, a National Historic Site resplendent with Victorian-era architecture, as well as a walk across the Capilano Suspension Bridge, swaying 70-metres (229-feet) above the Capilano River.

While soaking up the warm Canadian hospitality, be sure to sample some of the nation’s signature dishes and local delicacies.

Canada is well-known for its maple syrup, with 85 percent of the world’s supplies originating from Québec Province. During springtime and maple season, your EmeraldPLUS experience brings you to an authentic Sugar Shack, savouring French-Canadian rustic charm and lunch of traditional Québécois cuisine and maple-themed treats. Here, learn how to make maple syrup plus the deliciously chewy, maple taffy. Québec City is another recommended place to savour Québécois cuisine: French-Canadian dishes drenched in history and flavour that stem from heirloom recipes and regional specialities.

Try one of Canada’s most beloved dishes, Poutine, a comfort food classic of warmed tasty gravy and soft cheese curds poured over freshly-cooked French fries, or melt-in-the-mouth, traditional desserts like Saskatoon berry pie. You can also experience an original Canadian ‘smokehouse,’ a traditional-style dining establishment that typically uses local ingredients and old-style barbecue techniques.

Canada provides more than half of the world's lobster supply and is renowned as the area offering the most flavourful produce of this prized ocean delicacy. The North Atlantic’s cold, clear waters, off Canada’s eastern seaboard, provide the perfect environment for lobsters to thrive, especially around Nova Scotia, dubbed the world’s lobster capital.

Canada welcomes with a multitude of unforgettable experiences, from spotting grizzly bears roaming free and immersions in unique Indigenous culture, to thrilling adventures that extend to helicopter rides over natural wonders and driving up to the summit of a glacier.

Whether it’s the magnificent wildlife, dramatically beautiful landscapes, vibrant modern cities, or fascinating French heritage, discover the best of what Canada’s diverse regions can offer on a guided land tour. Emerald Tours inspiring collection of hand-crafted, multiple-day itineraries take you on a journey through Canada’s west and eastern regions, covering all their amazing highlights and can additionally be combined with a memorable cruise experience, including Alaska.

Find your perfect Canada adventure today. Order your brochure or view our latest offers.