Custom Canada

Canada, the world's 2nd largest country, is one of the most diverse on the planet — a bilingual French-English confederation since 1867 and 22 UNESCO sites. Nature-wise, the Canadian Rockies (UNESCO 1984, Banff, Jasper, Yoho and Kootenay parks) line up Lake Louise, Moraine Lake and the Athabasca glacier; Niagara Falls edge the Great Lakes; up north, Yellowknife offers 240 nights of aurora a year and Churchill is the world's polar bear capital. City-wise: Quebec, North America's only fortified city (UNESCO 1985, Champlain 1608, Château Frontenac), francophone Montreal and its jazz festival, Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver between the Pacific and the Rockies, and L'Anse aux Meadows, a UNESCO Viking site predating Columbus. The Rocky Mountaineer remains one of the world's most iconic trains. Canadian cuisine: poutine, tourtière, AOP maple syrup (Quebec produces 73% of the world's), bison, Pacific salmon, whisky and icewine. First Peoples (56 nations): Haida totems and Inuit igloos. We design your custom trip to bring urban, nature and wild Canada into dialogue, guided by French-speaking Canadians and lodged in 5★ Fairmont lodges or First Peoples eco-lodges.

Highlights

  • UNESCO Rockies 1984 (Banff, Jasper, Lake Louise) — 4 contiguous national parks 23,000 km², turquoise Lake Louise, Moraine Lake (Canadian $20 banknote), Mount Robson 3,954 m, Columbia Icefield Athabasca glacier.
  • UNESCO Quebec 1985 (only North American fortified city) — Founded 1608 Samuel de Champlain, 1820 Citadel, 1893 Château Frontenac (world's most photographed hotel), Upper and Lower Old Quebec, Place Royale.
  • Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf mythical train — Vancouver-Banff-Jasper-Calgary 2-4 days, 2-floor panoramic dome cars, table service gastronomic dinner, one of world's most iconic trains.
  • Yellowknife northern lights — Canadian northern lights capital, 240 nights/year aurora visibility August-April, 62°N ideal latitude, Aurora Village heated tipis.
  • Churchill polar bears (935 bears) — World polar bear capital, 935 bears observed October-November Hudson Bay migration, Tundra Buggy expeditions, one of world's largest concentrations.
  • Niagara Falls and icewine vineyards — 51 m height 5,700 m³/sec, 14 million visitors/year, Hornblower cruise, Niagara icewine vineyards (-8°C harvest, ice wine).

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time for Canada?

Summer (June-Sept) Rockies + Quebec. Winter (Dec-March) ski + Yellowknife auroras. October-November = Churchill bears ONLY (6-week window). Avoid April-May (thaw mud).

How many days for Canada?

Eastern Canada (Quebec + Montreal + Niagara + Toronto): 10 nights. Western Canada (Vancouver + Rockies + Rocky Mountaineer): 12 nights. Auroras+bears: 11 nights. East+West combined: 18 nights.

Is Rocky Mountaineer worth it?

Absolutely yes. One of world's most iconic panoramic trains. GoldLeaf Class 2-floor glass dome cars, table service gastronomic meals. 6-12 month advance booking summer season.

Yellowknife northern lights guaranteed?

Not guaranteed (weather) but 240 visibility nights/year (Aurora Forecast Canada). With 3 nights, 75% intense aurora chance. 4-5 nights raise to 90%. Pro photographer included.

When Churchill polar bears?

UNIQUE 6-week window mid-October to mid-November, Hudson Bay migration. 935 bears/year observed. MANDATORY 12-month advance booking (Tundra Buggy sold out 24h after opening).

Combine Canada with USA?

Yes. American Niagara (10 min border), New York via Toronto (1h flight), Alaska cruise from Vancouver, Hawaii via Vancouver (6h flight).

What budget for 12 nights West?

Comfort: €4,200-5,200/person. Premium (historic Fairmont + Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf): €5,800-7,200. Excellence (suites + helicopter): €9,500+.

Is a visa required?

Mandatory eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) for French — CAD 7, online 5 min, 5-year validity. 6-month valid biometric passport.