British Columbia
Synonymous with dramatic landscapes, dazzling cities and flurries of wild animals, British Columbia is an adventure mecca.
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Steppes Travel is made by the people who work here. Incredible holidays are made possible because of their vast travel experience and the great enthusiasm they bring to their work.
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We carefully select our experts based on their knowledge, companionship and influence, ensuring that you can travel with the most knowledgeable leaders in the field.
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The people who lead the way when it comes to those things which matter to us: exploration, the environment, women’s empowerment and education.
Canada Holidays
Rocky Mountains and Arctic tundra; Canada is a land of captivating variety. Explore this expansive and beautiful country with us and you will meet some interesting locals, like grizzly bears and orcas.
Canada is vast, varied and vibrant – a great destination for an adventure, whether in pursuit of bears, hurtling along an iconic railway line or soaking up city life.
As the second-largest country in the world, it is hardly surprising to find modern cities, traditional cultures, vast mountains, lakes, plains and deserts. But it is surprising to find that almost 90% of the country remains uninhabited and the vast majority of the population live clustered in a handful of cities along the US border.
Whilst Canada’s cities have great energy, for us, it is this wilderness that really makes it special. From the magnificent Rocky Mountains in the west to the Arctic tundra in the north, it has much to offer. And with such great wildlife – from the grizzly to polar bear – a wildlife-viewing holiday in Canada is among the very best.
The Canadian Rockies
Outdoor activities are in abundance with mountain biking, hiking, rafting and wildlife dedicated options to name a few.
Haida Gwaii
Within the archipelago of the national park, Gwaii Haanas protects a range of historical monuments, archaeological sites, cultural events, indigenous heritage and…
Vancouver City
Often mistaken as the capital of Canada, Vancouver is on everyone’s must-see list when visiting British Columbia.
Vancouver Island
The island is home to rugged scenery, pristine rainforest, vibrant city life and extraordinary wildlife.
Yukon
To head into the remote Yukon wilderness to watch grizzly bears ice fishing in the rich salmon waters is a rare and…
Newfoundland and Labrador
Home to the Inuit and their predecessors for thousands of years, you can experience their culture and hospitality along with the humour…
The Maritimes
Think salty sea air, scenic wine regions, miles of untouched coastlines and proud locals who still live in stilted houses.
Eastern Cities and Niagara
Canada's eastern cities are unique melting pots of arts, culture and food, surrounded by enchanting countryside and connectable by trains and seaplanes.
Canada's Great Wilderness
The wilderness of the north is a haven for wildlife watching and remote lodges have been built to accommodate the adventurous – they are often only accessible by float plane in the summer months. The forests teem with grizzly and brown bears, making Canada one of the premier bear-watching destinations in the world. Meanwhile, the rich waters of the west coast attract orcas, dolphins, otters and beluga whales. It is the expertise of our hand-picked naturalist guides that will really make your trip – we know first-hand that their knowledge and experience will get you as close as possible to the creatures of this great wilderness.
Sailing in Canada
For such a vast and often inaccessible region, small boat cruising is an ideal way to maximise your time and see the wildlife and landscapes of British Columbia and the archipelago of Haida Gwaii. The rugged coastline of British Columbia is over 25,000 kilometres in length, marked by deep inlets and scattered with over 40,000 islands.
Wilderness Lodges
Off the Grid in the Canadian Arctic
Some truly extraordinary accommodations can be found in Canada’s wildest and most remote locations. Surrounded by breathtaking scenery, they are ideal for solo travellers, couples and families alike.
Explore Canada
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Vancouver City
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The Canadian Rockies
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Yukon
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Haida Gwaii
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Vancouver Island
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Churchill
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Newfoundland and Labrador
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Canada
Self-Drive Journey in British Columbia
Embark on a self-drive adventure through British Columbia, travelling on scenic roads that cut through stunning mountainous passes, making detours to go whale-watching, scout for black bears and kayak forest-flanked island waterways.
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Canada
Canadian Arctic Narwhal Safari
This exclusive Canadian Arctic safari explores the rich wildlife and vast landscapes of Lancaster Sound, an area known as the Serengeti of the North, and presents opportunities to snorkel with narwhals and sleep in an expeditionary mobile camp.
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Canada
Culture & Wildlife in Haida Gwaii
Sail the remote waters of Haida Gwaii, uncovering the ancient culture of the Haida First Nations people and exploring the nooks of this dazzling island chainset that protrudes from the western coast of British Columbia. With just enough time to amble around…
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Canada
Walking with Polar Bears
Scout the landscape for birds, bears and belugas while staying at Seal River Heritage Lodge, combining the thrill of beluga whale-watching with the adrenaline rush of “on the ground” polar bear walking safaris. Travelling between July and August, find yourself in a…
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Canada
Sail Greenland, Newfoundland & Labrador
Showcasing the awe-inspiring landscapes, fascinating culture and endemic wildlife of Greenland and Canada’s historic Newfoundland, this cruise covers over 2,200 nautical miles and travels between dramatic fjords, snow-capped mountains, ice-berg strewn waters and wild stretches of beaches.
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Canada
Self-Drive Journey in British Columbia
Embark on a self-drive adventure through British Columbia, travelling on scenic roads that cut through stunning mountainous passes, making detours to go whale-watching, scout for black bears and kayak forest-flanked island waterways.
Idea
Canada
Canadian Arctic Narwhal Safari
This exclusive Canadian Arctic safari explores the rich wildlife and vast landscapes of Lancaster Sound, an area known as the Serengeti of the North, and presents opportunities to snorkel with narwhals and sleep in an expeditionary mobile camp.
Idea
Canada
Culture & Wildlife in Haida Gwaii
Sail the remote waters of Haida Gwaii, uncovering the ancient culture of the Haida First Nations people and exploring the nooks of this dazzling island chainset that protrudes from the western coast of British Columbia. With just enough time to…
Idea
Canada
Walking with Polar Bears
Scout the landscape for birds, bears and belugas while staying at Seal River Heritage Lodge, combining the thrill of beluga whale-watching with the adrenaline rush of “on the ground” polar bear walking safaris. Travelling between July and August, find yourself…
Idea
Canada
Sail Greenland, Newfoundland & Labrador
Showcasing the awe-inspiring landscapes, fascinating culture and endemic wildlife of Greenland and Canada’s historic Newfoundland, this cruise covers over 2,200 nautical miles and travels between dramatic fjords, snow-capped mountains, ice-berg strewn waters and wild stretches of beaches.
Where to Stay
Every captivating tailor-made itinerary needs a perfect base. Our team has handpicked this collection of properties to give you luxury options in styles to suit any adventure.
Canada
Great Bear Lodge
Great Bear Lodge is a charming, self-contained floating retreat dedicated to Grizzly Bear viewing programmes. Set amidst remote and pristine scenery, the two-storey lodge was originally towed to the area each season by owners Tom and…
Canada
Quirpon Lighthouse Inn
A truly special island escape set within a 1922 light-keeper’s home, Quirpon Lighthouse Inn (pronounced kar-poon) is a fully restored property that offers ten quaint rooms at the base of a still functional lighthouse. The Registered…
Canada
Nimmo Bay Resort
Nimmo Bay is an exclusive wilderness lodge. Only accessible via seaplane or helicopter, it is in the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest on the west coast of British Columbia. Originally a fishing lodge, the resort…
Canada
Moraine Lake Lodge
Nestled in a spectacular valley, Moraine Lake Lodge is the ultimate getaway for those seeking a luxurious escape in the midst of the beautiful Banff National Park. The philosophy of this lodge is to be in…
Experiences
Tell us what you love doing and we’ll curate a journey that’s perfect for you.
When to travel
Read our brief monthly summary below or explore our complete best time to visit Canada guide with temperature information and further details.
Canada in January
January is an undoubtedly cold time of year in Canada, with temperatures reaching negative daily. However, visiting during this time can be a good chance to avoid the overwhelming busy times of the festive season and school holidays.
Canada in February
Winter in Canada offers an array of sporting and cultural events both indoors and out. Banff, Whistler and Jasper offer phenomenal ski resorts or perhaps be a spectator of an ice hockey match, arguably the country’s favourite sport.
Canada in March
While March can be a good off-peak time to visit, it is worth being prepared for drastic weather changes. However, this also means lower costs and fewer crowds. The mountains are still open for the ski season and cities are ideal as they are fewer tourists.
Canada in April
April marks the start of spring across Canada, a time to avoid crowds and discover all that the country has to offer with comfortable temperatures on average.
Canada in May
May is a favourable time to visit Canada, with temperatures rising, avoiding school holidays and off-peak rates.
Canada in June
For many travellers, June is the ideal time to visit Canada. Just before peak season, the weather is favourable and most of the trails and seasonal activities will have opened.
Canada in July
Summer in Canada calls for longer days to explore the natural beauty that awaits outdoors whether it’s hiking, fishing or camping. Temperatures average around 25, making cities quite warm but head into the wilderness or by the coast and enjoy the open air.
Canada in August
Summer is considered the peak season with warm temperatures and all attractions open. It is worth noting this time of year can be quite busy as it is school holidays.
Canada in September
As autumn rolls in and temperatures lower, September is a great time to avoid massive crowds and experience all that the country has to offer in comfortable weather. September is also the beginning of the salmon run, a peak time to see the bears fishing.
Canada in October
Temperatures continue to drop in October, also bringing cloudy days and rain. The autumn foliage is in full bloom across the countryside. This can also be a good time to take advantage of off-peak rates, however, it is worth bearing in mind that the weather can vary and some coastal towns will have started to close for the season.
Canada in November
November is a good time of year to visit the cities of Canada. It is too late to view the foliage and a bit too early to skiing yet, but a good time to explore cities across the country, in temperatures averaging 5 degrees.
Canada in December
The build-up to the festive season is in full swing across the country. Snow may have already started, making the perfect scene for ice skating and markets.
Recommended reads
HISTORY
Frozen in Time: The Fate of the Franklin Expedition
HISTORY
Klondike Fever: The Life and Death of the Last Great Gold Rush
Meet our experts
A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.
Roxy Dukes
Roxy’s love for Canada is limitless and she has returned on an almost yearly basis since her first visit as a child. From hiking the high alpine trails, riding with local cowboys to kayaking with humpbacks, she has likely been there and done it.
Talk with our experts
- 01285 880 980
Paul Bird
Watching bears interacting without any care of his presence was fascinating for Paul, and being a privileged onlooker in their natural habitat created a lifelong fascination with Canada.
Talk with our experts
- 01285 880 980
When is the best time to go to Canada?
When is the best time to see grizzly bears in Canada?
When is the best time to see whales in Canada?
When is the best time to see polar bears in Canada?
Start planning your trip
Sustainability
Raincoast Conservation Trust
We support projects right across the planet. For example, in Canada we have supported the Raincoast Conservation Trust, helping acquire further commercial trophy hunting rights for the Kitlope tenure in the Great Bear Rainforest, to stop such activities from occurring. This will add to the approximately 33,500 square kilometres acquired so far.
When planning your trip speak to our experts about how you can also support the destinations you are visiting.
Why Choose Steppes?
Our knowledge and expertise set us apart. So too our curiosity. It is this that drives us to create a journey that is really bespoke to you, all the while ensuring we travel and operate sustainably.
Are you ready to discover extraordinary once again?
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