Yellowstone and the Rockies

Alaska – Seek the sea canary

Alaska’s Seward Peninsula falls along the migration route of beluga whales as they move south from the Arctic toward warmer waters and, from Cape Nome and Cape Prince of Wales, you can often spot these whales from the shore. In late spring and summer, they’re also visible at Beluga Point along Turnagain Arm, just 25 minutes from Anchorage. Belugas, often called ‘sea canaries’ for their varied calls, travel in pods of up to 25 individuals, sometimes forming larger pods of thousands.

Canada – Bear necessity

Sail into the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest in remote British Columbia, home to the native First Nations for over 10,000 years. Attracted by abundant salmon and untouched wilderness, black and grizzly bears thrive here, along with the rare spirit bear. Onboard kayaks allow for closer exploration of estuaries and waterfalls, paddling through orca and humpback habitats. Travelling with local Gitga’at First Nation guides offers privileged insight into this extraordinary region.

USA – The call of the wild

Snowshoe through the Lamar Valley in Yellowstone National Park with an expert naturalist, exploring one of the world’s most renowned destinations to see wolves. In the quieter winter months, wildlife sightings remain exceptional. Keep your eyes peeled for moose, bison, coyotes and bighorn sheep. Take a snow coach to Old Faithful, one of the park’s 500 geysers and witness its eruption – a breathtaking spectacle against the snowy backdrop.

Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve

Of the three Marine Protected Areas found off the coast of British Columbia, Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve is unique for its dual focus of preserving cultural heritage and biodiversity. The reserve covers an archipelago of 138 islands with 3,400 km² of the humpback whale’s primary feeding habitat falling under its influence. On land, the protected status has put a stop to logging and has helped preserve several First Nation villages, where the Haida Gwaii Watchmen programme enables guardians to live on site to oversee the natural and cultural heritage of these sites. Explore an ancient Haida village site with a guide from the Haida Gwaii Watchmen project.

Discover Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve

Camp & Surf the Big Sur

There will be no cries of “Are we nearly there yet?” when driving California’s Pacific Coast Highway. Known for its spectacular coastline of rocky cliffs, endless ocean views and golden sandy surf beaches, it offers the ultimate in earth eye candy! Take your time, camping out in style, surfing and kayaking before soaking up the cool vibes of coastal Santa Barbara.

Calgary Stampede

Experience one of Canada’s most anticipated annual events, the Calgary Stampede. Every July, the city hosts 10 days of festivities to celebrate Western Canada’s cultural heritage. Watch professional cowboys and cowgirls battle it out at a daily Rodeo show, cheer on the contestants at Chuckwagon racing and enjoy live music and spectacular fireworks at the grandstand show.

Family Road Trip

Witness Canada’s jaw-dropping landscapes with the freedom and flexibility to explore at your own pace on a family road trip. Drive the iconic Rockies Icefields Parkway or cruise the coastal roads of the Maritimes in your choice of vehicle – be it a car, RV, or 4×4 equipped with a rooftop tent – for an unforgettable family retreat.

Canada’s Adventure Playground

When it comes to the outdoors, Canada is the ultimate adventure playground. With mountains, lakes and forests, it’s the perfect backdrop for an activity-led family holiday. Climb rugged rock faces with views of Bedwell Sound at Clayoquot Wilderness Resort, ride e-bikes through Whistler’s valley trails or zipline over the Laurentian Mountains in Mont Tremblant.

Surfing & Kayaking in Tofino

Learn to surf in Canada’s surf capital, Tofino. Here, ancient rainforests line the vast sandy beaches of the Pacific Rim National Park. Above the water, kayak to Meares Island, home to the world’s oldest cedar trees.

Kicking Horse White Water Rafting

Raft through vast u-shaped valleys and narrow channels of Kicking Horse Canyon, a part of the glacial-fed Kicking Horse River in Yoho National Park. Keep an eye out for grazing mountain goats on the river banks.