When it comes to Canada, I’m in a constant battle between the west coast and east coast. Ten years ago no one could have convinced me there was a more beautiful part of Canada than Nova Scotia, with its dramatic Atlantic coastline, sheltered coves, pretty little fishing villages and the laidback yet lively city of Halifax. But after seven years living in North America, which involved frequent trips to Vancouver, British Columbia became a challenger for my favourite Canadian province. My heart still leaps every time I get on the Sea to Sky Highway headed for Whistler and see the mountains rising in the distance (except perhaps in the height of ski season when the traffic can make me want to sob), while the windswept shores of Tofino offer sweeping sands and crashing waves.
What I’ve realised is, whether you’re travelling to the east coast or west coast (and not forgetting the lively cities and prairie lands you’ll find in between) Canada is very easy to fall in love with.
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At the gateway to Cape Breton, you’ll find Chéticamp, a traditional fishing village sitting on the Gulf of Saint Lawrence. It’s the perfect place to immerse yourself in Acadian culture, and makes an ideal stop along Nova Scotia's Cabot Trail. Plus, the whale watching from here is spectacular.
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It’s that time again – from this week, Fifa World Cup matches will dominate TV screens and dictate moods for the foreseeable (my sympathies to the WAGs and HABs of die-hard footie fans). Personally, my enthusiasm has only ever really extended to the accompanying snacks. But this year, I do have major envy for those who are travelling to watch games live. The triple billing of host countries – Mexico, the US and Canada – has put all eyes on North America. And while I’ve covered a fair amount of the United States, I’ve never visited Mexico, nor Canada.
With an appetite for adventure, Canada’s diverse landscapes, from the Rockies to the Arctic north, have always struck awe in me. And after being as taken by Heated Rivalry fever as the next queer romance-loving millennial (not because of the ice hockey, obviously), Canada shot up massively in my estimations. Now, after reading a feature charting our travel writers’ favourite Canadian cities, islands and off-the-beaten-track journeys, the country officially has a place on my bucket list.
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Bugsy the mule in the Rocky Mountains in Banff, Alberta (Annabel Grossman)
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Of the two host cities, Robin McKelvie has persuaded me that Vancouver has the mix of cosmopolitan cultural cachet and exciting dining to seduce me. He writes: “Vancouver is bedrocked on spectacular foundations, with a harbour to rival Boston or New York, but also epic sky-scraping mountains that conjure up a vast natural amphitheatre.”
Also added to my list thanks to Damien Gabet is The Yukon, with its subarctic climate and Eclipse Nordic Hot Spring. He embarked on an intrepid adventure, including ice diving and bedding down in an Arctic Oven tent, and writes: “I always know when I’m impressed by nature because the Jurassic Park theme tune starts playing in my head. Further north, in Unesco-protected Kluane National Park, an orchestra thundered. This is the home of the largest non-polar ice field in the world, where 2,000 glaciers join across 13,000 square miles.”
For more Canadian wanderlust, you should read about our Global Travel Editor Annabel Grossman’s journey on horseback through Banff or Rosalyn Jeffery’s culinary-themed pilgrimage to Prince Edward. If that’s not enough, let Toronto local Katherine Singh persuade you that this really is the year Canada has found its cool.
Read about our writers' favourite trips to Canada
Do you have any Canadian favourites we may not have considered? Get in touch and let me know at annabel.grossman@independent.co.uk.
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Dreaming of the sea? With Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, you can enjoy half-price premium drinks packages on selected cruises when you book by 30th July.
Sip margaritas in the Canaries, toast sunsets in Greece, or enjoy tipples on a Belgium mini cruise. Learn more.
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Save up to 35% on a stay at the four-star Vale Golf & Country Club and relax in a lake-view cabin with breakfast included.
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Travel expert James Manning heads to Alto Adige, a peculiar corner of northern Italy that’s home to breathtaking mountains and some of the world’s greatest family hotels.
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When it comes to travel gadgets, few are as useful as a reliable power bank. If you regularly work abroad or spend long days away from a plug socket, keeping your devices charged is essential. After years of travelling with tech, this is one of my favourite power banks – and the one I rely on whenever I need to top up my laptop on the go.
Another travel essential is a Bluetooth tracker. If you're prone to misplacing your keys, wallet or luggage, these compact devices can be a lifesaver. I'd recommend Apple's AirTags or Eufy's item finder for iPhone users, while the Tile Pro is a great option for Android owners. Attach one to your valuables and you can track them directly from your smartphone using a map-based location system.
Comfort is another area where the right gear can make a big difference. I've tested plenty of portable and handheld fans, and they're invaluable during heatwaves or hot-weather trips. For a premium option, I'd recommend Shark's £130 chill pill. This clever 3-in-1 gadget combines a high-speed fan, cooling plate and misting spray in a compact design. About the size of a small pair of binoculars, it delivers instant relief – simply press the cooling plate against your neck or wrist.
For air travel, a few practical accessories can make a long journey much more comfortable. Compression socks can help maintain circulation during extended periods of sitting, while the Infinity travel pillow provides support from any angle – especially useful if you're stuck in the middle seat. And if you're hoping to sleep or block out cabin noise, a pair of Bose noise-cancelling headphones are a worthwhile investment.
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